Soft Eggnog Cookies

Soft Eggnog Cookies are a festive holiday treat that perfectly captures the cozy flavors of the winter season. With the warm richness of eggnog, hints of nutmeg and vanilla, and a pillowy-soft texture, these cookies taste like Christmas in every bite. They’re tender, lightly spiced, and melt-in-your-mouth soft, making them ideal for cookie platters, holiday gifting, or enjoying with a warm mug of cocoa or coffee. If you love classic holiday flavors but prefer soft cookies over crunchy ones, this recipe is a must-bake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are incredibly soft and moist, thanks to the eggnog and carefully balanced ingredients. They’re easy to make with simple pantry staples and come together quickly, even during the busiest holiday season. The flavor is nostalgic and comforting without being overpowering, making them a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. They also pair beautifully with glazes, powdered sugar, or enjoyed plain.

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup eggnog
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions; How to Make Soft Eggnog Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and mix until fully combined, then mix in the eggnog and vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers remain soft.

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve plain or topped with powdered sugar or glaze.

Equipment Needed

You’ll need a mixing bowl, hand or stand mixer, measuring cups and spoons, a baking sheet, parchment paper, and a wire cooling rack. A cookie scoop is helpful for uniform sizing, but not required.

Texture & Flavor Profile

These cookies are soft, thick, and cake-like with a tender crumb. The flavor is creamy and mildly sweet, highlighted by warm nutmeg and vanilla. They’re not overly spiced, allowing the eggnog flavor to shine through naturally.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overbaking is the most common mistake and can dry out the cookies. Remove them when the centers still look slightly soft. Using cold butter can prevent proper creaming, so ensure it’s softened. Adding too much flour may make the cookies dense, so measure carefully.

Make-Ahead Instructions

The dough can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking for even results. Baked cookies can also be made a day ahead and stored until serving.

Substitutions & Ingredient Swaps

You can use dairy-free eggnog and vegan butter for a dairy-free version. Gluten-free all-purpose flour blends work well with minimal texture changes. Cinnamon or allspice can be added alongside nutmeg for extra warmth.

Serving Size & Yield

This recipe yields approximately 24 medium-sized cookies, depending on scoop size. Perfect for sharing or holiday dessert trays.

Scaling the Recipe

The recipe doubles easily for larger gatherings. When scaling, mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of eggnog and spices.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They stay soft and flavorful when properly stored.

Freezing Instructions

Cookies freeze well. Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Pairing Suggestions

Serve with hot chocolate, spiced tea, coffee, or a glass of eggnog. They also pair beautifully with other holiday cookies like gingerbread or sugar cookies.

Presentation & Styling Tips

Dust cookies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze. Arrange them on a festive platter with cinnamon sticks or holiday greenery for a seasonal touch.

Recipe Success Indicators

The cookies should be pale golden on the edges and soft in the center. They should spring back gently when touched and have a tender, fluffy interior.

Cultural or Seasonal Relevance

Eggnog-flavored desserts are a holiday tradition in many regions, especially during Christmas and winter celebrations. These cookies bring that classic seasonal flavor into a soft, comforting baked treat.

Expert Troubleshooting

If cookies spread too much, chill the dough for 20–30 minutes. If they’re too dry, reduce baking time slightly or add an extra tablespoon of eggnog next time.

Reader Tips & Feedback

Many readers enjoy adding white chocolate chips or a light eggnog glaze on top. Others recommend slightly increasing nutmeg for a stronger holiday flavor.

Conclusion

Soft Eggnog Cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the cozy flavors of the holiday season in cookie form. With their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and gently spiced eggnog flavor, they strike the perfect balance between festive and comforting. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, these cookies are ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or quiet moments with a warm drink. Once you bake a batch, they’re sure to become a cherished winter tradition you’ll look forward to making year after year.

Why are my eggnog cookies dry?
They may be overbaked or have too much flour. Measure flour carefully and remove cookies while centers are still soft.

Can I add a glaze?
Yes, a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and eggnog works beautifully.

Do these cookies taste strongly of eggnog?
The flavor is subtle and balanced, not overpowering, making them appealing to most palates.

Can I use store-bought eggnog?
Yes, store-bought eggnog works perfectly for this recipe.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. Refrigerate dough for up to 24 hours before baking.

If you’d like, I can also provide a glazed eggnog cookie variation, vegan version, or short-form printable recipe card next.