Eggnog Sugar Cookies
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As a young girl, I remember hearing a song with the lyrics, “Christmas cookies and holiday hearts, that’s the way the holiday starts.” That sentiment has stuck with me, and now, I can’t imagine the holiday season without festive baking. So, I’m kicking off this holiday month by sharing some amazing cookie recipes like these eggnog sugar cookies to make your celebrations extra sweet.
These recipes are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re attending a cookie exchange, putting together treat plates for neighbors, or simply enjoying some holiday baking at home. First up is my delightful twist on a classic: eggnog sugar cookies. I took one of my all-time favorite cookie recipes and gave it a holiday makeover by incorporating the cozy, creamy flavors of eggnog. The result? A cookie that’s soft, flavorful, and absolutely perfect for the season.

Even if you’re not an eggnog fan, you’ll love these cookies. I’m not a big fan of drinking eggnog myself, but I adore its warm, spiced flavor in baked goods. These cookies strike the perfect balance with just enough eggnog essence to make them festive without being overwhelming. They’re a must-try for your holiday baking list!
Ingredients for Eggnog Sugar Cookies
- BUTTER
- SUGAR
- EGGS
- EGGNOG
- VANILLA EXTRACT
- BAKING POWDER
- BAKING SODA
- SALT
- CINNAMON
- NUTMEG
- FLOUR
- POWDERED SUGAR
Instructions for Eggnog Sugar Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and granulated sugar together for 1 minute until well combined and fluffy. Add the eggs, eggnog, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
Add the baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and half of the flour to the wet mixture. Blend until combined. Add the remaining flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
Scoop 2 tablespoons of dough (or use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop) and roll into a ball. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Lightly spray the bottom of a cup with cooking spray and gently press down on each dough ball to slightly flatten the tops.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-11 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Remember, the cookies will continue to cook slightly as they cool. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until well combined. Add the eggnog, 1 tablespoon at a time, blending until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Spread the frosting over the cooled cookies. Sprinkle each cookie with a light dusting of nutmeg for a festive finishing touch.
These eggnog sugar cookies are soft, flavorful, and perfect for holiday baking. The creamy frosting and hint of nutmeg make them a standout treat for any Christmas celebration!

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies without eggnog?
If you don’t have eggnog or prefer not to use it, you can substitute heavy cream with a splash of vanilla and nutmeg to mimic the flavor. However, the cookies won’t have the same distinct eggnog taste.
How should I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they are frosted, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the baked cookies (frosted or unfrosted) for up to 3 months. If freezing frosted cookies, make sure the frosting is fully set before layering them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure. The cookies’ texture may vary slightly but should still turn out delicious.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Eggnog French Toast with Eggnog Syrup
- Easy Eggnog Pie
- Eggnog Banana Bread
- Eggnog Muffins/Mini Loaves

Eggnog Sugar Cookies
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup eggnog
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 3 cups flour
Frosting
- ½ cup butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 Tbsp eggnog
- additional nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In large mixing bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar with a mixer for 1 minute until combined.
- Add in the eggs, eggnog, and vanilla extract. Blend until combined.
- Add in baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and half of the flour and blend until combined.
- Add the other half and blend together until fully combined.
- Take 2 tablespoons of dough (I used a 2 Tbsp cookie scoop) and roll into a ball. Place on lined cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining dough. Using the bottom of a cup (spray with cooking spray so it won’t stick) gently, very gently, press down a little bit on the dough ball so the top is flat.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 10-11 minutes. Remember they will cook slightly more while cooling.
- Let cool on cookie sheet for 5 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.
- To make frosting: blend butter until smooth.
- Add in powdered sugar and blend. Add in eggnog, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired thickness is reached.
- Frost cooled cookies and sprinkle with nutmeg. Makes 3 dozen cookies.
Nutrition
Real Mom Kitchen original recipe.