Eggnog-Glazed Holiday Cookies: Soft Spiced Cookie Recipe

These melt-in-your-mouth, soft Glazed Eggnog Cookies are finished with a spiced eggnog glaze—double the eggnog flavor for extra holiday cheer.

These easy drop cookies are infused with eggnog, and if you enjoy that classic holiday flavor, these cookies are a must-try. They pair nicely with other eggnog desserts and are an excellent way to use up leftover eggnog.

These old-fashioned eggnog cookies almost didn’t happen—egg nog disappears fast around here—but I’m glad they did. They’re light, tender and irresistible.

If you’re not an eggnog fan, don’t worry—these cookies win over plenty of skeptics. My husband refused them at first, then couldn’t stop eating them after trying one.

What Is Eggnog?

Eggnog is a creamy holiday beverage typically made from milk, cream, egg yolks and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Often it’s spiked with rum, brandy, whiskey or sherry for a festive kick.

Because eggnog is a seasonal favorite, it’s perfect to bake into cookies and other desserts when you want that familiar holiday taste.

Eggnog Trivia

Eggnog has a long history and even historic figures like George Washington had famous recipes—often boozy. Whether you buy it or make it at home, eggnog brings a classic holiday flavor to baked treats.

Traditional Spiked Eggnog (Overview)

One quart cream
One quart milk
Sugar to taste
A blend of brandy, rye whiskey, rum and sherry (optional)

Mix the liquor (if using). Separate yolks and whites, beat yolks with sugar, then add milk and cream.
Beat egg whites until stiff and fold into the mixture.
Let mature in a cool place for a few days for best flavor.

Eggnog remains a holiday favorite and works beautifully in baked goods like these cookies.

Ingredients

Eggnog Cookies

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup eggnog
2 eggs

Eggnog Glaze

2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
6 tablespoons eggnog
Optional: 1 teaspoon rum or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: sprinkles

How to Make Soft Eggnog Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and baking powder; set aside.
In a large bowl, beat butter, vanilla and both sugars until smooth and well combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing between each addition. Stir in the eggnog until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until the dough is well combined. The dough will be quite wet, similar to cake batter.
Use a small cookie scoop to drop portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, about 12 per sheet.
Bake 12–15 minutes. The tops should be set but the cookies remain soft—avoid overbaking.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet briefly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

How to Make the Eggnog Glaze

In a small bowl whisk together the powdered sugar, nutmeg and eggnog until smooth. Add rum or vanilla if desired.
Drop spoonfuls of glaze over each cooled cookie and smooth with the back of the spoon as needed.
Top with sprinkles if you like.
Allow the icing to dry on a cooling rack for 2–3 hours until it firms. Don’t stack the cookies while the glaze is setting.
Store glazed cookies in an airtight container in a single layer or separated with parchment to prevent sticking.

Storing

Room temperature: Keep eggnog cookies fresh up to 7 days in an airtight container. For glazed cookies, place parchment between layers to avoid sticking.

My husband ended up loving these old-fashioned glazed eggnog cookies—proof that a single bite can change minds. If you have leftover eggnog, this recipe is a delicious way to use it.

These soft eggnog cookies bring holiday flavor to any gathering. They’re simple to prepare, use everyday ingredients and can be dressed up with festive toppings.

Glazed eggnog cookies make a delightful Christmas treat and a tasty dessert option through the New Year. Enjoy!