Table of Contents
Table of Contents
There’s something magical about baking soft frosted eggnog cookies when winter settles in. The kitchen fills with the warm aroma of nutmeg, and that first taste brings back every cozy holiday memory. Eggnog has always been a favorite drink in my family, but turning it into a dessert—soft, spiced, and perfectly frosted—takes the tradition to a whole new level. These cookies combine the gentle sweetness of brown sugar, a hint of rum extract, and a creamy finish that melts in your mouth.
When I first made these cookies, it was on a snowy afternoon with my mom. The house was quiet except for the hum of the oven and her holiday playlist drifting in from the living room. She taught me that baking isn’t just about ingredients—it’s about slowing down, laughing at the flour on your apron, and sharing something delicious with people you love. A plate of soft frosted eggnog cookies quickly became our centerpiece every Christmas. They’re soft enough to bite through with ease and just rich enough to make you reach for another.
What makes soft frosted eggnog cookies special isn’t just the flavor—it’s the nostalgia. Eggnog, nutmeg, and cinnamon are the heart of the holiday season. The frosting adds a delightful contrast, silky and sweet with a subtle eggnog tang. Every bite feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket by the fire. For similar baking comfort, check out these Best Peanut Butter Cookies that have that same homemade warmth but with a nutty twist. You might also love these Vegan Oatmeal Cookies—a plant-based favorite that reminds you every cookie can tell its own story.
Just like these treats, baking is about sharing. When friends drop by unexpectedly or your kids want to help in the kitchen, this recipe is a joy. It’s simple, comforting, and made for real life—a reflection of the season itself. Keep a jar of nutmeg handy, warm up your mixer, and let’s bake something that fills your home with joy and the scent of soft frosted eggnog cookies.
Baking the Perfect Soft Frosted Eggnog Cookies
The secret to truly soft frosted eggnog cookies lies in simple, well-balanced ingredients and careful mixing. Each component plays a role in building that tender crumb and signature holiday flavor—so let’s break it down step by step.
Ingredients and Flavor Secrets
To get that classic festive taste, you’ll need the following: unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg yolks, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, rum extract, and eggnog. Butter adds richness, while brown sugar keeps the cookies soft and chewy. The rum extract and nutmeg bring out the nostalgic eggnog essence that makes these cookies unforgettable. For an even creamier flavor, use fresh eggnog and add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top right before baking for that bakery-style look.
If you’ve tried the Cinnamon Rolls Frosting Recipe before, you already know the difference real butter and warming spices can make. This same principle applies here—the fresher your spices, the more aromatic your batch will be. For extra holiday inspiration, check out these Homemade Mini Corn Dogs for a fun salty contrast to your sweet cookie platter.
Ingredient Purpose Breakdown
Butter – Adds moisture and creates a soft texture.
Brown Sugar – Helps retain moisture, giving the cookies a chewy bite.
Nutmeg & Cinnamon – Provide a warm, holiday spice aroma.
Rum Extract – Enhances and deepens the classic eggnog flavor.
Eggnog – Adds creaminess and structure to the cookie dough.
The Method for Soft Perfection
Start by creaming your butter and sugars until light and fluffy—this step traps air, keeping the cookies soft. Mix in egg yolks one at a time, then add vanilla, rum extract, and eggnog. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg before gradually adding them to the creamy mixture. Stir just until combined to prevent a dense texture.
Next, chill the dough for about an hour to help the cookies hold their shape. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your sheet with parchment paper. Scoop even portions of dough and bake for about 10 minutes. The tops should remain pale while the edges set lightly—this is how you lock in that pillowy softness.
Once baked, let them cool fully before frosting. The scent alone will fill your kitchen with the warmth of the holidays, making these cookies a guaranteed family favorite.
Flavor Variations and Frosting Tips
There’s no denying it—the frosting makes these soft frosted eggnog cookies irresistible. It’s creamy, perfectly sweet, and carries that cozy holiday aroma with every bite.
Frosting That Melts in Your Mouth
Using real butter is essential for a luscious frosting. Let it soften at room temperature for about an hour before beating it until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, then add eggnog, vanilla, nutmeg, and a touch of rum extract. The consistency should be smooth but spreadable—it will thicken slightly as it cools. For extra creaminess, whip the frosting on high speed for several minutes; it adds air, giving it a cloud-like texture.
To balance sweetness, start with three tablespoons of eggnog and a pinch of salt, then adjust as needed. Sprinkle freshly grated nutmeg over each frosted cookie for a picture-perfect holiday look. Even slight variations, like using bourbon vanilla or brown butter, can create deeper caramel notes that make each cookie unique.
If you want more frosting inspiration, the Lemon Tart Recipe shows how acidity balances sweetness beautifully. You can use that same balance when adjusting the flavor in your frosting. And when your batch is cooling, pair these cookies with something contrasting and savory, like the Popeyes Gravy Recipe for a warm, comforting meal before dessert.
Fun Twists and Serving Ideas
Placement: Serving section
Soft frosted eggnog cookies are versatile enough to dress up or keep simple. Try mixing in a pinch of cardamom or clove for a spicier profile, or add mini white chocolate chips to the dough for a sweeter crunch. If you prefer a non-eggnog version, replace it with a blend of cream and vanilla extract—it keeps the cookies soft while toning down the eggnog flavor.
For the frosting, experiment with flavors like maple or espresso for a grown-up twist. You can even layer them with buttercream and sandwich two cookies together for a festive treat. Decorate with holiday sprinkles or candied orange peel for a cheerful finish.
Serve these cookies slightly chilled for a firmer frosting texture, or warm them lightly before serving if you love that melt-away feel. They pair perfectly with hot cocoa, spiced cider, or black tea. The sweetness and spice balance makes every bite remind you of winter evenings and laughter-filled kitchens.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make soft frosted eggnog cookies?
Start with quality butter and brown sugar to keep them moist and chewy. Cream the butter and sugars thoroughly, add eggnog and spices for flavor, then chill the dough before baking to avoid spread. Bake just until edges set but centers remain soft. For softness after baking, allow cookies to cool completely before frosting and store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.
What ingredients give eggnog cookies their holiday flavor?
The signature warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon are key, alongside rum extract, which mimics traditional eggnog’s depth. Real eggnog adds creaminess, and the combination of brown sugar and vanilla rounds out the sweetness with a cozy flavor profile that screams holiday.
Can you make eggnog cookies without actual eggnog?
Yes, substitute with a mix of whole milk or cream and vanilla extract or rum extract to replicate the rich, creamy taste. Adding a little cinnamon and nutmeg to the liquid enhances the flavor to closely match classic eggnog without using the real thing, perfect for those who don’t have eggnog on hand or prefer to avoid dairy.
How do you keep frosted eggnog cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread or apple to help maintain moisture. Avoid refrigeration, as the cold can dry the cookies. Let frosting set well before storing, and if cookies get a bit hard, warm briefly in the microwave for chewy refreshment.
For more storage tips and soft cookie recipes, check out our guide on Vegan Oatmeal Cookies and the comforting Cinnamon Rolls Frosting Recipe.
Conclusion
Soft frosted eggnog cookies are a sweet reminder of the holidays—comfort in every bite made from simple ingredients that bring people closer. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe promises joyful moments and lasting memories. The blend of nutmeg, rum extract, and creamy frosting wraps you in warmth while the soft texture invites seconds.
Try adding your own twist with extra spices or fun frostings, and don’t forget to share your creations—nothing says holiday cheer like homemade cookies. Thanks for baking with Taste Our Dish; here’s to sweet traditions and cozy kitchens year after year.
For more holiday inspiration, you can visit our pages on Homemade Mini Corn Dogs and festive Lemon Tart Recipe, perfect companions to your cookie platter.
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Soft Frosted Eggnog Cookies: A Holiday Favorite
- Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft frosted eggnog cookies combine warm holiday spices with a creamy eggnog buttercream frosting, creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth treat perfect for festive gatherings.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon rum extract
1/4 cup eggnog
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Powdered sugar for frosting
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment.
2. Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Add egg yolks one at a time, then vanilla, rum extract, and eggnog; mix well.
4. Whisk dry ingredients separately and add to wet mixture; combine gently.
5. Chill dough for 1 hour.
6. Scoop dough onto baking sheets spaced apart.
7. Bake for 10 minutes until edges just set.
8. Cool completely before frosting.
9. Prepare frosting by beating butter and powdered sugar, adding eggnog, vanilla, nutmeg, and rum extract to taste.
10. Frost each cooled cookie and sprinkle nutmeg.
Notes
For best softness, store cookies airtight with a slice of bread.
Use fresh nutmeg for best flavor.
Adjust frosting thickness by adding eggnog gradually.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
