Name: Eggnog Cookies with Nutmeg Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 2 cups sugar; 1 cup eggnog; 5-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 3 cups confectioners’ sugar; 1/3 cup eggnog

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 51 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that’s both festive and irresistibly cozy, you’re going to love this Eggnog Cookies with Nutmeg Frosting Recipe. Seriously, these cookies bring that classic holiday eggnog flavor into a soft, buttery cookie with a creamy, nutmeg-kissed frosting that honestly tastes like a hug in dessert form. Once you try these, trust me, they’ll become a staple for your winter baking lineup. So, grab your apron and let’s dive in!

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Why This Recipe Works

Rich Eggnog Flavor: Using real eggnog adds warmth and subtle spices, making these cookies uniquely festive and delicious.
Soft, Yet Slightly Crispy Texture: The dough’s refrigeration overnight helps the cookies hold their shape and gives them that perfect balance of chewy and crisp.
Nutmeg Frosting: A creamy frosting with just the right touch of nutmeg creates a delightful finishing touch that really ties the flavors together.
Generous Yield: Making four rolls of dough means you’ll have plenty to share (or keep all to yourself, no judgment!).

Eggnog Cookies with Nutmeg Frosting, festive holiday cookies, eggnog flavor cookies, soft butter cookies with nutmeg, holiday baking recipes - The image shows six round cookies placed evenly on a large white plate with subtle speckles. Each cookie is golden brown in color with a smooth dollop of creamy, light beige frosting spread on top, covering the center portion of the cookie. The plate is set on a soft beige cloth over a white marbled surface, and in the background, several more frosted cookies rest on a metal cooling rack. The scene is bright with soft, natural lighting highlighting the texture of both the cookies and the frosting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Eggnog Cookies with Nutmeg Frosting Recipe is chosen to celebrate the holiday spirit with every bite. From the eggnog’s creamy depth to the pinch of nutmeg in both cookie and frosting, these components come together beautifully. When shopping, aim for good-quality eggnog and fresh nutmeg—that little upgrade makes a surprising difference.

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Butter: Softened butter gives the cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture—don’t skip the softening step for easier mixing.
Sugar: Sugar doesn’t just sweeten; it helps with spread and crust formation for nicely textured cookies.
Eggnog: This is the star—providing moisture, slight sweetness, and those signature holiday spices.
All-purpose flour: Adds structure; make sure to level your flour to avoid dry or dense cookies.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and get that subtle lift.
Ground nutmeg: Boosts the eggnog flavor and adds warmth that’s perfect for winter treats.
Confectioners’ sugar (for frosting): Gives a silky, smooth sweetness that balances the eggnog perfectly.
Butter (for frosting): Adds creaminess and richness to the icing, making it decadent without being too sweet.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love playing with flavors in this Eggnog Cookies with Nutmeg Frosting Recipe. Sometimes, I swap the nutmeg for a sprinkle of cinnamon or add a splash of rum extract for an adult twist. You should totally make it your own—cookies are best when they reflect your style!

Variation: Adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts gives these cookies a nice crunch without messing with the soft texture.
Dietary substitution: For a dairy-free version, swap the butter with coconut oil and use almond milk eggnog alternatives—you may need to tweak flour amounts slightly.
Frosting flavors: Try adding a tiny pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract in the frosting for added warmth and depth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Eggnog Cookies with Nutmeg Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Cream Your Butter and Sugar to Fluffy Perfection

This is where you start building the base. Use a hand or stand mixer and beat your softened butter and sugar together for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This step is key because it traps air and makes your cookies nice and tender. Don’t rush it—your arm (or mixer) will thank you later.

Step 2: Mix in the Eggnog

Once your butter and sugar combo looks airy, pour in the eggnog. Beat it in well—it adds moisture and those classic holiday spices. I love sniffing the bowl right here because that eggnog aroma sets the mood!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Add Gradually

Whisk together your flour, baking soda, and ground nutmeg in a separate bowl. Then, slowly add this mixture to the creamed butter mixture, stirring just until incorporated. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so take it easy here.

Step 4: Shape and Chill the Dough Rolls Overnight

Divide the dough into four equal parts and roll each into a 10-inch log. Wrap each roll tightly in wax paper and pop them in the fridge overnight. This chilling step is crucial—it helps the flavors meld and makes slicing clean, neat cookies easier. Trust me, I skipped this once and ended up with blobs instead of pretty disks.

Step 5: Slice and Bake

When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 375°F. Unwrap each roll and cut into 1/4-inch slices. Place them an inch apart on ungreased baking sheets—you’ll want a bit of space for spreading. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until set around the edges. They’ll still be soft in the center but firm enough to handle. Cool them on wire racks and resist the urge to taste warm—they’re good, but the frosting makes all the difference.

Step 6: Whip Up That Nutmeg Frosting and Frost Away

For the frosting, beat the softened butter until fluffy, then gradually add confectioners’ sugar and eggnog. Keep beating until smooth and creamy. Don’t forget the pinch of nutmeg in the frosting—that’s the magic touch I’ve come to adore. Spread the frosting generously on cooled cookies and get ready to share the love.

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Pro Tips for Making Eggnog Cookies with Nutmeg Frosting Recipe

Use Full-Fat Eggnog: It delivers richer flavor and better moisture balance than low-fat versions.
Chill Dough Properly: Don’t skip the overnight chill—it helps prevent spreading and sharpens the flavors.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggnog aren’t too cold or too warm to mix evenly.
Slice Evenly: Cutting the dough into uniform 1/4-inch rounds ensures even baking and consistent cookie size.

How to Serve Eggnog Cookies with Nutmeg Frosting Recipe

Eggnog Cookies with Nutmeg Frosting, festive holiday cookies, eggnog flavor cookies, soft butter cookies with nutmeg, holiday baking recipes - Seven round cookies with a light brown color and smooth texture are placed on a white speckled plate. Each cookie has a thick layer of creamy, pale yellow frosting spread on the top center, slightly glossy and soft. The plate sits on a light beige cloth with textured folds, and the background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a tiny bit of extra ground nutmeg or freshly grated nutmeg right over the frosting—just enough to hint at that cozy spice without overpowering. Occasionally, I’ll dust with a touch of cinnamon sugar for a little extra sparkle and crunch. It’s simple but makes the cookies feel special.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced tea, coffee, or, if you’re feeling indulgent, a glass of eggnog or mulled wine. I’ve also served them alongside a cheese platter for holiday parties, balancing the sweetness with a bit of savory flair.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving or gatherings, I love stacking these frosted cookies in cellophane bags tied with twine and a cinnamon stick. Another fun idea is arranging them on a holiday-themed platter with fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary—it looks stunning and invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Eggnog Cookies with Nutmeg Frosting Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keeping them cool but not refrigerated keeps the frosting creamy without it getting too hard or sticky. If your kitchen is warm, the fridge works but expect a firmer frosting.

Freezing

Freezing these cookies is a lifesaver. I usually freeze the un-frosted cookies by wrapping the chilled dough slices in parchment and placing them in a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time. Frost afterward for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you want to freshen up leftover cookies, pop them in a warm oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes to soften the chew. Be careful not to warm the frosting too much unless you want it melty—room temperature usually does the trick beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought eggnog or should I make my own for this recipe?

You can absolutely use store-bought eggnog. Choose a full-fat, well-spiced variety for the best flavor. Making homemade eggnog is fun but not necessary for the cookies to turn out delicious!
Can I freeze the frosted Eggnog Cookies with Nutmeg Frosting Recipe?

I recommend freezing the cookies before frosting for the best texture. Frosting can become tough or sticky if frozen. Once you thaw and bake, add frosting fresh for that creamy texture.
How long should I chill the dough for the best results?

Overnight chilling, about 8-12 hours, is ideal to let the dough firm up and flavors meld. If you’re in a pinch, at least 2-3 hours will help, but the cookies spread less and taste better with a longer chill.
Can I substitute the nutmeg with another spice?

Yes! Cinnamon or a pumpkin pie spice blend can work nicely if you want a different spin, but nutmeg is classic for eggnog flavor and I highly recommend you try it as written first.

Final Thoughts

This Eggnog Cookies with Nutmeg Frosting Recipe holds a special place in my holiday baking tradition. It’s simple enough for a weekday afternoon but fancy enough to impress your guests or gift to loved ones. I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do—there’s nothing like biting into the tender eggnog-spiced cookie with that creamy frosting to remind you why this season is so magical. Now, go on—bake a batch and let your kitchen smell like holiday heaven!