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Berry Orange Smoothie

This creamy berry orange smoothie is made with frozen fruit, orange juice, Greek yogurt, and vanilla protein powder. It's a simple breakfast smoothie that comes together in minutes and is great for busy mornings or afternoon pick-me-ups.

Looking for more easy smoothies to start your day? Try our cherry banana smoothie or raspberry mint smoothie.

Two clear cups filled with a pink berry orange smoothie.

This berry orange smoothie recipe was first published in January 2017. It was updated and republished in January 2025.

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I always find myself craving healthier foods once the new year begins. After weeks of holiday baking and enjoying treats, I am feeling tired. All the heavy meals and extra sugar have definitely caught up to me.

One of my favorite ways to get back on track after the holiday months is with protein-packed smoothies. I love pairing my smoothie with bacon egg tacos or ham and cheese egg muffins for a high-protein start to my day.

This orange berry smoothie is my go-to for breakfast or a post-workout recovery snack. It's also perfect when I need something fast to satisfy my sweet tooth.

Why You'll Love A Smoothie With Orange Juice

  • Quick and easy to make. Everything goes into the blender, and it's ready in one minute, which is perfect for busy mornings.
  • Creamy texture. The frozen fruit gives this smoothie a thick, creamy texture without needing additional ingredients.
  • Filled with protein. The protein and fiber in this drink keep you full and satisfied longer.
  • Fun to customize. You can swap the fruit, add more yogurt, or skip the banana to switch things up, depending on what is in your freezer.
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Eggnog Cookie Bars

These eggnog bars are a favorite holiday treat. They have a soft, buttery sugar cookie base and that festive eggnog flavor we love. Made with eggnog in the bars and the creamy frosting, this easy dessert is perfect for cookie trays, parties, or a busy holiday season.

Love that sweet holiday nog? You need to add this eggnog bundt cake and eggnog dip to your dessert plans.

A stack of frosted eggnog bars with a bite out of the top bar.

This post and recipe were first published in November 2014. It was updated and republished in December 2025.

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Eggnog is one of those things you either love or hate, and I have always been firmly on team love. I first made these eggnog cookie bars in 2014. Because they are so good, I keep adding them to my holiday baking year after year.

For years, our boys would always finish the eggnog before I got to all my recipes. So, I learned to buy two cartons: one for them to drink and one for me to bake with.

As much as I love sugar cookies, there comes a point in December when rolling, cutting, and decorating is too much work. I used our extra eggnog to transform my unicorn sugar cookie bars into a one-pan holiday delight.

These cookie bars are soft, buttery, and have eggnog in the cookie base and the creamy frosting. Trust me, they are the perfect holiday dessert for parties. Even after all these years, they still get compliments every time I make them. And when my husband says a dessert is good, I know it's a keeper!

  • Made in one pan. These cookies are baked and frosted in a 9x13 pan, so no rolling or cutting is necessary.
  • Double eggnog flavor. Eggnog is used in the cookie crust and the frosting, so they are full of holiday cheer.
  • Soft and buttery texture. These bars bake up soft and tender, so they taste just like a classic sugar cookie.
  • Awesome holiday dessert. Frosted cookie bars are great for cookie trays, Christmas parties, or just because you have leftover eggnog in your fridge.
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Merry Christmas 2025

Holiday Christmas card with our family in front of the tree.

As the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to say how thankful we are for you.

Whether you have been here for years or just recently discovered our recipes, your support, comments, and reviews mean the world to us. Sharing food and everyday moments with you is truly a gift.

During the holiday rush, we hope that you found time to slow down, breathe deeply, and notice the many blessings that God has placed in your life. There is so much beauty in the stillness when we choose to pause.

Christmas is a reminder of what matters most. Long before the presents and celebrations, God gave us the greatest gift through the birth of His Son. Jesus came to bring hope, peace, and unconditional love to a broken world, and that truth never grows old.

We pray you are filled with gratitude and joy as you reflect on the miracle of His birth. From our home to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

"...and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6b

Caramel Chocolate Pretzel Bark

This easy caramel chocolate pretzel bark is made with just a few ingredients and takes only minutes to make. The sweet-and-salty dessert combines dark chocolate, crunchy pretzels, and salted caramel chips for a treat everyone will love.

If you love sweet & salty treats, you should check out this Reese's peanut butter bark and this sweet and salty trail mix.

A stack of caramel chocolate pretzel bark on a sheet of parchment paper.

The post for this salted caramel pretzel bark was initially published in November 2012.  The post was updated and republished in December 2025.

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Making homemade treats like buckeye pretzels and pretzel bark is a favorite holiday activity of mine. This layered caramel pretzel bark is especially delicious, so I recommend giving it away quickly.

Every time I walked by it in the kitchen, I couldn't resist grabbing pieces. It's one of my favorite last-minute holiday desserts to make when time is tight, but I still want to bring something homemade.

I love sharing these salty treats with friends and neighbors. They make an easy dessert for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or edible food gifts. I love them because they are simple, festive, and always disappear quickly during Christmas.

Why You'll Love Chocolate Pretzel Bark

  • Quick and easy to make. This chocolate pretzel bark comes together in about 10 minutes. It's perfect for busy days when you still want something homemade.
  • No bake and little effort. No oven needed; just melt, spread, and chill for a stress-free dessert.
  • Perfect for sharing. This bark is great for holiday parties or a relaxed movie night. No matter where you take it, it will get devoured.
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Eggnog Tiramisu

This Eggnog Tiramisu is a simple holiday treat that is cozy and delicious. Layers of eggnog mascarpone pudding and coffee-dipped cookies create a stunning dessert that impresses everyone at holiday dinners.

If you love tiramisu desserts, check out my tiramisu brownies or my tiramisu cookie cups.

A large square of eggnog tiramisu on a plate with a fork.
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My go-to holiday drink this year has been the eggnog latte. I've been treating myself to one almost every day this week. This coffee drink love inspired me to turn some of that nog into a fun no bake dessert.

One of my favorite things about the holiday season is taking a classic dessert and giving it a festive twist. This eggnog tiramisu does just that. It's creamy, cozy, and full of coffee and nog, while still feeling like a classic favorite.

This recipe was inspired by my easy tiramisu, which has been a reader favorite for years. I kept the simple layers, but used milk instead of eggnog. It makes a fun Christmas tiramisu dessert that looks impressive but is not complicated.

Why You'll Love This Eggnog Tiramisu Recipe

Traditional tiramisu features coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a mascarpone mixture. This holiday version keeps the same structure but adds a festive twist.

  • No-bake holiday dessert. No messing with raw eggs or cooking, which is a win during the busy holiday baking season.
  • Warm festive flavors. Eggnog and nutmeg add a fun twist to the classic dessert.
  • Easy to make. The layered dessert takes just 30 minutes to prepare and improves after chilling, making it perfect for parties.
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Brownie Peppermint Trifle

This peppermint trifle will immediately capture everyone's attention. With layers of fudgy brownies and fluffy pink peppermint cheesecake, it's an easy and impressive dessert for the holidays. Fair warning, though, once everyone grabs a spoon, it disappears fast.

A large glass serving bowl filled with a peppermint trifle and brownie chunks.

The post and recipe for this peppermint brownie trifle were first published in December 2015. The post was updated and republished in December 2025.

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A few years ago, while I was visiting my sister, she shared her attempt to make a no bake peppermint cheesecake using milk. Unfortunately, it didn't set up, so we had a good laugh about her baking mishap.

When I got home, I couldn't stop thinking about it, so I decided to make a peppermint dessert just for her. A trifle is one of the easiest and prettiest desserts to make, so I transformed this cheesecake trifle with homemade brownies.

This holiday dessert always makes people stop and stare before grabbing a spoon. The brownie layers and pink cheesecake look stunning in a clear bowl, yet they come together with little effort.

The trifle feels special without being fussy, which makes it perfect for holiday get-togethers or parties.

Why You'll Love This Peppermint Trifle

  • Great holiday flavors. Chocolate and peppermint together create a cozy, festive combo that everyone loves.
  • Looks fancy but is so easy. Those beautiful layers make it look impressive, but it comes together in just a few simple steps.
  • Fun and festive presentation. Serving it in a clear glass bowl highlights all the layers. It's a definite showstopper on your Christmas dessert table.
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Eggnog Latte Cupcakes

Moist, fluffy eggnog cupcakes topped with coffee frosting taste just like a Starbucks eggnog latte! Made with a box of cake mix, these eggnog latte cupcakes are an easy holiday dessert for Christmas parties.

I love baking with holiday flavors, don't you? You might also like these eggnog muffins, eggnog bundt cake, and my pumpkin spice latte cupcakes.

Two eggnog latte cupcakes with frosting in red liners.

This post and recipe were first published in December 2011. It was updated and republished in December 2025.

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It's the most wonderful time of the year, and we're making sweet, fluffy eggnog latte cupcakes topped with swirls of fluffy coffee frosting.

One of my favorite drinks of the season is an eggnog latte. I look forward to that and a peppermint mocha every winter. Recreating those warm and festive latte flavors in a cupcake was so much fun.

Using eggnog in place of the liquid in a box cake mix adds the perfect eggnog flavor to a batch of vanilla cupcakes. These eggnog cupcakes bake up so light and fluffy! 

What Makes This Eggnog Cupcakes Recipe So Good

  • Semi-homemade. These Christmas cupcakes are easy to make from real eggnog, a box of cake mix, and a few extra ingredients that make them super moist and full of flavor.
  • Made for holiday celebrations. Festive, flavorful eggnog cupcakes look great on any holiday dessert table, and they taste even better.
  • Perfect for coffee lovers. A hint of coffee in the frosting gives these cupcakes delicious coffeehouse vibes.

I'm already thinking about freezing some eggnog so I can enjoy these cupcakes a little bit longer this year! Plus, I want to make more of these eggnog donuts for breakfast and another eggnog pie for dessert.

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Red and Green Sugar Cookies

Red and green sugar cookies are a simple Christmas treat everyone loves. They bake up soft and chewy with a sweet, crunchy sugar coating that feels extra festive. Sugar coated cookies are fun for parties, gifting, or holiday snacking.

A stack of alternating red and green Christmas cookies on a tray.
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If your holiday baking list needs one more easy cookie, these red and green sugar cookies are a must. They're soft, chewy, and coated in sparkly sugar that makes them pop on any Christmas tray. They disappear fast every time I make them.

Every holiday season, I love adding a new treat to our cookie rotation, and these instantly earned their spot next to the peppermint Oreo cookies. The colorful sugar coating gives them such a fun, festive look without any extra decorating.

An overhead picture of a tray of sugar coated cookies.

I used red and green sanding sugar for a classic holiday look, but the best part is how easy they are to make. They bake in minutes and stay soft for days, which makes them perfect for busy December schedules.

Whether you need something simple for parties, cookie trays, or a cozy night with Nutella hot chocolate and a Christmas movie, these cookies are a guaranteed hit.

Why You'll Love Sugar Cookies With Colored Sugar

  • Festive colors. Rolling them in colored sanding sugar makes them look holiday-ready without extra work.
  • Soft and chewy. These cookies stay tender in the center with lightly crisp edges that everyone loves.
  • Quick and easy to make. The dough comes together in minutes, then roll, chill, and bake.
  • Perfect for parties or gifting. These colorful cookies brighten up cookie plates and make great edible gifts.
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Grinch Popcorn

White chocolate and mint candies turn this Grinch Popcorn into a holiday treat everyone loves. Enjoy it during Christmas movie marathons or wrap it up and gift it to friends and neighbors.

Share this holiday popcorn mix alongside a chocolate peppermint cheesecake cake this merry season.

Two stacked bowls filled with a mint Grinch popcorn.

The post for mint Grinch popcorn was first published in December 2017. It was updated and republished in December 2025.

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If you love easy Christmas treats, this sweet Grinch popcorn is going to be your new holiday go-to. I grew up watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas every year. So anything with green sprinkles and little red hearts reminds me of it. This sweet holiday popcorn mix brings back those fond memories.

I start with a simple white chocolate popcorn. Then I make it extra festive with a drizzle of melted mint chocolate chips and mint holiday M&M's. The finishing touch is red heart sprinkles and green sugar to give it that fun Grinchy look.

It is the easiest treat for Christmas movie nights or packing into little bags for friends and teachers. You only need a few simple ingredients, and it comes together in minutes. This is exactly the kind of recipe I want during the busy holiday season.

Why You'll Love This Grinch Popcorn Recipe

  • Perfect for the holidays. It is colorful, minty, and full of Christmas cheer, making it disappear quickly.
  • So easy. You can make the snack mix in minutes using popcorn and melted chocolate.
  • Great for gifting. It looks adorable in treat bags or tins and makes a fun homemade holiday gift.
  • Fun for kids. Little helpers love adding sprinkles and candy, and there is no complicated baking involved.
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Eggnog Latte

This homemade eggnog latte recipe is rich and festive, and even better than Starbucks! Make this creamy coffee drink in 5 minutes with hot brewed espresso, steamed eggnog, milk, and nutmeg.

Enjoy this creamy eggnog latte alongside a platter of Christmas cookies or eggnog scones this holiday season.

An eggnog latte topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a mini gingerbread man in a festive mug, set on top of a red and green plaid cloth.
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There's nothing better than sipping on my favorite coffee shop drinks at home. It feels great knowing I saved money and a trip to the drive-thru!

Starbucks discontinued its eggnog latte years ago, so I started making my own at home to get that holiday fix. They finally brought it back this year, but the flavor just isn't the same, so I'm sticking with my homemade version.

My Starbucks copycat eggnog latte begins with freshly brewed espresso, just like my salted caramel mocha and maple latte. Add in real holiday nog, frothed milk, and a pinch of nutmeg, for a rich and creamy eggnog latte all season long.

If you love eggnog (and lattes) as much as I do, try my eggnog latte cupcakes that were also inspired by Starbucks!

Why You'll Love This Eggnog Latte Recipe

  • Easy to make. All you need is your favorite mug and 5 minutes!
  • Better than Starbucks drinks. This homemade recipe is just as rich, creamy, and full of flavor as the original. And I think it tastes even better. It also saves time and money.
  • All seasons. Making this eggnog latte from scratch means that I can enjoy my favorite seasonal Starbucks latte all year round, and not just at Christmas. You can freeze the carton of eggnog for later!
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