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13 Genius Christmas Eggnog Desserts You Need To Try
Stuck in a holiday baking rut? Year after year, it’s the same sugar cookies and gingerbread people.
You want to create something new and festive, but inspiration is running low. The secret ingredient you’re missing is eggnog. This creamy, spiced beverage is a versatile component that can transform dozens of desserts.
The best way to elevate your holiday baking is by incorporating a versatile, festive ingredient like eggnog. It adds moisture, richness, and classic spiced flavor to everything from soft cookies and creamy cheesecakes to moist loaf cakes. Get ready to discover 13 genius ideas that will make your Christmas baking unforgettable.
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Why Do My Holiday Desserts Feel… Repetitive?
Does your holiday baking lineup feel a little too familiar? If you find yourself pulling out the same three cookie cutters every December, you’re not alone. It’s easy to fall back on tradition, but the joy of holiday baking often comes from creating something new and exciting to share with loved ones. The desire for festive creativity can get lost in the shuffle of the season, leaving you with a cookie platter that feels more like a repeat than a celebration.
This is where the magic of Christmas baking with eggnog comes in. For years, my holiday baking was stuck in a rut of gingerbread and sugar cookies. Then I discovered the magic of baking with eggnog, and it changed everything. This single ingredient can reinvent your favorite desserts, adding a creamy texture and the perfect amount of warm spice. These are my 13 go-to recipes that always get rave reviews, turning repetitive holiday baking into a joyful, creative tradition.
13 Genius Christmas Eggnog Desserts To Elevate Your Holiday Baking
Ready to break free from the baking blues? This collection of 13 Christmas eggnog desserts is your ticket to a more delicious and exciting holiday season. We’ve gathered a wide variety of festive eggnog treats, from easy eggnog recipes perfect for a cookie exchange to a showstopper cheesecake that will be the star of your Christmas dinner. Each of these holiday eggnog recipes has been tested and perfected to ensure you get foolproof results every time.
Here are the best Christmas eggnog desserts to try this year:
- Soft & Chewy Eggnog Cookies
- Creamy Dreamy Eggnog Cheesecake
- Spiced Eggnog Bundt Cake with Rum Glaze
- 5-Ingredient No-Fail Eggnog Fudge
- Glazed Eggnog Loaf Cake
- Festive Eggnog Muffins
- Cinnamon-Glazed Eggnog Scones
- Classic Baked Eggnog Custards
- White Chocolate Eggnog Truffles
- Overnight Eggnog Bread Pudding
- Baked Eggnog Donuts
- Fudgy Eggnog Blondies
- The Ultimate Eggnog Buttercream Frosting
Pin this classic holiday cookie recipe for your next baking day!
These soft, pillowy cookies are the ultimate Christmas classic. The easy eggnog cookie recipe yields incredibly chewy results, topped with a sweet, spiced glaze and a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg. They are absolutely perfect for a holiday cookie exchange or leaving out for Santa.
Ingredients Needed:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder & baking soda
- Spices: Freshly grated nutmeg, cinnamon
- Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- Granulated sugar
- Large egg, room temperature
- Full-fat eggnog, room temperature
- Vanilla extract
- For the glaze: Powdered sugar, more eggnog, rum extract
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two heavy-gauge nonstick baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- In a large bowl using a stand mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg, followed by the eggnog and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. The mixture may look slightly curdled; this is normal.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
- Chill the dough for at least 1 hour. This is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still look soft.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, whisk together the glaze ingredients and drizzle over the cookies. Garnish with a final sprinkle of nutmeg.
Lesson Learned: Chilling the dough is non-negotiable. I tried skipping this step once, and my cookies spread into thin, flat discs. An hour in the fridge ensures that perfect, pillowy soft texture.
2. Creamy Dreamy Eggnog Cheesecake
Save this showstopper dessert for your Christmas dinner!
If you’re looking for a centerpiece dessert, this baked eggnog cheesecake is it. The filling is incredibly rich, dense, and creamy, with the perfect amount of holiday spice. A crunchy, spicy gingersnap crust provides the perfect contrast. The secret to its flawless texture is baking it in a water bath.
Ingredients Needed:
- For the crust: Gingersnap cookies, melted unsalted butter, a pinch of sugar.
- For the filling: Full-fat block cream cheese, softened.
- Granulated sugar.
- Full-fat eggnog.
- Large eggs.
- All-purpose flour.
- Spices: Nutmeg, cinnamon, and a splash of dark rum or rum extract.
- For topping: Heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar.
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Prepare a 9-inch leakproof springform pan by wrapping the outside in a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- In a food processor, pulse gingersnap cookies into fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter and sugar, then press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Let it cool while you prepare the filling.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until completely smooth, scraping down the sides often.
- Gradually beat in the sugar until smooth. Add the flour and spices, mixing on low.
- Pour in the eggnog and rum, mixing until just combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until the yolk disappears. Do not overmix.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Place the springform pan inside a larger roasting pan.
- Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan until it comes halfway up the sides of the springform pan, creating a water bath.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, until the center is almost set but still has a slight wobble.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door cracked for 1 hour. This prevents cracks.
- Remove from the water bath, cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
Pro-Tip: The water bath and slow cooling process are the two most critical steps for a perfect, crack-free cheesecake. The steam from the water bath creates a humid environment for gentle, even baking.
3. Spiced Eggnog Bundt Cake with Rum Glaze
Pin this beautiful and easy holiday cake recipe!
This moist eggnog cake is wonderfully spiced and incredibly simple to make, thanks to its bundt cake form. It’s an impressive centerpiece for any holiday party, and the sweet, boozy rum glaze takes it over the top. Using eggnog as a key baking ingredient ensures a tender crumb every time.
Ingredients Needed:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt, nutmeg, cinnamon
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar & brown sugar
- Large eggs
- Full-fat eggnog
- Dark rum or rum extract
- For the glaze: Powdered sugar, dark rum, a splash of eggnog
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease and flour a 10- or 12-cup nonstick bundt cake pan, ensuring you get into every crevice.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter with both sugars until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the eggnog and rum.
- Alternate adding the flour mixture and the eggnog mixture to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for exactly 15 minutes before inverting it onto the rack to cool completely.
- Once cool, whisk the glaze ingredients together until smooth and drizzle over the cake.
Pro-Tip: The secret to a perfect bundt cake release is in the pan preparation. Use softened butter or baking spray and get into every single nook, then dust with flour. This creates a nonstick barrier that is more effective than just spray alone.
Save $9.07Bestseller No. 3
4. 5-Ingredient No-Fail Eggnog Fudge
Save this super easy holiday treat idea—perfect for gifts!
Need a last-minute holiday treat? This easy eggnog fudge recipe is no-fail, no-bake, and requires only five simple ingredients. The creamy texture comes from a white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk base. It’s one of the best Christmas candy recipes for making homemade holiday gifts.
Ingredients Needed:
- High-quality white chocolate chips.
- Sweetened condensed milk.
- Full-fat eggnog.
- Rum extract.
- Freshly grated nutmeg.
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to use as handles later.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and eggnog.
- Heat over low heat, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula, until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Be patient and keep the heat low to prevent scorching. A digital candy thermometer can help you keep the temperature below 180°F.
- Remove from the heat and immediately stir in the rum extract and a generous grating of fresh nutmeg.
- Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle more nutmeg on top.
- Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until firm.
- Once firm, use the parchment paper handles to lift the fudge out of the pan. Cut into small squares.
Pro-Tip: Use a high-quality white chocolate with cocoa butter listed as a primary ingredient. Cheaper “white baking chips” often contain palm oil and can result in a greasy or waxy fudge that doesn’t set properly.
5. Glazed Eggnog Loaf Cake
Pin this simple and delicious holiday loaf recipe!
This glazed eggnog loaf cake is the perfect example of a simple quick bread that feels special enough for the holidays. The tender, moist crumb is packed with festive flavor, and the simple sweet eggnog glaze makes it irresistible. It’s an easy eggnog recipe that’s perfect for Christmas morning breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Ingredients Needed:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt, nutmeg, cinnamon
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Granulated sugar
- Large eggs
- Full-fat eggnog
- Vanilla extract
- For the glaze: Powdered sugar and eggnog
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch ceramic loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar. Then, whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by the eggnog and vanilla.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Whisk together the powdered sugar and eggnog to create a thick glaze. Pour over the cooled loaf.
Lesson Learned: Don’t overmix the batter. Quick breads like this are meant to be tender. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which will result in a tough, dense loaf instead of a light, moist one.
6. Festive Eggnog Muffins
Save this perfect recipe for Christmas morning brunch!
Looking for easy Christmas brunch ideas? These fluffy, spiced eggnog muffins are the answer. They have beautiful domed tops and a crunchy, buttery streusel topping that adds the perfect texture. This is a festive and easy holiday brunch recipe that everyone will love.
Supplies Needed:
- For the streusel: All-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, cold unsalted butter.
- For the muffins: All-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, nutmeg.
- Melted butter.
- Full-fat eggnog.
- One large egg.
- A 12-cup nonstick muffin pan and paper liners.
Quick Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- First, make the streusel: In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter with your fingertips or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg for the muffin batter.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, eggnog, and egg.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just moist. Do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over each one.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Pro-Tip: For tall, bakery-style muffin tops, start baking at a higher temperature (400°F) for the first 5-7 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F for the remaining time. This initial blast of heat helps the muffins rise quickly.
7. Cinnamon-Glazed Eggnog Scones
Pin this elegant scone recipe for a festive tea time!
Learn how to make perfectly flaky, buttery, and tender scones with a festive twist. This eggnog scones recipe uses cold butter as the key ingredient to create amazing layers. A simple, spicy-sweet cinnamon glaze is the perfect finishing touch for your holiday tea time.
Materials Needed:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder and salt
- Nutmeg
- Very cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- Full-fat eggnog, cold
- For the glaze: Powdered sugar, cinnamon, milk or eggnog
- A pastry blender or two knives
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
- Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse pea-sized crumbs.
- Pour in the cold eggnog and stir with a fork until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it 3-4 times, just until it comes together. Do not over-knead.
- Pat the dough into an 8-inch circle, about 3/4-inch thick. Cut into 8 equal wedges.
- Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before whisking together the glaze ingredients and drizzling over the top.
Lesson Learned: The secret to flaky scones is keeping your ingredients, especially the butter and eggnog, as cold as possible. This creates steam pockets when baking, which results in those irresistible flaky layers.
8. Classic Baked Eggnog Custards
Pin this simple, elegant dessert recipe!
This easy custard recipe is an old-fashioned eggnog dessert at its best. Served in individual ramekins, these baked eggnog custards are silky, smooth, and incredibly elegant. The key techniques are tempering the eggs and using a water bath for gentle, even baking.
Supplies Needed:
- Full-fat eggnog
- Heavy cream
- Large egg yolks
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract and rum extract
- Freshly grated nutmeg
- Four to six 6-ounce oven-safe ramekins
Quick Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Place your ramekins in a deep baking dish.
- In a saucepan, heat the eggnog and heavy cream over medium heat until it is steaming and small bubbles form around the edges. Do not let it boil.
- While the eggnog heats, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together in a separate bowl until pale and slightly thickened.
- Now, temper the eggs: Slowly pour about half a cup of the hot eggnog mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly.
- Continue to slowly pour the remaining hot eggnog into the yolk mixture, still whisking. Stir in the extracts.
- Pour the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring cup or pitcher, then divide it evenly among the ramekins.
- Sprinkle the top of each custard with nutmeg.
- Place the baking dish in the oven and carefully pour hot water into the dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
- Carefully remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool. Serve warm or chilled.
Pro-Tip: Tempering the eggs is the most important step for a silky-smooth custard. If you add the hot liquid to the yolks too quickly, they will scramble. Go slowly and whisk constantly!
9. White Chocolate Eggnog Truffles
Save this decadent truffle recipe for homemade holiday gifts!
These decadent white chocolate truffles are an elegant and easy homemade Christmas candy. The creamy ganache center is infused with eggnog and rum flavor. They make perfect edible gifts for the holidays, especially when rolled in festive sparkling sugar.
Materials Needed:
- High-quality white chocolate, finely chopped.
- Heavy cream.
- A splash of full-fat eggnog.
- Unsalted butter.
- Rum extract and a pinch of nutmeg.
- For rolling: Sparkling sugar, powdered sugar, or cocoa powder.
- A small cookie scoop (1 tablespoon size).
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Place the finely chopped white chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream and eggnog until it just begins to simmer.
- Pour the hot cream mixture over the white chocolate. Let it sit for 5 minutes without stirring to melt the chocolate.
- Add the butter, rum extract, and nutmeg, then stir gently from the center outwards until a smooth, glossy ganache forms.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the ganache is firm enough to scoop.
- Use a small cookie scoop to portion out the ganache, then roll each portion between your palms to form a ball.
- Roll the finished truffles in your coating of choice (sparkling sugar is especially festive).
- Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Lesson Learned: Finely chopping the chocolate is key to a smooth ganache. If the pieces are too big, they won’t melt evenly in the hot cream, and you’ll end up with lumps.
10. Overnight Eggnog Bread Pudding
Pin this ultimate comfort food dessert for a chilly winter night!
This eggnog bread pudding recipe is the ultimate comfort food dessert. It’s a fantastic make-ahead Christmas dessert that uses stale bread to create a rich, custardy bake. Soaking it overnight is the key to letting the bread fully absorb the spiced eggnog custard.
Materials Needed:
- Stale bread (challah, brioche, or French bread work best), cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Full-fat eggnog.
- Large eggs.
- Brown sugar.
- Melted unsalted butter.
- Vanilla extract, rum extract, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- A 9×13 inch casserole dish.
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Spread the bread cubes in a single layer in a buttered 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggnog, eggs, brown sugar, melted butter, extracts, and spices until well combined.
- Pour the eggnog mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it’s all soaked in the liquid.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This is the key to a custardy pudding.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Uncover the dish and bake for 45-55 minutes, until the pudding is puffed, golden brown, and the center is set.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving warm, perhaps with a caramel or rum sauce.
Pro-Tip: Using day-old or slightly stale bread is essential. Fresh, soft bread will turn to mush, but stale bread has the structure to soak up the custard without disintegrating, leading to the perfect texture.
Save $20.01Bestseller No. 10
11. Baked Eggnog Donuts
Save this fun and easy baked donut recipe for a holiday treat!
This Christmas breakfast recipe is pure fun! These easy baked donuts have a tender, cake-like texture and are so much simpler than frying. You’ll need a nonstick donut pan, but the process is a breeze. The flavorful eggnog glaze and holiday sprinkles make them extra festive.
Tools & Ingredients Needed:
- A nonstick donut pan.
- All-purpose flour.
- Granulated sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, salt.
- Full-fat eggnog.
- Melted butter.
- One large egg.
- For the glaze: Powdered sugar, eggnog, vanilla extract.
- Festive sprinkles.
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your nonstick donut pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggnog, melted butter, and egg.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. This is the easiest way to fill the donut pan neatly.
- Pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Whisk together the glaze ingredients until smooth. Dip the top of each cooled donut into the glaze, then place back on the wire rack and immediately add sprinkles.
Pro-Tip: The piping bag trick is a game-changer for baked donuts. Trying to spoon the batter in is messy and results in uneven donuts. A simple zip-top bag makes the process quick, clean, and easy.
Save $9.03Bestseller No. 11
12. Fudgy Eggnog Blondies
Save this easy one-bowl recipe for your holiday baking list!
If you love easy bar cookies, you need to try these eggnog blondies. Made in one bowl, these white chocolate blondies are incredibly fudgy, chewy, and dense. The brown sugar and melted butter create that signature texture, while eggnog and nutmeg add a festive flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Materials Needed:
- Unsalted butter, melted.
- Light brown sugar, packed.
- One large egg.
- A splash of full-fat eggnog.
- Rum extract and vanilla extract.
- All-purpose flour.
- Nutmeg and salt.
- White chocolate chips.
- An 8×8 inch square baking pan.
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, creating a sling.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and the packed light brown sugar until well combined.
- Whisk in the egg, eggnog, and extracts until the mixture is glossy.
- Stir in the flour, nutmeg, and salt until just combined.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Let the blondies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out with the parchment sling and cutting into squares.
Lesson Learned: For that perfectly fudgy, chewy texture, be very careful not to overbake the blondies. It’s better to pull them out a minute early than a minute late. The residual heat from the pan will continue to cook them as they cool.
13. The Ultimate Eggnog Buttercream Frosting
Pin this versatile frosting recipe to elevate all your holiday bakes!
Learn how to make eggnog frosting to elevate all your Christmas cookies, cakes, and cupcakes. This buttercream frosting recipe is fluffy, pipeable, and packed with holiday flavor. It uses a powdered sugar base and gets its incredible texture from whipping the butter properly at the start.
Ingredients Needed:
- Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature.
- Powdered sugar, sifted.
- Full-fat eggnog.
- Rum extract or vanilla extract.
- A generous pinch of freshly grated nutmeg and a tiny pinch of salt.
- An offset icing spatula set for smooth application.
Step-by-Step Directions:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the softened butter on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes, until it’s very pale and fluffy. This step is key for a light texture.
- Turn the mixer to low and gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until it’s all incorporated.
- Add 2 tablespoons of eggnog, the extract, nutmeg, and salt. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for another 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light and creamy.
- Check the consistency. If it’s too thick, add more eggnog, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency for spreading or piping.
- Use immediately to frost cooled cakes, cupcakes, or cookies.
Pro-Tip: Sifting the powdered sugar is an extra step, but it guarantees a silky-smooth, lump-free frosting. Also, don’t skip whipping the butter at the beginning; it incorporates air that makes the final buttercream incredibly light and fluffy.
Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Baking with Eggnog
- Use Full-Fat Eggnog: For the richest flavor and most tender texture, always choose full-fat eggnog. The fat content is crucial for moisture.
- Adjust for Sweetness: Commercial eggnog is already sweet. Consider slightly reducing the sugar in your original recipe to maintain a balanced flavor.
- Enhance the Flavor: The eggnog taste can mellow during baking. Boost it by adding a splash of rum extract and a generous pinch of fresh nutmeg to your batter.
- Room Temperature is Key: For cakes and breads, use room temperature eggnog (along with butter and eggs) to ensure a smooth batter that doesn’t curdle.
- Don’t Fear the Substitute: In many recipes for muffins, pancakes, and cakes, you can substitute eggnog 1:1 for milk or buttermilk for an instant festive twist.
People Also Ask About Christmas Eggnog Desserts
Can I use store-bought eggnog for baking?
Yes, absolutely. Store-bought eggnog is the most convenient and common choice for baking. It’s pasteurized for safety and provides consistent flavor. Just remember it’s pre-sweetened, so you may want to slightly reduce the sugar in your recipe for a perfectly balanced dessert.
What flavors go best with eggnog?
Eggnog pairs wonderfully with warm, rich, and festive flavors. Think warm spices like cinnamon and clove, dark spirits like rum or bourbon, and rich notes from white chocolate and caramel. For a bright contrast, try pairing it with fruits like cranberry or orange.
Can I substitute eggnog for milk in any cake recipe?
In most simple cake, muffin, or pancake recipes, you can substitute eggnog for milk in a 1:1 ratio. This will result in a richer, moister, and more flavorful final product. Because eggnog is thicker and sweeter, the texture will be slightly denser than the original recipe.
The most effective way to prevent flat eggnog cookies is to chill the dough thoroughly. After mixing, refrigerate the cookie dough for at least one hour. This solidifies the fat, which prevents the cookies from spreading too quickly in the hot oven, resulting in a thicker, chewier cookie.
Final Thoughts
This holiday season, don’t just drink your eggnog—bake with it! We hope these 13 recipes inspire you to create something truly special and delicious for your loved ones. By using eggnog as an ingredient, you can easily transform simple cookies, cakes, and custards into memorable Christmas desserts.
Which dessert are you most excited to try first? Let us know in the comments below
Last update on 2025-11-26 at 20:34 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
