The holiday season calls for comforting, easy-to-make treats that bring joy without the fuss. These Eggnog Snickerdoodle Bars with Nutmeg Sugar are just that, a delightful twist on a classic snickerdoodle, infused with festive eggnog flavor.
If you love the cozy flavor of these bars, you’ll definitely want to check out my brown butter snickerdoodles. They have that same warm cinnamon sweetness with a rich, nutty twist that pairs perfectly with the eggnog flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Snickerdoodle Bars with Nutmeg Sugar
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Festive Flavor: Enjoy the classic snickerdoodle taste with a delightful hint of holiday eggnog.
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Quick & Easy: These bars come together in less than an hour, perfect for last-minute holiday baking.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Soft, chewy, and topped with a fragrant nutmeg sugar, they’re always a hit at gatherings.
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Simple Ingredients: Made with common pantry staples, making holiday baking stress-free and accessible.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Eggnog Snickerdoodle Bars with Nutmeg Sugar
Primary components: You’ll need softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, large eggs, all-purpose flour, and, of course, eggnog for that signature holiday flavor.
Leavening & Seasoning: Cream of tartar and baking soda ensure perfect texture, while vanilla extract and a touch of salt balance the sweetness. The topping features cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg.
Optional add-ins: For an even richer eggnog flavor, consider adding a pinch more nutmeg to the dough. A sprinkle of white chocolate chips could also add extra indulgence.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. Exact quantities appear in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Eggnog Snickerdoodle Bars with Nutmeg Sugar
Whipping up these delightful Eggnog Snickerdoodle Bars with Nutmeg Sugar is a straightforward process! You’ll start by preparing your pan and the flavorful topping, then mix the wet and dry ingredients for the bar base, bake, and finally cool and slice.

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Nutmeg Sugar Topping
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg. Mix well and set aside.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar for the Bars
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Eggnog
Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and eggnog until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients for Snickerdoodle Bars
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry to Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The dough will be quite thick.
Step 6: Press Dough and Sprinkle with Nutmeg Sugar
Press the thick dough evenly into your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. Sprinkle the reserved nutmeg sugar topping evenly over the entire surface of the dough.
Step 7: Bake Your Eggnog Snickerdoodle Bars
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs.
Avoid overbaking, as the bars will continue to set as they cool, ensuring a soft, chewy texture.
Step 8: Cool and Cut the Festive Bars
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out, then cut into squares and serve.
Pro Tips for Making Eggnog Snickerdoodle Bars
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth, well-combined batter.
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Fresh Nutmeg: Grate fresh nutmeg for the topping; it offers a much more vibrant flavor than pre-ground.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined to keep the bars tender and not tough.
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Parchment Paper is Key: Use parchment paper with an overhang for effortless removal and clean cuts.
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Cool Completely: Patience is a virtue! Let the bars cool fully before slicing to prevent crumbling.
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Storage Savvy: Store these holiday dessert bars in an airtight container to maintain their freshness for days.
Final Thoughts about the Eggnog Snickerdoodle Bars with Nutmeg Sugar
These Eggnog Snickerdoodle Bars with Nutmeg Sugar truly capture the spirit of the holidays in every bite. They’re a wonderful way to add a festive touch to any gathering or simply enjoy a cozy evening at home. I hope you love making and sharing this easy, delicious recipe as much as I do. Perhaps next time, try adding a drizzle of white chocolate for an extra special touch!
For another holiday classic, take a look at my soft gingerbread cookies. Their comforting spices and smooth vanilla glaze make them the perfect companion to these creamy, nutmeg-dusted bars.

FAQs about Eggnog Snickerdoodle Bars with Nutmeg Sugar
How do I know when my Eggnog Snickerdoodle Bars are done baking?
The bars are ready when the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Can I use store-bought ground nutmeg instead of fresh?
Yes, you can, but fresh nutmeg offers a more intense and aromatic flavor for the nutmeg sugar topping.
Can these holiday dessert bars be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! These snickerdoodle bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, making them perfect for advance preparation.
Can I freeze Eggnog Snickerdoodle Bars?
Yes, cooled bars can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Eggnog Snickerdoodle Bars with Nutmeg Sugar, an irresistible classic You will love
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Eggnog Snickerdoodle Bars with Nutmeg Sugar are an irresistible holiday treat. Combining the classic snickerdoodle flavor with the festive taste of eggnog, these bars are soft, chewy, and topped with a delightful nutmeg sugar sprinkle. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with a warm cup of coffee.
Ingredients
- For the Bars:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Nutmeg Sugar Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well and set aside.
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and eggnog until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix. The dough will be thick.
- Spread Dough: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the reserved nutmeg sugar topping evenly over the top of the dough.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Do not overbake, as the bars will continue to set as they cool.
- Cool and Cut: Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- For an extra festive touch, use a good quality, full-fat eggnog.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- If you prefer a stronger eggnog flavor, you can add an additional 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to the dough itself.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg







