Christmas Eggnog Sugar Cookies

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If you’re like me, the holiday season calls for two things: a warm mug of eggnog and a fresh batch of homemade cookies. These Christmas Eggnog Sugar Cookies capture both in one delicious bite. They have that buttery, tender sugar cookie texture we all love, with just the right touch of festive eggnog flavor. It’s like wrapping your favorite holiday beverage into a soft, golden cookie sprinkled with nutmeg magic.

I’ve made these cookies for years, and they’ve become a staple at every December gathering. There’s something nostalgic about them—the aroma of vanilla, the gentle warmth of cinnamon, and that unmistakable eggnog richness that feels like Christmas in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, Santa’s plate, or just your own cozy night in, these cookies deliver the spirit of the season.

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Why You’ll Love This Christmas Eggnog Sugar Cookies Recipe

These cookies bring the holiday cheer in more ways than one. They’re easy to make, beautifully shaped, and incredibly flavorful. The dough rolls out like a dream, making it perfect for festive cookie cutters. Plus, the light sprinkle of nutmeg on top gives each cookie that classic eggnog charm. They’re soft in the center, slightly crisp on the edges, and truly irresistible with a glass of milk or, yes, even more eggnog.

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What Kind of Eggnog Should I Use?

You can use any store-bought eggnog for this recipe, but I prefer one with a rich, creamy texture—nothing too watery. If you make your own eggnog at home, even better! Just ensure it’s thick and well-spiced. A non-alcoholic version works best, especially if these cookies are for kids or a mixed-age crowd.

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Options for Substitutions

If you don’t have eggnog, you can substitute with a mix of whole milk and a dash of nutmeg and vanilla extract to mimic that holiday flavor. For a dairy-free version, almond or oat milk eggnog alternatives work surprisingly well. You can also swap the butter for vegan butter if needed, and the cookies will still turn out delicious and festive.

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Ingredients for this Christmas Eggnog Sugar Cookies Recipe

• All-purpose flour – The backbone of our cookie dough, giving it structure and the perfect chewy-crisp texture balance.
• Baking powder – Adds a gentle lift so the cookies don’t bake up too dense.
• Salt – Enhances the sweetness and brings all the flavors together.
• Unsalted butter – Softened butter is key for a smooth, creamy dough and that classic sugar cookie richness.
• Granulated sugar – Gives sweetness and just a slight crunch on the edges.
• Egg yolk – Adds moisture and contributes to the soft, rich texture.
• Eggnog – The star of the recipe, infusing each cookie with cozy, spiced holiday flavor.
• Vanilla extract – Deepens the flavor and rounds out the sweetness.
• Nutmeg – Just a pinch for topping; it mimics the spiced warmth of traditional eggnog.

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Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Let your butter sit at room temperature until it’s softened but not melted. Measure out your eggnog and separate the egg yolk in advance. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

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Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution and helps prevent clumps in your dough later on.

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Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This can take about 2–3 minutes and is key for cookie texture.

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Step 4: Add Egg Yolk, Eggnog, and Vanilla

To the creamed butter mixture, add the egg yolk, eggnog, and vanilla extract. Beat again until fully combined. The dough may look slightly curdled at first, but it will smooth out when you add the dry ingredients.

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Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

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

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Step 6: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll out and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

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Step 7: Roll and Cut the Cookies

Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin. Roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to cut shapes—stars, trees, or whatever you love.

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Step 8: Sprinkle with Nutmeg

Place the cookies on the lined baking sheets. Lightly sprinkle ground nutmeg on top of each cookie for that authentic eggnog flavor.

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Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Don’t overbake! They should still look soft in the center.

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Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or once fully cooled, and store in an airtight container.

How Long to Prepare the Christmas Eggnog Sugar Cookies

The full process from start to finish takes just under an hour, with most of the time hands-off while the dough chills or cookies bake.

Prep Time: About 20 minutes to cream, mix, and shape the dough.
Chill Time: 30 minutes to firm up the dough for rolling and cutting.
Baking Time: Each batch takes around 9–11 minutes in the oven.

If you’re doubling the recipe or using intricate cookie cutter shapes, add an extra 10–15 minutes for rolling and baking in batches.

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Tips for Perfect Christmas Eggnog Sugar Cookies

• Use softened, not melted butter for creaming; this traps air and creates a fluffier dough.
• Chill the dough—even a short chill helps keep the cookies from spreading and losing their shape.
• Roll evenly to ensure uniform baking. Uneven thickness can lead to over- or underbaked cookies.
• Don’t overbake. Pull them from the oven when the edges are just barely golden.
• Add fresh nutmeg if possible—it makes a noticeable difference in flavor depth.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the chill step. Warm dough spreads too quickly in the oven, ruining your cookie shapes.
• Overmixing the dough. Once the flour is added, mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
• Not prepping your surface. Always flour your rolling surface lightly to prevent sticking, but don’t overdo it or the dough will dry out.
• Crowding the baking sheet. Leave space between cookies so they bake evenly.
• Forgetting to adjust for oven hot spots. Rotate your tray halfway through baking if your oven has uneven heat.

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What to Serve With Christmas Eggnog Sugar Cookies?

1. Hot Eggnog

Serve these cookies with a warm mug of eggnog for a double hit of holiday cheer.

2. Mulled Cider

The spiced aroma of cider pairs beautifully with the subtle nutmeg flavor of the cookies.

3. Vanilla Ice Cream

Create a festive dessert plate by serving a scoop of ice cream with warm cookies.

4. Coffee with a Dash of Cinnamon

Perfect for an afternoon treat or morning pick-me-up.

5. Holiday Cheese Platter

Believe it or not, these mildly sweet cookies can be a unique pairing on a festive cheese board.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment between layers to avoid sticking.

Freezing Dough: You can freeze the dough wrapped in plastic and stored in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling.

Freezing Baked Cookies: These cookies freeze well once baked too. Lay them flat in a container, with parchment between layers. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Cookie, Approximate)

• Calories: 110
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Sugar: 6g
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 55mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have cookie cutters?

You can roll the dough into balls and flatten them slightly with the bottom of a glass. They’ll still bake beautifully.

Can I add frosting to these?

Absolutely! A simple eggnog or vanilla glaze adds an extra festive touch.

How can I make these gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s one intended for baking and contains xanthan gum.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours before rolling, or frozen for longer storage.

Are these cookies overly sweet?

Not at all! They strike a perfect balance—lightly sweet with a warm, spiced finish.

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Conclusion

Christmas Eggnog Sugar Cookies are everything I love about the holiday season wrapped into a single treat. They’re nostalgic, flavorful, and delightfully easy to make. Whether you’re baking them for a party, for gifting, or just to fill your home with that irresistible holiday aroma, these cookies will absolutely deliver. So pour yourself a glass of eggnog, roll out that dough, and let the festive baking begin!

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