Melt-In-Your-Mouth Eggnog Cookies Recipe

These Melt-In-Your-Mouth Eggnog Cookies are pure holiday magic in every bite. Imagine a warmly spiced, pillow-soft cookie topped with a creamy eggnog frosting and finished with a sprinkle of fragrant nutmeg. Each cookie captures the nostalgic flavor of eggnog, making them a delight for cookie swaps, festive gatherings, or a cozy night by the fire. If you adore eggnog, or just crave something a little different from the usual holiday treats, these cookies are bound to become your new seasonal favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each classic ingredient plays an important role in delivering the perfect flavor and meltaway texture in these cookies. From the signature nutmeg and rich egg yolks to the creamy eggnog in both the dough and frosting, this simple lineup comes together for unforgettable results.

• All-purpose flour: Scoop and level to measure for soft, tender cookies and avoid dry results.
• Baking powder: Ensures these cookies puff up beautifully and get that soft, cakey texture.
• Salt: Just a touch to balance sweetness and deepen the flavor profile.
• Ground nutmeg: Essential for that authentic eggnog aroma and taste; save extra for sprinkling on top.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth and complexity to the dough.
• Unsalted butter: Room temperature is key for creamy blending and perfectly tender cookies.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies retain their softness.
• Light-brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel depth.
• Egg yolks: Contribute rich flavor and help achieve that melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Brings mellow sweetness and aromatic complexity.
• Rum extract: For a festive, unmistakably eggnog flavor—don’t skip this!
• Eggnog: Use the full-fat version for best flavor and creamy consistency in both cookie and frosting.
• Butter (for frosting): A mix of salted and unsalted gives a nuanced, balanced taste.
• Powdered sugar: The base for a velvety-smooth, spreadable eggnog frosting.

How to Make Melt-In-Your-Mouth Eggnog Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Giving this blend a good mix (about 30 seconds) ensures every cookie bakes up with even spice distribution and the perfect, pillowy texture. Set the bowl aside for now—these fragrant dry ingredients will come into play soon.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light-brown sugar. Whip this mixture until it’s pale and fluffy—this step sets up the soft, airy texture that defines every Melt-In-Your-Mouth Eggnog Cookie.

Step 3: Add Yolks and Flavorings

Beat in the egg yolks, one at a time, allowing each to blend in before the next. Follow with the vanilla extract, rum extract, and luscious eggnog. The combo of extracts and eggnog gives these cookies their unique holiday personality.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

On low speed, gradually add the reserved dry ingredients to your mixing bowl. Mix just until combined—overmixing can toughen the dough, and you want these cookies to stay feathery soft.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Scoop the cookie dough by heaping tablespoonfuls and drop onto parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving about two inches between each mound. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look just barely done. Let them rest on the baking sheet a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Whip Up the Eggnog Frosting

In a clean stand mixer bowl, beat together your butter (combining salted and unsalted for depth). When it’s ultra pale and fluffy, blend in the rum extract, three tablespoons of eggnog, and the powdered sugar. Add more eggnog as needed until the frosting is dreamy, light, and just spreadable.

Step 7: Finish with Flair

Frost each cooled cookie generously, then give them a festive finish with a delicate sprinkling of nutmeg. Now comes the hardest part—waiting a moment before sinking your teeth into these Melt-In-Your-Mouth Eggnog Cookies!

How to Serve Melt-In-Your-Mouth Eggnog Cookies

Garnishes

A classic, elegant finish for these cookies is a light dusting of freshly grated nutmeg, which highlights the flavors in both the dough and frosting. If you’re feeling playful, try adding a tiny pinch of cinnamon or even a few gold sprinkles for a party-ready touch. A few curls of white chocolate can also make them extra special.

Side Dishes

Pair these Melt-In-Your-Mouth Eggnog Cookies with a steaming mug of spiced chai, hot cocoa, or, of course, classic eggnog. You could also arrange them alongside other holiday favorites like gingerbread or snickerdoodles to create a cookies-and-cozy-drinks dessert tray everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these cookies on a vintage platter and tie the edges with festive ribbon for an edible gift that looks as great as it tastes. For parties, nestle each cookie in a colorful cupcake liner and arrange on a tiered stand. Or, make them truly stand out by adding hand-lettered place cards for a holiday cookie tasting flight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Melt-In-Your-Mouth Eggnog Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’ve already frosted them, use parchment between layers to prevent sticking, and store somewhere cool and dry to keep the frosting silky.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cookies in a zip-top bag with parchment between layers for up to two months. You can also freeze the baked, frosted cookies—just freeze them on a tray first, then stack with parchment paper once solid. Let them return to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Reheating

If you crave a just-baked experience, pop unfrosted cookies in a low oven (about 275°F) for 5 minutes. Frosted cookies can sit out at room temperature to thaw, keeping the frosting luscious and the cookie perfectly soft.

FAQs

Can I substitute the eggnog with another liquid?

Eggnog is the star ingredient here, lending both flavor and moisture, so substitutes like milk or cream will result in a less authentic taste. If you need a non-dairy alternative, look for a vegan eggnog option in stores for the best results.

Do I have to use rum extract?

Rum extract is key for that classic eggnog flavor, but if you’re out, a little extra vanilla will still yield a delicious (if less nostalgic) cookie. For an adult twist, you can add a splash of actual rum to the frosting—just go light so it doesn’t affect consistency.

My dough seems sticky. Is that normal?

This dough will be slightly softer and stickier than classic drop cookie doughs, thanks to the eggnog. Chilling it for 20 minutes can make scooping easier, especially on warm days.

How thick should I spread the frosting?

Generosity is encouraged! A thick layer makes every bite extra dreamy. If you like, use a piping bag for bakery-style swirls, or simply spread with a spatula for a homey touch.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the regular flour and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free. Keep an eye as they bake—they may need a minute or two less in the oven.

Final Thoughts

Baking a batch of these Melt-In-Your-Mouth Eggnog Cookies is like bottling up all the holiday joy and sharing it with everyone you love. Whether they’re the star of your cookie swap or a sweet surprise weekend treat, these cookies just might become your new festive tradition. Give them a try and let the holiday spirit shine in every crumb!

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