Name: Christmas Eggnog Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup eggnog; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons eggnog; Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or holiday sprinkles

Are you ready to bring the cozy flavors of the holidays into your kitchen? These Christmas Eggnog Sugar Cookies blend the warmth of nutmeg, the richness of butter, and the sweet festive touch of eggnog into a soft, melt-in-your-mouth treat. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, leaving out cookies for Santa, or just want something that tastes like Christmas in every bite, this recipe is a seasonal favorite.

Eggnog sugar cookies are everything you love about classic sugar cookies, elevated with a creamy, spiced twist. Topped with a velvety eggnog frosting and sprinkled with cinnamon or festive sugars, these cookies not only taste like the holidays, they look like them too. Each bite is soft, buttery, and subtly spiced, perfect for pairing with a mug of hot cocoa or—of course—a glass of eggnog.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the dough, let’s talk about setup. Having the right tools makes all the difference in getting the perfect cookie texture and shape.

1. Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer
An electric mixer is essential for creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, which gives the cookies their soft texture. A stand mixer can make things even easier, especially when working with thick dough.

2. Mixing Bowls
Use separate bowls for dry and wet ingredients. This helps ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.

3. Cookie Cutters
While round cookies work beautifully, festive cookie cutters add holiday spirit. Stars, trees, and snowflakes are always a hit!

4. Rolling Pin
You’ll need this to roll out the dough evenly. Consistency is key to even baking.

5. Baking Sheets and Parchment Paper
A good baking sheet ensures even heat distribution, while parchment paper keeps cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

6. Cooling Rack
Once baked, cooling the cookies on a wire rack prevents sogginess and keeps the bottoms crisp.

7. Offset Spatula or Butter Knife
Helpful for spreading the eggnog frosting smoothly and evenly across the cookie tops.

Ingredients for the Christmas Eggnog Sugar Cookies

All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure and base for the cookie dough. It’s the canvas for all your festive flavors.

Unsalted Butter – Brings rich flavor and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth softness. Use it at room temperature for easy creaming.

Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and aids in creating a slightly crisp edge while keeping the center soft.

Eggnog – The star of the show. It infuses each bite with cozy, spiced holiday flavor.

Vanilla Extract – Enhances the eggnog and spice flavors with a warm aromatic touch.

Nutmeg – A classic pairing with eggnog that gives these cookies their seasonal spice.

Salt – Balances sweetness and boosts the other flavors.

Baking Powder – Adds lightness and lift to help the cookies hold their shape.

Powdered Sugar (for Frosting) – Used in the frosting to make it smooth and creamy.

Butter (for Frosting) – Acts as the base for the eggnog frosting, giving it richness.

More Eggnog (for Frosting) – Loosens the frosting while adding flavor.

Optional Garnishes – Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or holiday sprinkles for that finishing festive flair.

How To Make the Christmas Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create soft, tender cookies.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the eggnog and vanilla extract until fully combined. The dough will start to smell like Christmas already!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This makes it easier to roll and cut, and it prevents spreading during baking.

Step 5: Roll and Cut

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thick. Use cookie cutters or a round cutter to shape.

Step 6: Bake

Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 7: Frost the Cookies

For the frosting, beat softened butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar and eggnog until smooth and spreadable. Frost cooled cookies and garnish with cinnamon, nutmeg, or sprinkles.

How to Serve and Store Christmas Eggnog Sugar Cookies

These cookies shine on any holiday dessert table or cookie platter. Serve them with eggnog, coffee, or warm cider for a comforting holiday pairing. They also make wonderful edible gifts when boxed or bagged with a ribbon.

To store, place the cookies in an airtight container with parchment between layers. They stay fresh at room temperature for 3–4 days, or you can refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookies and add frosting after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How strong is the eggnog flavor?

It’s subtle but distinct. The eggnog adds creaminess and spice without overpowering the classic sugar cookie taste.

Can I skip the frosting?

Yes, but the eggnog frosting really enhances the cookie. You could dust them with powdered sugar or dip in white chocolate for a simpler version.

How do I keep the cookies soft?

Don’t overbake them! They should be just golden at the edges. Also, store them in an airtight container to maintain softness.

Can I make the dough ahead?

Definitely. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours or frozen for up to a month.

What kind of eggnog works best?

Use full-fat store-bought eggnog or homemade eggnog for the richest flavor and texture.

If you love baking cozy cookies this time of year, I have more holiday-inspired ideas you might enjoy.

The Cinnamon Donut Bread is another festive bake that brings nostalgic flavor with a twist【6†source】. Or check out the No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies for a chilled dessert that still feels like comfort food【6†source】.

Want a creamy option for gifting? My Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries are easy, elegant, and just the right bite【6†source】. And for those who can’t get enough of spiced sweets, the Elegant Lemon Marbled Cheesecake Bars offer a tangy, show-stopping contrast.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dessert boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you cut them in stars? Did you go heavy on the nutmeg? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others bake it.

And if you’d like more festive recipes, follow me on Pinterest @LadyPlate. I share my daily holiday bakes there!