If the holidays had a signature cookie, it would have to be these Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies. They’re pillowy-soft, gently spiced, and capture the creamy nostalgia of eggnog in every bite. I can practically guarantee you’ll want to make more than one batch—the cinnamon-sugar tops glisten like fresh snow, and the warm notes of nutmeg and rum extract lift these cookies far beyond your average Christmas treat. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering, a cookie swap, or a cozy night with some cocoa, this recipe is one you’ll come back to year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies is all in the blend of simple pantry staples and holiday flavors. Each ingredient brings something special: pillowy softness, rich taste, or that perfect hint of spice that embodies holiday baking at its best.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for structure, holding the cookies together while keeping them tender and soft.
- Baking powder: Ensures just the right lift, making the cookies puff up beautifully without spreading too thin.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and classic spice to complement the eggnog.
- Ground nutmeg: That unmistakable eggnog aroma comes to life with a dash of nutmeg—don’t skip it!
- Salt: Brings out all the other flavors, balancing sweetness and enhancing the spices.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a light, fluffy crumb.
- Light brown sugar: Brings moisture and a subtle caramel flavor that deepens the holiday vibe.
- Eggnog: The star ingredient! Use your favorite store-bought or homemade variety for maximum holiday spirit.
- Large egg: Provides binding and a little extra softness in every cookie.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds a touch of classic sweetness.
- Rum extract (optional): A splash adds that signature eggnog flair—highly recommended if you have it!
- Cinnamon-sugar for sprinkling: Gives each cookie an irresistible sparkling finish and a final boost of sweet spice.
How to Make Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper—not only does this make cleanup a breeze, but it also helps the cookies retain their perfect shape without sticking or browning too quickly underneath.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure these are well blended so the leavening and spices are evenly distributed. This step is essential for achieving soft, spiced cookies with just the right bite.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large separate bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light, airy, and just a little fluffy. This process introduces air into the dough and is the secret to that delicate, cake-like crumb Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies are known for.
Step 4: Add Eggnog, Egg, and Extracts
Add the eggnog, egg, vanilla, and rum extract (if you’re using it) to your butter-sugar mixture. Beat again just until combined—the aroma at this point will smell like Christmas morning! You want everything silky-smooth and luscious before moving on.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the bowl of dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Mix gently, scraping the sides as needed, until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Don’t overmix; just bring everything together for cookies that stay ultra-soft.
Step 6: Portion and Shape the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread. Lightly flatten each ball for a classic, even shape—these cookies bake up tender and thick, so a gentle press helps them along.
Step 7: Sprinkle and Bake
Generously sprinkle each dough round with cinnamon-sugar. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. The centers will still look a bit soft, but that’s the secret to their irresistible, pillowy texture. Don’t overbake!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies rest on the baking sheets for five minutes before gently transferring them to a wire rack. This brief rest helps them set perfectly and ensures you get that glorious, soft bite in every cookie. Once cooled, they’re ready to dazzle at your holiday table.
How to Serve Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, try drizzling your cooled cookies with an eggnog glaze—simply whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of eggnog, and a pinch of cinnamon until smooth. Or go classic and add a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving for that snowy, magical finish everyone loves.
Side Dishes
These cookies are perfect on their own, but they shine even brighter alongside a cozy mug of cocoa, a steamy latte, or (naturally) a glass of creamy eggnog. For a delightful dessert plate, serve them with candied pecans or fruit preserves to balance their gentle spice and sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re gifting or entertaining, stack the Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies in cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon, or pile them high on a cake stand adorned with sprigs of holly and cinnamon sticks. For cookie swaps, nestle them in patterned cupcake liners, then arrange them in a decorative tin for maximum wow.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies irresistibly soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for several days, making them a dream for prepping ahead of time during the busy holiday rush.
Freezing
Yes, these cookies freeze beautifully—either before or after baking! To freeze the dough, portion it into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a sealed bag for up to three months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two. Already baked cookies can be layered between parchment in a freezer-safe container for effortless holiday treats on demand.
Reheating
If you’d like to enjoy your Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies warm, pop one or two in the microwave for just 8 to 10 seconds. For a whole batch, a low oven (around 250°F) for a few minutes revives that soft, just-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies without eggnog?
Eggnog is the heart of this recipe, but if you need a substitute, try equal parts milk and heavy cream plus an extra dash of nutmeg and vanilla. It won’t be exactly the same, but you’ll still get that creamy, festive spirit.
Is the rum extract necessary?
Nope! The rum extract adds a bit of traditional eggnog flair, but if you don’t have it, feel free to leave it out. The cookies will still taste amazing and full of holiday charm.
How do I keep the cookies soft for days?
Store them in an airtight tin or zippered bag at room temperature with a slice of white bread inside (seriously, it works). The bread gives up its moisture to the cookies, keeping them bakery-soft even after several days.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! The dough scales perfectly—just be sure to mix in a very large bowl and rotate your baking sheets halfway through baking for even results. These will disappear fast if you bring them to a party!
Why did my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread, it might be due to very soft butter or a hot kitchen. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking next time, and measure your flour by spooning and leveling for the perfect thick, chewy cookie.
Final Thoughts
If ever there was a cookie to capture the coziness of the holidays, these Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies deliver every time. Share them with family, surprise your neighbor, or treat yourself with an extra or two alongside a warm drink. I have a feeling you’ll fall for them just as much as I have—happy baking and merry Christmas!
Print
Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the festive flavors of the holiday season with these soft and flavorful Cinnamon Eggnog Christmas Cookies. Perfect for cookie exchanges or as a sweet treat for your loved ones.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup eggnog
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon rum extract (optional)
- Cinnamon-sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggnog, egg, vanilla extract, and rum extract (if using) and beat until combined.
- Mix the dough: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Bake the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, flatten, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar, and bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra flavor, top cookies with an eggnog glaze or add a pinch of cloves to the dough.
- These cookies stay soft for days and are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
