Soft, buttery, and packed with cozy holiday flavor, these Christmas Eggnog Sugar Cookies are everything festive baking should be. With their creamy eggnog richness and warm hint of nutmeg, they’re perfect for gifting, sharing, or simply enjoying with a mug of hot cocoa by the fire. The star-shaped design and gentle sparkle of sugar on top bring instant cheer to any cookie tray.

Eggnog isn’t just for sipping anymore. Infusing it into a sugar cookie base takes the holiday classic to a whole new level. These cookies are tender with just the right amount of chew, and they’re topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or edible glitter to add that magical Christmas sparkle. Whether you’re hosting a cookie swap or baking for Santa, these are sure to impress.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Getting the perfect texture in these Christmas Eggnog Sugar Cookies starts with using the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

Mixing Bowls: Multiple sizes to separate wet and dry ingredients efficiently.
Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: Crucial for creaming the butter and sugar to achieve a light, fluffy texture.
Cookie Cutters (Star-Shaped): The festive shape brings visual charm and holiday appeal.

Rolling Pin: Ensures the dough is evenly flattened for consistent baking.
Baking Sheet & Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and promotes even browning.
Cooling Rack: Keeps the cookies from getting soggy on the bottom as they cool.

Each tool contributes to a smoother workflow and helps guarantee bakery-quality results at home.

Ingredients for the Christmas Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Every ingredient in these cookies plays a vital role in creating the perfect holiday bite:

Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base and helps create that soft, tender crumb.

Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and aids in structure when creamed with butter.
Egg Yolk: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.

Eggnog: The star of the show, bringing festive flavor and moisture.
All-Purpose Flour: Creates structure without making the cookies too dense.
Baking Powder: Gives the cookies a gentle lift for a slightly puffy finish.

Ground Nutmeg: Delivers that signature eggnog spice.
Cinnamon Sugar or Edible Glitter (for topping): Adds sparkle and a final festive flair.

How To Make the Christmas Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.

Step 2: Add the Egg Yolk and Flavorings

Mix in the egg yolk, pure vanilla extract, and eggnog. Blend until everything is fully incorporated and smooth.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ground nutmeg.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps with easier rolling and cleaner cookie cutter edges.

Step 6: Roll and Cut

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the cookies.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or edible glitter. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve and Store Christmas Eggnog Sugar Cookies

These cookies are a beautiful addition to any dessert table and make fantastic edible gifts. Serve them on a holiday platter alongside other seasonal favorites or wrap a handful in cellophane with a ribbon for an easy, festive treat. Pair with a mug of warm eggnog or hot chocolate for a cozy winter moment.

To store, place cooled cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’re making them ahead, they also freeze beautifully—just layer with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How strong is the eggnog flavor?

It’s subtle but noticeable. The eggnog adds a creamy richness and holiday aroma without overwhelming the cookie.

Can I use store-bought eggnog?

Absolutely! Use your favorite brand—just make sure it’s full-fat for the best results.

No problem. Any festive shape will work, or you can roll the dough into balls and flatten slightly for simple rounds.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before rolling and baking.

Do these cookies spread a lot while baking?

Not too much. Chilling the dough helps them maintain their shape well.

Can I add icing instead of cinnamon sugar?

Of course! A light glaze or royal icing can elevate their festive look and sweetness.

If you love these Christmas Eggnog Sugar Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other festive and flavorful treats:

Whipped Shortbread Cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth classic.
Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy to spice up your sweets table.

Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake if you’re craving a richer cookie bar hybrid.
Coconut Snowballs for a bite-sized winter wonderland.
Traditional German Lebkuchen for an old-world holiday spice experience.

Save This Recipe for Later

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go with glitter, cinnamon sugar, or something totally creative? Share your twist!

I love seeing how you bring these recipes to life. Got questions? Drop them below and let’s make this season sweet together.

Christmas Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Yield: 24 cookies
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Soft, buttery, and full of holiday cheer, these Christmas Eggnog Sugar Cookies are infused with real eggnog and warm spices. They’re perfect for cookie swaps, gift boxes, or simply cozy nights by the fire.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 egg yolk

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 cup eggnog

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Cinnamon sugar or edible glitter for topping

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

2. Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and eggnog. Mix until smooth and combined.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and nutmeg.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.

5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.

6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

7. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with star-shaped cookie cutters.

8. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or edible glitter.

9. Bake for 9–11 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

10. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

Chill the dough to keep cookies from spreading and to help cut cleaner shapes.

Use full-fat eggnog for the best flavor and texture.

Don’t overbake—remove from oven just as the edges start turning golden.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 145
Sugar: 9g

Sodium: 45mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g

Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g

Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Christmas cookies, eggnog, holiday dessert