Christmas Eggnog Sugar Cookies

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These Christmas Eggnog Sugar Cookies are the soft, spiced, and sweet treat your holiday dessert table has been waiting for. With warm nutmeg and rich eggnog folded right into the dough and frosting, every bite tastes like Christmas in cookie form.

The texture is soft and melt-in-your-mouth, almost like a cross between a classic sugar cookie and a pillow-soft shortbread. Topped with a velvety eggnog glaze and a dusting of nutmeg, these cookies feel as festive as they taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are holiday-ready with minimal effort. They’re easy to make, perfectly spiced, and stay soft for days. Whether you’re making them for a cookie swap or cozying up by the fire, they’re a crowd-pleaser with nostalgic holiday flavor.

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What Kind of Eggnog Should I Use?

Use your favorite store-bought classic eggnog (not light or low-fat) for the richest flavor and best texture. Homemade eggnog works too, just make sure it’s well-chilled and strained if necessary.

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Ingredients for the Christmas Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Unsalted Butter – This gives the cookies their soft, tender texture and adds richness to the flavor.

Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and helps them bake up with the perfect soft bite.

Egg Yolk – Adds richness and helps bind the dough without making it too cakey.

Vanilla Extract – Enhances all the warm, spiced notes of the eggnog.

Eggnog – Used in both the dough and the glaze, it brings unmistakable holiday flavor.

All-Purpose Flour – The base of the dough, giving structure while staying soft.

Baking Powder – Aids in leavening for just the right puff.

Salt – Balances the sweetness and boosts flavor.

Ground Nutmeg – Essential for that classic eggnog warmth.

Powdered Sugar – Used for the silky eggnog glaze.

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How To Make the Christmas Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Egg Yolk, Vanilla, and Eggnog

Mix in 1 egg yolk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup eggnog until fully combined and smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading and makes the cookies easier to shape.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll dough into 1-tablespoon sized balls and place 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set and centers are slightly puffy.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. For the glaze, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons eggnog until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies and sprinkle with a pinch of ground nutmeg.

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Perfect for Holiday Sharing or Snacking

This recipe yields about 24 cookies, making it perfect for cookie boxes, parties, or gifting. Each batch serves around 8 people, depending on portion size (3 cookies per person).

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How To Store Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Once the glaze has set, store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. For freezing, skip the glaze, freeze the baked cookies, and glaze fresh after thawing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance. Just let it sit at room temp for 10-15 minutes before scooping.

Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely. Freeze the cookies (unglazed) in a single layer, then store in a freezer bag up to 2 months. Glaze after thawing.

Can I use spiced eggnog or flavored versions?
You can! Cinnamon or vanilla spiced eggnogs will add a deeper holiday twist. Avoid overly sweetened or low-fat versions.

Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling prevents overspreading and keeps the cookies thick and soft.

How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
For thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar. For thinner drizzle, add a splash more eggnog.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Christmas Eggnog Sugar Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other cozy cookie favorites:

• Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies
• Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles with Cinnamon Sugar
• Oatmeal Jam Bars
• Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
• Fried Apple Pies

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use homemade eggnog or go classic store-bought? Did you add extra nutmeg or keep it mild?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

For more festive ideas, check out my Life With Mira Pinterest where I share daily recipes!

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