These eggnog bars are a favorite holiday treat. They have a soft, buttery sugar cookie base and that festive eggnog flavor we love. Made with eggnog in the bars and the creamy frosting, this easy dessert is perfect for cookie trays, parties, or a busy holiday season.
Love that sweet holiday nog? You need to add this eggnog bundt cake and eggnog dip to your dessert plans.
This post and recipe were first published in November 2014. It was updated and republished in December 2025.
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Eggnog is one of those things you either love or hate, and I have always been firmly on team love. I first made these eggnog cookie bars in 2014. Because they are so good, I keep adding them to my holiday baking year after year.
For years, our boys would always finish the eggnog before I got to all my recipes. So, I learned to buy two cartons: one for them to drink and one for me to bake with.
As much as I love sugar cookies, there comes a point in December when rolling, cutting, and decorating is too much work. I used our extra eggnog to transform my unicorn sugar cookie bars into a one-pan holiday delight.
These cookie bars are soft, buttery, and have eggnog in the cookie base and the creamy frosting. Trust me, they are the perfect holiday dessert for parties. Even after all these years, they still get compliments every time I make them. And when my husband says a dessert is good, I know it's a keeper!
Why You'll Love Eggnog Cookie Bars
- Made in one pan. These cookies are baked and frosted in a 9x13 pan, so no rolling or cutting is necessary.
- Double eggnog flavor. Eggnog is used in the cookie crust and the frosting, so they are full of holiday cheer.
- Soft and buttery texture. These bars bake up soft and tender, so they taste just like a classic sugar cookie.
- Awesome holiday dessert. Frosted cookie bars are great for cookie trays, Christmas parties, or just because you have leftover eggnog in your fridge.
Main Ingredients
Here are the simple pantry ingredients you will need to make this eggnog bar recipe. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and instructions.
- Unsalted Butter: Set it out ahead of time so it's ready to cream in the sugar.
- Sugar: I like to use a combination of granulated and brown sugar in the dough to sweeten and add chewiness.
- Egg: Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients.
- Eggnog: Use full-fat eggnog for the best flavor and texture. My favorite brand is Southern Comfort.
- All-purpose flour: For best results, fluff the flour, then spoon it into the measuring cup or use a kitchen scale for accuracy.
- Baking Powder: Just a little bit helps to lift the dough slightly as it bakes.
- Flavorings: Salt, nutmeg, and rum extract add to the holiday flavor of the nog.
- Eggnog Frosting
How To Make Eggnog Bars
Adding eggnog to the dough and frosting is a great way to infuse this dessert with extra holiday flavor.
- Make the cookie dough. Use a stand mixer to beat the butter and sugar until smooth and creamy! Add the nog and egg, and then mix again. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture.
- Bake and cool. Press the sugar cookie dough into an even layer in a greased 9x13 pan, then place it in a preheated oven. Once done, place the pan on a wire rack and let it cool to room temperature.
- Make eggnog frosting. Beat the butter, eggnog, and salt until creamy. Slowly beat in the powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Decorate and serve. Spread the icing on the cooled bars. Add sprinkles to the top, if desired.
Storing and Freezing
Keep the frosted eggnog cookie bars in an airtight container on the counter for 4-5 days. The frosting helps to keep the dessert soft for days.
To freeze the cookie bars, wrap them in plastic wrap and foil, then store them in a freezer bag. Freeze for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.
BruCrew Tips
- Line the bottom of the pan with foil or parchment to make it easy to remove the bars after baking.
- If you are using a hand mixer, the ingredients will take longer to come together. Keep mixing until you get a soft, pliable dough.
- Avoid overbaking to keep the bars soft.
- Let the cookies cool completely before frosting and cutting. Even the slightest heat will cause the frosting to melt onto the top of the bars.
- To make clean cuts, run a sharp knife under hot water, then dry it off before slicing. Wipe it clean between cuts, and reheat it under hot water every few slices.
More Eggnog Treats
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Recipe
Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe
Two times the nog makes these eggnog cookie bars an excellent holiday treat for the eggnog lover in your life. Sugar cookie bars are so much easier to make than rolling out individual cookies.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon rum extract
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon table salt
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
For the Eggnog Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon rum extract
- ¼ cup eggnog
- ¼ teaspoon table salt
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a 9x13 pan with nonstick baking spray.
- Beat the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the egg, eggnog, and rum extract and beat again.
- Stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Slowly add it to the butter mixture until everything is mixed in.
- Press it into the prepared pan. Bake 14-15 minutes. Do not over-bake. Let cool.
- Beat the butter until creamy. Add the rum extract, eggnog, and salt, and beat again.
- Slowly add the powdered sugar until everything is creamy. Spread over the cooled bars. Top with sprinkles.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 382Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 6gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 103mgCarbohydrates: 70gFiber: 1gSugar: 46gProtein: 4g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.
Kelley says
Jocelyn!
Thank you for the awesome recipe! I was looking for just one more thing or two to bake for the holidays and wanted something "eggnog". I had pinned this recipe and just knew when I saw it that I had to try it! OH for YUM! When my daughter took a bite she exclaimed..."MOM! This is a keeper!" Delicious! And yes..they freeze very well 🙂
Phyllis Mason says
Can these be frozen, or will that ruin them. They look great. I'm just afraid to make them too soon or there may not be enough for our Christmas Eve brunch party.
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Hi, Phyllis. I think these could be frozen very easily. Just make sure to pack them in an air tight ziplock bag or container, then bring them to room temperature the night before you need them. I hope you enjoy them!
Alexandra says
Great recipe! I included it in my Daily Finds for December 13th
Thank You for Allowing Me to Share!
Delaine Foss says
I want to make these for my LCR Christmas party next week. They look so good!
Is the sugar cookie bar part soft, chewy and moist or crispy (like shortbread). I'm hoping for soft and moist.
Thanks!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Hi, Delaine. The cookies are soft and chewy, not crisp at all. The frosting on top keeps them even more soft! I hope you enjoy them!
marcie says
I'm all over anything and everything egg nog right now, and these bars look absolutely amazing! So thick, soft, and buttery. Pinned. 🙂
Irufushi says
How well do these store uncut? I'd like to make these for a cookie sale on Saturday but I have to drive to my mom's house Friday night. Have you ever had to store them longer than a day or do they just disappear?
Jocelyn Brubaker says
They would be fine uncut for a day or two. Just make sure the container is sealed tightly...for the cookies safety of course 🙂
Des+@+Life's+Ambrosia says
Eggnog perfection!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Thanks Des! 🙂
Heather Grow says
Pinned these. They look soooo yummy. I have to be careful that I don't drink too much eggnog. It's so tasty but oh so decadent and rich.
Carol R. says
These are yummy! I stopped at two cups of sugar in the frosting. There was plenty of it, and it was deliciously buttery and egg nog-y.
Jocelyn Brubaker says
I'm glad you liked them...they are definitely my new favorite. Was your frosting thin since you only used 2 cups?
Carol says
I don't know what consistency the 4 cups would have given it, but the 2 cups yielded a result similar to buttercream cake frosting.
Amy @ Amy's Healthy Baking says
I tried eggnog for the first time last year and ohmygosh... How in the world did I wait that long?? I finally bought my first one of the season yesterday, and I've already made two sets of cinnamon rolls and a batch of cookies. It's all I want to bake with this winter! 😉 I love your idea of making cookies into bars so they're even easier. That's definitely going on my holiday baking list! Pinned!
Jenn@eatcakefordinner says
Hey... Great minds think alike. I just made some eggnog sugar cookie bars a few weeks ago, but a completely different recipe. Your version sounds so good with the rum extract. Have a good Thanksgiving : )
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Definitely great minds, girl! 🙂 Thanks!
Jen @ Baked by an Introvert says
I want to devour every last one of these bars! Pinning!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
These are gorgeous, Jocelyn! I love baking with eggnog and these definitely look like they would be my favorite so far too! The frosting and sprinkles look perfect! Pinning!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Thanks Kelly! They are a new favorite of mine! 🙂
Renee@Two in the Kitchen says
I am a sucker for frosted sugar cookies! These look amazing!! 🙂
Zainab says
So so pretty!!!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Thanks Zainab! 🙂
Chels+R. says
I just bought some Eggnog this morning for my sister in love's b-day party tonight. Now, I'm wishing I had bought a little more.
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I'm definitely on team eggnog, too! I can't drink too much of it, but I do love it. These bars sound absolutely amazing, Jocelyn! Love the texture and flavor. Pinned!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Thanks for pinning, Gayle! 🙂
Laura@Baking in Pyjamas says
I've never tried eggnog before, I'm going to make some this weekend to bake with, I'm pinning this to use the leftovers on. They look delicious!!!
Victoria Burke says
I love eggnog. Sadly, I am the only one in the household who does. So I buy a small thing of it each year. I agree that it needs to be drink in a small glass and slowly. It is so good. But since I am not the only one that drinks it, that means more for me! Which means, more of these awesome looking cookies, for me!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
You should make these just for yourself then! 🙂
Jess @ On Sugar Mountain says
I really need to buy like the biggest bottle of eggnog I can find, just to have enough to bake all these glorious desserts I've been seeing! These cookie bars would make any Christmas dessert table perfect! 😀
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Haha! I know, I've been in eggnog heaven lately. It's glorious! Thanks Jess!