1-First Step: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking. Soften 3/4 cup unsalted butter at room temperature for easy creaming.

2-Second Step: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup packed brown sugar. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. This step traps air for tender cookies.

3-Third Step: Mix in 1/3 cup eggnog, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. The wet ingredients create the signature moisture.

4-Fourth Step: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Dry mixing avoids lumps.

5-Fifth Step: Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir just until combined; do not overmix. The dough should be soft but scoopable. If too sticky, chill for 15 minutes.

6-Sixth Step: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough, placing them 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets. They spread to about 2-3 inches. Flatten slightly if desired for uniform shapes.

7-Seventh Step: Bake for 10-12 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Edges turn light golden while centers stay soft. Remove promptly to avoid overbrowning.

8-Eighth Step: Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, about 30 minutes. Warm cookies make frosting runny.

9-Ninth Step: Whisk 2 cups powdered sugar, 3-4 tablespoons eggnog, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and spreadable. Adjust eggnog for thickness.

10-Tenth Step: Spread or drizzle frosting over cooled cookies. Sprinkle with extra nutmeg immediately.

11-Final Step: Let frosting set for 20-30 minutes at room temperature. Enjoy fresh or store as directed. Total time: about 1.5 hours for 36 cookies. These [melt in your mouth eggnog cookies](https://flavorsbydesign.com/) pair perfectly with holiday drinks.