Description
These Eggnog Cookie Bars combine the rich, festive flavors of classic eggnog with a soft, buttery cookie base topped with a creamy, spiced frosting. Perfect for holiday gatherings and winter celebrations, these bars offer a delightful twist on traditional cookies with their moist texture and hint of nutmeg throughout.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Bars
- 1/2 cup butter (salted or unsalted), softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Frosting
- 1/4 cup butter (salted or unsalted), softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup eggnog
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of nutmeg for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to help lift the bars out easily after baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using a mixer on medium speed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, eggnog, and vanilla extract until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Shape and Bake: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare Frosting: While the cookie bars cool, make the frosting by beating together the softened butter, powdered sugar, eggnog, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Frost and Garnish: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg on top for garnish. Chill the frosted bars in the refrigerator for a few minutes to allow the frosting to set before slicing into squares and serving.
Notes
- For a stronger eggnog flavor, use homemade or high-quality store-bought eggnog.
- Be careful not to overbake the bars to keep them moist and tender.
- The frosting can be made ahead and refrigerated; bring it to room temperature and beat again before spreading if needed.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Nutmeg garnish adds a festive touch but can be omitted if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (assuming 16 bars per batch)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
