That First Carton in the Dairy Case Means Christmas Is Coming: 18 Eggnog Recipes the Whole Family Can Enjoy

For a lot of families, the first carton of eggnog in the dairy case is the real start of the holidays. It shows up in stores as early as September now, and the kids start asking for it right away. Every one of these eggnog recipes is alcohol-free and family-friendly, and when you make the eggnog yourself it is gently cooked, so everyone can have a glass. Start with the no-bake pie, then work your way through the list..

No-bake eggnog pie, the easiest of all eggnog recipes

This pie went viral for a reason. A buttery graham crust, a creamy eggnog filling that sets in the fridge and a swirl of whipped cream with fresh nutmeg on top. No oven, no fuss, and it tastes like Christmas morning. Make it the night before so it is ready for dessert. Would you serve it A) at Thanksgiving B) at Christmas C) both?

You will need: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 6 tablespoons melted butter, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 box (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix, 1 1/2 cups cold eggnog (store-bought or homemade cooked), 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar.

How to make it: Mix crumbs, butter and sugar and press into a 9-inch pie plate. Chill 20 minutes. Whisk the pudding mix, eggnog and nutmeg for 2 minutes until thick. Whip the cream with powdered sugar to soft peaks. Fold half the cream into the eggnog mixture and spread in the crust. Top with the rest of the cream and grated nutmeg. Chill 4 hours.

Homemade cooked eggnog, the base for these eggnog recipes (no alcohol)

Making eggnog at home takes about 15 minutes, and it is richer than the carton. Cooking the egg yolks gently with milk until the mix reaches 160F makes it thick and safe for the whole family. Chill it overnight and top each glass with fresh nutmeg. This is the base for many of the eggnog recipes below.

You will need: 4 large egg yolks, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg plus more for serving, pinch of salt, cinnamon sticks.

How to make it: Whisk yolks and sugar until pale. Heat milk, cream, nutmeg and salt until steaming. Slowly whisk the hot milk into the yolks. Return to the pot and cook on low, stirring, until it coats a spoon and reaches 160F. Strain, stir in vanilla and chill at least 4 hours.

Eggnog cream pie

If you want a pie that tastes more like custard, make this cooked version. Eggnog, sugar, egg yolks and cornstarch thicken on the stove in about 8 minutes, then go into a baked pie shell. Top it with whipped cream and nutmeg. It slices clean and holds up well on a crowded dessert table.

You will need: 1 baked 9-inch pie crust, 2 1/2 cups eggnog, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 3 egg yolks, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla, whipped cream and nutmeg for topping.

How to make it: Whisk eggnog, sugar, cornstarch and yolks in a pot. Cook over medium heat, whisking, until it bubbles and thickens, about 8 minutes. Take off the heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Pour into the baked crust, press plastic wrap on top and chill 4 hours. Top with whipped cream and nutmeg.

Eggnog French toast, the breakfast star of these eggnog recipes

Swap the milk in your French toast for eggnog and you get a custardy, spiced breakfast that tastes like the holidays. Thick slices of brioche or challah work best. It is the easiest Christmas morning breakfast there is. Top it with powdered sugar, maple syrup and a few cranberries.

You will need: 6 thick slices brioche or challah, 1 cup eggnog, 2 eggs, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, butter for the pan, maple syrup and powdered sugar.

How to make it: Whisk eggnog, eggs, cinnamon and nutmeg in a shallow dish. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Dip each slice for about 10 seconds per side. Cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden. Serve hot with syrup and powdered sugar.

Eggnog cookies with nutmeg glaze

Soft, cakey cookies made with eggnog in the dough and a sweet eggnog glaze on top. A pinch of nutmeg on the glaze makes them look as good as they taste. They stay soft for days in a tin, so you can bake them early for a cookie exchange. Do you like your cookies A) soft B) crisp C) both?

You will need: 2 3/4 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, 3/4 cup butter softened, 1 cup sugar, 1 egg, 1/2 cup eggnog, 1 teaspoon vanilla. Glaze: 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons eggnog.

How to make it: Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg, eggnog and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg. Scoop tablespoon balls onto a lined sheet. Bake at 350F for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool, dip the tops in the glaze and sprinkle with nutmeg.

Eggnog quick bread, one of the most giftable eggnog recipes

This loaf mixes up in one bowl and bakes in an hour. It is moist, lightly spiced and perfect toasted with butter. Wrap it in parchment and string and it makes a lovely gift for a neighbor or teacher. It keeps well for 3 days wrapped at room temperature.

You will need: 2 1/4 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 cup eggnog, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla.

How to make it: Heat the oven to 350F and grease a 9×5 loaf pan. Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl. Whisk eggnog, eggs, butter and vanilla and stir into the dry mix until just combined. Pour into the pan and bake 50 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes before slicing.

Eggnog cheesecake bars

All the creaminess of cheesecake without a water bath or a springform pan. A graham crust, an eggnog cheesecake layer and a dusting of nutmeg, cut into neat squares for a party. They are easier to serve than a whole cheesecake. Want more ideas like this? See our holiday cheesecake desserts.

You will need: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 5 tablespoons melted butter, 16 ounces cream cheese softened, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup eggnog, 2 tablespoons flour, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg.

How to make it: Press crumbs and butter into a lined 8×8 pan and bake at 325F for 8 minutes. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs, eggnog, flour and nutmeg. Pour over the crust and bake 35 to 40 minutes until just set. Cool, then chill 4 hours and cut into squares.

Eggnog rice pudding

Rice pudding cooked in eggnog instead of plain milk is cozy and rich. Simmer the rice slowly, stirring now and then, until it is creamy, then finish with a little cinnamon. It is great warm on a cold night or cold from the fridge the next day. It also uses up leftover eggnog after the holidays.

You will need: 1/2 cup medium or short grain rice, 1 cup water, 2 1/2 cups eggnog, 2 tablespoons sugar, pinch of salt, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, cinnamon for topping.

How to make it: Simmer the rice in water for 10 minutes until most of the water is gone. Add the eggnog, sugar and salt. Cook on low, stirring often, for 25 to 30 minutes until thick and creamy. Stir in vanilla. Serve warm or chilled with cinnamon on top.

Eggnog fudge

Creamy white chocolate fudge with a splash of eggnog and nutmeg. This version is made in the microwave in 5 minutes. Cut it into small squares, because it is rich. Put a few pieces in a tin with a bow and you have a homemade gift that costs a few dollars.

You will need: 3 cups white chocolate chips, 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk, 1/4 cup eggnog, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, pinch of salt.

How to make it: Line an 8×8 pan with foil. Microwave the white chips, condensed milk and eggnog in 30 second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth. Stir in nutmeg, cinnamon and salt. Spread in the pan, dust with a little more nutmeg and chill 3 hours. Cut into small squares.

Eggnog pancakes

Use eggnog in place of milk and your pancakes come out fluffy with a hint of nutmeg. Kids love them on the weekend before Christmas. Make a big stack and keep them warm in the oven while you cook the rest. Which topping wins? A) maple syrup B) whipped cream C) powdered sugar.

You will need: 2 cups flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 3/4 cups eggnog, 1 egg, 3 tablespoons melted butter.

How to make it: Whisk the dry ingredients in a bowl. Whisk eggnog, egg and butter in another. Stir together until just combined, a few lumps are fine. Pour 1/4 cup batter onto a buttered griddle over medium heat. Flip when bubbles form and cook 1 minute more.

Eggnog steamer latte for kids (and grown-ups)

A steamer is just warm, frothy milk, and with eggnog it becomes a treat kids can sip while they open presents. Heat equal parts eggnog and milk, froth it up and dust with cinnamon. Grown-ups can add a shot of espresso or strong coffee to make an eggnog latte. It is the coziest drink of the season.

You will need: 1/2 cup eggnog, 1/2 cup milk, pinch of cinnamon, pinch of nutmeg, 1 shot espresso or 1/2 cup strong coffee for grown-ups (optional).

How to make it: Warm the eggnog and milk in a small pot until steaming, but do not boil. Froth with a whisk or milk frother until foamy. Pour into a mug, add coffee if using and top with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Eggnog bread pudding, one of the thriftiest eggnog recipes

Day-old bread soaks up eggnog like a sponge and bakes into a soft, spiced pudding. It is a great way to use leftover eggnog and stale bread at the same time. Serve it warm with a little vanilla sauce or a scoop of ice cream. It feeds a crowd for very little money.

You will need: 6 cups cubed day-old bread, 2 1/2 cups eggnog, 3 eggs, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 2 tablespoons butter melted, 1/2 cup dried cranberries.

How to make it: Butter an 8×8 dish and add the bread and cranberries. Whisk eggnog, eggs, sugar, vanilla, nutmeg and butter. Pour over the bread and press down. Soak 20 minutes. Bake at 350F for 40 to 45 minutes until puffed and set in the center.

Eggnog snickerdoodles

Snickerdoodles are already soft and buttery. Add a splash of eggnog and nutmeg to the dough and roll them in a mix of sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. The edges get crisp and the middles stay chewy. They are perfect for a holiday cookie tray next to the gingerbread.

You will need: 2 3/4 cups flour, 2 teaspoons cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup butter softened, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 egg, 1/4 cup eggnog, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg. Coating: 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg.

How to make it: Beat butter and sugar until fluffy, then beat in egg and eggnog. Stir in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt and nutmeg. Chill 30 minutes. Roll into balls, coat in the cinnamon sugar mix and bake at 375F for 9 to 10 minutes.

No-churn eggnog ice cream, one of the easiest eggnog recipes for kids

You do not need an ice cream maker for this one. Whip heavy cream, fold in sweetened condensed milk and eggnog, and freeze it in a loaf pan. It is creamy and scoopable straight from the freezer. It is wonderful on top of warm pie or bread pudding. Kids can help with the folding.

You will need: 2 cups cold heavy cream, 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk, 3/4 cup eggnog, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg.

How to make it: Whip the cream to stiff peaks. In another bowl, mix condensed milk, eggnog, vanilla and nutmeg. Fold in the whipped cream gently until no streaks remain. Spread in a loaf pan, cover and freeze at least 6 hours. Let it sit 5 minutes before scooping.

Eggnog whipped cream for pies and cocoa

This is the easiest upgrade on the list. Whip a little eggnog into your cream and it tastes like the holidays. Spoon it on pumpkin pie, pecan pie, hot cocoa or coffee. It holds its shape for a day in the fridge, so make it before guests arrive. Which of these eggnog recipes is your family’s favorite so far?

You will need: 1 cup cold heavy cream, 1/4 cup cold eggnog, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg.

How to make it: Chill the bowl and whisk for 10 minutes. Pour in the cream, eggnog, powdered sugar and nutmeg. Beat on medium high until soft peaks form, about 3 minutes. Do not overbeat. Spoon onto pie or cocoa right away or chill up to a day.

Eggnog bundt cake

A tall bundt cake with eggnog in the batter and an eggnog glaze dripping down the sides makes a beautiful centerpiece. It stays moist for days, so you can bake it on Christmas Eve. Slice it thin for a crowd. It is one of those eggnog recipes that people ask you to bring every year.

You will need: 3 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 cup butter softened, 2 cups sugar, 4 eggs, 1 cup eggnog, 2 teaspoons vanilla. Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons eggnog.

How to make it: Heat the oven to 325F and grease a bundt pan well. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time. Mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the eggnog and vanilla. Bake 55 to 65 minutes until a skewer comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes, turn out and drizzle with glaze.

Eggnog muffins

Bake a batch of these on a December weekend and breakfast is done for days. The muffins are soft and spiced, with a cinnamon sugar top that crackles when you bite in. Freeze extras and warm them in the microwave for 20 seconds. They are great in a lunch box, too.

You will need: 2 cups flour, 2/3 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 cup eggnog, 1 egg, 1/3 cup melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar for the tops.

How to make it: Heat the oven to 375F and line a muffin tin. Whisk the dry ingredients. Whisk eggnog, egg, butter and vanilla, then stir into the dry mix until just combined. Fill the cups 3/4 full and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Bake 18 to 20 minutes.

Eggnog trifle

A trifle looks like you worked all day, but it is just layers. Cubes of pound cake, eggnog custard, whipped cream and cranberries stacked in a glass bowl. Make it the morning of your party and let it chill. Which of these family-friendly eggnog recipes will you make first? Tell us below.

You will need: 1 pound cake cut in cubes, 1 batch eggnog cream pie filling (see above) or 3 cups eggnog pudding, 2 cups whipped cream, 1 1/2 cups fresh or sugared cranberries, nutmeg.

How to make it: Cook the eggnog filling and let it cool. In a trifle bowl, layer a third of the cake, a third of the custard, whipped cream and cranberries. Repeat two more times. Top with whipped cream, cranberries and nutmeg. Chill at least 3 hours before serving.