Vanilla Eggnog Cookie is a festive treat that brings the warmth of the holidays right to your kitchen. These Vanilla Brown Sugar Eggnog Cookies feature a delightful brown sugar dough infused with the rich flavors of bourbon and warm spices. Topped with a creamy spiced vanilla icing, they are perfect for Christmas celebrations. Whether you’re cutting them into fun shapes like snowflakes or Christmas trees, these cookies are destined to be a holiday favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Eggnog Cookie
This Vanilla Eggnog Cookie recipe is not just about taste; it’s about the joy of the season. Here are a few reasons to love these cookies:
- They are a delicious addition to your holiday cookie platter.
- Versatile for decorating; make them personal with your favorite toppings.
- Easy to make, even for baking beginners.
- Rich in flavor with a hint of bourbon and spices, reminiscent of eggnog.
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends.
- Can be made gluten-free or vegan with simple substitutions.
Plus, they fit perfectly into the American dessert category and are inherently vegetarian!
Ingredients for Vanilla Eggnog Cookie
Gather these items:
- 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)
- Edible gold dust, vanilla sugar, and/or sprinkles for decorating
How to Make Vanilla Eggnog Cookie Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the room temperature butter and brown sugar until creamy. Add the egg and mix until well combined. Beat in the bourbon (if using) and vanilla extract. Add the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and kosher salt, and continue to beat until the dough forms a cohesive ball. If the dough feels too wet to roll out, gradually mix in 2-4 tablespoons more flour until it is manageable.
- Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Step 3: Divide the dough in half. On a floured piece of parchment paper, roll out the dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. Use holiday-themed cookie cutters to cut shapes from the dough. Use a floured spatula to carefully transfer the cookies to the parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover the baking sheet and freeze the cookies for 15 minutes to firm up the dough.
- Step 4: Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven and bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
- Step 5: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and grated nutmeg. Gradually add 1 tablespoon of eggnog (or milk/water) at a time, whisking until the icing is smooth and drizzly. Add more liquid if necessary to reach desired consistency.
- Step 6: Use a piping bag or a Ziploc bag with a small corner snipped off to pipe the icing onto cooled cookies. Decorate with sprinkles, vanilla sugar, or edible gold dust as desired. Allow the icing to set completely, about one hour, before serving.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Vanilla Eggnog Cookie
Keep these in mind:
- These cookies can be cut into various holiday shapes.
- Decorate with different toppings for a festive look.
- Store in an airtight container for freshness.
- For a unique twist, add a pinch of cardamom or swap the bourbon for rum.
Best Ways to Serve Vanilla Eggnog Cookie
These cookies shine at holiday gatherings and are also great served with:
- Hot cocoa or spiced tea.
- A selection of festive cheeses for a savory contrast.
- As part of a cookie exchange or holiday gift basket.
How to Store and Reheat Vanilla Eggnog Cookie
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. They will last up to a week at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the iced cookies. When ready to enjoy, allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vanilla Eggnog Cookie
What is Vanilla Eggnog Cookie?
A Vanilla Eggnog Cookie is a holiday treat that combines the rich flavors of eggnog with a soft, spiced cookie base, perfect for celebrating the season.
Can I make Vanilla Eggnog Cookie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to a month. This makes for an easy baking session closer to your holiday events.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Vanilla Eggnog Cookie?
To prevent dough issues, ensure your butter is at room temperature and measure your flour correctly. Avoid over-mixing the dough to maintain a soft texture in your cookies.
Variations of Vanilla Eggnog Cookie You Can Try
Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Make Gluten-Free Vanilla Eggnog Cookies by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Try a Vegan Vanilla Eggnog Cookie Recipe using flax eggs and plant-based butter.
- Add chocolate chips for a spiced vanilla eggnog dessert that’s even more indulgent.
- Create soft vanilla eggnog cookies by slightly underbaking them for a chewy texture.
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Delicious Vanilla Eggnog Cookie for Festive Celebrations
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Vanilla Brown Sugar Eggnog Cookies are a festive and flavorful holiday treat featuring a rich brown sugar dough infused with bourbon and warm spices, topped with a smooth spiced vanilla icing. Perfect for Christmas celebrations, the cookies can be cut into fun shapes like snowflakes, Christmas trees, and the Grinch, then decorated beautifully.
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)
- Edible gold dust, vanilla sugar, and/or sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the room temperature butter and brown sugar until creamy. Add the egg and mix until well combined. Beat in the bourbon (if using) and vanilla extract. Add the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and kosher salt, and continue to beat until the dough forms a cohesive ball. If the dough feels too wet to roll out, gradually mix in 2-4 tablespoons more flour until it is manageable.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Divide the dough in half. On a floured piece of parchment paper, roll out the dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. Use holiday-themed cookie cutters to cut shapes from the dough. Use a floured spatula to carefully transfer the cookies to the parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover the baking sheet and freeze the cookies for 15 minutes to firm up the dough.
- Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven and bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and grated nutmeg. Gradually add 1 tablespoon of eggnog (or milk/water) at a time, whisking until the icing is smooth and drizzly. Add more liquid if necessary to reach desired consistency.
- Use a piping bag or a Ziploc bag with a small corner snipped off to pipe the icing onto cooled cookies. Decorate with sprinkles, vanilla sugar, or edible gold dust as desired. Allow the icing to set completely, about one hour, before serving.
Notes
- These cookies can be cut into various holiday shapes.
- Decorate with different toppings for a festive look.
- Store in an airtight container for freshness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg