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Fudgy Eggnog Bars with Eggnog Glaze

These Fudgy Eggnog Bars with Eggnog Glaze are everything you love about the holiday season wrapped into one irresistible dessert. Rich, buttery blondie-style bars are infused with creamy eggnog, warm cinnamon, and fragrant nutmeg, then topped with a silky eggnog glaze that adds the perfect sweet finish. Soft, chewy, and packed with festive flavor, these bars are ideal for Christmas cookie trays, holiday parties, family gatherings, or simply enjoying with a warm mug of coffee or hot cocoa.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and Fudgy Texture – Soft, chewy bars with a perfectly tender center.
  • Full of Holiday Flavor – Eggnog, cinnamon, and nutmeg create a classic festive taste.
  • Easy to Make – Simple pantry ingredients come together in one bowl with minimal effort.
  • Perfect for Holiday Gatherings – Great for Christmas dessert tables, cookie exchanges, and potlucks.
  • Beautiful Eggnog Glaze – A creamy glaze adds extra sweetness and festive charm.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly – These bars stay moist and delicious for several days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Eggnog Bars

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted – Creates rich, buttery flavor and a chewy texture.
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar – Adds moisture and deep caramel notes.
  • ½ cup granulated sugar – Balances sweetness and helps create tender bars.
  • 1 large egg – Provides structure and richness.
  • 1 large egg yolk – Adds extra moisture for a fudgier texture.
  • ⅓ cup eggnog – Infuses the bars with classic holiday flavor.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the warm spices.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the blondie batter.
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg – The signature spice that pairs perfectly with eggnog.
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds cozy warmth.
  • ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
  • ¾ cup white chocolate chips – Melt into pockets of creamy sweetness throughout the bars.

For the Eggnog Glaze

  • 1½ cups powdered sugar – Creates a smooth, sweet glaze.
  • 3 tablespoons eggnog – Gives the glaze its creamy consistency and festive flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth and aroma.
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Reinforces the classic eggnog flavor.
  • Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness of the glaze.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Lightly grease any exposed sides of the pan.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

  • Melted butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Granulated sugar

Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

Add:

  • Egg
  • Egg yolk
  • Eggnog
  • Vanilla extract

Continue whisking until fully combined and creamy.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Add the flour, ground nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt.

Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently mix until no dry streaks remain.

Avoid overmixing to keep the bars soft and tender.

Step 4: Fold in the White Chocolate

Fold the white chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.

Spread the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until:

  • The edges are lightly golden.
  • The center appears just set.
  • A toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Do not overbake, as the bars will continue setting while cooling.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking pan before adding the glaze.

Cooling prevents the glaze from melting and running off the bars.

Step 7: Make the Eggnog Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

  • Powdered sugar
  • Eggnog
  • Vanilla extract
  • Nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt

Whisk until smooth.

If necessary, add a tiny splash of additional eggnog until the glaze reaches a spreadable consistency.

Step 8: Glaze the Bars

Spread the glaze evenly over the cooled bars using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.

Allow the glaze to set for 20–30 minutes before slicing.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper.

Slice into 16 squares using a sharp knife.

For the cleanest cuts, wipe the knife clean between each slice.

Recipe Notes & Tips

  • Don’t Overbake – Slightly underbaked centers create the fudgy texture that makes these bars irresistible.
  • Cool Completely Before Glazing – Warm bars can cause the glaze to melt and become too thin.
  • Use Room Temperature Eggnog – It blends more smoothly into both the batter and glaze.
  • Measure Flour Correctly – Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense bars.
  • Chill Before Cutting – Refrigerating the glazed bars for 20–30 minutes makes slicing much cleaner.
  • Fresh Nutmeg Adds Incredible Flavor – If available, grate whole nutmeg for the most aromatic result.

Nutritional Information

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Servings: 16 bars
  • Calories: Approximately 245 calories per bar

Perfect Pairings

  • Hot Coffee – A rich cup of coffee perfectly balances the sweet glaze.
  • Classic Eggnog – Double down on the festive flavors with a chilled glass.
  • Hot Chocolate – Creamy cocoa makes these bars even more indulgent.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop alongside a bar creates an elegant holiday dessert.

Ideal Occasions

  • Christmas Cookie Trays – A unique addition to traditional holiday cookies.
  • Holiday Potlucks – Easy to transport and always a crowd favorite.
  • Winter Family Gatherings – Perfect for cozy evenings with loved ones.
  • Cookie Exchanges – Soft bars stand out among classic holiday treats.

Storage & Serving Tips

  • Store at Room Temperature – Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigerate for Longer Freshness – Store for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze for Later – Freeze individual bars for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Serve Slightly Chilled or at Room Temperature – Both bring out the creamy texture and warm spice flavors.

Creative Variations to Try

  • Pecan Eggnog Bars – Fold chopped toasted pecans into the batter for a nutty crunch.
  • Holiday Spice Version – Add cloves or allspice for an even warmer flavor profile.
  • White Chocolate Drizzle – Decorate the glazed bars with melted white chocolate for a festive finish.
  • Rum Extract Twist – Add a few drops of rum extract to the glaze for a traditional eggnog flavor.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Bars Are Dry – They were likely overbaked. Remove them as soon as the center is just set.
  • Glaze Is Too Thin – Add more powdered sugar until it reaches a thicker consistency.
  • Glaze Is Too Thick – Whisk in a teaspoon of eggnog at a time until smooth.
  • Bars Crumble When Sliced – Chill the bars before cutting and use a clean, sharp knife for each slice.

Why This Recipe Works

These Fudgy Eggnog Bars achieve the perfect balance of chewy blondie texture and festive holiday flavor. Melted butter and brown sugar create a rich, soft crumb, while the extra egg yolk keeps the bars moist and fudgy. Eggnog adds creamy richness and subtle spice, complemented by cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, comforting taste. White chocolate chips melt into sweet pockets throughout the bars, and the silky eggnog glaze finishes each bite with a smooth, creamy sweetness that makes these bars feel truly special.

Final Thoughts

Fudgy Eggnog Bars with Eggnog Glaze are the ultimate holiday dessert for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of the season. Soft, buttery bars infused with warm spices and creamy eggnog are topped with a luscious glaze that makes every bite rich and festive. Whether you’re baking for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, dessert platters, or simply treating your family to something special, these easy bars are guaranteed to become a cherished holiday tradition.

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