The holiday season is a time for indulgence, sharing delicious treats, and creating memories with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for gifts from the kitchen, these seven festive recipes are perfect for adding sweetness and cheer to your celebrations. From simple no-bake delights to intricate cookies, each treat brings a unique flavor and holiday magic. Let’s dive into the details of these mouthwatering recipes.
1. Quick and Easy 3-Ingredient Christmas Pretzel Hugs
These Christmas Pretzel Hugs are the ultimate easy treat that blends sweet and salty in the most delightful way. Made with just three ingredients, they are perfect for busy holiday bakers. The combination of crunchy pretzels, creamy Hershey’s Hugs, and colorful M&Ms offers a bite-sized snack that’s as festive as it is delicious.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz bag of Hershey’s Hugs
- 60 square snap pretzels
- 11 oz bag of red and green chocolate candies (M&Ms)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Arrange the pretzels in a single layer on the sheet.
- Top with Hershey’s Hugs: Place a Hershey’s Hug on top of each pretzel.
- Bake: Bake for about 4 minutes, until the Hugs are almost melted but still holding their shape.
- Add M&Ms: As soon as you remove the pretzels from the oven, press a red or green M&M into the center of each melted Hug, gently pressing to spread the chocolate.
- Set: Allow the pretzels to cool for 30-60 minutes at room temperature, or 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator to harden.
These treats are not only super easy to make but also bring the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. They are ideal for last-minute gift-giving or as a fun snack for kids to make during the holidays.
2. White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters
These White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters are a decadent combination of creamy white chocolate, tart dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans. The touch of vanilla and sea salt adds a sophisticated flavor that’s perfect for any festive occasion.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz white chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional)
Instructions:
- Melt the White Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and completely melted.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the dried cranberries, chopped pecans, vanilla extract, and optional sea salt, making sure everything is well coated with the melted chocolate.
- Form Clusters: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to form clusters on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Chill: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until the clusters are firm and set.
- Serve: Once set, transfer the clusters into an airtight container. Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
These clusters have a beautiful balance of flavors that make them an elegant and festive treat to serve at holiday parties or to share with loved ones.
3. Peppermint Bark Cookies
Peppermint Bark Cookies bring the best of both worlds—soft, chewy cookies topped with layers of peppermint bark and a creamy peppermint buttercream. These cookies are a holiday favorite, combining the classic flavors of chocolate and peppermint.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Peppermint Bark:
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (or chopped baking bar)
- 1 tablespoon crushed peppermint candies
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Gradually add the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt, mixing until just incorporated.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into balls and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Peppermint Bark: Melt the semi-sweet and white chocolate chips in separate bowls. Spread the semi-sweet chocolate on a parchment-lined baking sheet and top with the white chocolate. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the top. Chill for 30 minutes to set, then break into pieces.
- Make the Buttercream: Whip the softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla, and peppermint extracts until smooth. Add more milk as needed.
- Assemble the Cookies: Pipe a swirl of peppermint buttercream onto each cooled cookie. Top with a piece of peppermint bark and additional crushed peppermint, if desired.
These cookies are the perfect combination of rich, minty, and chocolaty flavors. Whether you serve them at a Christmas gathering or gift them in a festive box, they’re sure to be a hit!
4. Crockpot Avalanche Cookies
If you’re looking for a quick and easy treat with minimal effort, these Crockpot Avalanche Cookies are perfect. With a combination of almond bark, peanut butter, Rice Krispies, and mini marshmallows, these cookies offer a crunchy, sweet bite that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound almond bark (broken or chopped)
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups Rice Krispies
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- ¼ cup holiday sprinkles (or mini chips for topping)
Instructions:
- Melt the Almond Bark and Peanut Butter: Add the almond bark and peanut butter to the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes until smooth.
- Cool the Mixture: Once melted, turn off the crockpot and let the mixture cool for about 15 minutes.
- Add Cereal and Marshmallows: Stir in the Rice Krispies and mini marshmallows until combined.
- Form the Cookies: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a cookie scoop or large spoon to drop the mixture onto the sheets. Top with holiday sprinkles or mini chips before the mixture sets.
- Set the Cookies: Let the cookies set for 30 minutes in the fridge or 4 hours at room temperature.
These crunchy, festive cookies are a fun way to enjoy a no-bake holiday treat that doesn’t require much prep time!
5. Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies
Delicate and buttery, Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies are the perfect sweet bite for any occasion. The raspberry jam adds a sweet surprise to the melt-in-your-mouth almond cookies, while the powdered sugar coating gives them a festive appearance.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup finely chopped almonds
- ½ cup raspberry jam
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: Beat the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and almond extracts, mixing to combine.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, then fold in the chopped almonds.
- Fill & Shape: Flatten a small dough portion in your hand, add ½ teaspoon of raspberry jam, and form a ball around the jam.
- Bake: Arrange the balls on the baking sheet, leaving space between them. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden at the edges.
- Dust & Cool: Dust with powdered sugar while warm, then cool on a wire rack.
These cookies are a perfect treat to enjoy with tea or to serve at holiday gatherings. They’re both elegant and indulgent!
Conclusion
These seven recipes are sure to make your holiday season sweeter and more festive. Whether you’re looking for an easy snack, a fancy dessert, or a treat to gift, these recipes are versatile and guaranteed to impress. Enjoy baking, sharing, and indulging in these delicious holiday creations!