These No-Bake Eggnog Cookie Balls bring together the creamy richness of eggnog, a sprinkle of nutmeg, and the kind of holiday magic that makes the whole house feel cozy. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve whipped these up for family gatherings—trust me, they’re the quickest way to spread cheer without ever touching the oven.
Perfect No-Bake Eggnog Cookie Balls Recipe
Now, here’s the thing. What makes this recipe so special isn’t just the ease—it’s the way it captures every bit of holiday flavor in one bite. Between you and me, I learned the hard way that eggnog in baked cookies can lose its punch, but in no-bake form? Game changer, folks. These cookie balls stay rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced.
No-Bake Eggnog Cookie Balls
Equipment
- food processor
- Large mixing bowl
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Parchment or wax paper
- baking sheet
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
Ingredients
- 10 ounces crunchy butter cookies or sugar/shortbread
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup eggnog chilled
- 10 ounces almond bark or white chocolate coating
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
- Crush cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor.
- Mix crumbs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and eggnog until dough forms.
- Scoop tablespoon portions, roll into balls, and place on the prepared sheet.
- Chill for 1 hour or overnight until firm.
- Melt almond bark, stir in a pinch of nutmeg.
- Dip each ball, coat fully, and set back on parchment.
- Sprinkle with nutmeg before coating hardens.
- Refrigerate until coating is firm.
Notes
- Humidity can affect setting—if too soft, chill longer.
- Don’t skip chilling before dipping or they’ll fall apart in the coating.
- Work quickly with almond bark; it hardens fast.
- Keep in an airtight container up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- For a variation, swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice, or drizzle with dark chocolate.
Nutrition
No-Bake Cookie Techniques & Tips for Eggnog Flavor
Texture & Setting Guide
You’ll know your mixture is right when it holds its shape like playdough—too soft means you added extra eggnog, too dry means more eggnog is needed. In drier climates, 1 hour chilling works; in humid kitchens like mine last summer, I had to chill them closer to 2 hours.
Pro Tips for Best Results
By the way, I discovered these set much quicker if you chill your mixing bowl beforehand. Also, use room-temperature eggnog—it blends more evenly. Work quickly with the coating; white chocolate sets faster than you’d expect. And trust me on this one: don’t skip the nutmeg dusting at the end. That’s what makes people say, “Something magical in the air.”
Serving & Storage for No-Bake Eggnog Cookie Balls
Best Flavor Pairings
- A drizzle of caramel over the top for extra decadence
- A sprinkle of crushed gingersnaps for crunch
- Dark chocolate drizzle for contrast
Perfect Accompaniments
You know how kids get when there’s hot cocoa around? These pair perfectly with cocoa or coffee. Adults might lean toward mulled wine or, let’s be honest, a glass of spiked eggnog.
Storage & Freshness
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully—stash a batch for up to 2 months, then thaw in the fridge overnight.
Conclusion
These no-bake eggnog cookie balls prove that the best holiday memories don’t come from complicated recipes—they come from little pieces of comfort, shared with family. With just a handful of ingredients and no oven required, you’ll have festive treats ready in no time.