Description
These Eggnog Cookie Bars are a festive and delicious treat perfect for the holiday season. Soft, buttery bars infused with creamy eggnog and warm nutmeg flavors are topped with a smooth eggnog frosting and a sprinkle of nutmeg for a delightful finish. Easy to bake and perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or enjoying with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Bars
- 1/2 cup butter (salted or unsalted), softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Frosting
- 1/4 cup butter (salted or unsalted), softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup eggnog
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of nutmeg for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This creates a smooth base for the cookie bars.
- Add wet ingredients: Crack in the egg, then add the eggnog and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until all wet ingredients are fully incorporated with the butter and sugar mixture.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bars tender.
- Spread batter: Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly, smoothing the top for an even bake.
- Bake the bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool before frosting: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan to ensure the frosting adheres well and doesn’t melt.
- Prepare the frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then pour in the eggnog and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fluffy, adjusting the consistency with more eggnog or powdered sugar if needed.
- Frost and garnish: Spread the eggnog frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg on top for a festive touch.
- Serve: Cut the bars into squares and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Notes
- You can use either salted or unsalted butter depending on your preference; just reduce the added salt if using salted butter.
- For a stronger eggnog flavor, you may add a teaspoon of rum extract to the frosting if desired.
- Make sure the bars are fully cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- These bars are perfect for holiday parties and make great gifts when packaged nicely.
- You can store frosted bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
