If you’ve been hunting for the perfect festive treat to warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth, the Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe is here to make your holiday season extra special. Combining the creamy richness of classic eggnog with the comforting texture of cookie bars, this recipe offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels like a cozy holiday hug. These bars balance a tender crumb with spicy nutmeg and a luscious eggnog-infused frosting, making them irresistible for family gatherings or a cheerful afternoon snack. Trust me, once you try this Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe, it will quickly become a cherished staple during the festivities.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe is wonderfully straightforward, relying on simple pantry staples and a few festive touches to deliver maximum flavor and texture. Each ingredient has a role that will shine in the final bars—whether it’s creating the perfect crumb, adding just the right sweetness, or giving a hint of that classic holiday spice.
- Butter (salted or unsalted): Softened butter adds richness and a tender crumb to the cookie base and frosting.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookie dough and helps create a light texture.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel depth to the bars.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps with the cookie structure.
- Eggnog: The star ingredient, infusing every bite with creamy holiday flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the warmth of the flavors and complements the eggnog beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for your cookie bars, providing structure and chewiness.
- Baking powder: Helps the bars rise for the perfect soft texture.
- Nutmeg: Brings classic holiday spice notes that marry perfectly with the eggnog.
- Salt: Balances all the sweetness and highlights the flavors.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for the silky-smooth frosting that tops the bars.
How to Make Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave enough overhang on the sides. This little trick makes lifting your perfectly baked bars out effortless and keeps everything neat when it’s time to slice.
Step 2: Cream Your Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step takes about 2-3 minutes on medium speed with a mixer. The air you incorporate here is key to those soft, tender bars you’ll love.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, beat in the egg, eggnog, and vanilla extract. The mixture will come together into a smooth, homogenous batter packed with holiday cheer. The eggnog adds not only moisture but also a magic flavor that makes these bars so special.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here to keep the bars tender and not tough.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Press the cookie dough evenly into the parchment-lined pan, smoothing the top for an even bake. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25-27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely while you prepare the frosting.
Step 6: Whip Up the Frosting
While the bars cool, beat together softened butter, powdered sugar, eggnog, and vanilla extract. The goal is a light, fluffy frosting that’s rich in that festive eggnog flavor, perfect for spreading over the cookie base.
Step 7: Frost and Garnish
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. For a final festive touch, sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg on top. Chill in the refrigerator briefly to firm up the frosting, then slice into perfect squares and get ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh nutmeg or even a dusting of cinnamon can elevate the look and flavor of your bars. Consider some finely chopped toasted pecans or a drizzle of caramel for an extra fancy touch when serving guests.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a hot drink, like a spicy chai latte or a rich cup of coffee. You can also serve them alongside a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a cozy dessert option.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the bars on a festive platter garnished with fresh cranberries, holly leaves, or even edible gold dust. Wrapping individual bars in parchment with a pretty ribbon makes for charming holiday gifts or party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigeration is a great option and will help the frosting stay fresh and stable.
Freezing
If you want to save some bars for later, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil to protect against freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to preserve that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Reheating
For a fresh-baked feel, gently warm your bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This softens the frosting and reactivates the comforting eggnog aromas, making each bite as delightful as the first.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought eggnog?
Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog works perfectly in the Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe and helps bring that classic holiday flavor right into your kitchen with ease.
What if I don’t have nutmeg?
If nutmeg isn’t on hand, you can substitute with a pinch of cinnamon or allspice. They offer warm, spicy notes that complement the eggnog nicely.
Are these bars gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, you could try a gluten-free flour blend in equal measure for a similar texture and flavor.
Can I make the frosting dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter and powdered sugar, and substitute the eggnog with a non-dairy alternative for a delicious dairy-free version of these bars.
How long do these bars last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe bars stay fresh for about 3-4 days at room temperature or up to a week if refrigerated.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting and joyful about the Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe that makes it an instant holiday favorite. Whether you’re baking for a party, a gift, or just because, these bars bring warmth, spice, and a little bit of magic to every bite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own festive tradition!
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Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Eggnog Cookie Bars are a festive treat perfect for holiday celebrations. Soft and moist with the rich flavors of eggnog, nutmeg, and vanilla, these bars are topped with a creamy eggnog frosting and a sprinkle of nutmeg for an extra seasonal touch.
Ingredients
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.
- Combine 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.
- Bake the Cookie Bars: 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
- Use either salted or unsalted butter as per your preference; adjust salt accordingly if using unsalted.
- Ensure the bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- Chilling the bars after frosting helps set the frosting for easier slicing.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For extra festive flavor, consider adding a splash of rum or bourbon to the frosting.
