The holiday season is a time to share joy, create memories, and indulge in delightful treats. The kitchen becomes the heart of many homes during this period, and there’s no better way to add a touch of sweetness to the festivities than by preparing a variety of cookies, bars, and candies. This article takes you through six fantastic recipes that will elevate your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, a cookie exchange, or simply treating yourself, these recipes offer something for everyone.
1. Candy Bar Pretzel Bites: A Sweet and Salty Delight
These bite-sized treats offer a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and crunchy, making them a favorite snack for both kids and adults. The combination of pretzels and candy bars results in a mouthwatering indulgence that’s simple to prepare. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
- 1 bag (10 oz) pretzel snaps
- 1 bag (11 oz) chocolate candy bars (such as Rolos, Snickers, or Twix)
- 1 cup assorted candies for topping (M&M’s, chopped nuts, or sprinkles)
- Sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the pretzel snaps in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Place one candy bar on top of each pretzel snap and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the candy slightly softens without melting completely.
- Once out of the oven, immediately press your choice of assorted candy on top of the softened candy bar.
- If desired, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for added flavor.
- Allow the pretzel bites to cool completely before serving. The candies will harden as they cool, making for a crisp and crunchy snack.
The Candy Bar Pretzel Bites are perfect for holiday gatherings, as their delightful mix of flavors and textures will please any crowd. You can get creative with toppings, experimenting with different candies and nuts to suit your preferences.
2. Christmas Kiss Cookies: A Classic Holiday Treat
These festive cookies bring together the sweet, buttery flavor of sugar cookies with the signature chocolate goodness of Hershey’s Kisses. They are a simple yet elegant addition to any cookie platter, and their colorful sprinkles add a festive touch. Here’s how you can make them:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- Red and green sugar sprinkles (for decorating)
- 24 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, salt, and baking soda, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and coat each ball with red or green sugar sprinkles.
- Place the dough balls on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until just set but not browned.
- While the cookies are still warm, press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before serving or storing.
These Christmas Kiss Cookies are perfect for the holiday season, and they also make great gifts for friends and family. The combination of the soft sugar cookie base and the rich chocolate center creates a delicious contrast.
3. Whipped Shortbread Cookies: Light, Buttery, and Irresistible
Whipped shortbread cookies are delicate, buttery treats that melt in your mouth. They’re perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your holiday dessert table. The maraschino cherries on top provide a pop of color, making them an attractive addition to any spread.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Maraschino cherries for decoration
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough is smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet and gently press each ball with a fork.
- Top each cookie with a maraschino cherry.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
The whipped shortbread cookies are a must-try for anyone who enjoys light, buttery treats. Their simplicity and elegant appearance make them a popular choice for holiday cookie exchanges.
4. Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies: A Festive Fusion
Combining the flavors of gingerbread with a creamy cheesecake filling, these cookies are an irresistible fusion of two holiday favorites. The rich, spiced dough contrasts beautifully with the smooth, tangy filling, making them a standout dessert for any holiday occasion.
Ingredients:
For the cookie dough:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the cheesecake filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- To prepare the cheesecake filling, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the baking sheet and create a small indent in the center of each ball.
- Fill the indent with a teaspoon of the cheesecake filling.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies are a fantastic treat that combines the best of two beloved holiday desserts. The rich, spiced cookie dough paired with the creamy cheesecake filling creates a memorable bite.
5. Festive Sugar Cookies: A Classic Holiday Favorite
Sugar cookies are a classic treat that never goes out of style. Their versatility allows you to decorate them however you like, whether with sprinkles, frosting, or festive sugar. These cookies are a favorite for holiday parties, family gatherings, and cookie swaps.
Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
- Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
These Festive Sugar Cookies are a holiday staple that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Their simple, sweet flavor is perfect for decorating with festive touches.
6. Festive Christmas Macarons: A French Touch to Your Holidays
Macarons are elegant, delicate, and perfect for a sophisticated holiday treat. These colorful, bite-sized cookies are filled with a rich peppermint buttercream that perfectly complements their crisp shells. With their festive colors and seasonal flavors, they make an impressive addition to your holiday dessert spread.
Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup almond flour
- 3 large egg whites
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Red and green food coloring
- 1 ½ cups butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Sift powdered sugar and almond flour together in a food processor.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the almond flour mixture into the egg whites until combined. Divide the mixture into two bowls and add red food coloring to one and green to the other.
- Spoon the macaron batter into piping bags with round tips, then pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Let the macarons rest for 20-30 minutes to form a skin before baking for 15-18 minutes.
- For the filling, beat the butter with powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and salt until smooth and fluffy. Pipe a dollop of peppermint buttercream onto the flat side of one macaron shell and sandwich it with another.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 24 hours before serving.
These Festive Christmas Macarons are perfect for those who enjoy sophisticated, bite-sized treats. With their minty buttercream filling and crisp, colorful shells, they add a touch of elegance to any holiday celebration.
Conclusion
These six recipes, ranging from sweet and salty pretzel bites to delicate macarons, offer a wide variety of treats that are perfect for the holiday season. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, baking cookies with loved ones, or simply treating yourself, these recipes will bring joy and deliciousness to your festivities. Happy baking!