Name: Vanilla Eggnog Cookies with Spiced Vanilla Icing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) salted butter, at room temperature; 3/4 cup packed brown sugar; 1 egg, at room temperature; 2 tablespoons bourbon (optional); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus an additional 2-4 tablespoons if needed; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg or cinnamon; 1/2 cup eggnog (or use milk or water as alternative); Edible gold dust; Vanilla sugar; Sprinkles

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If you’re looking to cozy up your holiday baking this year, you’ve got to try these Vanilla Eggnog Cookies with Spiced Vanilla Icing Recipe. They strike just the right balance between soft, buttery cookies infused with the classic warmth of eggnog and a touch of bourbon, and that dreamy spiced vanilla icing that brings everything home. I first made these when I wanted something a little different than your usual sugar cookie, and they quickly became a family favorite—perfect for sharing at holiday parties or wrapping up as gifts.

What makes this Vanilla Eggnog Cookies with Spiced Vanilla Icing Recipe stand out is how the flavors feel nostalgic yet festive all at once. The cinnamon and nutmeg in both the cookie and icing give a subtle spicy kick without overpowering that rich vanilla and eggnog base. Plus, the bourbon adds a lovely depth, but it’s totally optional if you prefer to keep things alcohol-free. Trust me, once you bake a batch, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your holiday rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create cookies that are soft, flavorful, and just sweet enough. When shopping, opt for good quality vanilla extract and fresh spices for the best flavor explosion.

Salted butter: Using salted butter adds a subtle savory note that balances the sweetness and really makes the spices pop.
Brown sugar: Keeps the cookies moist and adds a hint of molasses flavor that pairs perfectly with eggnog.
Egg: Make sure it’s at room temperature to ensure your cookie dough mixes evenly.
Bourbon: Totally optional, but I love how it adds warmth and complexity to the cookie flavor.
Vanilla extract: Choose pure vanilla extract to get that deep, natural vanilla flavor shining through.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookies—adding a couple of extra tablespoons if your dough feels too sticky is totally ok.
Cinnamon and nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg especially elevates the spice level in the most delightful way.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies spread just right without getting too flat.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
Powdered sugar: For the icing, to keep it smooth and silky.
Eggnog: Adds authentic holiday cheer to your icing; if you don’t have any, milk or even water works fine.
Edible gold dust, vanilla sugar, and sprinkles: Fun for decorating and making your cookies look as festive as they taste.

Variations

I love that this Vanilla Eggnog Cookies with Spiced Vanilla Icing Recipe can be easily tweaked to match your style or dietary needs. Sometimes I swap out bourbon for rum or omit it completely, depending on who I’m baking for. Feel free to play around!

Non-alcoholic: Leave out the bourbon for a kid-friendly treat that’s just as delicious and festive.
Gluten-free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend with xanthan gum—I’ve had great luck with this and you still get soft cookies.
Vegan: Use plant-based butter and a flax egg, plus swap eggnog for your favorite dairy-free version.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for an extra holiday twist that I often throw in if I want a little more warmth.
Decorating style: Instead of spiced vanilla icing, try a simple powdered sugar glaze or cream cheese frosting for a different vibe.

How to Make Vanilla Eggnog Cookies with Spiced Vanilla Icing Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating your room temperature salted butter with the brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes with a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed. I find this step is key for getting tender cookies, so don’t rush it. You’ll know it’s ready when the color lightens and you get that fluffy texture.

Step 2: Add the Egg, Bourbon, and Vanilla

Next, add your egg, bourbon, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat until it’s fully combined and smooth. If you forget to bring your egg to room temperature, you might get little bits of curdled butter, so a quick tip is to warm the egg by placing it in warm water for a few minutes before using.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and kosher salt. This ensures your spices and leavening agent are evenly distributed, so no cookie ends up tasting too salty or flat. Then, gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet ingredients.

Step 4: Form and Chill the Dough

If your dough feels a bit sticky, add a tablespoon or two more flour until manageable. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes—this helps the flavors meld and makes rolling out easier. I never skip this step because it really improves the texture of the final cookie.

Step 5: Roll, Cut, and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut into your favorite cookie shapes. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are just beginning to turn golden. Don’t overbake! They’ll firm up as they cool, so it’s better to pull them out a little early.

Step 6: Make the Spiced Vanilla Icing

While the cookies cool, mix powdered sugar with vanilla extract and grated nutmeg or cinnamon. Slowly whisk in eggnog (or milk/water) a little at a time until you get a smooth, spreadable icing. If it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar; if too thick, a splash more liquid. This icing is where those festive spices shine beautifully.

Step 7: Decorate and Enjoy

Once cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the spiced vanilla icing over them. I love adding a little edible gold dust or vanilla sugar on top for sparkle, but colorful sprinkles work just as well. Let the icing set for a bit before digging in or packaging.

How to Serve Vanilla Eggnog Cookies with Spiced Vanilla Icing Recipe

The image shows six main ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface: in the top left, a solid block of pale yellow butter with a smooth texture; to its right, a white bowl filled with finely ground, dark brown cinnamon powder; below the butter, a brown egg with a smooth shell; beside the egg, a tiny white dish holding a small amount of amber-colored vanilla extract; below the vanilla, a white bowl heaped with off-white flour, fluffy and powdery; to the right of the flour, a white bowl filled with granulated white sugar, mounded slightly; and below the sugar, another white bowl with a white granular substance, slightly coarser in texture, possibly salt or baking soda, all set against a clean, white marbled background photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a fan of keeping it simple yet elegant—sprinkling edible gold dust on the icing makes these cookies feel so special. For a more casual vibe, vanilla sugar or cinnamon sugar adds a subtle crunch that’s lovely. If you’re serving kids, definitely break out the festive sprinkles; the contrast of colors makes these cookies pop on any plate.

Side Dishes

These cookies are a dream alongside a warm mug of spiced chai or classic eggnog—why not double down on the festivity? I’ve also enjoyed them with a simple hot chocolate bar or as part of a holiday cookie platter featuring gingerbread and peppermint bark for that extra seasonal cheer.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving, I like to stack these cookies in a clear cello bag tied with a rustic twine and a sprig of fresh rosemary—so pretty and festive! Another favorite is arranging them on a tiered holiday cookie stand with small pine cones and fairy lights around for a centerpiece that gets everyone reaching for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your cookies are iced and completely dry, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. I usually layer with parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking. They stay fresh for about 4-5 days, which is just enough time for everyone to enjoy them (if you don’t sneak too many first!).

Freezing

I’ve frozen both the baked, uniced cookies and the dough itself. For the dough, shape it into a disk, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling out. For baked cookies, freeze them undecorated in a single layer, then transfer to a container; add icing after thawing for best results.

Reheating

These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you crave that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop them in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes. Just watch closely to avoid drying them out. I never recommend microwaving as it can make the cookies tough.

FAQs

Can I make the Vanilla Eggnog Cookies with Spiced Vanilla Icing Recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! The bourbon is optional and mainly adds depth of flavor. You can simply leave it out, and your cookies will still be delicious and just as festive.
Is it okay to use pre-made powdered eggnog for the icing?

Yes, pre-made eggnog works great in the icing and adds authentic seasonal flavor. If you don’t have eggnog, milk or even water can be used as a substitute, though the flavor won’t be quite as rich.
How do I prevent my Vanilla Eggnog Cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure to chill your dough before baking and avoid too much butter or flour adjustments. Also, keep an eye on the baking time to pull the cookies out as soon as edges turn golden.
Can I decorate these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! Just let the icing fully set before storing them in an airtight container. They hold up well for a few days and make great gifts.
What’s the best way to store leftover Vanilla Eggnog Cookies with Spiced Vanilla Icing Recipe?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They last about 4-5 days perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Vanilla Eggnog Cookies with Spiced Vanilla Icing Recipe really feels like a warm holiday hug in cookie form—one that’s sure to bring smiles around your kitchen table. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do, whether it’s for a festive party, a thoughtful gift, or simply indulging yourself with a cup of eggnog and a good book. Give it a try, and sweeten your season with a little vanilla, spice, and everything nice.