There is something truly magical about holiday treats, and the Eggnog Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe captures that festive spirit perfectly. These cookies bring together the warm, cozy flavors of nutmeg and cinnamon with a tender, buttery crumb, elevated by a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just craving a sweet seasonal indulgence, this recipe promises to fill your kitchen with delightful aromas and your heart with joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Although the ingredient list might look simple, each component plays a key role in crafting the perfect texture and flavor that make these cookies unforgettable. From the toasted spices to the creamy frosting, every bite is a little celebration.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for your cookie, ensuring a soft yet sturdy base.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with browning those beautiful golden edges.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Gives the cookies a gentle lift, keeping them light and tender.
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg: Adds that classic eggnog warmth and aromatic depth.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses a cozy spice note that perfectly complements the nutmeg.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Enhances richness and creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together beautifully while contributing to softness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Uplifts and rounds out all those autumnal flavors.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened): The star of the frosting, delivering tanginess and creaminess in every bite.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it that silky smooth finish.
How to Make Eggnog Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple setup ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the sheet with ease, making cleanup just as sweet as the cookies themselves.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground nutmeg, and cinnamon until everything is evenly combined. This step spreads out those flavorful spices thoroughly so each cookie bursts with cozy seasonal vibes.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, which is crucial for soft, tender cookies that practically melt on your tongue.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mix. Beat just until combined to maintain a smooth batter without overmixing, which can toughen the dough.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed. Be careful not to overwork the dough; you want it just combined to keep your cookies delightfully tender with a little chew.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly to prevent merging. Bake for about 10 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden color while the centers stay soft and inviting—this contrast is what truly makes these cookies special.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting and Frost
While the cookies cool, whip together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Once the cookies have cooled completely, generously spread or pipe this luscious frosting over each one. The tangy sweetness perfectly balances the spiced cookie, creating a harmonious bite.
How to Serve Eggnog Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To make your serving presentation pop, sprinkle a tiny pinch of extra nutmeg or cinnamon on top of the frosted cookies. If you’re feeling festive, a light dusting of finely chopped toasted pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce adds a charming touch and an extra layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee spiced with cinnamon, or even a glass of chilled eggnog. The creamy frost and warm spices in the cookies complement any holiday beverage, making your snack time feel extra comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
You can arrange Eggnog Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly for a seasonal aesthetic. For parties, try stacking them with delicate doilies between layers or gift-wrapping a batch in a cute holiday tin to share the spirit with loved ones.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cookies soft and the frosting fresh, perfect if you want to enjoy them over a few days of holiday festivities.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container once firm. Freeze the frosting separately in a sealed bag or container. When ready, thaw and frost the cookies for that just-baked taste.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 3–5 minutes. Avoid microwaving frosted cookies as this can cause the frosting to melt messily. Warm cookies taste like fresh-baked magic and bring out all those cozy spices beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought eggnog instead of spices?
While this recipe relies on ground nutmeg and cinnamon to capture that eggnog flavor, you could experiment by adding a splash of store-bought eggnog to the wet ingredients. Just be mindful it might affect dough consistency, so reduce other liquids slightly if needed.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum, making sure to maintain the same quantity. The texture might be slightly different but still deliciously festive.
Can I make the cream cheese frosting vegan?
Yes, swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use powdered sugar without bone char. The flavor will be slightly different, but just as creamy and delightful.
How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted when mixing. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can also help cookies hold their shape better during baking.
What’s the best way to pipe the frosting?
Use a piping bag fitted with a star or round tip to pipe elegant swirls onto each cookie. If you don’t have a piping bag, a zip-top bag with a tiny corner snipped off works great for an easy but pretty finish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie that perfectly captures the spirit of the season, this Eggnog Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a shining star. It offers all the warm, comforting flavors you love in eggnog, wrapped up in a tender cookie and topped with creamy frosting that’s pure happiness. Don’t wait for the holidays to try these—once you do, they’ll become your go-to treat for any special occasion.
Print
Eggnog Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these soft and festive Eggnog Cookies topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. Infused with warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, these tender cookies capture the essence of holiday eggnog in every bite, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter treats.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon. Set aside to keep these ingredients well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light, airy, and fluffy for a soft cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well to combine all wet ingredients smoothly.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until everything is combined to avoid overworking the dough which can make cookies tough.
- Scoop and Bake: Using a tablespoon, scoop cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until the edges are golden brown while keeping the centers soft.
- Prepare Frosting: While the cookies cool, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and creamy, perfect for spreading.
- Frost Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over each cookie for a rich, tangy finish that complements the spiced cookie base.
Notes
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding dry ingredients to keep cookies tender.
- Cool cookies fully before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For added texture, sprinkle a touch of nutmeg on top of the frosting before serving.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
