Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe

If you’re hunting for an indulgent holiday treat that’s easy to make and bursting with cozy seasonal flavor, you’ll adore this Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe. I absolutely love how these bars capture that classic, creamy eggnog taste in a cakey, soft cookie bar form—perfect for gifting or snacking all season long. Stick around because I’m sharing every little tip that helped me nail this recipe perfectly, so you can wow your family and friends without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe uses simple pantry staples paired with eggnog to create a moist, flavorful base. Each ingredient plays its part to balance spice, sweetness, and that unmistakable nutmeg punch—key to that holiday vibe.

• Butter (salted or unsalted): Using softened butter helps you cream it smoothly with the sugars, creating that tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and lightness to the dough.
• Brown sugar: Adds a touch of moisture and caramel-like depth.
• Egg: Essential for binding and giving structure to the cookie bars.
• Eggnog: The star ingredient infusing rich, creamy flavor and moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with a warm sweet note.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation of your batter, use fresh for best results.
• Baking powder: Provides lift so the bars are soft, not dense.
• Nutmeg: That signature warm spice perfectly complements the eggnog.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and sharpens flavors.

Variations

One thing I love about this Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe is how easy it is to tweak for different occasions or dietary preferences. Feel free to make it your own with add-ins or swap ingredients—getting creative in the kitchen is half the fun!

• Spiced Up: Sprinkling a bit of cinnamon or ginger alongside nutmeg gives these bars a deeper holiday spice flavor—my family goes crazy for this twist.
• Eggnog-Free Version: If you don’t have eggnog on hand, try substituting with milk and a splash of rum extract to mimic that flavor nicely.
• Gluten-Free: Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve tested this and the texture stays delightfully soft.
• Nut Toppings: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking adds a crunchy contrast that pairs beautifully with the smooth frosting.

How to Make Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This little trick makes it a breeze to lift your bars out after baking without any mess. I discovered this after way too many struggles with sticky pan bottoms!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This is a crucial step because it helps trap air and gives you a tender crumb. Don’t rush it! I usually use a hand mixer for this, but a stand mixer works wonders here too.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, mix in the egg, eggnog, and vanilla extract. Beat everything just until combined. The eggnog adds that magic burst of flavor and extra moisture, so don’t skip it! I love using homemade eggnog when I can, but store-bought works just as well.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold In

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. Then gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mix until you no longer see streaks of flour. Over-mixing can make your bars tough, so I stop as soon as everything’s just combined.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookie Bars

Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan. Pop it into the oven for about 25 to 27 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Don’t overbake—it’s better to slightly underbake for soft, chewy bars like these.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

While the bars are cooling, whip up the frosting: beat together softened butter, powdered sugar, eggnog, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. This frosting is light, creamy, and carries that same eggnog flavor we’re going for — it’s my favorite part!

Step 7: Frost and Chill

Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. I like to add a light sprinkle of nutmeg right before chilling them in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to help the frosting set. This makes cutting the bars nice and clean with less mess.

How to Serve Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it classic with a simple dusting of freshly grated nutmeg on top of the frosting—that little sprinkle not only looks pretty but also amplifies the eggnog charm. Sometimes I add a few crushed peppermint candies if I want a pop of festive color and crunch.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced tea or a cozy mug of coffee. For gatherings, I often serve it alongside other holiday cookies and some cream cheese dip with fruit—balanced, but still indulgent!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to cut these into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly berries around the edges. Giving each bite a little decorative toothpick with a tiny ribbon makes them look gift-worthy and irresistible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking and frosting, I store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay moist and flavorful for up to 5 days, which is a bonus during busy holiday weeks when you want quick snacks on hand.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen these bars (frosted and unfrosted) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. When thawed overnight in the fridge, they taste nearly as fresh as when first baked—perfect for making ahead of time.

Reheating

If you want to warm them a little, a few seconds in the microwave works great, especially unfrosted bars. For frosted bars, I recommend serving them chilled or at room temperature so the frosting stays intact and delicious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to holiday classics because it packs all that festive cheer into an easy, approachable dessert. I love sharing these bars with friends who fall in love with the creamy, spiced flavor as much as I do. Give it a try for your next holiday baking day—you’ll see how quick and satisfying it is, and I promise these bars will become a favorite in your seasonal rotation, too!

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