Eggnog Cookie Bars with Creamy Frosting Recipe

If you adore the cozy flavors of the holiday season, then you’re going to love this Eggnog Cookie Bars with Creamy Frosting Recipe. It’s like taking all the festive tastes of eggnog and wrapping them up into one soft, buttery bar that’s perfect for sharing or sneaking a few bites yourself. Seriously, these bars are a delightful twist on classic cookie bars, bringing in that warm nutmeg and the richness of eggnog that immediately makes you think of winter nights around the fire.

What makes this Eggnog Cookie Bars with Creamy Frosting Recipe really stand out is how effortlessly it combines simple ingredients into something so special. Whether you’re making cookies for a holiday party, a bake sale, or just a sweet treat for your family, these bars deliver on flavor and texture. Plus, the creamy frosting is the perfect finishing touch—light, fluffy, and just a pinch of nutmeg sprinkled on top to tie it all together. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a festive staple you’ll reach for year after year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Eggnog Cookie Bars with Creamy Frosting Recipe really comes down to quality ingredients that balance each other perfectly. You’ll want your eggs, eggnog, and spices to be fresh for the best flavor, and don’t skip the nutmeg—it’s subtle but essential. Grab some good butter and sift your flour to keep things light and tender in the bars.

• Butter: I usually use unsalted and soften it to room temp so it creams easily with sugars.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness but also helps with that soft, chewy texture.
• Brown sugar: Gives moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, which compliments the eggnog nicely.
• Egg: For structure and richness—make sure it’s fresh!
• Eggnog: This is the star ingredient. I prefer a traditional spiced eggnog for a more authentic taste.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cookie base and frosting.
• All-purpose flour: Use a good quality brand and measure carefully for the right consistency.
• Baking powder: Helps the bars rise just enough to be tender without too much puffiness.
• Nutmeg: Essential for that classic eggnog flavor—freshly grated is best if you can.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Powdered sugar: Needed for the frosting’s creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Variations

I love making this Eggnog Cookie Bars with Creamy Frosting Recipe my own by tweaking little details depending on the occasion or what’s in my pantry. It’s totally okay to get creative here and find what suits your taste buds best—you’ll find some of the best hits by just adding a personal spin.

• Spiced Up Variation: Sometimes I add a pinch of cinnamon or ground cloves alongside nutmeg to make the flavor even more festive and cozy.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap out butter and eggnog for dairy-free margarine and almond milk-based eggnog; it still turns out tasty and just as satisfying.
• Nutty Additions: Toasted pecans or walnuts folded into the dough add a wonderful crunch that I highly recommend.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate over the frosted bars gives a fancy look and a lovely contrast to the spice flavors.

How to Make Eggnog Cookie Bars with Creamy Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by softening your butter to room temperature—that’s key for the creamiest texture. Then, using an electric mixer, beat the butter together with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Don’t rush this step because properly creamed butter and sugar sets the foundation for soft, tender bars.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, beat in the egg until fully incorporated, followed by the eggnog and vanilla extract. The eggnog adds both moisture and flavor, so it’s important to mix it in well. I usually scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times here to make sure everything blends smoothly. The batter will start smelling like your favorite holiday drink at this point—pretty magical!

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the leavening and spices. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture—try not to overmix or your bars might turn out tough. Stop folding as soon as you see no more streaks of flour.

Step 4: Bake the Cookie Bars

Pour the dough into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking pan, smoothing the top evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-28 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on your bars—they should be just set, still soft in the middle.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Frosting

While your bars cool, beat the softened butter in a bowl and gradually add the powdered sugar. Then mix in the eggnog and vanilla until you get a smooth, spreadable frosting. It should be creamy but thick enough to hold its shape when spread. Finally, spread the frosting over the bars evenly and sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg on top for that perfect finishing touch.

How to Serve Eggnog Cookie Bars with Creamy Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I love a light dusting of freshly grated nutmeg right on the frosting—it adds that authentic holiday aroma. Sometimes I’ll also sprinkle a few crushed candy canes or chopped toasted nuts for extra texture and color. It’s those little touches that make these bars feel extra special.

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or a spiced chai latte—perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon breaks. If you’re serving them for a holiday gathering, a glass of milk or hot cocoa on the side is always a hit, especially with kids around.

Creative Ways to Present

For Christmas parties, I like to cut the bars into small bite-sized squares and arrange them on a festive platter with sprigs of pine or holly around the edges. Another fun idea is to stack the bars with parchment paper in between and tie them with a pretty ribbon to give as edible gifts to friends and neighbors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, I store the Eggnog Cookie Bars in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the frosting fresh and creamy. They last beautifully for up to 5 days this way. Before nibbling again, I usually bring them to room temperature for about 15 minutes so the frosting softens nicely.

Freezing

These bars freeze wonderfully without the frosting. I usually freeze the plain bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil—then frost them after thawing. This way, you get that fresh, creamy frosting experience even after weeks in the freezer.

Reheating

If you want to warm them up a bit, pop single bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds—just enough to take the chill off without melting the frosting completely. Warm bars really bring out the eggnog flavor and make for a comforting treat.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Eggnog Cookie Bars with Creamy Frosting Recipe has become one of my go-to holiday treats because it’s both comforting and deliciously festive. It’s easy to whip up, and the festive flavors always bring smiles to the people I share it with. So next time you want to impress guests or just treat yourself to something special, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it. Baking these bars feels like wrapping yourself in a warm holiday hug, and I’m sure you’ll feel the same.

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