Indulge in the rich and festive flavors of eggnog with these delicious Eggnog Cookie Bars. These bars are easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of eggnog and nutmeg creates a unique and delicious flavor.
- These bars require minimal prep time, making them a quick and easy dessert option.
- They are perfect for meal prep, as they can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment.
Ingredient Notes:
Cookie Bars:
- Butter (salted or unsalted): Provides richness and flavor to the bars.
- Granulated sugar and brown sugar: Sweetens the bars and adds moisture.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together.
- Eggnog: Infuses the bars with a creamy eggnog flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall taste of the bars.
- All-purpose flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt: Create the base for the cookie bars.
Frosting:
- Butter (salted or unsalted): Adds richness to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- Eggnog and vanilla extract: Give the frosting a creamy and flavorful finish.
- Nutmeg for garnish: Adds a festive touch to the finished bars.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven and prepare a baking dish.
- Cream together butter and sugars, then add in the egg, eggnog, and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients and gradually add them to the wet mixture.
- Spread the batter into the prepared dish and bake until golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool before frosting them with the eggnog frosting.
- Sprinkle with nutmeg and chill before slicing and serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For a more intense eggnog flavor, use eggnog in both the cookie bars and the frosting.
- Store the bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer.
- If you don’t have eggnog, you can substitute with milk or cream in this recipe.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Chill the dough before baking to prevent the bars from spreading too much.
- Use freshly grated nutmeg for the best flavor in both the bars and the frosting.
Serving Suggestions:
These Eggnog Cookie Bars pair well with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk. Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover bars in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave them for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze these Eggnog Cookie Bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars before frosting them. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving. - Can I omit the nutmeg in this recipe?
While nutmeg adds a festive flavor, you can omit it if you’re not a fan of the spice. - Can I use store-bought eggnog instead of making my own?
Yes, store-bought eggnog works well in this recipe if you prefer not to make your own. - How can I make these bars dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free butter and a dairy-free eggnog alternative to make these bars dairy-free.
Conclusion:
Embrace the holiday spirit with these Eggnog Cookie Bars that are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the creamy eggnog flavor in every bite and share your feedback with us after trying this delightful recipe.
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Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the festive flavors of eggnog with these delicious cookie bars. The buttery cookie base is infused with eggnog and nutmeg, then topped with a creamy eggnog frosting for the perfect holiday treat.
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
- Prepare the Cookie Bars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add egg, eggnog, and vanilla extract, mix until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mix until dough forms. Press dough into a greased baking pan.
- Bake the Cookie Bars: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the bars for 20-25 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, eggnog, and vanilla extract, beat until smooth. Spread frosting over cooled cookie bars and sprinkle with nutmeg.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut into bars and serve these delicious eggnog cookie bars as a festive holiday treat.
Notes
- You can customize the frosting by adding a splash of rum extract for a boozy twist.
- For a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg