20 Best Eggnog Recipes Beyond the Classic Drink
Here's what to make with that leftover quart.
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Come Christmastime, there are certain flavors that reign supreme: gingerbread, peppermint, and cinnamon all included. (Don't even get us started on Ree Drummond's famous sugar cookies!) But one flavor that tends to be a little divisive is eggnog. "Eggnog is a weakness of mine," says Ree. If you're like her and have tried a creamy homemade version of eggnog, you might already know it as a rich and glorious drink. Others who have only tried the kind sold in a carton might not be quite as big of a fan—until now, that is! Try any one of these festive eggnog recipes, from delicious Christmas cocktails to sweet breakfast casseroles to holiday desserts, and you're sure to fall in love with the flavor.
But before you dive in, let's answer one question: what is eggnog, exactly? Traditional eggnog uses a combination of beaten eggs, sugar, milk, and warm spices. It can be served as a non-alcoholic Christmas drink or spiked with whiskey or rum, and many families choose to serve it chilled as a Christmas punch. But sipping it straight up is just the beginning! Ahead, you'll find recipes for eggnog fudge, prep-ahead eggnog bread pudding (hello Christmas morning breakfast!), a beautiful eggnog-inspired Bundt cake, and so much more. So whether you bake with it, use it to make Christmas candy, or sip it, eggnog, in any form, is best enjoyed by a crackling fireplace for the coziest way to celebrate the holiday!
Eggnog Bread Pudding
You'll want to save some holiday eggnog for this Christmas morning breakfast casserole. The best part? It can be prepped the night before and bake in the morning.
Get the Eggnog Bread Pudding recipe.
Homemade Eggnog
Traditional eggnog is made with raw eggs. However, this version is not—so it's perfect for anyone who is a little wary about consuming raw egg.
Get the Homemade Eggnog recipe.
Eggnog Cake
You don't even need to be an eggnog drinker to fall in love with this holiday cake. The rich, creaminess from the drink is incorporated right into the cake batter.
Get the Eggnog Cake recipe.
Eggnog Crème Brûlée
Instead of small individual ramekins, this spiced crème brûlée is made in a tart pan so it can feed everyone seated at the table. It also makes it easier to crisp the sugary topping under the broiler—no kitchen torch required!
Get the Eggnog Crème Brûlée recipe.
Eggnog Fudge
A cute addition to cookie plates, treat boxes, and Christmas dessert tables, this eggnog-infused fudge is rich, creamy, and seriously good.
Eggnog Pull-Apart Bread
Filled with cinnamon, nutmeg, and crunchy pecans, this pull-apart loaf is simply to-die-for. Don't skip the glaze. It's made with eggnog, powdered sugar, a little rum, and more pecans. Yum!
Get the Eggnog Pull-Apart Bread recipe at The Modern Proper.
Eggnog Waffles
A stack of these eggnog waffles is sure to spread cheer on Christmas morning! Top 'em off with whipped cream and spiced vanilla syrup for the ultimate treat.
Eggnog Bread
A slice of this moist, tender, warmly spiced eggnog bread is the ultimate companion to a hot cup of coffee! You can even make a loaf ahead of time and freeze it to pull out when holiday house guests stay over.
Eggnog Martini
Instead of rum, vanilla-flavored vodka and amaretto turn this drink into a Christmas martini! Try adding cinnamon sugar to the rim of your glass for extra sweetness.
Eggnog French Toast
This grown-up French toast has a creamy eggnog custard made with light rum. Be sure to let the bread soak for 10-15 minutes to really infuse with that spiced flavor.
Eggnog Latte
You can make this coffeehouse drink right at home with or without an espresso machine! It also has eggnog, maple syrup, and ground nutmeg for even more Christmas flavor.
Eggnog Milkshake
This frosty eggnog treat is totally customizable! Blend in ¼ cup Oreos for a cookies n’ cream spin, add a drizzle of chocolate syrup to the glass, or a splash of dark rum for a boozy milkshake.
Eggnog Cookies
Give Santa's cookies and milk a festive holiday makeover with these cake-like, frosted eggnog cookies. They're tender and perfectly spiced!
Brown Butter Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls
Not only is there eggnog infused in the yeasted dough for cinnamon rolls, but it’s also a star ingredient in the cream cheese icing. There’s so much luscious eggnog flavor!
Get the Brown Butter Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls recipe at Butter Be Ready.
Not Your Grandma's Eggnog
What makes this eggnog "not your grandma's" kind of beverage? The answer: Bourbon! The deep, caramel flavors of bourbon work well with this spiced drink.
Get the Not Your Grandma's Eggnog recipe at Britney Breaks Bread.
Eggnog Hot Chocolate
This mash up of two holiday favorites is sure to become a new tradition. Use homemade or store-bought eggnog, depending on your preferences—just don't forget the whipped cream on top!
Eggnog Cheesecake with Snickerdoodle Crust
Cheesecake filling is already creamy, but adding eggnog makes it even better. Plus, it pairs perfectly with the crunchy snickerdoodle cookie crust.
Get the Eggnog Cheesecake with Snickerdoodle Crust recipe at Orchids and Sweet Tea.
Gingerbread Eggnog
For another holiday mash-up, this twist on eggnog uses a gingerbread spice blend for a cookie-inspired drink. You can store it in the fridge for up to a week—so it’s great for making ahead.
Eggnog Cupcakes
Both the cupcake batter and the frosting are filled with eggnog flavor. Plus, you can add rum extract for even more holiday flare.
Coquito (Coconut Eggnog)
This classic Puerto Rican drink is typically served on Christmas Eve. It's similar to eggnog, but it's made with coconut milk and cream of coconut for a unique flavor.
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