Cranberry Eggnog Cookies

Cranberry eggnog cookies are the perfect holiday treat and they’re so quick and easy to bake! This is an easy cranberry eggnog cookie recipe.

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This simple recipe takes craisins and eggnog and combines them with eight other basic ingredients you probably already have around the house.

You can substitute craisins for your leftover cranberries from Thanksgiving, or try it with fresh berries if they’re in season!

Cranberry Eggnog Cookies

Cranberries are considered to be a superfood because they’re high in nutrients and antioxidants. They’re low in sugar so they have a tart flavor and a welcome balance to the sweet icing.

The sugary-eggnog icing of course is optional but I highly recommend it!

What is Eggnog?

If you’ve never tried eggnog before, think of it as a super-rich glass of milk. It’s dairy-based and made with milk, cream, sugar, whipped egg whites, and egg yolks.

During the Christmas season, stores bring out the eggnog and folks start using it in everything from their morning coffee to their cranberry eggnog cookies!

It’s thick texture resembles full cream and has a spiced, holiday taste.

Are There Dairy-Free Eggnogs?

Yes! For vegan and lactose-free bakers, there are dairy-free eggnog options. Here are a few brands to try: Blue Diamond Almonds Almond Breeze Almondmilk Classic Nog, Trader Joe’s Almond Nog and So Delicious Coconutmilk Holiday Nog.

Can I Substitute Dairy-Free Eggnog in my Cranberry Eggnog Cookies?

Absolutely. You’ll see the eggnog amounts called for in this easy cranberry eggnog cookie recipe are small, two tablespoons in the cookie and two or three tablespoons in the icing.

Why do we drink eggnog at Christmas?

It’s kind of a weird tradition, right? The drink made its way through the American colonies back in the early 1900s. Served warm and with spices like nutmeg, cinnamon and clove, this thick and creamy drink is basically Christmas in a cup.

Of course, I love all kinds of food and drink traditions and encourage celebrating through fabulous recipes whenever possible!

Wintertime in the northern hemisphere often means we’re sticking closer to home and spending more time indoors. And to warm up from the cold, a warm drink and fresh-baked cookies really hits the spot!

Cranberry Eggnog Cookies Ingredients:

• butter
• sugar
• egg
• eggnog
• vanilla
• flour
• baking powder
• salt
• cinnamon
• craisins

Icing Ingredients:

• powdered sugar
• eggnog

How to Make Cranberry Eggnog Cookies

These cranberry spice cookies have a shortbread-like crumbly texture, while remaining extra soft and buttery.

Cream butter and sugar together until fluffy.

Add egg, eggnog, and vanilla. Mix well.

Add half of flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well.

Add remaining flour and mix until well blended.

Stir in craisins.

Roll dough into balls and place on cookie sheet and bake.

How to Make Eggnog Icing

These cranberry eggnog cookies taste great on their own, but the icing brings it up a notch or two. And the best part is there are only two ingredients! This icing is creamy, sweet and tastes delicious.

To prepare frosting, combine powdered sugar and eggnog. If it is too thick, add a little eggnog. If it is too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.

When cookies are cool, frost and enjoy.

Once the icing has set, cover in an airtight container and store at room temperature for one day or in the refrigerator for up to one week. Uniced cookies can be covered at room temperature for up to one week.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze your baked cranberry eggnog cookies with or without icing for up to three months in an airtight container.

The amazing thing about holiday cookies is they freeze great, and while there’s nothing better than fresh cookies, this is the time of year when you want homemade cookies on hand. You just never know what will come up!

When should you start baking Christmas cookies?

Why not start now? Like I said, most holiday cookies freeze great. Homemade cookies can be frozen without losing their flavor for about three months.

What are the most popular cookies in North America?

Since we’re talking about holiday baking, you may as well add some variety to your mix. Taste Atlas posted this great list of popular cookies and I have a few favorites as well.

The Best Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sweet Lemony Crackle Cookies
Grandma’s Oatmeal Chocolate Raisin Cookies
Chewy Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies

Eggnog Alternatives

If you’re baking cranberry eggnog cookies in the offseason, eggnog may not be available. But all is not lost—there are eggnog alternatives!

Eggless Eggnog

If you love eggnog but don’t want to drink raw eggs, here’s a quick variation. This recipe will make much more than you need so feel free to adjust accordingly.

Blend two cups of milk with 1/2 a cup of white sugar, a package of instant vanilla pudding mix, one and a half teaspoons of rum-flavored extract, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice and 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger. Once spoon, stir in three more cups of milk and refrigerate until thickened, at least one hour.

Eggnog Substitutes

When a recipe calls for eggnog, you can easily substitute milk, buttermilk or cream 1:1.

Full fat creamy eggnog works the best in this easy cranberry eggnog cookie recipe, so keep that in mind when choosing your eggnog substitute. A light milk or cream may produce a slightly different texture cookie, although it will still taste great.

More Recipes to Pair With Cranberry Eggnog Cookies

Eggnog Cookie Bars
Grandma’s Chocolate Eggnog Pudding Cake
Leftover Cranberry Sauce Muffins (Cruffins)
Easy Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

Love Cranberry Eggnog Cookies? Here’s More Christmas Baking Inspiration

Easy Christmas Tree Cupcakes
Easy Sugar Cookie Bars
Red Velvet Swirl Bundt Cake
Layered Chocolate Nut Toffee
Easy Mint Chocolate Fudge