Vanilla Eggnog Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a holiday treat that’s bursting with warm, cozy flavors and a little bit of festive magic, I’ve got just the thing for you: my Vanilla Eggnog Cookies Recipe. These cookies are wonderfully soft with that perfect hint of brown sugar warmth, spiced just right with cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped off with a dreamy vanilla eggnog glaze. I absolutely love how these cookies bring festive cheer with every bite, and trust me, once you try them, they’ll quickly become your seasonal go-to!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Vanilla Eggnog Cookies Recipe plays an important role in balancing sweetness, moisture, and spice. I recommend using fresh, high-quality spices and real vanilla extract for the best flavor. Oh, and don’t skip the optional bourbon—it adds a subtle, lovely depth!

• Salted Butter: Using room temperature butter helps the dough come together beautifully and gives a rich flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds a caramel-like sweetness and keeps cookies nice and soft.
• Egg: At room temperature, it mixes in smoothly for perfect texture.
• Bourbon (optional): This is my secret weapon for warmth—feel free to leave it out if you’d prefer.
• Vanilla Extract: Essential for that unmistakable eggnog cookie aroma.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the dough; adding a little extra might help if your dough feels sticky.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg takes these from good to extraordinary.
• Baking Soda: Provides lift and a tender crumb.
• Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Powdered Sugar (for icing): For that smooth, sweet glaze that hardens just enough.
• Eggnog: Adds authentic eggnog flavor to the icing and keeps it luscious.
• Edible Gold Dust, Vanilla Sugar, Sprinkles: Fun toppings to add sparkle and make cookies extra special.

Variations

I love to tweak my Vanilla Eggnog Cookies Recipe depending on the season and who I’m baking for. Whether you want to amp up the spice or keep it simple, there’s a way to make these cookies uniquely yours.

• Non-Alcoholic Version: I always tell friends to skip the bourbon if kids are involved or if you prefer to keep it mild—the flavor still shines through beautifully.
• Gluten-Free Version: I’ve had great success swapping in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, just make sure it has some xanthan gum for structure.
• Extra Spiced Up: A pinch of cloves or ginger added with the cinnamon and nutmeg makes these cookies smell heavenly and even cozier.
• Fun Shapes: Besides the classic holiday cutouts, try stars, bells, or even letters to personalize gifts!

How to Make Vanilla Eggnog Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Brown Sugar

Start by beating the softened butter and packed brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer. This step is key because it ensures your cookies will have that soft, tender texture. I like to scrape down the bowl once to catch any stubborn butter chunks. Then, beat in the egg until fully incorporated.

Step 2: Add the Bourbon and Vanilla

If you’re using bourbon, now’s the time to pour it in. The aroma when this hits the bowl always makes me smile—it’s like baking with holiday cheer! Mix in the vanilla extract right after. These two ingredients layer your dough with subtle warmth and depth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, baking soda, and kosher salt. Gradually add this to your wet mixture and beat just until you get a soft ball of dough. Sometimes my dough feels a little too wet to work with, so I sprinkle in 2-4 extra tablespoons of flour until the dough feels just right—not sticky, but still pliable.

Step 4: Chill and Shape Your Dough

Divide your dough in half and roll it out between two sheets of floured parchment paper to about ¼-inch thickness. Don’t skimp on the flour here—if your dough sticks, your shapes just won’t come out nicely. Use holiday-themed cookie cutters like snowflakes, Christmas trees, or even the Grinch if you’re feeling playful.

To get those shapes off the parchment onto your baking sheet, I suggest using a floured spatula—this trick saved me more than once when lifting delicate shapes. Then, pop the whole baking sheet into the freezer for about 15 minutes to firm up the dough and prevent spreading in the oven.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies at 350°F (175°C) on the middle rack for 8-10 minutes or until they’re just slightly golden around the edges. Keep a close eye here—overbaking can dry them out. Once baked, let them cool completely before you even think about icing them. Patience is a virtue in cookie decorating!

Step 6: Whip Up the Spiced Vanilla Icing and Decorate

While your cookies cool, mix the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a touch of grated nutmeg (or cinnamon) in a bowl. Add eggnog a little at a time until your icing is smooth and drizzly—not too runny, not too thick. If your icing feels too thick, just add a splash more eggnog or even a bit of water. Then comes the fun part: piping and decorating!

I like to load my icing into a small Ziploc bag and snip the corner just enough to pipe details. Whether you’re making intricate snowflakes, filling in Christmas trees with icing and sprinkles, or giving the Grinch his mischievous expressions with colored icing and edible gold dust, this step really brings your cookies to life.

How to Serve Vanilla Eggnog Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for a little sparkle on my cookies—edible gold dust and vanilla sugar add festive sparkle that’s subtle but stunning. Sometimes I sprinkle just a pinch of vanilla sugar right after icing for a little extra crunch and aroma. Colored sprinkles or nonpareils are also super fun if you’re baking with kids or want to add vibrant pops of color.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic alongside a warm drink—think cinnamon-spiced hot chocolate, creamy eggnog (of course), or even a fresh cup of coffee or chai tea. They also make a wonderful complement to a cheesy holiday platter if you’re hosting a festive gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrapping these cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with a rustic ribbon instantly turns them into the perfect edible gift. I once layered decorated Vanilla Eggnog Cookies between parchment paper in a festive tin for a lovely neighbor surprise. For parties, arranging cookies on a tiered stand alongside sprigs of fresh rosemary and cranberries is a showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once iced and fully set, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. I’ve kept mine fresh for up to a week this way, sandwiching layers of cookies with parchment paper to avoid sticking. They maintain their softness beautifully without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to bake ahead, freeze the unbaked dough cut-outs on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. When ready, just bake straight from frozen with a minute or two added to the bake time. I’ve also frozen iced cookies wrapped well in plastic wrap and then foil—just let them thaw overnight for the best texture.

Reheating

Cookies taste fantastic at room temperature, but if you want a bit of fresh-out-of-the-oven vibe, pop them in a warm oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. Be careful not to heat the icing too much or it might melt. This little trick makes them super comforting on a cold winter day.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Vanilla Eggnog Cookies Recipe is a bundle of memories for me—baking them with my family, decorating with my kids while Christmas music plays softly in the background, and then sharing them with friends over steaming mugs of cocoa. These cookies bring warmth, nostalgia, and a touch of fun to any holiday gathering. I’m excited for you to try them because I know you’ll love the way they taste and the joy they bring. Happy baking, friend!

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