Imagine biting into a soft, buttery sugar cookie that instantly transports you to a cozy winter wonderland, with the rich, creamy essence of eggnog dancing on your taste buds. These Sugar Cookies with Eggnog Frosting are not just a dessert—they're a festive experience that will make your kitchen smell like pure holiday happiness. Perfect for cookie exchanges, family gatherings, or those quiet moments when you need a sweet escape, this recipe promises to become your new seasonal favorite that will have everyone asking, "Can you share your secret?"
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon eggnog spice
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup eggnog (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder until well combined. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and eggnog spice to the butter mixture. Beat until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Gently flatten each cookie ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm to create uniform thickness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, whisk together powdered sugar and eggnog in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Once cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the eggnog frosting onto each cookie.
- Allow frosting to set for 15-20 minutes before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Tips
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest, most consistent dough.
- Don't overmix the cookie dough—this can lead to tough, dense cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon for uniform cookie sizes to ensure even baking.
- For the most festive look, sprinkle a tiny bit of nutmeg or cinnamon on top of the frosting.
- Let cookies cool completely before frosting to prevent the icing from melting.
- Store cookies in a single layer to keep the frosting pristine, and they'll stay fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- For extra richness, use freshly grated nutmeg in both the cookie dough and frosting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg

