If you adore creamy, cozy holiday flavors, these Frosted Eggnog Sugar Cookies will become your new December tradition. Soft, buttery sugar cookies infused with warm nutmeg, vanilla, and the classic flavor of eggnog are topped with a silky eggnog frosting that melts in your mouth. Each bite tastes like a cross between a sugar cookie and a glass of spiced eggnog — comforting, nostalgic, and irresistibly festive. They’re perfect for cookie exchanges, Christmas dessert boards, gifting, holiday parties, or enjoying with a mug of cocoa by the tree.
Why You’ll Love Frosted Eggnog Sugar Cookies
These cookies are soft, flavorful, and absolutely magical.
- Classic sugar cookie texture: soft, thick, buttery.
- Real eggnog flavor in both the dough and frosting.
- Warm spices make every bite taste like the holidays.
- Easy to make and perfect for decorating.
- Great for sharing — everyone loves them!
- Stay soft for days and freeze beautifully.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This recipe takes traditional sugar cookies and elevates them with rich eggnog flavor and a velvety eggnog buttercream. It requires no chilling (unless you prefer extra thickness), uses simple pantry ingredients, and creates bakery-style cookies that look and taste stunning. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or adding something special to your cookie platter, these cookies deliver holiday sweetness with zero fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Eggnog Sugar Cookies
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup eggnog
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Eggnog Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tbsp eggnog
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon
For Garnish
- Ground nutmeg
- Holiday sprinkles
How to Make Frosted Eggnog Sugar Cookies
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
- Cream Butter & Sugars: Beat butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg, Eggnog & Vanilla: Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop & Shape: Scoop dough into balls (about 1.5 tablespoons each) and place on baking sheets. Flatten slightly with palm or bottom of a glass.
- Bake: Bake 9–11 minutes or until cookies are set on edges but still soft in the center.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, eggnog, vanilla, and nutmeg. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Decorate: Spread frosting on cooled cookies and top with nutmeg or festive sprinkles.
Nutritional Information (Estimated per frosted cookie)
- Calories: 195
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 24g
- Fat: 9g
- Sugar: 16g
Tips for the Best Eggnog Sugar Cookies
- Use full-fat eggnog for richer flavor.
- Don’t overbake — cookies should stay soft.
- Add more powdered sugar for thicker frosting or more eggnog for creamier frosting.
- Chill dough for 20–30 minutes if you want extra thick cookies.
- Let cookies cool fully before frosting to avoid melting.
- Sprinkle nutmeg for that classic eggnog aroma.
Variations & Substitutions
- Spiced Version: Add extra cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.
- Eggnog Glaze: Replace frosting with a simple eggnog powdered-sugar glaze.
- Cut-Out Style: Chill dough for 1 hour and roll out for shaped cookies.
- Boozy Version: Add ½ tsp rum extract to the dough or frosting.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and vegan eggnog.
- Lower Sugar: Reduce sugar slightly — eggnog still adds sweetness.
What to Serve with These Cookies
- Hot cocoa or eggnog latte
- Chai or spiced tea
- Coffee or espresso
- A holiday dessert board
- Christmas brunch spreads
- Ice cream or milkshakes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing dough: Leads to tough cookies.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour = dry cookies.
- Using cold butter: Prevents proper creaming.
- Frosting warm cookies: Causes frosting to melt and slide.
- Skipping nutmeg: It’s essential for true eggnog flavor.
Storing Tips
- Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week if frosted.
- Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months.
- Freeze frosted cookies on a baking sheet first, then store in bags to prevent smudging.
Conclusion
These Frosted Eggnog Sugar Cookies are everything you want in a holiday cookie — soft, spiced, buttery, and topped with a luscious eggnog frosting that brings warm seasonal flavor to every bite. Perfect for gifting, entertaining, or simply treating yourself, these cookies deliver nostalgic Christmas cheer with each soft, frosted bite. Once you add them to your holiday baking list, they’ll quickly become a cherished tradition.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I make these without nutmeg?
You can, but nutmeg is key to that authentic eggnog taste.
Can I use store-bought frosting?
Yes, but homemade eggnog frosting gives the best flavor.
Can I use light eggnog?
Yes, but full-fat eggnog gives better richness and texture.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely — freeze cookie dough balls and bake from frozen (add 1–2 minutes).
Can I use rum extract?
Yes! It adds classic eggnog flavor.
Do these cookies spread a lot?
No — they stay soft and thick with minimal spreading.