This eggnog Christmas cookies recipe is a definite must make this year! Phi has made these cookies for her annual cookie and cocktail exchange for many years, so keep reading to learn more about that fun event!
If you’re a lover of eggnog, these cookies are for you. But even if you don’t drink eggnog, I bet you’ll enjoy them too. They just taste like the holidays and Christmas in a cookie form. Plus, they have a rum extract kick that can’t hurt, right?!
Is there eggnog in these cookies?
- Seems like a funny question right? But there isn’t actually any eggnog in them! A mixture of milk and nutmeg (and a kick of rum extract) give that perfect dose of eggnog flavor without going overboard.
Top these cookies with gold sanding sugar that adds the perfect festive touch on any cookie platter.
Now how about that cookie and cocktail exchange we mentioned earlier?! Years ago, Phi started hosting these parties; complete with prizes (think Starbucks gift card, cookie cutter, mug) and they were so fun! Since kids came along, Covid happened and things just got busy, it’s been a few years since she’s hosted this party, but we still wanted to share how to host one if you’re interested!
In case you want to host your very own Christmas cookie & cocktail exchange, below is what Phi did for prizes and a quick copy of the voting cards. Things can get real heated when prizes are involved, ha!
It’s so fun to make new cookies each year, and seeing what other people make. If you’re ever looking for great cookie ideas, check out our Christmas cookie roundup here!
Besides these eggnog Christmas cookies which you absolutely have to make?
Eggnog Christmas Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 2 cups butter softened (4 sticks)
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons rum extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the frosting:
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 2 teaspoons rum extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 4-5 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons colored sugar for topping optional. We like to use this gold sugar.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- In a mixing bowl with a stand or hand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Beat in eggs and extracts.
- In a separate bowl combine flour, nutmeg and salt. Add to creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper.
- Scoop dough into balls using a cookie scoop (or with your hands and form into 1 1/2 tablespoon size balls). Place cookie dough balls on lined baking sheets, about 2 inches apart (12 per baking sheet). Bake for 10-12 minutes, until outside edges begin to turn light brown. Remove from oven.
- Cool on wire racks.
For the Frosting
- In a large bowl cream together the butter and extracts; add powdered sugar and milk, alternatively, until a desired consistency.
- Frost cookies with rum frosting, then sprinkle with colored sugar.
Notes
Nutrition
Colleen Lafountaine says
Hi! I’m new to baking and love the sound of this. iChat do you think would happen if I sub almond ext instead of Rum
I know it won’t be eggnog but would it be bad? Also could I maybe add cinnamon since not using rum or would that be bad?
I’m about to cook these not sure if you’ll see this
Thank you!!
Sweetphi says
What a great question! I think that would make a wonderful substitution. The Almond extract is super powerful though, so I’d suggest using 1 teaspoon of Almond extract.
Barb says
does this seem like too much butter? Although I refrigerated the dough the cookies were totally flat and run together..very greasy when I pulled them off the silpat. 4 sticks butter to 2 c flour just can’t be right.
Sweetphi says
Oh my goodness Barb, I truly have to apologize to you, you are absolutely correct. At first thought I was thinking to myself “there’s no way that’s too much butter, I’ve made these cookies dozens of times, and it’s a recipe from my friends’ grandmother” but then I looked and I had inadvertently written 2 cups, not 4 cups for the flour. I am SO SORRY! I changed it immediately. I am going to write you an email as well as I’d like to send you a little thank you gift for catching that!
Danny E Rose says
Mine are also flat and run together. Should there be baking powder is something in them?
Sweetphi says
I’m trying to think what could have gone wrong here, I’ve made these cookies a few times and they’ve never run together. That’s so odd, these cookies have 4 cups of flour in them so they shouldn’t be runny. Did you use extra large eggs or extra butter or make any other modifications to them? There is no baking powder in the recipe I make…so sorry they didn’t turn out for you.
Danny says
The last batch came out pretty well. Looks like the dough needs to come to room temperature.
Jessica says
These look so great! Thanks for sharing the other recipes too! I’ll be checking them out when it’s time for holiday baking!
Sweetphi says
Thank you so much! So glad you’ll be back to view the list 🙂
Sues says
I’m all about eggnog in everything at this time of year!! These are so adorable and I bet they’re so delicious!
Sweetphi says
Thank you so much girl, these are definitely super delish 🙂