If you’re anything like me, when the holidays roll around, you’re eager to try something festive but not overly complicated. That’s exactly why this Eggnog Cookie Bars with Festive Frosting Recipe has become a favorite go-to in my kitchen. It’s all the cozy, rich flavors of eggnog in a handheld treat that’s perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or just snuggling up with a warm drink.

The magic here is in the combination of tender, nutmeg-spiced cookie bars paired with a creamy, eggnog-infused frosting that feels indulgent but not too sweet. I love making these because they feel special enough for a celebration yet come together quickly, making them a total crowd-pleaser and stress-free addition to your festive baking lineup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in the Eggnog Cookie Bars with Festive Frosting Recipe plays a role in building that classic holiday flavor we all adore. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand to get the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and that unmistakable eggnog essence.

Butter: Using softened butter helps the sugars cream together smoothly, ensuring soft, chewy bars.
Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and gives the cookie bars their tender crumb.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that enhances the festive vibe.
Egg: Binds the ingredients, contributing to the texture.
Eggnog: The star of the show, this brings that signature holiday flavor straight into your bars and frosting.
Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor profile and complements the nutmeg.
All-purpose flour: The base of your cookie bars, providing structure.
Baking powder: Just enough lift to give your bars a nice, light texture without being cakey.
Nutmeg: Essential for that warm, cozy spice—you’ll want to measure carefully to avoid overpowering.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Powdered sugar (for frosting): Creates a smooth, creamy texture that’s easy to spread and tastes perfect with eggnog.
Pinch of nutmeg (for garnish): Adds a lovely festive finishing touch on the frosting.

Variations

I love how versatile this Eggnog Cookie Bars with Festive Frosting Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some of my favorite ways to make it your own.

Use almond milk eggnog: For a dairy-free twist, I’ve swapped in almond milk-based eggnog and found it still tastes amazing.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts: I sometimes toss in nuts for a bit of crunch, which pairs nicely with the soft bars.
Replace nutmeg with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice: Depending on your spice preference, you can shift the flavor profile subtly to suit your holiday mood.
Make it gluten-free: I’ve tried using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and it worked great, just watch the baking time closely.
Try a cream cheese frosting alternative: One year, I used a cream cheese frosting with a hint of eggnog and it was so indulgent—definitely a keeper!

How to Make Eggnog Cookie Bars with Festive Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by beating the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. I usually do this with an electric mixer on medium speed. It should take about 3-4 minutes. This step is key—it helps the cookie bars develop a tender texture and ensures the sugars dissolve nicely, giving a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, mix in the egg, eggnog, and vanilla extract. Make sure to beat everything thoroughly so the ingredients fully combine. The eggnog here is where that special holiday flavor starts to shine through, so resist the urge to skip it!

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients and Mix Gently

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. Slowly add this dry mix to your wet ingredients in batches, gently folding with a spatula or mixing on low speed. You want everything just combined—overmixing can make the texture tough, and these bars are meant to be soft and chewy.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Spread the batter evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes or until edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake; you want the bars soft and moist.

Step 5: Prepare the Festive Frosting

While the bars are cooling, whip together softened butter, powdered sugar, eggnog, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. The frosting should be spreadable but not runny—if it feels too thin, add a little more powdered sugar for thickness. A quick tip: let your bars cool completely before frosting, or the frosting may melt and slide off.

Step 6: Frost and Garnish

Once cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the bars and sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg on top for that extra festive flair. I find this simple garnish really makes them feel holiday-ready and adds a lovely aroma the moment you serve them.

How to Serve Eggnog Cookie Bars with Festive Frosting Recipe

The image shows seven small white bowls and one whole brown egg arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl in the bottom right holds a smooth, light cream liquid. Next to it, a slightly smaller bowl is filled with fine white flour with a few lumps. Above that, a bowl contains dark brown sugar that looks moist and crumbly. Another bowl in the upper left holds a thick pale yellow block of butter. Towards the center, two tiny bowls contain white granulated sugar and white coarse salt. A small bowl on the lower left holds white granulated sugar sprinkled with brown cinnamon powder. The brown egg is placed on the left side near the smallest bowls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little grated nutmeg or cinnamon on top, but sometimes I go all out with crushed peppermint candies or festive colored sprinkles to match a party theme. It’s such a fun way to add personality and make these bars visually pop.

Side Dishes

Eggnog Cookie Bars pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or, of course, a glass of chilled eggnog for all-out indulgence. I also love serving them alongside a light fruit salad or a cheese board to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged these bars on a wooden board surrounded by pine sprigs and cranberries for a rustic look. Wrapping individual bars in parchment and tying with twine makes charming take-home gifts for guests too—plus, who doesn’t love edible presents?

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover Eggnog Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, keeping them in the fridge works nicely too, just be aware the frosting might firm up a bit.

Freezing

The last time I made a big batch, I froze some unfrosted bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They kept well for up to 2 months. When ready, just thaw completely, then add the frosting fresh—it tastes just as delightful as the day you baked them.

Reheating

If you prefer warm bars, I reheat them gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds per bar, frosting and all. This softens the frosting slightly and brings out those cozy eggnog notes beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought eggnog or homemade eggnog for this recipe?

You can absolutely use either! Store-bought eggnog works perfectly and is very convenient, but if you have homemade eggnog on hand, it gives even richer flavor. Just make sure the eggnog isn’t too watery to keep the cookie bars’ texture just right.
How can I make these bars vegan or dairy-free?

To make vegan or dairy-free Eggnog Cookie Bars with Festive Frosting Recipe, substitute butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Use plant-based eggnog and replace the egg with a flax or chia seed egg. For the frosting, use vegan butter and powdered sugar, ensuring your eggnog alternative is thick enough to keep the frosting creamy.
Can I make these bars ahead for a holiday party?

Yes! They actually taste better after the flavors meld overnight. I recommend baking the bars a day ahead and frosting them just before serving to keep that frosting fresh and creamy.
What’s the best way to cut cookie bars cleanly?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before cutting—this helps slice through the frosting and bars without messy crumbles. Wiping the knife between cuts also keeps each piece neat and photo-ready!
Can I add other spices to the recipe?

Definitely! Although nutmeg is traditional and key to that eggnog flavor, cinnamon, cloves, or allspice can be added for a unique twist. I sometimes do a pinch of cinnamon along with the nutmeg for extra warmth—just don’t overdo it, or it can overpower the frosting.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about the Eggnog Cookie Bars with Festive Frosting Recipe that makes holiday baking feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re sharing with friends, gifting a batch to neighbors, or treating yourself after a busy day, these bars deliver festive cheer in every bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a beloved part of your seasonal cookbook — just like it did mine!