Eggnog Cookies | Soft, Chewy & Perfect for the Holidays

This post may contain affiliate links. For more, see our Affiliate Disclaimer.

The kitchen always smells different in December like cinnamon warmth and something quietly joyful in the air. These Eggnog Cookies capture that feeling perfectly. Soft, spiced, and cozy, they bring all the creamy comfort of holiday eggnog into one easy-to-make treat that’s ready in less than 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love These Eggnog Cookies

These Eggnog Cookies have everything you crave in a Christmas cookie a tender, chewy texture, golden edges, and that nostalgic eggnog flavor that instantly feels festive. They don’t require any chilling, so you can bake them fast for last-minute gatherings. Also, they stay chewy for days, and store-bought eggnog works beautifully for reliable results every time. Pair them with chewy pumpkin cookies for fall and winter or a steaming mug of cocoa for the perfect holiday dessert spread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll use simple, festive ingredients to make these Eggnog Cookies taste like Christmas in every bite. The warm spices cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves combine with buttery dough and creamy eggnog for a soft, aromatic cookie. If you love extra sweetness, the eggnog icing adds a glossy, flavorful touch.

For the Cookies

  • 2 1/2 cups (325g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup (168g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup (207g) sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) eggnog
  • 3–4 tbsp additional sugar, for rolling

For the Eggnog Icing (Optional)

  • 1 cup (115g) powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tbsp eggnog
  • Pinch of nutmeg

The icing gives a soft, glossy finish and a subtle nutmeg kick that pairs beautifully with the chewy texture.

Soft, chewy eggnog cookies drizzled with icing beside glasses of creamy eggnog.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Eggnog Cookies

Step 1 – Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This helps the cookies bake evenly and release cleanly once cooled.

Step 2 – Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. This evenly distributes the spices and prevents clumping later.

Step 3 – Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy. The mixture should look pale and airy that’s what makes your cookies soft inside.

Step 4 – Add Wet Ingredients

Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Then pour in the eggnog and blend until creamy and cohesive. You’ll notice the batter taking on a sweet holiday scent.

Step 5 – Combine and Form the Dough

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until a sticky but manageable dough forms. Scrape down the sides to ensure everything mixes evenly.

Step 6 – Shape and Bake

Scoop about two tablespoons of dough per cookie. Roll each ball in sugar, then place them about 2 inches apart on your baking sheets. Bake for 9–11 minutes, just until the edges turn golden and the centers look set.

Step 7 – Cool and Ice (Optional)

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 4–5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack. For icing, whisk powdered sugar, 2 tbsp eggnog, and a pinch of nutmeg until smooth. Adjust consistency with a little more eggnog if needed, then drizzle over cooled cookies.

Stack of soft eggnog cookies with a bite taken out on gray table
A cozy stack of soft, chewy eggnog cookies with a bite revealing their tender center.

Pro Tips for the Best Eggnog Cookies

For consistent texture, use store-bought eggnog instead of homemade. It’s more stable and helps the dough bake evenly. Always measure your flour accurately too much makes the cookies dense. If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for 15–20 minutes before baking. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to keep them soft and chewy.

These cookies also look wonderful next to soft pumpkin snickerdoodles with holiday spices in your cookie tins.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

For a sweeter bite, fold in white chocolate chips. You can sprinkle extra nutmeg or cinnamon sugar on top before baking for added fragrance. Want a richer look? Fully frost instead of drizzling the icing. You can even swap the nutmeg for pumpkin pie spice to give it a cozy twist, similar to pumpkin sugar cookies with sweet glaze.

Soft eggnog cookies with icing drizzle on gray table and white napkin
Chewy eggnog cookies drizzled with creamy icing beside glasses of spiced eggnog.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

These cookies taste amazing with hot cocoa, eggnog, or even your morning coffee. Serve them warm from the oven or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain their chewy texture. Remember, they may puff while baking and flatten slightly as they cool, creating that lovely crackled top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade eggnog?

You can, but keep in mind that homemade eggnog varies in thickness and sweetness, which can change the dough texture. Store-bought gives more predictable results.

How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?

If your dough feels too soft, chill it for 15–20 minutes before baking. Also, make sure your butter isn’t too warm when creaming with sugar.

Can I freeze the dough or baked cookies?

Yes. Freeze the dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze well too.

What can I substitute for eggnog?

You can use heavy cream or half-and-half mixed with a little nutmeg and vanilla for a similar flavor and texture.

More Such Recipes

Stack of soft eggnog cookies with a bite taken out on gray table and white napkin
Soft and chewy eggnog cookies stacked with a bite showing their tender center.

Conclusion

Baking these Eggnog Cookies feels like wrapping up all your favorite holiday moments in one cozy bite. They’re soft, spiced, and just sweet enough to bring warmth to any winter day. Share them with family, pack them for parties, or enjoy one quietly with a late-night cup of cocoa. They’ll quickly become a yearly tradition worth keeping. For more festive baking ideas, visit Pinterest or follow along on Facebook.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Soft eggnog cookies with icing drizzle and glasses of eggnog in cozy holiday lighting

Eggnog Cookies | Soft, Chewy & Perfect for the Holidays


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: kai
  • Total Time: 56 minutes
  • Yield: 20 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Soft, spiced, and chewy Eggnog Cookies filled with creamy holiday flavor. No chilling needed — they bake in just 20 minutes for the perfect Christmas treat.


Ingredients

Scale

2 1/2 cups (325g) all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/4 tsp salt

3/4 cup (168g) unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup (207g) sugar

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup (60ml) eggnog

34 tbsp additional sugar (for rolling)

For Eggnog Icing (optional):

1 cup (115g) powdered sugar

23 tbsp eggnog

Pinch of nutmeg


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.

2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.

3. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

4. Beat in egg and vanilla extract until smooth.

5. Add eggnog and mix until fully combined.

6. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet mixture to form a soft dough.

7. Shape dough into 2-tablespoon balls, roll in sugar, and place on prepared sheets.

8. Bake 9–11 minutes until edges turn golden and centers are set.

9. Cool on sheets for 4–5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

10. For icing, whisk powdered sugar, eggnog, and nutmeg; drizzle over cooled cookies.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

No chilling required, but dough may be refrigerated for thicker cookies.

Use store-bought eggnog for best texture.

Cookies may puff slightly and crackle as they cool.

For a richer look, frost completely instead of drizzling.

  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 11 minutes
  • Category: Christmas Cookies
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 167
  • Sugar: 11g
  • Sodium: 98.7mg
  • Fat: 7.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Fiber: 0.4g
  • Protein: 2.2g
  • Cholesterol: 29.5mg

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star