Name: Red Velvet Cookies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 1 h 11 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour (fluffed, spooned, and leveled); 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 tablespoon eggnog (or milk); 1 tablespoon red food coloring or 3/4 teaspoon gel; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional for holidays); 1/4 cup sour cream, room temperature; Sprinkles for decorating (optional); 4 oz. cream cheese, room temperature; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature; 2 tablespoons eggnog (or milk); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Pinch of ground nutmeg and salt

There's something irresistibly festive about soft, chewy treats with a hint of holiday magic—and that's exactly why I adore this Red Velvet Cookies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe. The rich red velvet base combined with the warm spices in the eggnog frosting make these cookies a seasonal showstopper you'll want to bake again and again.

The image shows a white plate with eight red velvet cookies, each topped with a thick swirl of cream-colored frosting sprinkled with small red sugar crystals. The cookies are round, deep red, and have a slightly rough texture. The white frosting sits on top in a smooth, soft layer, with a slight spiral pattern from the spreading. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a soft fabric partially visible at the bottom edge. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Red Velvet Cookies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Red Velvet Cookies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Red Velvet Cookies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this recipe hits all the right notes when it comes to holiday baking. I've tested several red velvet cookie recipes over the years, but adding eggnog into the frosting gives these cookies a festive flair that feels both cozy and elegant. Plus, they're surprisingly simple to make, even for a busy holiday week.

Perfect Texture: Soft, chewy cookies with just the right amount of tender crumb to keep you coming back for more.
Festive Flavor Boost: The eggnog frosting adds warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg that perfectly complement the cocoa and vanilla in the cookies.
Easy to Make: The straightforward mixing method means you can whip up a batch quickly, even if you don't consider yourself a "baker."
Customizable and Fun: Add peppermint extract for a holiday kick or decorate with sprinkles and candy for a party-ready treat.

The image shows several red velvet cookies on a white marbled surface. Some cookies have a smooth layer of cream-colored frosting sprinkled with small red sugar crystals on top, while others are plain with white chocolate chips scattered on their surface. A few cookies are decorated to look like Santa faces with three layers: a red velvet cookie base, a white frosting layer covering most of the cookie, and toppings forming facial features including dark round chocolate chips for eyes, a red candy for the nose, shredded coconut representing a beard, small red sprinkles on top forming a hat, and a tiny white marshmallow on one side. A small white bowl filled with red and white sugar crystals is placed among the cookies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Red Velvet Cookies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe plays a key role in achieving the delicate balance of flavor and texture. Using room temperature ingredients ensures everything blends smoothly, while the combo of cocoa and food coloring creates that classic red velvet look and taste.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small heap of unsweetened cocoa powder, a small white ceramic bowl with baking soda powder, a small white ceramic bowl of fine salt, eight tablespoons of unsalted butter cut into sticks, a small white ceramic bowl filled with granulated sugar, one large uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy eggnog, a small white ceramic bowl containing bright red gel food coloring, a small white ceramic bowl with clear vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl with clear peppermint extract, a small dollop of sour cream on a white ceramic plate, a small block of cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl containing powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of ground cinnamon, a tiny white ceramic bowl with ground nutmeg, and a small white ceramic bowl with fine salt, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: The base for structure; spoon and level it for perfect dough consistency.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a subtle chocolate depth that's essential for red velvet flavor.
Baking soda: Gives a gentle lift and helps with the slightly tender crumb.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Unsalted butter: Provides richness and tenderness; make sure it's softened to room temperature.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to the slight crisp edge on the cookies.
Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture for softness.
Eggnog: A small amount in the dough boosts holiday flavor while keeping cookies moist.
Red food coloring or gel: The iconic red velvet hue—gel is more concentrated and less watery than liquid food coloring.
Vanilla extract: Classic flavor enhancer that rounds out the taste.
Peppermint extract (optional): I love adding this for holiday cookie trays; it pairs beautifully with the eggnog spices.
Sour cream: Adds moisture and tang, keeping the cookies soft and tender.
Sprinkles: For a festive finishing touch (totally optional but fun!).
Cream cheese (for frosting): Gives the frosting creamy tang and richness.
Butter (for frosting): Adds smoothness and body to the frosting.
Eggnog (for frosting): The star of the frosting with warming spices.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to just the right consistency.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Makes the frosting fragrantly festive and perfectly seasonal.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Red Velvet Cookies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to suit your flavor preferences or the occasion. Personally, I love adding peppermint extract around Christmas, but if you're making these outside the holidays, simply skip that or try orange zest for a twist.

Variation: I once doubled the cinnamon and nutmeg in the frosting for a spicier kick, which was a hit with my family! Feel free to adjust spice levels to your liking.
Dietary Modifications: Substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative and cream cheese with a plant-based version for a vegan twist, just be aware frosting texture might shift slightly.
Color Alternatives: For a natural dye, beet powder works beautifully for color without affecting taste, making these great for more wholesome baking.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Red Velvet Cookies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

Start by making sure your sour cream, egg, and butter are all at room temperature. This little step keeps the dough smooth and helps everything combine evenly. While your oven preheats to 350°F, line two baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats—this keeps cleanup easy and prevents sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures an even distribution of leavening and cocoa, so every cookie has consistent taste.

Step 3: Beat Wet Ingredients

Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar at medium-high speed until fluffy—think about two full minutes. This aeration adds lightness to your cookies. Then add the egg, eggnog, red food coloring, vanilla, and peppermint extract, mixing until just combined (about 30 seconds).

Step 4: Combine Dough

Lower the mixer speed to low and add half of your dry ingredients. Next, mix in the sour cream, then add the rest of the flour mixture—mix just until combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so stop when you no longer see dry flour.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

The dough will be sticky, so here's a handy tip: spray your hands with cooking spray and dust lightly with flour to make rolling easier. Use a cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons of dough) and space balls 2 ½ inches apart on your baking sheets. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until centers are just set but still soft.

Step 6: Make the Eggnog Frosting

Beat cream cheese, butter, eggnog, and vanilla in the stand mixer until smooth. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt, then gradually mix in powdered sugar until the frosting is fluffy but thick enough to spread. Add more eggnog if it’s too stiff.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate

Once cookies are completely cooled, generously frost each cookie. Top with sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or festive decorations for an extra holiday sparkle.

Top Tip

Through making this recipe multiple times, I realized a few small tweaks made a huge difference in the final cookie. These tips can completely elevate your baking success.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Don't skip this; it ensures smooth batter and even baking.
Use Gel Food Coloring: I found gel gives brighter colors without thinning the dough.
Don't Overmix the Dough: Stir gently once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
Watch Your Bake Time: Cookies look slightly underbaked when you pull them out but will set as they cool—this keeps them soft and chewy.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cookies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I enjoy topping these cookies with classic red and white sprinkles or crushed candy canes for a peppermint pop. They add a festive crunch and look so cheerful on cookie trays. If you’re hosting kids, colorful holiday-themed sprinkles will definitely bring smiles!

Side Dishes

Pair these rich cookies with a warm cup of hot chocolate, spiced latte, or even eggnog itself for a fantastic holiday treat spread. They also go surprisingly well with simple whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to get a little extra fancy.

Creative Ways to Present

For Christmas parties, I like arranging the cookies in a wreath shape on a big platter and accenting with fresh holly or pine sprigs. Another fun idea is to use small gift boxes or decorative tins to package cookies as gifts. The eggnog frosting holds up well during transport, making it perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, store the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. I like layering parchment paper between cookies to keep the frosting intact and prevent sticking.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked, unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a sheet pan, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw at room temperature before frosting. I haven’t recommended freezing after frosting because the texture changes a bit, but it’s doable in a pinch.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy leftover cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds (without frosting). This softens them up nicely. If already frosted, I recommend eating them chilled or at room temp to keep the frosting looking fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I skip the red food coloring in this recipe?

Absolutely! The red food coloring mainly adds that classic vibrant red velvet look. If you prefer, you can omit it or use natural beet powder for color without changing the taste much.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, the cookies will stay fresh for about 5 days. For best texture and flavor, eat within that time frame.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives. Keep in mind that the frosting texture might be slightly different, but they will still taste great.

What if I don’t have eggnog on hand?

You can substitute regular milk in both the dough and frosting if you don’t have eggnog. The flavor will be less festive, but the cookies will still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Red Velvet Cookies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen during the holiday season. I love how it bridges classic flavors with festive flair, creating a treat that everyone asks for again and again. I hope you’ll find this recipe as comforting and fun to bake as I do—there’s nothing like sharing these soft, spicy, sweet cookies with friends and family around the holidays.