There is something utterly magical about holiday treats that combine nostalgia and warmth, and this Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe is exactly that kind of delight. Imagine soft, buttery cookie bars infused with the rich, cozy flavors of classic eggnog, topped with a silky, spiced frosting that melts in your mouth. These bars bring together the creamy indulgence of eggnog and the satisfying texture of a cookie crust in one irresistible square. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights by the fire, or as a heartfelt homemade gift. Once you try this Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe, you’ll find a new favorite to turn to every festive season!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this recipe just right is all about using simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work harmoniously. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color, from the buttery base to the fragrant spices.
- Butter (1/2 cup softened + 1/4 cup softened): Adds richness and moisture, essential for that tender cookie bar texture.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps achieve a light crumb.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Provides depth of flavor and a hint of chewiness.
- Egg (1 large): Binds ingredients and adds structure to the dough.
- Eggnog (1/3 cup + 1/4 cup): The star ingredient; infuses the bars and frosting with nutmeg-spiced creaminess.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors with natural warmth.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Provides structure and the perfect crumb for the cookie base.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise just enough for tender softness.
- Nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon + a pinch for garnish): The evergreen spice that makes it unmistakably eggnog-inspired.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and elevates the other flavors.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): Creates a smooth and creamy frosting texture.
How to Make Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides. This little trick ensures you can lift the bars out with ease after baking, giving perfectly clean edges without any crumbling.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened half-cup of butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat these until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and full of air—about 2-3 minutes on medium speed if you’re using a mixer. This step is crucial as it lays the foundation for a tender cookie bar with a slightly chewy texture.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, incorporate the egg, 1/3 cup of eggnog, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract into the creamed mixture. Beat everything together until you achieve a smooth, cohesive batter. The eggnog adds a signature creamy flavor and a hint of spice that makes this recipe shine.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt in a separate bowl. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing here, as that can lead to dense bars. You want the dough to stay light and tender.
Step 5: Shape Dough and Bake
Press the cookie dough evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top for an even bake. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, remove the pan and allow the bars to cool fully—all the way cool—right in the pan before frosting.
Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
While the bars cool, whip up the frosting by beating together the remaining softened butter, powdered sugar, 1/4 cup eggnog, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting becomes light, fluffy, and spreadable—this will make each bite into a creamy, dreamy treat.
Step 7: Frost and Garnish
Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top. A final sprinkle of nutmeg gives a beautiful, fragrant finishing touch that’s both visually appealing and flavorful. Chill the frosted bars in the refrigerator for a short while to set the frosting before slicing into perfect squares.
How to Serve Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While the nutmeg sprinkle is a classic garnish here, you can get creative with it. Try dusting with a little cinnamon or even finely chopped toasted pecans for an added crunch. A drizzle of caramel sauce can also add a festive flair and extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
These Eggnog Cookie Bars make a stellar dessert on their own, but if you want to build a holiday spread, pairing them with a warm cup of spiced tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk works wonderfully. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream can turn this treat into a decadent after-dinner indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these bars on a festive platter garnished with fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary for a beautiful seasonal look. For parties, cut them into bite-sized squares and arrange them on tiered trays alongside other holiday cookies. Wrapping individual bars in decorative parchment makes charming gifts for friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Eggnog Cookie Bars, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 5 days, keeping that perfect tender texture and creamy frosting intact.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for soft, tasty bars.
Reheating
If you like your bars slightly warmed, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. The frosting will soften beautifully, giving the bars a fresh-from-the-oven feel without losing their charm.
FAQs
Can I use non-dairy milk instead of eggnog?
Eggnog is key for that unique flavor, but if you want a dairy-free option, you can substitute with a non-dairy milk and add a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon to mimic the spice profile. The result won’t be exactly the same but still delicious!
Is it necessary to refrigerate the bars after frosting?
Yes, chilling the bars after adding the frosting helps the frosting to set properly. It also keeps the frosting fresh and prevents it from becoming too soft or melting, especially if your kitchen is warm.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add some yourself to keep the texture just right.
What if I don’t have fresh nutmeg?
Ground nutmeg works just fine as a substitute, which is what this recipe calls for. If you want the freshest, most aromatic flavor, fresh nutmeg grated from the whole spice is a lovely upgrade.
Can I double this Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, doubling the recipe is pretty straightforward. Just use a 9×13-inch pan instead of an 8×8, and adjust the baking time slightly, checking for doneness as you go. It’s perfect for big holiday parties!
Final Thoughts
There is something wonderfully inviting about every bite of this Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe — the cozy spices, the buttery texture, and that luscious frosting all wrapped up in a simple square. It’s a recipe that captures the spirit of the holidays and the joy of sharing homemade treats with loved ones. I hope you try making these bars soon and find them as comforting and delightful as I do. Trust me, once you enjoy these sweet, creamy bars, they’ll become a cherished tradition in your kitchen the way they are in mine.
Print
Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these festive Eggnog Cookie Bars, featuring a soft and tender cookie base infused with classic eggnog and warm spices, topped with a rich, creamy eggnog frosting and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy winter treats, these bars combine traditional flavors in an easy-to-make dessert that everyone will love.
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 using a mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients. Beat in the egg, eggnog, and vanilla extract until all ingredients are fully combined and the batter is smooth.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
- Shape and Bake. Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting. While the bars cool, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, eggnog, and vanilla extract until the frosting 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 in the refrigerator for a few minutes to set the frosting before slicing into squares and serving.
Notes
- For a stronger eggnog flavor, use full-fat eggnog and consider adding an extra 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg.
- Make sure the bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Use parchment paper with overhang to lift bars easily from the pan for neat slicing.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- These bars can be made a day ahead and chilled until ready to serve.
