Name: Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, softened (1 stick); 1 cup sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup eggnog yogurt (or plain Greek yogurt with 1 tablespoon eggnog, stirred); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup butter (1 stick); 2 cups icing sugar (powdered sugar), may add up to 1/2 cup more if needed; 1/4 cup eggnog or milk; Sprinkles or sparkles for topping

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 34 reviews

Discover the cozy charm of holiday dessert classics with this irresistible Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe. These bars are the perfect blend of rich, buttery cookie base infused with the warm, festive flavors of eggnog. Topped with a creamy, sweet eggnog frosting and a sprinkle of festive sparkle, these bars capture the spirit of the season in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a party or a quiet night in, this recipe promises a delightful treat that’s both nostalgic and downright delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a square dessert with two layers. The bottom layer is a light yellow cake with a soft texture. The top layer is white frosting dusted with golden sugar crystals and decorated with small white round sugar pearls, placed near the corner. The dessert is on a silver wire rack, and underneath is a red and black checkered cloth with white snowflake patterns. The surface beneath the rack is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To bring this Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe to life, you’ll only need a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role—from the tender butter creating a soft base, to the eggnog that adds that signature creamy spice, and the vanilla rounding everything out with warmth.

Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides a rich, moist texture to the cookie bars and helps with structure.
Sugar (1 cup): Brings just the right amount of sweetness and helps tenderize the batter.
Eggs (2 large): Bind everything together and add a fluffy lift to the bars.
Eggnog yogurt (1/4 cup) or plain Greek yogurt with 1 tablespoon eggnog: Adds moistness and enhances the signature eggnog flavor.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Deepens the flavor profile, complementing the spices in eggnog.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise just enough for a tender crumb.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works together with the baking powder to create lightness.
Flour (2 1/4 cups): The essential base of the cookie bars, ensuring they hold together perfectly.
Butter (1/2 cup) for frosting: Gives the frosting a creamy, spreadable texture.
Icing sugar (2 cups, with up to 1/2 cup more if needed): Sweetens and thickens the frosting beautifully.
Eggnog or milk (1/4 cup): Adds luscious moisture to the frosting and keeps it smooth.
Sprinkles or sparkles for topping: A festive finishing touch that makes these bars look as joyful as they taste.

How to Make Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Start by beating the softened butter, sugar, eggnog yogurt (or the yogurt and eggnog combo), and vanilla extract in a large bowl with an electric mixer. This creates a smooth, creamy base that will give your bars their irresistible tenderness and flavor.

Step 2: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Next, add the baking powder, baking soda, and flour to your wet mixture. Blend these together until just combined. The batter will be thick and luscious—that’s exactly what you want for perfectly chewy bars.

Step 3: Prepare Your Pan

Line an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Spreading the batter evenly in the prepared pan ensures your bars bake uniformly and slip out effortlessly when ready.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop the pan in a preheated 350-degree oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the bars are firm and just turning golden on top. The scent while baking will already have your kitchen feeling like a holiday dream.

Step 5: Cool Completely Before Frosting

Patience pays off here. Let your bars cool fully in the pan so the frosting goes on smoothly without melting or sliding off. This step is key to an Instagram-worthy presentation and lush eating experience.

Step 6: Whip Up the Frosting

Using the butter, icing sugar, and eggnog or milk, mix until your frosting is silky and perfectly spreadable. Adjust with a little extra powdered sugar if you want a thicker frosting to hold up to the festive toppings.

Step 7: Frost, Decorate, and Cut

Spread the frosting generously over the bars. Finish with sprinkles or sparkles to add a touch of holiday whimsy. Once decorated, slice into charming squares and get ready to wow your friends and family with every bite!

How to Serve Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Try dusting the bars with a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to complement the eggnog flavor beautifully. Adding crushed candy canes on top offers a festive crunch and a splash of color that’s sure to delight everyone at your table.

Side Dishes

These cookie bars pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced tea, rich hot cocoa, or even a glass of chilled eggnog for a double dose of that classic holiday spirit. For brunch or dessert parties, serve alongside fresh fruit or light whipped cream to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress guests, serve the bars arranged on a rustic wooden board with holiday greenery and cinnamon sticks. Alternatively, wrap individual bars in festive cellophane and tie them with a ribbon for charming edible gifts that anyone will cherish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Eggnog Cookie Bars tightly covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The frosting remains soft, and the bars maintain their tender chewiness perfectly during this time.

Freezing

Freeze the bars uncut in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator to maintain the best texture and flavor. If desired, frost after thawing for fresh-tasting bars every time.

Reheating

If you like your bars a little warm, gently heat a single bar in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This enhances the buttery flavor and softens the frosting just slightly without making it melt away.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular yogurt for eggnog yogurt?

Absolutely! If you don’t have eggnog yogurt on hand, mix plain Greek yogurt with a tablespoon of eggnog to capture that classic holiday flavor. It’s a simple swap that keeps the bars moist and festive.

Is it possible to make these bars vegan?

To make a vegan version, swap the butter for plant-based margarine or coconut oil, use a flax or chia egg in place of eggs, and choose a non-dairy yogurt alongside vegan-friendly powdered sugar. The flavor might vary slightly but still delicious!

Why is parchment paper recommended for the pan?

Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes removing the bars easier and cleaner. It also helps you lift the entire batch out of the pan for neat cutting and serving.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?

Yes, feel free to customize your bars by folding in chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or even dried cranberries for extra texture and holiday flair. Just fold them in after the dry ingredients are incorporated.

How long will these bars stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for about three days. After that, refrigeration or freezing ensures they maintain their flavor and moistness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking treats that carry the warmth and magic of the holidays, and this Eggnog Cookie Bars Recipe fits the bill perfectly. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these bars as much as I do—they’re bound to become a beloved tradition in your household. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s bake some festive happiness!