Name: Eggnog Cookies with Nutmeg Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup salted sweet cream butter room temperature; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup dark brown sugar packed; 2 extra-large eggs at room temperature; 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon rum extract; ¾ cup eggnog; ½ cup salted sweet cream butter at room temperature; 3 cups powdered sugar; ⅓ cup eggnog; Ground nutmeg optional garnish

There’s something downright magical about cozying up with a tray of freshly baked Eggnog Cookies with Nutmeg Frosting Recipe. The warm spices and creamy frosting make each bite a mini celebration of holiday joy. Let me take you through why these cookies have become a staple in my festive baking lineup.

The image shows a close-up of several cookies arranged on a white plate with a white marbled surface underneath. Each cookie has one layer of light brown, round, soft-looking base with a smooth texture. On top of this base, there is a thick layer of creamy white frosting, piped in a swirling rose pattern with smooth, velvety texture and slight peaks. The frosting is sprinkled with a light dusting of brown spice powder, adding a touch of contrast. The background is softly blurred, keeping the focus on the cookies in the foreground. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Eggnog Cookies with Nutmeg Frosting Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Eggnog Cookies with Nutmeg Frosting Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Eggnog Cookies with Nutmeg Frosting Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The beauty of this Eggnog Cookies with Nutmeg Frosting Recipe is in its balance—rich, spicy, and just sweet enough. Baking these cookies feels like wrapping yourself in a warm holiday hug, and I love sharing that feeling with friends and family every year.

Classic Holiday Flavors: Nutmeg, cinnamon, and eggnog bring that unmistakable festive vibe into every bite.
Soft Yet Slightly Crispy Texture: These cookies have the perfect chew with edges browned to golden perfection.
Decadent Frosting Finish: The nutmeg-infused frosting adds creamy richness that isn’t too sweet but totally indulgent.
Easy to Make in Large Batches: You'll appreciate this recipe during holiday gatherings when you need a crowd-pleaser fast.

A close-up shows a woman's hand holding half of a soft light brown cookie with a visible crumb texture. On top of the cookie is a thick layer of smooth white frosting piped with swirls, sprinkled lightly with small dark specks. In the background, more cookies with the same frosting design sit on a white marbled surface, and blurred containers with light cream contents are visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe shines because of its quality ingredients working harmoniously, especially the eggnog that infuses the dough with authentic festive flavor. A mix of spices and butter creates that tender crumb anyone will adore.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of dark brown sugar packed, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of eggnog, two whole extra-large brown eggs with clean shells, a few sticks of salted sweet cream butter, a small white ceramic bowl of baking powder, a small white ceramic bowl of ground nutmeg, a small white ceramic bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white ceramic bowl of salt, and a small white ceramic bowl of vanilla and rum extract mixed together, all arranged with perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for these cookies, so spoon and level for accurate measuring.
Baking powder: Gives just enough lift while keeping the texture light.
Ground nutmeg: Core to the holiday aroma; don’t skip or substitute with freshly grated if you can.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth that partners beautifully with the nutmeg.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors.
Salted sweet cream butter: The real star for richness and tenderness—make sure it’s softened to room temperature.
Granulated sugar and dark brown sugar: Brown sugar adds depth with its molasses undertones, while granulated sugar balances sweetness and crispness.
Extra-large eggs: Bind everything together and help with moisture.
Pure vanilla extract & rum extract: These extracts layer on festive complexity and make the frosting pop.
Eggnog: The magic ingredient—if you can find homemade, that’s ideal, but store-bought works beautifully.
Powdered sugar: Key for a smooth, creamy frosting that melts in your mouth.
Ground nutmeg for garnish: A light sprinkle adds a subtle kick and a beautiful finishing touch.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I love about these Eggnog Cookies with Nutmeg Frosting Recipe is how easily you can make them your own. Whether you shy away from alcohol extracts or want to add a little extra kick, there's room for creativity here.

Variation: I sometimes swap out rum extract for a splash of bourbon in the dough – it adds warmth and authenticity that friends always comment on.
Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan butter and a plant-based eggnog to make these festive treats allergy-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cloves or ginger for an even more aromatic cookie experience.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Eggnog Cookies with Nutmeg Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients Like a Pro

I start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures those spices and leaveners are evenly distributed, which is key to consistent flavor and texture across every cookie. Don't rush this step—it makes a difference.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using either a stand mixer or handheld mixer, beat your softened butter for about 30-45 seconds until creamy. Then, add both granulated and brown sugar, mixing for another minute until fluffy. You want the mixture light and airy to keep your cookies tender.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Extracts Gently

Slowly add the eggs, one at a time, beating on medium-low to make sure they’re fully blended without overmixing. Then stir in the vanilla and rum extract for that unmistakable festive aroma and richness.

Step 4: Alternating Dry Ingredients and Eggnog

Add the flour mixture and eggnog alternately—about one cup of flour, then a bit of eggnog—to keep the batter smooth and prevent lumps. Mix just until combined; the dough should be soft but manageable. Then cover and chill in the fridge for at least one hour. This step lets the flavors deepen and helps the dough stay firm while baking.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment. Scoop dough with a 1½-tablespoon cookie scoop, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown. Let them cool 2-3 minutes on the tray before transferring to wire racks – patience here keeps them from breaking!

Step 6: Whip Up the Nutmeg Frosting

Beat softened butter until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar and eggnog while mixing on medium-low speed. The frosting should be smooth and spreadable. Once ready, pipe or spread a generous swirl on each cookie and finish with a light dusting of ground nutmeg to bring the whole flavor profile together.

Top Tip

After baking these cookies several times, I’ve learned some simple tweaks that make a big difference to your final batch. Here are tips that helped me get them just right every single time.

Chill the Dough Thoroughly: Don’t skip the fridge time! It intensifies the eggnog flavor and prevents cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Don’t Overmix: Combine ingredients until just incorporated to keep your cookies soft and tender.
Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform size and even baking, I always use a 1½-tablespoon scoop; it takes the guesswork out.
Small Frosting Details: When piping frosting, gentle, steady pressure gives you those pretty swirls and avoids overloading the cookies.

How to Serve Eggnog Cookies with Nutmeg Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

For me, the finishing touch is a real deal nutmeg dusting over each frosted cookie—it’s visually inviting and flavors the bite before you even take it. Sometimes I toss on a tiny sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra festive look.

Side Dishes

I love serving these cookies alongside a warm mug of mulled cider or a creamy latte. They also pair wonderfully with a small cheese platter featuring mild cheeses like Havarti to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Last year, I made a festive cookie platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary and cranberries scattered around—talk about holiday cheer in every glance! You could also stack the cookies in mason jars tied with burlap and ribbon to gift your friends something truly memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, I keep these cookies in an airtight container in the fridge—this keeps the frosting fresh and the cookies moist for up to 5 days. Before serving leftovers, I let them come to room temp for the best texture.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully either before or after frosting. I freeze baked cookies in single layers separated by parchment paper inside a freezer-safe container. When ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge, and then frost fresh for the perfect celebration cookie anytime.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy them warm, I pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just enough to soften the frosting lightly without melting it entirely. It feels like biting into a warm holiday memory.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade eggnog instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade eggnog adds a richer, fresher flavor. If you have a recipe for eggnog you love, it’s a fantastic swap that makes the cookies even more special.

What if I don’t have rum extract?

You can substitute rum extract with vanilla extract alone, or a splash of bourbon or dark rum if you don’t mind a little alcohol in your dough. The flavor will still be lovely and festive.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend would work well here. Just be mindful of the blend's ingredients for best texture, and chill the dough well to help with spreading.

How do I keep the frosting from being too runny?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melting, and add powdered sugar gradually while mixing. If frosting gets too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it up before frosting the cookies.

Final Thoughts

These Eggnog Cookies with Nutmeg Frosting Recipe always remind me of those sweet holiday moments spent baking with loved ones—the kitchen filled with laughter and buttery, spicy goodness. I hope you’ll give them a try, share them with friends, and watch them become a beloved seasonal tradition in your home, just like they are in mine.