Vanilla Eggnog Cookies with Spiced Vanilla Icing Recipe
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Vanilla Eggnog Cookies with Spiced Vanilla Icing Recipe

ByLily Carter
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If you love the cozy, festive flavors of eggnog but want to enjoy them in a cookie form, then this Vanilla Eggnog Cookies with Spiced Vanilla Icing Recipe is made just for you. I remember the first time I made these—it was during a chilly winter evening, and the warm notes of vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon filled my kitchen, instantly making me feel like the holidays had arrived. These cookies have a soft, buttery crumb that pairs beautifully with a creamy, spiced vanilla icing, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or just a special treat when you need a little comfort.

What makes this Vanilla Eggnog Cookies with Spiced Vanilla Icing Recipe stand out is how it balances traditional eggnog flavors without being overpowering, making it accessible year-round if you want. Plus, the optional bourbon adds a grown-up twist that I love to include when hosting friends. Trust me, once you bake these, you’ll want to keep the batter near all season!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic really starts with choosing ingredients that bring out the warm, nostalgic flavors of eggnog—like nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. Each component adds dimension, and if you follow my tips, you’ll get a perfectly balanced dough and icing every single time.

  • Salted butter: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming, which helps get that tender cookie texture.
  • Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor that enriches the cookies.
  • Egg: At room temperature to blend evenly into the dough without cooling it down.
  • Bourbon (optional): Adds a subtle warmth and complexity; if you’re baking for kids, feel free to leave it out.
  • Vanilla extract: Use good quality pure vanilla for the best aroma and flavor impact.
  • All-purpose flour: Provides structure; be sure to spoon and level it for accuracy to avoid dense cookies.
  • Cinnamon: A classic spice that pairs beautifully with eggnog’s warm profile.
  • Grated nutmeg: Freshly grated if possible, because pre-ground nutmeg can lose its punch quickly.
  • Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light texture.
  • Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
  • Powdered sugar (for icing): For a smooth, sweet glaze.
  • Eggnog (for icing): Adds that signature flavor and perfect consistency.
  • Edible decorations: Like gold dust, vanilla sugar, or sprinkles to add festive flair.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this Vanilla Eggnog Cookies with Spiced Vanilla Icing Recipe depending on the occasion or who I’m baking for. Feel free to get creative! Making it yours makes the whole process more fun, and you might just discover a new favorite twist.

  • Non-alcoholic: Skip the bourbon and maybe add a little rum extract if you want that flavor without the booze. I do this when baking for family with kids or for neighborhood cookie swaps.
  • Gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. I always add an extra tablespoon of flour or so to get the right dough consistency.
  • Spiced up: Pump up the spices by adding a pinch of cloves or ginger to the dough for a deeper warm profile. This variation is my go-to when I want a bit more zing.
  • Chocolate drizzle: After icing, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cookies for a fancy touch that friends always rave about.

How to Make Vanilla Eggnog Cookies with Spiced Vanilla Icing Recipe

Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the room-temperature salted butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes with a stand or hand mixer. This step is crucial because it creates that soft texture by incorporating air. Don’t rush it, but also don’t overdo it or the dough might become greasy.

Step 2: Adding the Egg and Flavors

Next, beat in the egg followed by the vanilla extract and optional bourbon. Make sure everything is at room temperature so it blends smoothly. At this point, your batter will be creamy and rich—perfect for soaking up all those festive flavors we love.

Step 3: Incorporating the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in the extra tablespoons of flour a little at a time. You’re aiming for a soft but manageable dough that holds together.

Step 4: Baking the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before you ice.

Step 5: Making the Spiced Vanilla Icing

In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and grated nutmeg (or cinnamon if you prefer). Slowly add eggnog a tablespoon at a time until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

Step 6: Decorating with Icing

Use a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon to generously spread the icing over each cooled cookie. Before the icing sets, sprinkle your edible gold dust, vanilla sugar, or festive sprinkles for that holiday sparkle I adore.

How to Serve Vanilla Eggnog Cookies with Spiced Vanilla Icing Recipe

The image shows six baking ingredients carefully arranged on a white marbled surface. At the top left, there is a pale yellow block of butter with smooth edges. Next to it on the right is a white bowl filled with a dark brown powder. Below the butter is a single brown egg with a smooth shell. To the right of the egg is a small white bowl containing a small amount of amber liquid. Below the egg and liquid, there is a larger white bowl filled with white flour with a soft, powdery texture. To the right of the flour, there are two white bowls stacked vertically, with the top one filled with light beige sugar crystals and the bottom one holding fine white salt. The scene is bright and neatly organized, with each ingredient visible in clear detail. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love to keep it simple by dusting the cookies with a bit of edible gold dust for shimmer or sprinkling a pinch of extra nutmeg on top of the icing for aroma. Vanilla sugar adds a lovely crunch and just a touch more sweetness. These little touches make a world of difference when you want to impress guests without going overboard.

Side Dishes

Pair these Vanilla Eggnog Cookies with Spiced Vanilla Icing Recipe alongside a warm mug of your favorite holiday drink—my favorite is a classic hot chocolate or a spiced chai latte. They also make a great companion to a festive cheese board where the sweet and spicy cookies balance salty cheeses excellently.

Creative Ways to Present

One holiday, I arranged these cookies on a rustic wooden platter lined with evergreen sprigs and cinnamon sticks—it smelled heavenly and looked so inviting! You can also package them in clear cellophane bags tied with twine for charming cookie gifts. Trying a layered cookie tower with these iced beauties at parties always gets compliments too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once iced and fully set, store your Vanilla Eggnog Cookies with Spiced Vanilla Icing Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. From my experience, they stay fresh and soft for up to 5 days—just make sure to layer them carefully with parchment paper to keep the icing intact.

Freezing

I like to freeze the plain baked cookies before icing them. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and put them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then ice and decorate fresh. This way, you keep the icing fresh and bright, plus it’s super convenient for holiday prep.

Reheating

To enjoy these cookies warm, pop one or two in the microwave for about 10 seconds—but be cautious not to melt the icing too much. Warm cookies bring out that buttery softness even more, making every bite feel extra indulgent.

FAQs

  1. Can I make Vanilla Eggnog Cookies with Spiced Vanilla Icing Recipe without alcohol?

    Absolutely! The bourbon is optional and mainly adds warm depth. You can omit it or replace it with rum extract or even vanilla extract to maintain the flavor without any alcohol. The cookies still taste fantastic.

  2. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

    Make sure your butter is at room temperature but not melted, and be careful not to overmix the dough once you add the flour. If the dough feels too soft, add a tablespoon or two of flour to help the cookies hold their shape while baking.

  3. Can I use milk instead of eggnog for the icing?

    Yes, milk or even water can substitute eggnog in the icing if you want to tone down the richness. Just keep adjusting the powdered sugar to get the right thickness.

  4. How long will these cookies stay fresh?

    Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for about 4 to 5 days. I find they’re best enjoyed within that window to keep the icing from drying out and the cookies soft.

Final Thoughts

This Vanilla Eggnog Cookies with Spiced Vanilla Icing Recipe holds a special place on my cookie platter each holiday season. It’s the kind of cozy, comforting treat that sparks happy memories and conversations. I hope you’ll give it a try and find as much joy in baking—and eating—these little delights as I do. Trust me, once you’ve made these, they’ll become a beloved staple in your festive baking lineup too.

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Vanilla Eggnog Cookies with Spiced Vanilla Icing Recipe

Vanilla Eggnog Cookies with Spiced Vanilla Icing Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 577 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

These Vanilla Eggnog Cookies are a festive, buttery treat perfect for the holiday season. With a rich vanilla and bourbon-infused dough spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a luscious spiced vanilla icing, these cookies bring the nostalgic flavors of eggnog into a delicious, easy-to-make cookie form. Ideal for sharing at parties or enjoying with a warm beverage.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) salted butter, at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 egg, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus an additional 2-4 tablespoons if needed
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Spiced Vanilla Icing

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg or cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup eggnog (or use milk or water)
  • Edible gold dust, vanilla sugar, and/or sprinkles for decorating

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened salted butter and packed brown sugar until light and fluffy. This creates the base of your cookie dough and ensures a tender texture.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, bourbon (if using), and vanilla extract until fully combined, adding a fragrant warmth to the dough that echoes classic eggnog flavors.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, grated nutmeg, baking soda, and kosher salt. These spices add the signature holiday touch to the cookies.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Add the optional extra 2-4 tablespoons of flour if the dough feels too sticky, ensuring a dough that is easy to handle but not dry.
  5. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
  6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  7. Roll and Cut Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to shape the cookies as desired, then place them on the prepared baking sheets allowing space for slight spreading.
  8. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Removing them promptly prevents overbaking and keeps them tender.
  9. Cool the Cookies: Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.
  10. Prepare the Spiced Vanilla Icing: In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and grated nutmeg or cinnamon. Slowly add the eggnog, stirring until the icing reaches a smooth and spreadable consistency.
  11. Ice and Decorate: Spread or pipe the icing over each cooled cookie and decorate with edible gold dust, vanilla sugar, or sprinkles to add a festive sparkle.
  12. Set the Icing: Allow the icing to set completely before serving or storing the cookies in an airtight container.

Notes

  • Optional bourbon adds warmth and depth to the cookie dough; omit for a non-alcoholic version.
  • If the dough is too sticky after mixing, add an extra 2-4 tablespoons of flour gradually.
  • For best results, chill the dough before rolling to make handling easier and to prevent spreading during baking.
  • Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  • Use eggnog in the icing for authentic flavor, or substitute with milk or water if preferred.
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Life at home is full of love, laughter, and good food. I’m Lily Carter, a mom to two lively girls who keep me on my toes. When I’m not with them, I’m in the kitchen cooking meals that bring us comfort. And it’s not just me—my husband’s the quiet force behind the scenes, making sure everything looks just as good as it tastes.

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