Mrs. Fields Iced Eggnog Cookies: Your Ultimate Guide to a Festive Holiday Treat

There’s nothing quite like the warm, spicy aroma of freshly baked cookies to bring festive cheer into your home. And when those cookies are infused with the delightful flavor of eggnog and topped with a luscious, creamy glaze, you’ve truly captured the essence of the holiday season. This recipe for Mrs. Fields Iced Eggnog Cookies is not just a delicious treat; it’s a solution born from common kitchen dilemmas – specifically, an abundance of egg yolks and leftover eggnog. Whether you’ve recently whipped up a batch of delicate meringue cookies, leaving you with a surplus of yolks, or found yourself with extra eggnog after a holiday gathering, this recipe provides the perfect opportunity to transform those ingredients into something truly spectacular.

Inspired by the iconic Mrs. Fields, renowned for her delectable cookies, this recipe brings together classic flavors in a soft, chewy cookie base. The combination of nutmeg and cinnamon, coupled with the rich taste of eggnog, creates a unique profile that stands out from typical holiday fare. It’s a taste of nostalgia, a bite of comfort, and an irresistible invitation to indulge.

The Legacy of Mrs. Fields and Her Cookie Secrets

Debbi Fields started her famous cookie business in 1977, and her recipes quickly became synonymous with homemade quality and irresistible taste. Her approach to baking emphasized simple, high-quality ingredients and precise techniques, yielding cookies that were consistently soft, chewy, and full of flavor. This particular eggnog cookie recipe, a true gem, can be found in her acclaimed Mrs. Fields Cookie Book. For those who like to do a little research before diving in, you might also find reviews and discussions about this beloved recipe on platforms like Recipezaar, where its popularity has been evident for many years.

These aren’t just good little cookies; they’re a testament to classic baking, perfected over time and adored by many. The distinctive eggnog flavor, coupled with a tender crumb and a sweet, creamy icing, makes them an absolute holiday must-have.

Mrs. Fields Eggnog Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Ensure it’s accurately measured, preferably by weight or using the spoon-and-level method. Flour provides the structure for your cookies.
1 teaspoon baking powder: This acts as a leavening agent, giving the cookies their lift and contributing to a soft, cake-like texture.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: A classic warm spice that beautifully complements the rich, creamy flavor of eggnog. Freshly ground cinnamon will yield a more potent aroma.
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Essential for that authentic, signature eggnog taste. For the best flavor, consider using whole nutmeg and grating it yourself just before adding.
1 ¼ cups granulated sugar: Provides sweetness, helps with browning, and contributes to the cookie’s tender interior and slightly crisp edge.
¾ cup SALTED butter, room temperature: Mrs. Fields specifically calls for salted butter for a balanced flavor profile. If you only have unsalted butter, simply add about ¼ teaspoon of fine salt to your flour mixture to achieve the proper balance. Ensure the butter is truly at room temperature (soft but not melted) for optimal creaming.
½ cup eggnog: Commercial eggnog works perfectly here. Its creamy texture and spiced flavor are integral to the cookie’s identity and moisture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A good quality vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors in the cookie, adding a layer of warmth and complexity.
2 large egg yolks: These are crucial for richness, moisture, and contribute to the beautiful golden color and chewy texture of the cookies. They are also the perfect way to utilize leftover yolks from other recipes.
1 tablespoon ground nutmeg (optional): Reserved for sprinkling on top, either before baking or after icing, to amplify the festive aroma and taste.

Instructions:

Prepare Your Oven: Preheat your oven to a moderate 300°F (150°C). This specific lower temperature, as favored by Mrs. Fields, allows the cookies to bake evenly and achieve a soft, tender texture without browning too quickly, preserving their light color and delicate crumb. Prepare your baking sheets; this recipe specifies ungreased sheets.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, meticulously combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and the initial ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Use a wire whisk to mix these ingredients thoroughly for at least 30 seconds. This step is crucial as it ensures that the leavening agent and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough, which is vital for consistent texture and flavor in every cookie. Set this bowl aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer), cream together the room temperature salted butter and granulated sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and noticeably pale yellow. This process incorporates essential air, which is fundamental for creating soft, tender cookies with a delightful chew.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients: To the creamed butter and sugar mixture, add the ½ cup of eggnog, the vanilla extract, and the two large egg yolks. Continue to beat at medium speed until all these wet ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture appears smooth and uniform. Take a moment to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure everything is well mixed and no pockets of uncreamed butter or sugar remain.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the reserved dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two or three additions. Beat at a low speed, just until the flour mixture is fully combined and no streaks of dry flour are visible. It’s crucial not to overmix at this stage, as overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher, less tender cookies. Stop the mixer as soon as the dough comes together.
Shape and Prepare for Baking: Drop the cookie dough by rounded teaspoons onto your ungreased baking sheets. Ensure you leave approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each cookie to allow for proper spreading during baking without them merging. If desired, lightly sprinkle the tops of the dough balls with a bit of the optional 1 tablespoon of ground nutmeg at this point for an aromatic boost. Alternatively, you can save the nutmeg sprinkling for after the cookies have been iced for a cleaner look.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven and bake for 23-25 minutes. The precise baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven’s calibration and the size of your cookies. The cookies are done when their bottoms turn a light golden brown, and the edges are just set, while the centers remain slightly soft and puffed. Avoid overbaking, as this can result in dry, crumbly cookies rather than the desired soft and chewy texture.
Cooling: Immediately upon removing the baking sheets from the oven, use a thin, sturdy spatula to transfer the warm cookies to a wire rack or another cool, flat surface to cool completely. Allowing them to cool on the hot baking sheet for too long can continue the baking process (carry-over baking) and make them crispier than desired. Ensure they are fully cooled before proceeding to the icing step.

Irresistible Eggnog Icing

No Mrs. Fields Eggnog Cookie would be complete without its signature icing. This simple yet flavorful glaze adds another layer of eggnog delight and a beautiful, festive finish to these already wonderful treats.

Icing Ingredients:

3 cups confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar): This very fine sugar is the foundational ingredient for a smooth, lump-free, and sweet icing.
¼ cup softened butter or margarine: Adds richness, a subtle flavor, and a creamy texture to the icing. Ensure it is softened, not melted, for the best consistency.
⅓ cup commercial eggnog (or as much as you need): The star ingredient for the icing’s distinct flavor and also controls the consistency. You might need slightly more or less depending on your desired thickness.

Icing Instructions:

Prepare the Icing Base: In a small mixer bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar and the softened butter or margarine. Using an electric mixer, beat these two ingredients together until they are well blended and form a thick, somewhat crumbly paste. This initial blending helps prevent a cloud of powdered sugar from escaping when you add liquid.
Achieve Desired Consistency: Gradually beat in the commercial eggnog, adding it one tablespoon at a time. Continue mixing until the icing becomes smooth, luscious, and reaches your desired consistency. For a thicker icing that forms a more defined layer on the cookie, use less eggnog. For a thinner glaze that coats the cookies delicately, you might need a bit more. The goal is a consistency that is spreadable but won’t run off the sides of the cookies. The total yield will be approximately 1 ½ cups of delicious eggnog icing.
Ice the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, you can either spread the icing generously over each cookie with a small offset spatula or dip the tops of the cookies directly into the icing bowl. If you opted not to sprinkle nutmeg before baking, now is the perfect time to lightly dust the iced cookies with the remaining optional nutmeg for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, especially when serving. Allow the icing to set (this can take 30 minutes to an hour, or longer in humid conditions) before stacking, storing, or serving.

Tips for Baking Perfect Eggnog Cookies

Ingredient Temperature is Key: For the best results, ensure your butter and egg yolks are at true room temperature. This allows for better emulsification during the creaming process and results in a smoother, more uniform batter, ultimately leading to more evenly baked and tender cookies.
Measure Flour Accurately: Precision in measuring flour is crucial. Too much flour can make your cookies dry, dense, and crumbly. The best method is to spoon your flour into a measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. For even greater accuracy, use a kitchen scale to measure by weight.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once the dry ingredients are added to the wet mixture, mix only until they are just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, less tender cookies with a less desirable texture.
Use Ungreased Baking Sheets: Mrs. Fields’ recipe specifically calls for ungreased baking sheets. The substantial fat content from the butter in the dough is usually sufficient to prevent sticking. Greasing the sheets can sometimes cause the cookies to spread too much, altering their shape and texture.
Evenly Sized Cookies: For consistent baking results and a professional look, use a cookie scoop or consistently rounded teaspoons to portion out your dough. Cookies that are uniform in size will bake at the same rate, preventing some from being overdone while others are underbaked.
Cool Completely Before Icing: This tip cannot be overstated. Applying icing to warm cookies will cause it to melt, become thin, and run off the sides, creating a messy and unattractive finish. Patience is a virtue here – wait until the cookies are absolutely cool to the touch.
Proper Storage: To maintain their freshness and soft texture, store the iced eggnog cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain delicious for up to 3-4 days. For optimal presentation and to prevent the icing from sticking, you can place parchment paper between layers of cookies.

Variations to Try

While the classic Mrs. Fields recipe for Iced Eggnog Cookies is undeniably perfect as is, you can always experiment with subtle variations to tailor them to your personal taste or add a unique twist for special occasions:

Spice It Up: For those who love a more robust spice profile, consider adding a tiny pinch of ground cloves or allspice along with the cinnamon and nutmeg in the cookie dough. This can enhance the “holiday spice” flavor.
Extract Exchange: To truly emphasize that traditional eggnog flavor, consider using a high-quality rum extract (ensure it’s non-alcoholic if preferred) in place of a portion of the vanilla extract, both in the cookie dough and the icing. Maple extract can also be a delightful addition.
Chocolate Drizzle: After the eggnog icing has completely set, a delicate drizzle of melted white chocolate or even dark chocolate can add an elegant touch and another layer of complementary flavor.
Mini Chips: For a delightful textural surprise, fold in a handful of white chocolate chips, mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, or even butterscotch chips into the cookie dough just before dropping them onto the baking sheets.
Citrus Zest: A touch of orange or lemon zest can brighten the flavors, adding a subtle tang that cuts through the richness of the eggnog.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use unsalted butter in this recipe?

Yes, you absolutely can use unsalted butter! Since Mrs. Fields’ original recipe calls for salted butter, if you only have unsalted butter on hand, simply add ¼ teaspoon of fine salt directly to your dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, spices). This perfectly compensates for the salt content found in salted butter, ensuring your cookies have the balanced flavor intended by the original recipe.

What if I don’t have egg yolks, can I use whole eggs instead?

While the recipe specifically calls for two egg yolks for their richness, moisture, and contribution to the cookie’s signature chewy texture and golden hue, if you find yourself without extra yolks, you could try substituting one whole large egg. However, be aware that this might slightly alter the texture of the cookie, potentially making it a bit lighter or less rich. The yolks are crucial for that distinct Mrs. Fields’ chewiness.

How long do these eggnog cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these Iced Eggnog Cookies will remain delightfully fresh and delicious for about 3 to 4 days. For optimal freshness and to prevent the icing from sticking together, you can place layers of parchment paper between the cookies.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, these Mrs. Fields Eggnog Cookies freeze beautifully! You can freeze them either as plain baked cookies or after they have been iced. If freezing iced cookies, ensure the icing has completely set beforehand. For best results, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for about an hour until firm, then transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

My icing is too thick/thin. How do I fix it?

Achieving the perfect icing consistency is key. If your icing turns out too thick, gradually add a very small amount (half a teaspoon at a time) of eggnog, mixing well after each addition, until it reaches your desired pourable or spreadable consistency. If, conversely, your icing is too thin, sift in an additional tablespoon or two of confectioners’ sugar until it thickens up. Always make small, gradual adjustments to avoid overdoing it in either direction.

Conclusion: A Holiday Tradition in the Making

These Mrs. Fields Iced Eggnog Cookies are more than just a recipe; they are an experience – a delightful journey into the heart of holiday baking. They embody the warmth, distinctive flavor, and generosity of the festive season, making them an absolutely perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Whether you’re baking them to efficiently use up leftover ingredients, to share at a holiday party, to give as thoughtful homemade gifts, or simply to enjoy with a comforting cup of coffee, a warm mug of tea, or a refreshing glass of cold milk, their irresistible taste and tender texture are sure to delight everyone. So, gather your ingredients, follow these detailed steps, and prepare to create a new cherished holiday tradition that your friends and family will look forward to for years to come. Happy baking!