Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies Recipe

There’s a moment every holiday season when your kitchen fills with those irresistible aromas that immediately signal Christmas is near—and nothing captures that magic quite like these Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies. Buttery, soft, and kissed with the nostalgic flavors of nutmeg and cinnamon, each bite is a celebration of warmth and tradition. Whether you’re leaving them out for Santa, bringing them to a cookie swap, or simply enjoying with your favorite holiday drink, these cookies are destined to become a cherished favorite that friends and family will request every year.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies couldn’t be easier, and every ingredient plays a special part in building their soft texture and festive flavor. Here’s what makes each addition uniquely important to your final batch.

• Unsalted butter (3/4 cup, softened): Softened butter ensures your cookies bake up irresistibly tender and rich, with that classic melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sugar adds sweetness and also helps create those delightfully crisp edges.
• Eggnog (1/2 cup): This key ingredient infuses every bite with creamy holiday cheer and gentle spice.
• Large egg yolk (1): Just the yolk means extra richness and a gloriously chewy crumb.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors and makes the cookies fragrant and inviting.
• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The foundation for structure and thickness—measure carefully for perfect, pillowy cookies.
• Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives your cookies the perfect lift for a soft, puffy finish.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the buttery taste.
• Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Brings that signature warmth you expect from Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies.
• Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Nutmeg and eggnog are a match made in holiday heaven; this small amount goes a long way.
• Cinnamon sugar (for sprinkling): A sprinkle before baking creates sparkly tops and an extra burst of cinnamony Christmas delight.

How to Make Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Gear

Fire up your oven to 350°F so it’s at the perfect temperature by the time your dough is ready. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper—this helps guarantee your cookies won’t stick and keeps cleanup to a minimum, giving you more time to enjoy that first bite.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat together on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is where you create that classic soft cookie texture, so don’t rush it. The air whipped into the butter helps form the foundation for pillowy cookies.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Pour in the eggnog, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is fully combined and smooth. The eggnog will look a little unusual as it blends in, but trust the process—it’s the secret to that holiday flavor that sets these Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies apart.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution, so each cookie is packed with warm spice and bakes evenly every time.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry mix to your wet ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined—overmixing can make your cookies tough, so stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain. You’ll be left with a delightfully soft dough that already smells like Christmas morning.

Step 6: Scoop and Sprinkle

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Space is important—they’ll spread as they bake! Sprinkle a generous pinch of cinnamon sugar over each mound of dough for that crave-worthy holiday sparkle and crunch on top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the trays into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for edges that are lightly golden while the centers stay soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling—the hardest part is waiting, but it’s worth every second.

How to Serve Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra-festive touch, drizzle your cooled cookies with an eggnog glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of eggnog. It sets with a beautiful sheen and adds another layer of creamy flavor! A pinch of extra cinnamon sugar just before serving makes them look bakery-perfect.

Side Dishes

These Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies pair beautifully with mugs of hot cocoa, classic eggnog, or holiday teas. For a truly indulgent holiday dessert, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of homemade whipped cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Fill a decorative holiday tin or box with these cookies and a few candy canes for a heartfelt homemade gift. Or, arrange them in a cookie tower and tie with a festive ribbon for a show-stopping centerpiece at your dessert table. Stack cookies between layers of parchment for a holiday cookie swap—they travel beautifully and stay soft for days!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookies store like a dream. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay soft and fresh for up to five days—a perfect snack for when holiday cravings strike.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead (or save some for later), you can freeze the baked Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies for up to three months. Let them cool completely before stacking them in an airtight freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-baked taste, let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature, then pop them in a 300°F oven for 2 to 3 minutes. They’ll come out warm, soft, and ready for a little more cinnamon sugar—just like the day you made them.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought eggnog or should I make my own?

Store-bought eggnog works wonderfully and saves time, but if you have a homemade favorite, use it! The rich, creamy flavor comes through either way and tastes incredible in the cookies.

Are these Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies safe for kids?

Absolutely! There’s no alcohol in these cookies, and all the egg cooks completely during baking. Kids love the sweet, spiced flavors and the touch of sparkle on top.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend—just look for one with xanthan gum for best results. The cookies will still be tender and packed with flavor.

How do I make the eggnog glaze?

Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons of eggnog, whisking until smooth and drizzle-able. Spoon over cooled cookies for an extra festive touch—it dries to a gorgeous finish and adds that extra pop of holiday sweetness.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Definitely! Make the dough up to 24 hours ahead and chill it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, scoop and bake straight from the cold—this can even help make the cookies a little thicker and chewier.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll make room on your holiday cookie platters for these Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies—they truly are the taste of Christmas in every cozy bite. Whether you share them with friends or save a few just for yourself, they’re guaranteed to bring a sprinkle of extra cheer to your season. Happy baking!

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