Eggnog Cream Cheese Cookie Bars

When I want the rich flavor of eggnog without pouring a mug, these thick cookie bars with an eggnog-spiced cream cheese frosting are my easy answer for holiday gatherings They deliver all the festive warmth you crave with a creamy finish and a pillow-soft crumb

Ingredients

• Flour: gives structure and keeps bars soft and tender Use all purpose for best texture
• Butter: adds richness and keeps bars moist Use a good quality butter for best flavor
• Sugar: sweetens and also helps the bars stay light Choose fine white sugar for even mixing
• Egg: binds the dough together and adds extra tenderness
• Pinch of salt: balances out the sweet and wakes up the spice notes
• Vanilla: brings gentle warmth opt for pure extract if you can
• Cream cheese: for the frosting gives a creamy tang that is the perfect foil for sweet spice
• Powdered sugar: gives the frosting a smooth sweetness and light texture
• Eggnog spice blend or fresh nutmeg: brings the classic holiday flavor A mix of nutmeg cinnamon and a touch of clove is perfect
• Milk: to adjust the frosting makes it spreadable and silky

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

Combine softened butter and sugar in a large bowl and cream until light and fluffy about three minutes with a hand mixer Scrape down the bowl

Mix in the Egg and Vanilla:

Beat in the egg and vanilla until the mixture is smooth and pale This helps make the finished bars extra soft

Add Dry Ingredients:

Mix flour and salt in a separate bowl then stir into the wet mixture Do not overmix just blend until a soft dough forms

Press into Pan:

Line a baking pan with parchment and press the dough into an even layer Use your fingertips or the back of a spoon for smooth results

Bake the Bars:

Bake in a preheated oven at one hundred eighty degrees Celsius for about twenty minutes The bars should look lightly golden at the edges and set in the center Do not overbake so they stay soft

Cool Completely:

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool fully in the pan before frosting This prevents the frosting from melting

Prepare the Frosting:

Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy Add eggnog spice and just enough milk to make it spreadable

Frost and Cut:

Spread frosting generously over the cooled cookie layer Use an offset spatula for an even finish Cut into squares and serve

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Storage Tips

Once frosted these cookie bars keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days If you want to stack them place parchment between layers to prevent sticking Let bars come to room temperature before serving for the best soft texture

Ingredient Substitutions

If you have only plain cream cheese and no eggnog spice just use grated fresh nutmeg or a pinch of cinnamon For dairy free simply use a quality vegan butter and non dairy cream cheese The bars can adapt to what you have

Serving Suggestions

These make a beautiful edible gift tucked into a holiday tin Pair with a mug of cocoa for holiday movie night Or offer them on a dessert platter among traditional cookies for something a bit different Everyone reaches for these first surprisingly even the eggnog skeptics

A Brief Look at Eggnog Spice

Eggnog spice blends are a modern convenience that capture everything festive about the old fashioned drink You are tasting centuries of tradition in every bite The combination of nutmeg cinnamon and clove traces back to winter feasts and toasts to good cheer

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Common Questions

→ What makes these bars creamy?

The smooth cream cheese frosting, blended with powdered sugar and milk, gives a creamy texture and rich flavor on top of each bar.

→ How does eggnog flavor come through?

Signature eggnog spice—a blend of nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove—infuses both the frosting and dough with warm holiday notes.

→ Can I use store-bought eggnog instead of spice?

A dash of liquid eggnog can be added to the frosting for extra flavor, but adjust milk accordingly to maintain texture.

→ How should the bars be stored?

Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

→ Are the bars suitable for freezing?

Yes, freeze frosted or unfrosted bars in layers separated by parchment. Thaw in the fridge before serving for best results.