Cozy Eggnog Sugar Cookies

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Soft, pillowy, and full of festive flavor, these Cozy Eggnog Sugar Cookies are everything you want in a holiday treat. They’re tender on the inside with a delicate crunch on the outside, kissed with warm notes of nutmeg and cinnamon. These cookies carry that nostalgic, creamy essence of eggnog — making them perfect for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or just a personal moment of holiday indulgence.

The subtle eggnog flavor blends beautifully with classic sugar cookie goodness, giving you something familiar yet excitingly seasonal. No need for elaborate decorations — the simple crackled tops dusted with cinnamon sugar give them rustic charm and bakery-style appeal. Once you try one, it’s hard to stop at just one.

Why You’ll Love This Cozy Eggnog Sugar Cookies Recipe

• A holiday twist on a beloved classic
• Perfectly soft with just the right amount of chew
• Hints of eggnog, nutmeg, and vanilla in every bite
• No chilling required — ready in under 30 minutes
• A crowd-pleaser for cookie swaps, parties, or gifting

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create these eggnog-infused delights, you’ll need a few key kitchen tools that make all the difference:

• Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining your wet and dry ingredients separately to avoid overmixing.
• Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Crucial for creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy — this step gives the cookies their soft texture.
• Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon: Helps portion the dough evenly so each cookie bakes uniformly.
• Baking Sheets: Go for heavy-duty, rimmed baking sheets to ensure even baking and no warping.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool completely without getting soggy bottoms.

Each of these tools contributes to the cookie’s success, from ensuring the dough mixes properly to achieving that perfect bake.

Preparation Tips

Use room temperature ingredients, especially the butter and eggnog — this helps them cream together smoothly and evenly. Measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid a dry, crumbly dough. Don’t skip the cream of tartar — it’s key for the cookie’s signature texture. And finally, keep an eye on the bake time; they should look just set and lightly golden on the bottom to stay soft and tender once cooled.

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Ingredients for this Cozy Eggnog Sugar Cookies Recipe

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: cinnamon sugar for sprinkling

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to ensure an easy release of the cookies and prevent over-browning.

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Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, and ground nutmeg. Set this aside — this mixture brings balance to the cookie’s flavor and structure.

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Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed for about 2–3 minutes, until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This creaming process helps create that signature soft, airy cookie texture.

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Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the egg, eggnog, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture. Beat until well combined. The eggnog adds a festive depth while the egg binds everything together.

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Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until the flour disappears. Be careful not to overmix — this ensures the cookies stay soft and tender.

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Step 6: Scoop and Roll

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out dough balls and roll them in granulated sugar. If desired, sprinkle with a light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top for extra holiday flavor and a sparkly finish.

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Step 7: Bake

Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to set and the tops look slightly cracked.

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Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This short resting time helps the cookies finish setting up without overbaking. Serve warm or at room temperature with a cup of hot cocoa, milk, or more eggnog!

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Notes

These Cozy Eggnog Sugar Cookies are at their best when slightly underbaked — the centers will finish setting as they cool. You can easily make them your own by adjusting the spices (add a pinch of cloves or allspice), or even stirring in some white chocolate chips for added richness. For a crispier cookie, simply extend the bake time by 1–2 minutes. And if you’re feeling festive, a drizzle of eggnog glaze on top makes them extra special.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Cold butter and eggs won’t cream properly, which affects texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Once the flour is added, mix just until incorporated to avoid tough cookies.
• Baking too long: These cookies should look slightly underdone when removed from the oven.
• Measuring flour improperly: Scooping directly from the bag can pack too much flour, leading to dry cookies.
• Using old leavening agents: Expired baking soda or cream of tartar won’t give you the rise and texture you want.

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Storage Instructions

Once completely cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container — they’ll keep well for up to 2 months. To freeze the dough, portion it into balls and freeze; bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

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Estimated Nutrition (per cookie, approx.)

• Calories: 160
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Sugar: 12g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 90mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade eggnog in this recipe?

Yes! Homemade eggnog works beautifully as long as it has a similar consistency to store-bought. Avoid overly thick or chunky textures.

What can I substitute for eggnog?

You can use heavy cream or half-and-half with a pinch of nutmeg and a dash of vanilla extract to mimic the flavor.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No chilling required! The dough is ready to scoop and bake immediately, which is great when you’re short on time.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes. Store the dough in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze it in portions for up to 2 months.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. This recipe scales up easily — just ensure your mixer can handle the volume.

Why did my cookies come out too flat?

The butter may have been too soft or melted. Be sure it’s just softened, not greasy.

How do I make them crispier?

Bake for an extra 1–2 minutes and skip the eggnog glaze or topping.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips?

Definitely! White chocolate chips or even chopped nuts can be delicious additions.

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Conclusion

Cozy Eggnog Sugar Cookies are the ultimate seasonal comfort — festive, nostalgic, and wonderfully simple to make. With their warm spice, creamy undertones, and soft-baked texture, they’re bound to become a staple in your holiday baking lineup. Whether you’re gifting them, serving them at a party, or keeping them all to yourself, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that celebrates the magic of the season.

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