1-First Steps: Getting Set Up First, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy cookie removal. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon for 30 seconds; set this aside. Next, in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until pale and fluffy – this step really helps create that perfect texture!

2-Mixing and Baking: Once your butter mixture is ready, add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing just until combined after each one. Then, mix in the vanilla extract, rum extract, and eggnog until everything blends smoothly. Gradually add the dry ingredients on low speed, mixing just until combined to keep the dough soft and chewy. Scoop heaping tablespoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart for even baking.

3-Baking and Frosting: Pop them in the oven and bake for 11 to 13 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely – this helps them set up just right! For the frosting, beat the unsalted butter until very pale and fluffy, then add the rum extract and 3 tablespoons of eggnog, gradually mixing in the powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency (add more eggnog if needed). Frost the cooled cookies and sprinkle with a bit of nutmeg for that festive finish. Isn’t it exciting how straightforward this is? You’ll have a batch of 32 cookies in about 42 minutes total – prep time is just 30 minutes and cook time is 12 minutes!