Eggnog Cookies with Nutmeg Glaze Recipe

If you’re hunting for a cookie recipe that tastes like the cozy holiday drink you love, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Eggnog Cookies with Nutmeg Glaze Recipe is one of those treats that immediately wraps you up in warmth and festive vibes. I absolutely love how these cookies are soft, packed with that rich eggnog flavor, and topped off with a nutmeg glaze that feels like the perfect holiday hug. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything to make sure your batch turns out just right!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here come together to build that nostalgic eggnog flavor in cookie form, while the mix of spices and sugars helps create beautiful texture and taste. I recommend using fresh nutmeg if you can—it really intensifies the aroma and flavor.

• Flour: I always gently spoon my flour into the measuring cup rather than scooping—it prevents packing too much flour and keeps cookies tender.
• Baking soda and baking powder: These leaveners help the cookies rise just enough without becoming cakey.
• Cream of tartar: This little ingredient adds a bit of tang and helps with the cookie texture.
• Nutmeg: The star spice here—you can use 1 tsp for a gentle flavor or bump up to 2 tsp for a stronger eggnog vibe.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is best; it adds richness and helps the cookies spread nicely.
• Granulated sugar: For sweetness and slight crunch on the edges.
• Brown sugar: Provides a deeper molasses flavor and moisture to keep cookies chewy.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add structure.
• Eggnog: Using real eggnog (I prefer Shamrock Farms) gives the cookies authentic flavor and moisture.
• Vanilla or rum extract: You can use rum extract for a more adult, festive note or vanilla for a more classic taste.
• Sugar and nutmeg for topping: This coating adds an extra layer of holiday flavor and a lovely sparkle.
• Powdered sugar, eggnog, and nutmeg for glaze: Glaze is optional but adds a beautiful finish with added sweetness and spice.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Eggnog Cookies with Nutmeg Glaze Recipe—you can easily make them your own based on what you have or prefer. These little tweaks help keep the recipe fresh and exciting for repeat holidays.

• Use Rum Extract: When I first tried swapping vanilla for rum extract, the cookies suddenly had this grown-up festive sweetness that my family goes crazy for.
• Skip the Glaze: Sometimes I choose to just do the sugar-nutmeg coating for a simpler cookie that’s more like a traditional drop cookie.
• Dairy-Free Version: You can swap the butter for a vegan alternative and use a non-dairy eggnog to make these cookies dairy-free, and they still turn out great!
• Extra Nutmeg: If you’re a spice lover like me, adding an extra half teaspoon of nutmeg to the dough amps up that signature eggnog taste.

How to Make Eggnog Cookies with Nutmeg Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients Carefully

Start by sifting together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, and cream of tartar in a bowl. This ensures everything is evenly blended and helps prevent clumps. I discovered this trick after one too many dense cookies! Gently spoon your flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping to avoid too much flour, which can dry out your cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars Until Fluffy

In a separate large bowl, cream the butter with both sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer. This step is crucial because it traps air, giving the cookies a softer texture. Then, add your eggs, eggnog, and extract and mix until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients and Chill

Gradually stir in your dry ingredients into the wet mix until just combined. Don’t overmix here—overdoing it can make cookies tough. Wrap your dough in plastic wrap or cover the bowl tightly and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. I usually refrigerate mine longer because chilled dough makes for thicker, chewier cookies.

Step 4: Prep and Bake Your Cookies

When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 350°F. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Mix your sugar and nutmeg for the topping in a small bowl, then roll each dough ball on one side in the mixture to coat. Arrange the cookies on a greased or lined baking sheet, spaced apart. Bake for 8-9 minutes—you want them just set and lightly golden. Overbaking can dry them out. Let them cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes (they’ll firm up), then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 5: Drizzle the Nutmeg Glaze

Mix your powdered sugar, eggnog, and nutmeg for the glaze until smooth. Drizzle this over your cooled cookies using a spoon or a piping bag for a pretty finish. The glaze stays slightly soft, so I recommend not stacking the cookies if glazed—it keeps the icing looking fresh and delicious.

How to Serve Eggnog Cookies with Nutmeg Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a tiny pinch of extra freshly grated nutmeg on top of the glaze before it sets—it’s such an easy way to boost aroma and flair when serving. A little dusting of cinnamon also works great if you want to mix things up.

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfect alongside a warm cup of coffee, chai, or even a glass of cold milk (if you want to stick with tradition). For a festive touch, pairing them with hot cocoa or spiced cider really sets the holiday mood.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or gift, I like to arrange these on a pretty platter nestled with pine sprigs or cranberries. Wrapping them in a cellophane bag tied with a festive ribbon makes an adorable homemade gift. You can also drizzle colored glaze (try adding a drop of red food coloring) for a holiday color pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

If you want to freeze some dough balls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. You can bake directly from frozen, just add an extra minute or two to baking time. Fully baked cookies freeze well too—wrap individually and pop in a sealed container.

Reheating

I usually warm leftover cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds to get back that soft, fresh-baked feeling. If glazed, be gentle so you don’t smudge the icing—reheating without glaze or with glaze on the side works best.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Eggnog Cookies with Nutmeg Glaze Recipe has become a staple in my holiday baking lineup. It’s one of those recipes that feels both comforting and festive, perfect for sharing with friends and family (or sneaking a few when no one’s looking). I love how approachable it is, and with the tips I shared, I know you’ll have amazing success making these. So grab your mixing bowls, crank up some holiday tunes, and enjoy the fun of baking these seasonal delights—you’ll be glad you did!

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