The holiday season brings with it a special kind of warmth and joy, often amplified by the delightful aromas wafting from our kitchens. Among the myriad of festive treats, eggnog holds a cherished place, and transforming its rich, creamy essence into a delectable cookie is pure holiday magic. Imagine soft, tender cookies infused with the distinct, spicy-sweet flavor of eggnog, made effortlessly with a simple cake mix. This recipe for **Easy Eggnog Cake Mix Cookies** is not just a dessert; it’s an invitation to embrace the holiday spirit without the stress of complicated baking. Perfect for sharing at Christmas parties, cozy evenings by the fire, or as a delightful gift, these cookies promise to become a new cherished tradition in your festive repertoire.
Eggnog Cake Mix Cookies: Your Ultimate Holiday Shortcut
We absolutely adore the versatility of cake mix cookies, especially when it comes to infusing them with holiday cheer. The mere thought of adding eggnog to a classic cookie batter instantly elevates it, transforming a simple treat into something truly special for Christmas. This recipe leverages the convenience of a boxed cake mix, cutting down on preparation time significantly, which is a blessing during the bustling holiday season. You get all the flavor and festive spirit without the fuss!
These delightful eggnog cookies can be easily customized to suit your taste. Enhance their festive appeal with a dusting of your favorite holiday spices like cinnamon or extra nutmeg, or perhaps a luxurious drizzle of homemade eggnog-flavored frosting. A simple sprinkle of powdered sugar also works wonders, adding a touch of elegance and sweetness to each bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, these cookies are designed for success.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Eggnog Cookies
- **Effortless Preparation:** Using a boxed cake mix dramatically simplifies the baking process. No need to measure multiple dry ingredients – it’s all perfectly proportioned for you, saving precious time and effort.
- **Irresistible Flavor:** The distinctive, creamy, and subtly spiced notes of eggnog are beautifully captured in every bite, making these cookies a true taste of the holidays.
- **Perfectly Soft & Chewy Texture:** These cookies boast a wonderfully soft and tender texture that melts in your mouth, a hallmark of a truly great cookie.
- **Customizable Charm:** From a simple glaze to a sprinkle of spice, these cookies are a blank canvas for your creative holiday decorating ideas.
- **Crowd-Pleasing Delight:** Whether at a family gathering, an office party, or a cookie exchange, these eggnog cake mix cookies are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone.
Beyond the Cookie: A Treasury of Eggnog Delights
If you’re as smitten with this beloved dairy-based holiday beverage as we are, you’ll be thrilled to discover our extensive collection of epic eggnog recipes. Eggnog’s rich flavor profile lends itself beautifully to a variety of sweet and savory applications, making it a holiday staple in many kitchens. Dive deeper into the world of eggnog with some of our cherished recipes, each designed to bring that unmistakable festive taste to your table.
- Eggnog Cake with Eggnog Glaze: A show-stopping dessert featuring layers of moist cake and a decadent eggnog glaze.
- No-Bake Eggnog Pie: An incredibly easy yet impressive dessert, perfect when you need something quick and delicious.
- Eggnog French Toast: Elevate your holiday breakfast or brunch with this rich and flavorful twist on a classic.
- Eggnog Whipped Cream: The ideal topping for pies, hot chocolate, or any dessert that needs a festive touch.
These are just a few of the many eggnog recipes you can find on our website. Simply use the search bar for “Eggnog,” and you’ll uncover a vast selection of delightful dishes and drinks designed to capture the essence of the season. We are continuously working to share even more sweet treats and savory delights, all perfect for celebrating this most wonderful time of the year!
Essential Ingredients for Festive Flavor
Crafting these irresistible Eggnog Cookies requires just a few simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at any grocery store. The beauty of using a cake mix is that it takes care of all the dry components, such as all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, ensuring a consistent and delicious result every time. This overview highlights the core ingredients; specific measurements and detailed, step-by-step instructions are provided in the printable recipe card further down this post.
- White Cake Mix: The star of this recipe! A standard 15.25-ounce box of white cake mix provides the perfect base for these soft, chewy cookies. It streamlines the process by eliminating the need to measure individual dry ingredients.
- Unsalted Butter: Essential for richness and a tender crumb. Using unsalted butter gives you more control over the overall saltiness of the cookies.
- Eggs: Large eggs act as a binder, adding structure and moisture to the dough, ensuring the cookies hold their shape and have a lovely texture.
- Eggnog (Homemade or Store-Bought): The key ingredient for that unmistakable holiday flavor! Whether you prefer homemade eggnog or a quality store-bought brand, choose one you enjoy drinking, as its flavor will shine through in the cookies.
- Ground Nutmeg: A crucial spice that complements eggnog beautifully, enhancing its warm, aromatic profile. Freshly grated nutmeg offers an even more potent flavor if you have it.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla brightens and rounds out the overall flavor, adding depth to the cookie batter.
Optional Enhancement: For an extra layer of warmth and a visually appealing finish, sprinkle the tops of the baked cookies with a touch of ground cinnamon or additional ground nutmeg before or after baking.
Crafting the Perfect Eggnog Glaze
While these Eggnog Cookies are delicious on their own, a simple, homemade eggnog glaze takes them to an elevated level of festive indulgence. This creamy glaze adds moisture, extra eggnog flavor, and a beautiful sheen that makes the cookies truly irresistible.
To prepare this delightful glaze, you will need:
- Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): Forms the base of the glaze, providing sweetness and body.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Eggnog: Infuses the glaze with that signature holiday flavor.
Simply whisk together 2 cups of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of melted or softened butter, and 3 tablespoons of eggnog in a medium bowl until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. If you desire an even more intense flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of ground nutmeg or a few drops of rum extract to the glaze. Adjust the amount of eggnog slightly, a tiny bit at a time, to reach your desired thickness – whether you prefer a thick, opaque frosting or a thinner, translucent glaze.
Recommended Kitchen Equipment for Seamless Baking
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience, especially when you’re aiming for perfectly uniform and delicious cookies. While many items are standard kitchen staples, a few specialized pieces can truly elevate your cookie-making game.
- Measuring Cups, Teaspoons, and Tablespoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success. Ensure you have a complete set for both wet and dry ingredients.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For mixing the cookie dough by hand. A sturdy wooden spoon or a robust silicone spatula works perfectly to gently combine the ingredients without overmixing, which can lead to tough cookies.
- Large Mixing Bowl: A spacious bowl is essential for comfortably combining all your ingredients. We highly recommend a glass batter bowl with a handle – it provides stability on the counter and makes mixing much easier.
- Medium Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop is a game-changer! It ensures every cookie is uniformly sized, leading to even baking and a professional look. A medium scoop (about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons) is ideal for these cookies.
- Parchment Paper: A true baking hero! Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup an absolute breeze. If you don’t have parchment paper, a light spray of non-stick cooking spray or silicone baking mats will work.
- Baking Sheets with Sides: We highly recommend baking sheets with raised edges. This simple feature prevents cookies from sliding off when you transfer them from the oven to a cooling rack, especially helpful when handling hot trays.
- Heat-Resistant Potholders: Safety first in the kitchen! Investing in high-quality, heat-resistant potholders is crucial. They offer superior protection and peace of mind when handling hot pans from the oven.
- Cooling Rack: A wire cooling rack is indispensable for allowing your cookies to cool properly. It ensures air circulation around the entire cookie, preventing the bottoms from becoming soggy and helping them set perfectly.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake Irresistible Eggnog Cookies
Making these easy Eggnog Cake Mix Cookies is a straightforward process, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. For your convenience, the complete detailed instructions, along with precise measurements, are included in the printable recipe card at the very end of this post. Here’s a quick overview to get you started on your delicious holiday baking journey!
First things first: Always remember to preheat your oven to the specified temperature before you begin mixing. This ensures the oven is at the correct heat, allowing your cookies to bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture.
Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted or softened butter, eggs, fragrant ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, and the star ingredient, eggnog. Whisk until these wet ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth. This creates the flavorful liquid base for your cookie dough.
Step 2: Incorporate Dry Cake Mix. Gently add the dry white cake mix to your bowl of wet ingredients. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher cookies. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl frequently to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated and there are no dry pockets of cake mix remaining. We find that a stand mixer is often unnecessary for this recipe; a simple hand-mix yields fantastic results.
Step 3: Scoop and Shape Dough. Once your dough is ready, use a medium cookie scoop (about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons) to create evenly sized balls of cookie dough. This step is crucial for ensuring all your cookies bake consistently and look appealingly uniform.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection. Arrange the scooped eggnog cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving adequate space between each for spreading. Place the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a light golden brown. The centers of the cookies should appear set but still look soft; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 5: Cool and Refine. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven. If desired, and while they are still warm and pliable, use a slightly larger round cookie cutter (or the rim of a glass) to gently shape the cookies into perfectly even circles by swirling it around each cookie. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking and ensures proper air circulation.
Step 6: Glaze or Garnish. Once cooled, your Eggnog Cookies are ready for their finishing touch! Drizzle generously with the optional homemade eggnog icing, or simply sprinkle them with a touch of ground cinnamon or extra nutmeg for a beautiful, aromatic finish.
Pro Tips for Flawless Eggnog Cake Mix Cookies
Achieving perfect cookies is easier than you think, especially with a few handy tips. These suggestions will help ensure your Eggnog Cake Mix Cookies are consistently delicious and a joy to bake.
- The Power of Eggnog: Eggnog is not just an ingredient; it’s the heart of these soft cookies. Don’t skimp on quality, as its beloved flavor is paramount to the cookie’s taste. Using a good quality eggnog will truly make a difference in the final product.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining the dry cake mix with the wet ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in dense, tough cookies instead of the desired soft and tender texture. A wooden spoon or spatula is usually sufficient; a stand mixer is often unnecessary.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more easily and incorporate better into the batter, leading to a smoother, more uniform dough and a better-textured cookie.
- Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): If your dough feels too sticky or you have time, chilling it for 30 minutes to an hour can make it easier to handle and can result in slightly thicker cookies that spread less during baking.
- Uniform Cookie Size: As mentioned, using a medium cookie scoop is the best way to ensure all your cookies are the same size. This leads to even baking, preventing some cookies from being overdone while others are undercooked.
- Festive Shapes: While a circular cookie cutter is great for neat edges, don’t be afraid to get creative! For extra holiday cheer, use fun holiday-themed cookie cutters such as Christmas trees, snowmen, stars, or snowflakes. Just remember to work quickly with the warm cookies before they set.
- Don’t Overbake: Cookies continue to bake slightly even after they’re removed from the oven due to residual heat. Pull them out when the edges are just turning golden brown and the centers still look a little soft. They will firm up as they cool, retaining their delightful chewiness.
Preparation, Storage, and Freezing
These Eggnog Cookies are not only delicious but also wonderfully versatile when it comes to preparation and storage, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Make Ahead: This holiday cookie recipe is incredibly make-ahead-friendly! You can prepare the cookie dough up to four days in advance. Simply mix the dough, place it in an airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, scoop the chilled dough onto baking sheets and proceed with the baking instructions. This allows you to have fresh, warm cookies whenever the craving strikes or unexpected guests arrive.
Storage: Once baked and completely cooled, store any leftover Eggnog Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will retain their delightful softness and flavor for three to four days. For best results, place a piece of parchment paper between layers of cookies if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing/How to Freeze Eggnog Cookies: Yes, you can freeze these delicious Eggnog Cookies for up to three months! This is an excellent way to prepare for holiday events well in advance or to simply have a stash of festive treats ready to go.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: After the cookies have completely cooled to room temperature, arrange them in a single layer on a covered baking sheet and freeze for a few hours or overnight until fully solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe Ziploc bag or an airtight container. Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent them from sticking together.
- Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply transfer the frozen cookies to the refrigerator to thaw overnight, or let them come to room temperature on the counter for a few hours. For a warm, freshly baked experience, you can gently reheat them in a low oven for a few minutes.
Delicious Recipe Variations to Explore
One of the most enjoyable aspects of baking is the ability to customize recipes to suit individual preferences or dietary needs. These Eggnog Cake Mix Cookies offer a fantastic foundation for experimentation!
- Butter Choices: While we prefer unsalted butter for precise control over salt levels, many recipes successfully use salted butter. If substituting salted butter, you might want to slightly reduce any added salt in other components, though cake mixes typically have a balanced salt content. For a detailed guide on using salted versus unsalted butter in baking, check out expert advice on the topic.
- Vegetarian Option: Good news! This delightful holiday dessert recipe is inherently vegetarian, requiring no modifications.
- Vegan Option: To transform these cookies into a vegan-friendly treat, simply swap a few key ingredients. Opt for a vegan white cake mix, use plant-based butter, and replace eggs with a suitable egg substitute (like flax eggs or commercial egg replacers). Ensure your chosen eggnog is also plant-based, as many brands now offer delicious dairy-free versions.
- Gluten-Free: Making these cookies gluten-free is simple: substitute the regular white cake mix with a certified gluten-free white cake mix. Most traditional eggnogs are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always wise to check the ingredient and nutrition label carefully if you have a high sensitivity or severe allergy to gluten, to avoid any cross-contamination.
- Alcoholic Twist: For an adult-only version of these festive cookies, consider swapping out some of the non-alcoholic eggnog with a boozy eggnog or adding a splash of rum extract, bourbon, or brandy directly into the cookie dough or the glaze. Just a tablespoon or two can add a wonderful depth of flavor.
- Serving Size Adjustments: The base recipe yields approximately 24 delicious cookies. It’s incredibly easy to scale the recipe up for larger gatherings or down for smaller groups. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities proportionally to achieve your desired yield.
- Sugar-Free: If you’re managing sugar intake, these cookies can be made sugar-free. Choose a sugar-free boxed cake mix and a sugar-free eggnog alternative. Be aware that the texture might vary slightly with sugar substitutes. The original recipe contains about 8 grams of sugar per serving.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Eggnog Cookies
These Eggnog Cake Mix Cookies are wonderful on their own, but pairing them with the right beverages or complementary desserts can create an even more memorable holiday experience.
Suggested Drinks:
- CrockPot Hot Chocolate: A classic pairing, rich and comforting.
- Spiced Apple Cider: The warm, fruity notes of cider beautifully complement the spice in the cookies.
- Tea: A delicate cup of black tea or a festive herbal blend makes for a lovely, calming accompaniment.
- Eggnog Coffee: Double down on the eggnog flavor with a special holiday coffee.
- Eggnog Milkshake: An indulgent treat for true eggnog lovers.
- White Hot Chocolate: A sweet, creamy, and delightful alternative to traditional hot chocolate.
- Eggnog Latte: Bring the coffee shop experience home.
- Caramel Latte: The sweetness of caramel pairs wonderfully with the cookies.
Complementary Desserts:
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or spiced ice cream alongside a warm cookie is heavenly.
- Reindeer Chow: A fun, crunchy snack mix that contrasts nicely with the soft cookies.
- Church Window Cookies: Another easy, no-bake holiday favorite.
- Eggnog Cake: For the ultimate eggnog enthusiast, a slice of cake alongside a cookie!
- Eggnog Pie: A lighter, creamy eggnog dessert.
- Hot Chocolate Dip: A rich dip perfect for pairing with other cookies or fruit.
- Gingerbread Granola: A spicy, crunchy counterpoint.
- Candied Pecans: Sweet and crunchy, these make a great snack or garnish.
Ideal Occasions for Eggnog Cookie Delight
These festive cookies are wonderfully versatile and suitable for a variety of occasions throughout the holiday season and beyond. Their delightful flavor and ease of preparation make them a go-to treat for many special moments.
- Christmas Parties: A must-have for any holiday gathering, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser on your dessert table.
- With Your Morning Coffee/Tea: Start a crisp winter day with a touch of holiday sweetness.
- Holiday Events: Bring them to a cookie exchange, a school potluck, or any festive celebration.
- After-Winter Play Days: A comforting and warm treat after sledding, ice skating, or building snowmen.
- As Thoughtful Gifts: Package them beautifully for friends, neighbors, teachers, or colleagues.
- Anytime You Crave a Soft Cookie: Sometimes, you don’t need a special occasion. Treat yourself to a batch simply because you deserve a delicious, soft cookie!
More Holiday Baking Inspiration
The joy of holiday baking extends far beyond just one recipe. If you’ve loved these easy Eggnog Cake Mix Cookies, you’ll find even more inspiration in our other collections, perfect for expanding your festive dessert repertoire.
Dump Cake Recipes: Discover our complete collection of unbelievably easy and delicious dump cake recipes! These minimal-effort desserts deliver maximum flavor, making them ideal for busy holidays.
Cool Whip Recipes: Explore a wide array of holiday desserts made delightful with the light and fluffy touch of Cool Whip. Perfect for no-bake treats and creamy indulgences.
Cake Mix Recipes: If you appreciate the simplicity of using a cake mix, dive into our extensive collection of recipes that all begin with this convenient pantry staple. From cookies to cakes and bars, the possibilities are endless!
3 Ingredient Recipes: Craving something delicious but short on time or ingredients? Our easy 3-ingredient recipes prove that amazing flavors can be created with minimal effort, spanning drinks, entrees, and desserts.
5 Ingredient or Less Dessert Recipes: For those moments when simplicity is key, check out these epic desserts you can whip up with only five ingredients or fewer. Quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying!
Comfort Foods: Wrap yourself in warmth with our entire collection of comforting food recipes, perfect for cozy nights and hearty meals during the colder months.
Do you love discovering new recipes? Be sure to check out our copycat recipes for your restaurant favorites, our extensive dessert recipes for every sweet craving, and our incredibly convenient Slow Cooker Recipes for effortless meals.
Follow Tammilee Tips on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for all our latest recipe posts and daily inspiration!
Eggnog Cookies
Print
Rate
9
11
20
24
92
kcal
Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
-
15.25
ounce
white cake mix
-
¼
cup
Unsalted Butter -
2
Large Eggs -
¼
cup
Eggnog -
1-2
Teaspoon
Ground Nutmeg
-
1-2
Teaspoon
Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggnog, unsalted butter, eggs, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gently stir in the white cake mix until just combined and no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix. Use a cookie scoop to create even cookie dough balls.
- Place dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until edges begin to turn golden brown and centers are set but still soft.
- Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, use a circular cookie cutter to gently shape warm cookies into perfect rounds.
- Once cooled, drizzle with optional eggnog glaze, or sprinkle with ground cinnamon or nutmeg.
Kitchen Tools
- Parchment Paper
- Baking Sheets
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Medium Cookie Scoop
- Wire Cooling Rack
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 27
5%
13%
7%
6%
1%
5%
1%
9%
2%
2%
0%
5%
2%
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