Eggnog Cookie Bars with Rum Frosting
Soft, cake-like bars infused with eggnog and rum extract, baked until just set, then topped with a creamy eggnog-rum frosting and festive sprinkles. A holiday treat that captures traditional eggnog flavors in convenient bar form.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large eggheavy cream mixed with nutmeg1:1dairyeggs-freeadds dairy
lighter texture, less eggnog intensity
Full guide → - ¼ cup eggnogheavy cream mixed with nutmeg1:1dairyeggs-freeadds dairy
lighter texture, less eggnog intensity
Full guide → - 1 teaspoon rum extractbrandy extract1:1alcohol-free
maintains holiday flavor
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon table salt
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- sprinkles
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- 2
Spray a 9x13 pan with nonstick baking spray.
- 3
Beat together butter and both sugars until creamy.
- 4
Add egg, eggnog, and rum extract, then beat again.
- 5
Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg in a separate bowl.
- 6
Slowly add dry ingredients to butter mixture and mix until combined.
- 7
Press dough into prepared pan.
- 8
Bake for 15 minutes, being careful not to overbake.
- 9
Cool completely.
- 10
Beat butter until creamy.
- 11
Add rum extract, eggnog, and salt, then beat again.
- 12
Slowly add powdered sugar until frosting reaches creamy consistency.
- 13
Spread frosting over cooled bars.
- 14
Top with sprinkles.
Tips
Do not overbake the base layer; 15 minutes should yield a just-set cake with tender crumb.
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother beating and better incorporation.
Good to Know
Covered container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Bake base layer up to 1 day ahead; cover and refrigerate. Frost on serving day for best texture.
Room temperature or chilled. Cut into squares.
Common Mistakes
Overbake the base to avoid dry, tough bars.
Overbeat frosting to prevent breaking and graininess.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
lighter texture, less eggnog intensity
Full guide →Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
maintains holiday flavor