Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a holiday dessert that’s both festive and downright addictive, you’re going to want to try this Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe. Trust me, these bars hit all the cozy notes you crave—rich eggnog flavor, buttery cookie texture, and that creamy frosting on top is just the cherry on the cake. I absolutely love how these bars capture the spirit of the season but come together with less fuss than making traditional drop cookies. Stick around, and I’ll share all my tips to help you make the best batch ever!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe strikes the perfect balance between cookie dough and a light, spiced frosting. The ingredients work together to create a soft yet sturdy base with that unmistakable eggnog punch. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll want to grab at the store or pull from your pantry.

• Butter: I used salted butter but unsalted works just fine; just watch your added salt accordingly.
• Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: A combo of these two gives both sweetness and a slight chewiness.
• Egg: Helps bind everything while adding richness.
• Eggnog: This is the star of the show—adds incredible flavor and moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the warm flavors; don’t skip it!
• All-Purpose Flour: The base that gives structure to your cookie bars.
• Baking Powder: Just enough lift to keep these from being too dense.
• Nutmeg: A must for authentic eggnog flavor—freshly grated if possible.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Powdered Sugar: For that silky smooth frosting texture.
• Pinch of Nutmeg for Garnish: Adds a pretty festive touch right before serving.

Variations

I love playing around with this Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe. Whether you want to swap out flavors or make it suitable for different diets, it’s pretty forgiving—and that’s what makes it so fun to personalize.

• Spiced Up: Try adding a little cinnamon or allspice for an extra layer of warmth—my family was obsessed with this twist last year.
• Alcohol Boost: For adults, a splash of rum or bourbon in the frosting can bring out that holiday cheer!
• Gluten-Free: Substitute your all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend; just check the texture and bake times, as they might need slight adjustments.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use vegan butter and flax eggs, and swap eggnog for a plant-based version; it still turns out surprisingly scrumptious.

How to Make Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your dough is mixed. Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This little trick makes it so much easier to lift the cookie bars out later without breaking them.

Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugars

Using a handheld mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You’ll really notice how this step creates the perfect creamed texture, which contributes to the bars’ tender crumb.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, mix in the egg, eggnog, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and combined. The batter will look creamy and fragrant—that’s your cue that it’s ready for the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix Gently

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually fold these into your wet mixture, mixing just until you no longer see any flour. Overmixing here can make the bars tough, so stop as soon as it’s all coming together.

Step 5: Bake Your Bars

Press the cookie dough evenly into your prepared pan. I find using a spatula or even clean hands works great for smoothing the top. Bake for 25-27 minutes until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean or with just a couple moist crumbs. Trust me, don’t overbake—these should stay soft and chewy.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

While the bars cool, whip up the frosting by beating softened butter, powdered sugar, eggnog, and vanilla extract until it’s light and fluffy. If your frosting feels too thick, a splash more eggnog can loosen it up for easy spreading.

Step 7: Frost and Garnish

Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting over the top evenly. Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg for that final festive flourish. Pop the bars in the fridge for a few minutes to let the frosting set before slicing into squares and serving.

How to Serve Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, I love dusting a tiny bit of freshly grated nutmeg or even cinnamon on top of the frosting. If you want to get fancy, a few chopped toasted pecans or a drizzle of caramel can add a delightful crunch and contrast to the softness.

Side Dishes

Serve these bars with a hot cup of coffee, spiced apple cider, or even a cozy mug of more eggnog for the full festive experience. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can also be a dreamy treat if you want to serve these as a dessert after dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve wrapped individual bars in parchment paper tied with a little twine—which makes for a charming homemade gift. You can also cut them into festive shapes using cookie cutters once frosted, or arrange them on a holiday platter with sprigs of rosemary and cranberries for a beautiful display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Eggnog Cookie Bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The frosting keeps its texture nicely, and the bars stay moist but firm. I usually bring them to room temp before serving so the flavors shine.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! I frost them once chilled, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

If you want your bars warm with melty frosting, gently microwave a single bar for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat or the frosting can get too soft or oily. I sometimes enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge too—it’s all about preference!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe has become one of those comforting, must-have treats during the holidays in my house. It’s easy enough to make last minute yet feels special and festive. I love sharing these with friends and family because they always come back asking for more—there’s just something about that eggnog flavor baked right into a soft, frosted bar. Give this recipe a try and watch it become your new seasonal favorite, just like it did for me. Happy baking!

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