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
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 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.
