20 Eggnog Desserts to Sweeten the Holiday Season

Eggnog Cookies Recipe

Picky eater? No problem. Even if you don't love eggnog, you'll love this easy cookie. Whether you make it for Santa or for yourself (no judgment here), this festive recipe is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. Though they're delicious without any bells and whistles, the boozy, four-ingredient Eggnog-Bourbon Buttercream is what truly makes these cookies shine. Want something with a bit more spice? Try these Chai Tea Eggnog Cookies next. 

Eggnog Banana Bread Recipe

A mash-up of the retro holiday drink and the classic quick bread makes perfect sense: Booze, cream, and nutmeg pair perfectly with banana, vanilla, and brown sugar. These whole-grain mini loaves are a great alternative to cupcakes, and much easier to package without a dome of messy frosting. If you don't have mini loaf pans, you can use 12 muffin cups lined with cupcake liners. For a kid-friendly drizzle, you can swap the alcohol for fresh orange juice.

Creamy Eggnog Ice Cream Recipe

Holiday desserts aren't limited to cakes and pies. Break out of the mug by serving your eggnog in a rich ice cream recipe that's loaded with the fragrant flavor of vanilla bean and ground nutmeg.

Eggnog Pie Recipe

Looking for the perfect make-ahead holiday dessert? Your search ends here. A pecan shortbread crust perfectly complements the eggy, nutty filling. This Eggnog Pie is as delicious as it is easy, but you can't forget to prep ahead of time. In this case, chilling in the fridge for a few hours is the final step of the baking process. Hungry for more? Check out 20 Eggnog Desserts to Sweeten the Holiday Season next. 

This make-ahead pie is an Editor's Favorite around our offices. Eggnog skips its usual spot in the mug to shine in this chilled dessert.

Eggnog Mudslide Recipe

If you’re in the mood to drink your dessert this holiday season (or you’re just tired of plain eggnog), this tall, creamy glass of sweet decadence—also known as an Eggnog Mudslide—is everything you’re looking for. 

Gingerbread Cake Roll with Eggnog Cream Recipe

Made with fresh ginger, bourbon, and molasses, this dark, spicy gingerbread cake pairs wonderfully with the light and creamy eggnog filling. This cake does need to chill for at least 8 hours, so make sure you plan ahead. Dust the top of this gingerbread cake roll with powdered sugar for an extra holiday touch. When it comes to your ginger, choose clean knobs of fresh ginger root with smooth, shiny skin. Store in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator and use it before it begins to shrivel. Remove the peel with a vegetable peeler or the tip of a metal spoon.

Boozy Eggnog Souffle Recipe

So you’re not into drinking eggnog. I get it. It’s a big glass of cream that’s been mixed with eggs and booze. Willingly chugging a few ounces of it takes a whole lot of gumption. For those who can’t bear to choke down another glass, allow me to introduce you to eggnog souffle. Using the same ingredients needed to whip up a pitcher of eggnog, plus a few other pantry staples, you can make a lighter-than air breakfast that tastes way better than the drink.

Spoiler alert: This casserole is also a perfect way use up those 4 quarts of eggnog left in your fridge (I know—how were you going to pass up that $1-a-carton sale?). Just replace the milk with eggnog and dial down the cinnamon and nutmeg in the recipe by half. You’re welcome.

Boozy Eggnog Souffle

Spiced Eggnog Pound Cake Recipe

Eggnog not’s just for sipping: Use it to add extra richness and flavor to a holiday bundt cake.

Vegan Eggnog Recipe

Cashew milk is one of the thickest nut milks, with a mild flavor that makes it ideal as a plant-based swap in this classic sipper. Compared to store-bought versions, our nog has about half the calories and 2/3 less sugar per serving.

Gingerbread Cookie Eggnog Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe

Featuring gingerbread cookies and eggnog ice cream, these decadent ice cream sandwiches are the holiday flavor mashup of the season. While we opted to use store-bought mix and ice cream for convenience, you could certainly use your favorite from-scratch gingerbread and eggnog ice cream recipes if you’d prefer to go the homemade route. (Quick tip: You can make your own easy eggnog ice cream simply by pouring a container of eggnog into your ice cream maker and processing according to the manufacturer’s instructions.) Miniature versions of these sweet, spirits dessert sandwiches could also be made using a small round cookie cutter. 

Eggnog Cheese Pie with Bourbon Cream Recipe

This light version of eggnog pie is topped with heavenly bourbon cream.

Eggnnog Whoopie Pies Recipe

The rich, creamy filling can be made up to 3 days ahead and then piped onto fresh, cooled cookies. Bourbon makes the filling lick-the-bowl good, but you can omit the booze for a kid-friendly treat.

Layered Eggnog Cream with Puff Pastry Recipe

Any seasonal berry works with this dessert.

Eggnog Fudge Recipe

Christmas isn't complete without a dose of eggnog. Try your favorite holiday drink in a candy recipe. Eggnog fudge incorporates the rich flavor of eggnog in an already classic holiday dessert recipe.

Chai Tea Eggnog Cookies Recipe

The chai gives this cookie a kick while the eggnog topping shows a sweet side.

Eggnog Cheesecake With Gingersnap Crust Recipe

The 15-minute prep, which includes a three-ingredient crust, is super simple, thanks to the option of using either refrigerated or canned eggnog. Our test kitchens tested both and enjoyed the results equally.

Eggnog Creamsicle Recipe

Even if you’re not the biggest fan of eggnog served straight, we’re willing to bet you might just love it in this dreamy holiday spin on a creamsicle.

Eggnog Magic Cake Recipe

Finally, eggnog you can eat. One magic cake batter transforms into two layers when baked and chilled: a cake layer and a custard layer. This dessert looks difficult to make, but is actully simple with easy-to-find ingredients. Try it topped with boozy whipped cream, made by whipping heavy cream and bourbon until stiff peaks form. Hungry for more? Check out 20 Eggnog Desserts to Sweeten the Holiday Season next. 

Old-Fashioned Eggnog Recipe

Why buy eggnog when you can make your own? Whip up homemade eggnog, a classic holiday recipe, for some good, old-fashioned fun. Gradually adding in bourbon will give homemade eggnog its trademark custardy, yet light, texture. However, you can omit the alcohol if you’re serving it to little ones. Since you’re dealing with raw eggs, it’s important to use the freshest and best quality eggs you can—you don’t want to make eggnog with the carton stragglers that have been in the fridge for at least a month. To reduce the risk of salmonella, we recommend using properly refrigerated, pasteurized shell eggs.

Layered Eggnog Blondies Recipe

These treats have a split personality: 1 part blondie, 1 part eggnog cheesecake. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container up to one week.