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To make these delightful cookie bars, gather these items: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 1 cup eggnog (store-bought or homemade) These ingredients create the soft and rich base for the bars. The butter and sugars make them sweet and tender, while the spices add warmth. Feel free to customize your cookie bars! Here are some optional ingredients you can try: - 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts - Whipped cream for topping Adding nuts gives your bars extra crunch. Topping them with whipped cream makes them even more festive and delicious. To make the process smooth, use these tools: - 9x13 inch baking pan - Mixing bowls (one large and one medium) - Whisk - Electric mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon - Rubber spatula - Wire rack These tools help mix the batter well and bake the cookie bars evenly. A wire rack cools them perfectly for cutting. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important for even baking. Next, grab a 9x13 inch baking pan. You can either grease it or line it with parchment paper. Lining the pan makes it easy to remove the bars later. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Add in 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mixing these well helps distribute the flavors. Now, take a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and sugars. Use 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy. Next, add in 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 1 cup of eggnog. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Do this in parts, alternating with the eggnog. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined. If you want, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture. Pour your batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly to ensure even baking. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean when ready. Once baked, let the cookie bars cool in the pan on a wire rack. After they cool, cut them into squares. If you like, top them with whipped cream for a festive look. Serve them on a decorative plate and enjoy your delightful holiday treat. To get the right texture in eggnog cookie bars, start with softened butter. This helps create a light and fluffy mix. Cream the butter with sugars well, about three minutes. This adds air, making your bars soft. Use room-temperature eggs. They mix better and help the batter rise. When mixing, avoid overworking the batter. Overmixing can lead to dense bars. Mix just until combined. This means no dry flour bits remain but the batter should be slightly lumpy. If you want chewy bars, add a little more eggnog. For more cake-like bars, use less eggnog. Measuring ingredients accurately is key. Use a dry measuring cup for flour. Spoon the flour into the cup, then level it off with a knife. Don’t pack the flour down, as this can add too much. For brown sugar, pack it into the cup firmly. This ensures you get the right amount. When measuring liquid ingredients, use a clear liquid measuring cup. Pour the eggnog in and check the measurement at eye level. This way, you can see exactly how much you have. Always measure baking powder and baking soda carefully. Too much can change the taste and texture of your bars. If your cookie bars turn out too dry, you likely used too much flour or baked them too long. Always check for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are done. If your bars are too wet, you might need to add more flour next time. If they spread too much in the pan, try chilling the batter for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps firm it up. For those who find their bars too sweet, try cutting back on sugar next time. Adding a pinch of salt can also balance sweetness. Enjoy experimenting to find your perfect eggnog cookie bars! Pro Tips Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon. The aroma and taste will enhance your cookie bars significantly. Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the batter for 30 minutes can help the flavors meld and improve the texture of the bars. Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cookie bars a few minutes early. They should be golden around the edges and a toothpick should come out clean. Creative Toppings: Experiment with toppings like crushed candy canes or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a festive twist! {{image_2}} You can make eggnog cookie bars even more fun. Adding nuts like pecans or walnuts gives a nice crunch. You can also use chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Dark or white chocolate chips work great. Just fold these extras into the batter before baking. This little change adds layers of taste, making each bite special. If you want gluten-free eggnog cookie bars, swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend. Most gluten-free mixes work well in baking. For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil instead of butter. You can also choose almond milk or a dairy-free eggnog. These simple swaps let everyone enjoy this treat during the holidays. How you serve these bars can make a big difference. Top them with whipped cream for a creamy finish. A sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon adds a festive touch. You can also serve them with a side of hot cocoa or coffee. This pairing warms up chilly nights and makes a cozy dessert. Presenting your bars on a decorative plate can impress guests, too. To keep your eggnog cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to store them longer, consider the freezer. To freeze your cookie bars, first, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze these treats for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. Eggnog cookie bars last about three days at room temperature. If stored properly in the fridge, they can last up to a week. To reheat, place a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This warms them and makes them soft again. If you topped them with whipped cream, add it after reheating for the best taste. You can use milk or cream mixed with spices. Combine one cup of milk with a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon. This mix gives a similar flavor. Another option is to use a store-bought eggnog alternative. Yes, you can make these bars a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh and tasty. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Check for a toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are done. The edges should be lightly golden. Eggnog cookie bars taste great with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. You can also add vanilla or even a touch of rum flavoring. Nuts like pecans or walnuts add crunch and depth. For a twist, try pairing them with caramel or chocolate. Eggnog cookie bars blend rich flavors with simple steps for success. You have all the tools and tips needed to create these treats. Remember, the right ingredients and careful mixing are key. Variations let you make these bars your own, while smart storage keeps them fresh. You can craft them ahead for holiday cheer. Enjoy your baking journey, and make every batch a tasty celebration!

Eggnog Cookie Bars

Delicious and festive cookie bars infused with the flavors of eggnog, nutmeg, and cinnamon, perfect for the holiday season.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup eggnog
  • 0.5 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1 serving whipped cream for topping (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the eggnog. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  • If using, fold in the chopped nuts for added texture.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut them into squares.
  • If desired, top with a dollop of whipped cream for that extra festive touch.

Notes

For a festive presentation, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with nutmeg or a cinnamon stick.
Keyword cookies, dessert, eggnog, holiday