Happy Friday, ya’ll. These Eggnog Cookies are exactly the kind of recipe that feels right at home during the busiest stretch of the holiday season, when the calendar is full, the kitchen is messy in the best way, and you just want to bake something cozy that makes the whole house smell amazing.

The idea for these came after making eggnog waffles and realizing, once again, that eggnog really does not get nearly enough attention beyond being poured into a glass. Maybe I was late to that party, but once I started thinking about how that creamy, spiced flavor could work in baked treats, cookies felt like the obvious next move.

And honestly, I am so glad I gave them a try. These cookies are soft, sweet, and festive without being over the top. The eggnog flavor is there, but it is subtle, which makes them especially easy to share with a crowd. They feel classic, a little nostalgic, and perfect for cookie plates, classroom treats, or a quiet weekend baking session.

What are Eggnog Cookies?

Eggnog Cookies are super soft holiday cookies made with eggnog, warm spices, and a simple sweet glaze. They have that familiar seasonal flavor people love, but in cookie form instead of the usual drink.

What makes them especially fun is that they lean into the cozy side of holiday baking without becoming too heavy or overly rich. The eggnog adds a gentle creamy flavor, while cinnamon and nutmeg bring in that unmistakable warm-spice feel that instantly makes the recipe taste like December.

These are the kind of cookies that feel homemade in the best possible way. They are simple, comforting, and easy to picture sitting on a dessert tray next to other holiday favorites. If you love finding new ways to use classic seasonal ingredients, this is such a good one to keep in your rotation.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Soft and tender: These cookies bake up super soft, which makes them especially satisfying with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa.
• Holiday flavor without being overpowering: The eggnog flavor is subtle, so the cookies feel festive without tasting too strong.
• Easy pantry-style baking: Most of the ingredients are simple baking staples, plus eggnog and a few warm spices.
• Great for sharing: These were a hit with kids and make a fun option for parties, cookie exchanges, and classroom treats.
• Finished with a simple glaze: A quick eggnog glaze adds just enough sweetness and gives the cookies a pretty holiday-ready finish.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Brings richness and helps create that soft, tender cookie texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and keeps the flavor classic and straightforward.
• Egg yolks: Add richness and help the cookies stay soft.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor and supports the warm notes from the spices.
• Eggnog: The star ingredient that gives these cookies their festive twist.
• All-purpose flour: Gives the cookies structure while still keeping them soft.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough as they bake.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth and pairs naturally with the eggnog.
• Ground nutmeg: Brings that unmistakable holiday spice flavor.

Glaze

• Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze for the tops of the cookies.
• Eggnog: Thins the glaze and adds one more light layer of holiday flavor.

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Substitutions & Additions

If you want to work with what you already have, there is a little flexibility here. Freshly grated nutmeg can give the cookies an even warmer, more fragrant finish if you have it on hand. You could also slightly adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg balance to fit your taste, especially if you prefer one spice to stand out more than the other.

For extra holiday flair, a light sprinkle of nutmeg over the glaze would fit nicely. You could also drizzle the glaze a little heavier if you like a sweeter finish. The goal here is not to change the personality of the cookie, just to lean into the cozy holiday feel a little more.

How to Make this Recipe

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and spraying a cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray so the cookies release easily after baking.

In a medium bowl, cream together the 3/4 cup unsalted butter and 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar until well combined. Once that mixture looks smooth, add the 2 egg yolks, 1/2 cup eggnog, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then mix again until everything is fully incorporated.

Next, add the dry ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Mix just until combined so the dough comes together without being overworked.

Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake the cookies at 350°F for 22–24 minutes, or until they are just lightly golden brown. Let the cookies cool completely before adding the glaze.

To make the glaze, stir together 1 cup powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons eggnog in a small bowl or measuring cup until smooth and drizzleable. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies, then let it set before serving.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

One of the best things about this recipe is how straightforward it is, but a few little details can help the cookies turn out even better. Mix the flour in just until the dough comes together so the finished cookies stay soft instead of getting dense.

Since the cookies are meant to be tender, keep an eye on the bake time and pull them once they are just lightly golden. That helps preserve their soft texture. It also helps to let them cool completely before glazing so the glaze sits nicely on top instead of melting right into the cookies.

If you are baking during a busy holiday weekend, this is also a good recipe to make in stages. Bake the cookies first, then glaze them once you are ready to plate or serve them.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies fit right in on a holiday dessert tray with other seasonal cookies and bars. They would also be lovely served with coffee, hot chocolate, or a mug of actual eggnog if you are fully leaning into the season.

Because the flavor is soft and familiar, they are also a great option for sharing with kids, neighbors, or friends. The glaze gives them a finished look without making them feel fussy, which is part of their charm.

Storage Suggestions

Once the glaze has set, store the cookies in an airtight container so they stay soft. They are a great make-ahead option for the holiday season because the flavor and texture hold up well for enjoying over the next few days.

If you want to prep further ahead, you can freeze the finished cookies after they have fully cooled and the glaze has set. Just thaw them gently before serving.

Recipe FAQ

Do these cookies have a strong eggnog flavor? Not really. The eggnog flavor is more subtle than bold, which makes these cookies easy to enjoy even for people who do not usually drink eggnog often.

Are these cookies soft or crisp? They are soft cookies, which is one of the best things about them.

Can I make the glaze thicker or thinner? Yes. Use a little less eggnog for a thicker glaze or a little more for a thinner drizzle.

Can I make these for a holiday party or cookie exchange? Absolutely. They are festive, easy to share, and a nice change from more expected holiday cookies.

Why should I let the cookies cool before glazing? Cooling helps the glaze sit on top of the cookies instead of melting away.

Eggnog Cookies are a fun, festive way to use a holiday favorite in something a little different. They are soft, warmly spiced, easy to make, and finished with a simple glaze that makes them feel extra special.

If you are looking for a holiday cookie that feels classic but still a little unexpected, this is a great one to bake. The flavor is cozy, the texture is soft, and they are exactly the kind of treat that disappears quickly once people start reaching for seconds.