Oh my goodness, holiday baking is the BEST, isn’t it? The smell of warm spices and sweet treats filling the air… it just screams cozy! And this year, I’m absolutely *thrilled* to share my recipe for the most amazing **Frosted Eggnog Sugar Cookies** you’ll ever sink your teeth into. Seriously, these cookies are pure holiday magic! Imagine soft, buttery sugar cookies infused with that irresistible eggnog flavor, all topped with a creamy, dreamy frosting.
I’ve always been obsessed with eggnog, especially around Christmas. My grandma used to make the most incredible homemade eggnog, and these cookies are my way of bringing that same warmth and joy into everyone’s homes. They’re perfect for cookie swaps, gifting, or just a little treat for yourself! You’ll love them, trust me!
Why You’ll Love These Frosted Eggnog Sugar Cookies
Okay, let me tell you why you’re gonna become totally obsessed with these cookies! They’re seriously the best. Here’s a quick rundown of what makes these **Frosted Eggnog Sugar Cookies** so special:
- That amazing eggnog flavor! It’s infused *right* into the cookie. So good!
- They’re ridiculously soft and buttery. Like, melt-in-your-mouth amazing.
- The frosting? Oh, the frosting! It’s sweet, creamy, and the perfect topping.
- They’re perfect for any holiday gathering. Everyone will be begging you for the recipe!
- Easy to make! Even if you’re not a baking pro, you can totally do this.
Ingredients for Delicious Frosted Eggnog Sugar Cookies
Alright, let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe is super straightforward, and you probably have a lot of this stuff in your pantry already. We’ll make the cookie dough first and then whip up that dreamy frosting.
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – make sure it’s softened, but not melted!
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar – the regular stuff!
- 2 large eggs – gotta have those eggs!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – pure vanilla, all the way!
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg – fresh nutmeg makes a difference!
- ¼ teaspoon salt – just a pinch!
- 3 cups all-purpose flour – sifted, if you’re feeling fancy!
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – helps them rise just right.
- ½ cup eggnog – the star of the show!
For the Frosting:
- 2 cups powdered sugar – sift that too for the smoothest frosting!
- ¼ cup eggnog – for that extra eggnog kick!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds even more flavor and ties everything together.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Frosted Eggnog Sugar Cookies
Okay, bakers, let’s get down to business! These **Frosted Eggnog Sugar Cookies** are super simple, but following these steps will guarantee perfect results. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it, promise!
- Get That Oven Preheated: First things first, crank up your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure that rack is in the center so everything bakes evenly.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a big ol’ bowl (or your stand mixer if you’re lucky!), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. You want this to be light and fluffy, so beat it for a good 2-3 minutes.
- Eggs, Vanilla, and Spices: Now, add those eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt. That nutmeg is key—it gives that wonderful holiday vibe!
- Whisk the Dry Stuff: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. This helps make sure everything mixes evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry (Gently!): Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix! It’s okay if it’s not *perfectly* smooth.
- Add the Eggnog: Stir in the eggnog. Then, mix until it is *just* combined.
- Drop Onto Baking Sheets: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets. Leave some space between them—they’ll spread a little.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them! Ovens can vary.
- Cool Before Frosting: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a couple of minutes, and then transfer them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely before frosting. This is important: If you frost warm cookies, the frosting will melt and you’ll be sad. Very sad!
- Frosting Time!: Whisk together the powdered sugar, eggnog, and vanilla extract until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more eggnog, okay? If it’s too thin, add a teeny bit more powdered sugar. Then, frost those beautiful cookies and enjoy!
Tips for Success: Perfecting Your Frosted Eggnog Sugar Cookies
Listen, even the best of us bakers need a little help sometimes! To make sure your **Frosted Eggnog Sugar Cookies** turn out absolutely amazing every single time, here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years. Trust me, they’re game-changers!
First off, make sure your butter is truly softened! It should give a little when you press it, but not be melty. Cold butter makes for tough cookies. I always take mine out an hour or two before I start whipping these up. You’ll thank me later!
Also, don’t overmix the dough! Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your cookies tough instead of soft. And, when frosting, make sure those cookies are completely cooled before you start spreading. You don’t want a melty mess, right? Right!
Variations on Frosted Eggnog Sugar Cookies
So, you love these cookies? Awesome! But, hey, sometimes we want to switch things up! Here are a few fun twists you can try with my **Frosted Eggnog Sugar Cookies** to make them your own!
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cloves or a dash of cardamom to the dough along with the nutmeg. Mmmm, extra festive!
- Chocolate Chip Eggnog Cookies: Fold in some chocolate chips. Everything’s better with chocolate, right?
- Almond Extract Magic: Swap half of the vanilla extract for almond extract in both the cookies AND frosting. Adds a lovely, warm touch. Ooh la la!
- Fun with Sprinkles: Add your favorite sprinkles on top of the frosting. Makes them super cheerful!
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips for Your Cookies
Okay, so you’re planning ahead? Smart cookie (pun intended!). Here’s the lowdown on how to get these **Frosted Eggnog Sugar Cookies** ready in advance. You can totally make the dough and chill it for up to 2 days before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap! When you’re ready, let it come to room temperature a bit before scooping and baking.
And guess what? You can also freeze the baked cookies! Once they’re completely cool, pop them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature and then add the frosting. Gotta love a cookie that’s ready whenever you are!
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Frosted Eggnog Sugar Cookies
Baking is science, but sometimes it’s also a bit… unpredictable! Don’t fret if something goes a little sideways with these **Frosted Eggnog Sugar Cookies**; it happens to all of us! Let’s troubleshoot some common cookie conundrums and get you back on track.
Cookies Spreading Too Much: If your cookies are spreading flat like pancakes, your butter was probably too soft or your oven wasn’t hot enough. Make sure to chill the dough for a bit before baking next time. Also, double-check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer!
Cookies are Dry: If your cookies are dry and crumbly, you might have overbaked them. Keep a close eye on the baking time and take them out when the edges are lightly golden. Nobody likes a dry cookie!
Frosting Isn’t Setting: If your frosting is a runny mess, you may have added too much eggnog. Add a little more powdered sugar, a teaspoon at a time, until it thickens up to the right consistency. Patience, my friends!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Frosted Eggnog Sugar Cookies
Heads up, everyone! The nutritional information below is just an estimate. It can change depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. I always say, baking is an art, not a science, but here’s a general idea for one of these delicious **Frosted Eggnog Sugar Cookies**:
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Frequently Asked Questions About Frosted Eggnog Sugar Cookies
I know, I know, you have questions! Here are a few common ones I get asked all the time about these amazing **Frosted Eggnog Sugar Cookies**. Hopefully, these help you on your baking journey. If you still have questions, drop them in the comments, and I’ll do my best to answer!
Can I use store-bought eggnog?
Absolutely! Using store-bought eggnog is totally fine, and super convenient! Just make sure it’s a good quality eggnog that you actually enjoy drinking—because that flavor is going to make these cookies sing! But, if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade eggnog is always a treat… but who has the time, right?
How do I store these cookies, and how long do they last?
You’ll want to store your baked and **Frosted Eggnog Sugar Cookies** in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to 3-4 days (if they last that long, haha!). Make sure to separate the cookies with parchment paper if you stack them to prevent the frosting from sticking together.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, yessss, a thousand times yes! You can definitely make the cookie dough in advance! Just make the dough, wrap it up tight, and chill it in your fridge. It’ll stay good for up to two days. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit out for, say, 15-20 minutes to soften up a bit before scooping and baking. So easy!
Serving Suggestions for Your Cookies
So, you’ve baked these amazing **Frosted Eggnog Sugar Cookies**… now what? Well, the best part is pairing them with something yummy! They go perfectly with a warm cup of coffee or a nice, steamy mug of tea. I personally love them with a tall glass of cold milk, too. Seriously, perfect!
Get Baking! (Call to Action)
So, what are you waiting for? Go whip up a batch of these **Frosted Eggnog Sugar Cookies**! Let me know what you think in the comments. And if you love them as much as I do, give the recipe a rating! Happy baking!
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Frosted Eggnog Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft sugar cookies with eggnog flavor, topped with a sweet frosting.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- For the frosting: 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 cup eggnog, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the eggnog.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting: Whisk together the powdered sugar, eggnog, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Frost the cooled cookies.
Notes
- You can add a sprinkle of nutmeg on top of the frosting for extra flavor and decoration.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: sugar cookies, eggnog, frosted cookies, Christmas cookies, holiday baking