Name: Eggnog Cookies Recipe With Rum Frosting For A Sweet Holiday Treat
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1/2 tsp rum extract; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup eggnog; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tbsp eggnog; 1/4 tsp rum extract (for frosting); Optional: a dash of nutmeg for garnish

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I grew up in a house where eggnog only made its grand appearance during the holidays. And let me tell you, it was a whole event. I can still picture my dad sneaking a sip straight from the carton while pretending to ‘check if it was still good.’ So naturally, when I started baking, I had to bring that holiday tradition into cookie form. This eggnog cookies recipe is one of those bakes that smells like Christmas. Soft, buttery thumbprint cookies filled with rich, creamy rum frosting? Yes, please. The scent alone will make your kitchen feel like a Hallmark movie set. And don’t worry if you’re not a big baker—we’re keeping it low-stress and big on flavor. Whether you’re baking for a cookie swap, leaving treats for Santa, or simply enjoying a quiet December night with a mug of something warm, these cookies fit the mood. Trust me, they don’t last long once they hit the plate. You’ve been warned.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
3) Ingredients for Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies
4) How to Make Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies
5) Tips for Making Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies
6) Making Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies
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9) Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This eggnog cookies recipe is ideal for holiday baking with a nostalgic twist.
The rum frosting adds depth and richness to each bite.
Great make-ahead dessert for parties, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
You can tweak the flavor easily using real rum instead of extract.

2) Easy Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Some recipes come from cookbooks. Others, like this eggnog cookies recipe, come from memory. I baked these last Christmas when I had leftover eggnog and zero desire to waste it. What happened next? Let’s just say my family forgot about the pie. These cookies won the dessert table.

The soft center, the kiss of nutmeg, that buttery dough—it all just works. When I spoon in the rum frosting, it feels like I’m dressing up each cookie in its holiday best. And yes, these are cookies, but they carry the kind of comfort you get from warm slippers and old Christmas movies.

If you’ve been looking for eggnog recipes that go beyond the glass, this is your moment. This one pulls in that familiar warmth, pairs it with a little grown-up frosting, and invites you to have just one more… or five. Don’t worry, I’m not judging.

3) Ingredients for Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies

All-Purpose Flour: You’ll need this as the base for your cookie dough. It gives the cookies structure and that signature bite.

Baking Powder: Just a touch lifts the cookies slightly so they don’t flatten too much as they bake.

Ground Nutmeg: This spice sings the holiday tune in each bite. Don’t skip it if you want that classic eggnog flavor.

Salt: A little salt balances the sweetness and sharpens all the cozy flavors.

Unsalted Butter: Softened butter blends into the sugars and gives that tender, melt-in-your-mouth feel.

Granulated Sugar: Adds that sweet snap on the edges as the cookies bake.

Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth. The hint of molasses brings warmth to the dough.

Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness to the batter.

Rum Extract: A non-boozy way to bring in flavor. Swap for real rum if you’re feeling festive.

Vanilla Extract: Smooths out the flavor profile and complements the eggnog.

Eggnog: The star of the show. It softens the dough and brings holiday flavor to the mix.

Powdered Sugar: Used in the frosting, it blends smoothly with eggnog to create a sweet finish.

More Eggnog: You’ll use a bit more here to make the rum frosting rich and silky.

Rum Extract (for Frosting): That frosting needs a little zing. This gives it character.

Optional Nutmeg: A final dash on top adds a beautiful touch and aroma.

4) How to Make Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment. This helps prevent sticking and keeps clean-up easy.

Step 2: In one bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. Set it aside so it’s ready to meet the butter.

Step 3: In another bowl, cream the softened butter with both sugars until it’s light and fluffy. This might take a couple of minutes, so give it time.

Step 4: Add the egg, rum extract, vanilla, and eggnog. Mix it until everything’s smooth and cozy-looking.

Step 5: Gradually stir the dry mix into the wet ingredients. You want a soft dough that holds its shape but isn’t sticky.

Step 6: Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto your baking sheet and roll them lightly in your hands. Press a thumb into the center of each ball.

Step 7: Bake the cookies for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool before you even think about frosting.

Step 8: To make the frosting, whisk together the powdered sugar, eggnog, and rum extract until smooth. Spoon it into the thumbprints of the cooled cookies. Finish with a sprinkle of nutmeg if you’d like.

5) Tips for Making Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies

Don’t rush the butter. It has to be soft enough to cream but not melted. If it’s too soft, your cookies might spread too much in the oven.

Use a measuring tablespoon or small cookie scoop for even portions. This keeps baking times consistent and makes your cookies look bakery-worthy.

Chill the dough if you live somewhere warm. It’ll help the cookies keep their shape and hold the thumbprint better during baking.

If the thumbprint rises during baking, press it again while warm. Just be gentle so they don’t crack too much.

Want a stronger flavor? Add a splash of real rum to the frosting. Just keep in mind it won’t cook out, so maybe skip it if little ones are around.

6) Making Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies Ahead of Time

You can make the dough the night before. Just scoop it into balls and chill them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, bring them to room temp for about 10 minutes and they’ll be good to go.

You can also bake the cookies completely and store them unfrosted for up to two days. Just keep them in a sealed container, then add the frosting before serving.

The frosting itself keeps well in the fridge for several days. Just whisk it before using, as it might thicken or separate slightly.

7) Storing Leftover Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies

Keep these cookies in a single layer in an airtight container. If you must stack them, place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

They stay fresh for three to four days at room temperature. If your kitchen runs warm, you can refrigerate them instead. Just let them sit out before serving so the frosting softens again.

You can freeze them too, but I recommend freezing the cookies without the frosting. Add the filling after thawing for the best texture and taste.

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9) Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies Recipe