Eggnog Cookie Bars with Festive Frosting Recipe
These delicious Eggnog Cookie Bars combine the festive flavors of classic eggnog with tender, buttery cookie bars topped with a creamy eggnog frosting. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a seasonal treat, these bars offer a delightful balance of warm spices, sweet frosting, and a soft yet sturdy texture that makes them easy to serve and enjoy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Cookie Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Bars
- 1/2 cup butter (salted or unsalted), softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Frosting
- 1/4 cup butter (salted or unsalted), softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup eggnog
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of nutmeg for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a smooth base for the cookie dough.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, eggnog, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring the mixture is uniform and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to form a dough. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and even baking. Spread the dough evenly into the pan.
- Bake the Bars: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookie bars for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting, preventing the frosting from melting.
- Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, eggnog, and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and spreadable.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the eggnog frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg on top for a festive garnish.
- Serve and Store: Cut the bars into squares and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Notes
- For a stronger eggnog flavor, you can add an extra tablespoon of eggnog to the dough or frosting.
- Use fresh nutmeg for the best aroma and flavor.
- These bars can be made ahead and refrigerated; just bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- If you want a non-alcoholic version, use regular eggnog without alcohol.
- Ensure the cookie bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
Keywords: eggnog cookie bars, holiday cookie bars, festive cookies, eggnog dessert, Christmas treats, spiced cookie bars