Let’s talk holiday magic in cookie form: Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies are your ticket to seasonal coziness! Imagine a soft, tender cookie with a gentle kiss of cinnamon and that unmistakable festive eggnog flavor—all wrapped up in a pretty drizzle of eggnog glaze. Whether you’re making these for a cookie exchange, serving them with mugs of hot cocoa, or sneaking a few for yourself by the tree lights, this recipe is guaranteed to make your December extra delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies is how pantry-friendly and straightforward the ingredient list is. Each element works its own small magic, from ensuring a perfect crumb to evoking those classic holiday aromas.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of our cookies, giving them structure while still keeping them tender.
- Baking soda: This ensures just the right lift for a soft, pillowy bite.
- Salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all those cozy spices.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice—it brings warmth and an unmistakably festive aroma.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds that classic eggnog flavor and a gentle nutty note.
- Unsalted butter (softened): For richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture—make sure it’s truly soft for easy creaming!
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies perfectly, while also helping them spread just the right amount.
- Light brown sugar: Packed for extra moisture and a touch of caramel depth.
- Large egg: Binds everything together for perfect dough.
- Eggnog: The holiday ingredient that makes these cookies extra special, adding moisture and a creamy, gently spiced flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors with its fragrant, bakery-style aroma.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): Forms the silky-smooth drizzle that’s so fun to decorate with.
- Eggnog (for glaze): Makes the glaze extra creamy and unbelievably tasty.
- Pinch of cinnamon (for glaze): Just a hint for a delightful finishing touch and pretty speckling.
How to Make Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this not only keeps the cookies from sticking but also makes cleanup much easier (always a holiday win). Prepping everything at the start eliminates frantic searching for supplies halfway through.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This quick step evenly distributes the leavening and spices so every cookie tastes balanced and fragrant.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Grab a large bowl and beat together the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light, airy, and a little fluffy. This is where the magic starts—the air you beat in helps make soft, tender Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg, followed by the eggnog and vanilla extract. Everything should blend together into a creamy, almost silky mixture (a little taste at this stage is always irresistible!). The eggnog is the key player here, infusing your dough with holiday spirit.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low until they’re just combined. Be careful not to overmix—once you see no more flour streaks, you’re good! A gentle hand keeps the cookies soft.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and arrange them on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the centers still look a touch soft. They’ll finish setting as they cool, ensuring that irresistible soft bite.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes (they’ll be fragile when hot), then carefully transfer them to a wire rack. This little waiting game helps them set up perfectly.
Step 8: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, eggnog, and a pinch of cinnamon until smooth. The glaze should be thick enough to drizzle but thin enough to flow easily. Adjust the amount of eggnog as needed to reach the right consistency.
Step 9: Decorate!
Once your Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spoon the glaze over each cookie. Let them sit for a few minutes for the glaze to set—you’ll see how the glaze adds sparkle and even more holiday cheer.
How to Serve Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies
Garnishes
A little extra cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg sprinkled over the glazed cookies is always welcome for both flavor and a touch of rustic charm. For a special occasion, try adding white chocolate shavings or colorful holiday sprinkles before the glaze sets for that joyful, homemade bakery look.
Side Dishes
These cookies are practically begging to be served with a steaming mug of real eggnog or a hot latte. They also play well on a holiday dessert board alongside chocolate-dipped pretzels, peppermint bark, and juicy mandarins—turn snack time into a festive experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting, stack Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon, or tuck them inside a decorative tin lined with parchment. On your holiday table, pile them onto a rustic cake stand and let them be the shining star amidst bowls of ornaments and flickering candles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay soft and moist for up to 5 days. If you’ve added glaze, layer wax or parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! You can freeze them before or after glazing—just let them set completely if glazed first. Stack between layers of parchment in a freezer-safe container. They keep their flavor for up to 2 months, making holiday prep a breeze.
Reheating
While Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies don’t require reheating, you can warm unglazed cookies for a few seconds in the microwave to bring back a just-baked softness. Glazed cookies are best served at room temperature for the perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and chill it in the fridge for up to 48 hours before baking. You can also bake the cookies and store or freeze them to get ahead of your holiday schedule.
Can I use store-bought eggnog?
Yes, store-bought eggnog works wonderfully in this recipe and saves you time. If you want a more unique twist, homemade eggnog is welcome, but any creamy variety will give great results.
What if I don’t have nutmeg?
If nutmeg isn’t on hand, you can simply increase the cinnamon just a pinch, or substitute with a little allspice or cloves for a slightly different holiday flavor profile.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Don’t overbake—the centers should look just slightly underdone when you pull them from the oven. Storing them with a slice of bread in the container can also help retain moisture for days.
Can I double or halve the recipe?
This recipe is flexible—feel free to double it for big gatherings or halve it for an intimate batch. Just keep an eye on baking times, as they may vary a bit with smaller or larger portions.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about sharing a batch of Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies with friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned holiday baker or just looking for a new tradition, these soft, spiced treats are the perfect way to savor the spirit of the season. Give them a try, and you might just start a new yuletide favorite!
Print
Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies are a delightful holiday treat, combining the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with the rich creaminess of eggnog. Soft, chewy, and perfect for festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp eggnog
- pinch of cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugars, then add the egg, eggnog, and vanilla. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
- Bake the cookies: Scoop dough onto baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes until set. Cool on a wire rack.
- Make the glaze: Mix powdered sugar, eggnog, and cinnamon until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Notes
- These cookies stay soft and moist thanks to the eggnog.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for holiday prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
