For many, winter is the most beautiful time of the year, and delicious holiday treats are the only way to make it better. As the temperatures drop and festive decorations adorn every house on the street, there's something magical about savoring comforting and sweet delights that warm the heart and soul. This article will explore ten delectable holiday treats that will make you love winter even more. From classic favorites to innovative twists, these treats are bound to warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth.
#1. Hot Cocoa
There's nothing like a classic steaming cup of hot cocoa to chase away the winter chill. But while it is the epitome of winter comfort, why settle for the ordinary? Start with three tablespoons of high-quality cocoa powder, two tablespoons of sugar, and a pinch of salt.
Heat 2 cups of whole milk in a saucepan until just below boiling. Whisk in the cocoa mixture until smooth. Take this classic treat to the next level by adding a generous dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed candy canes, and a few marshmallows. If you have guests coming over for the holiday season, a hot cocoa bar is an addition to your kitchen. Choose an assortment of hot cocoa powders and arrange an enticing display of toppings, including mini marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, crushed candy canes, and sprinkles in small glass jars. Cozy with a blanket and enjoy the rich warmth that only a well-made hot cocoa can bring!
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#2. Thumbprint Cookies
Thumbprint cookies are a festive and customizable delight that can be filled with various flavors. Start with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie base, then get creative with the fillings. In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add two teaspoons of vanilla extract and 2 cups of all-purpose flour, mixing until combined. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make an indentation in each cookie with your thumb. Fill each indentation with your choice of raspberry jam, dark chocolate ganache, or gooey caramel. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. These cookies are visually appealing with their signature thumbprint indentation and are a perfect treat for sharing with friends and family. Don't forget the extra dusting of powdered sugar as the perfect finishing touch!
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#3. Peppermint Bark
Peppermint bark is a winter classic that combines the coolness of peppermint with the sweetness of white and dark chocolate. Melted chocolate layers interspersed with crushed candy canes, pretzels, and holiday sprinkles create a visually stunning, palate-pleasing treat. Begin by melting high-quality dark and white chocolate, ensuring a smooth and decadent base.
Intersperse layers of these chocolates on a parchment-lined tray and generously sprinkle toppings of your choice, creating a visually stunning masterpiece. Allow the bark to set before breaking it into jagged pieces. Break off a piece and experience the satisfying crunch of each bite. Peppermint bark is a delicious snack and a delightful addition to your holiday gift-giving repertoire. Put a few pieces into a clear gift bag with a festive bow. This delicious treat is ready to be the perfect gift for loved ones!
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#4. Gingerbread Treats
Gingerbread, with its warm spices and nostalgic aroma, embodies the essence of the holiday season. Whether in the form of soft cookies, cute gingerbread people, or intricately decorated houses, these spiced delights are a must during the winter season. The warm blend of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses creates a flavor profile that perfectly complements the brisk winter air.
Begin by creaming together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of packed brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add one large egg, 1 cup of molasses, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour in a separate bowl, one teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, one tablespoon of ground ginger, and one tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into festive shapes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Get creative with gingerbread shapes and decorations for a festive and flavorful experience. If you're looking for the perfect holiday activity with your friends, decorating gingerbread houses is perfect! Whether they are prebuilt or homemade houses, the wide assortment of decorations to choose from makes these a wonderful bonding activity.
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#5. Snowy Snickerdoodle Cookies
With their cinnamon-sugar coating, Snickerdoodle cookies are a winter favorite that warm your taste buds. Cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add two large eggs and one teaspoon of vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of cream of tartar, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each in a mixture of 1/4 cup of sugar and one teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes. Roll the cookie dough in a mixture of sugar and a hint of nutmeg for an extra flavor to give them a seasonal twist. The result is a batch of cookies that tastes like the holidays and looks like little bites of winter wonder. Share them at holiday gatherings or savor them with a cup of tea by the fireplace.
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#6. Eggnog
Embrace the timeless tradition of indulging in a glass of rich and creamy eggnog. This velvety drink, a blend of milk, cream, sugar, and eggs, is seasoned with a touch of nutmeg. Whisk together four large egg yolks and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until pale and creamy.
In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of whole milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, and a pinch of nutmeg. Heat the mixture over medium heat until just below boiling. Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking continuously. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Strain the eggnog to remove any cooked egg bits. Allow it to cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Sip it slowly, allowing the warm flavors to envelop your senses and transport you to a cozy winter wonderland. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
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#7. Pecan Pie Bars
Capture the essence of a classic pecan pie in convenient and shareable bars. The buttery crust provides a perfect foundation for the gooey and nutty filling. Pecan pie bars offer all the richness of a traditional pecan pie in a handheld form, making them ideal for holiday gatherings and potluck parties.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking pan with parchment paper. For the crust, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of unsalted butter (softened), and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden. While the crust is baking, prepare the filling by whisking together three large eggs, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of light corn syrup, two tablespoons of melted butter, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Fold in 2 cups of chopped pecans. Pour the filling over the baked crust and return to the oven for 25-30 minutes or until set. Allow the bars to cool before cutting into squares, creating a handheld slice of winter indulgence. Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a snowy touch, and remember to consider allergies before bringing this dessert to any holiday party!
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#8. Oreo Truffle Bites
Crushed Oreos, blended with cream cheese, create a decadent mixture rolled into bite-sized balls and coated in luscious chocolate. The result is a heavenly treat that wonderfully combines the rich cocoa flavor of Oreos with the creamy texture of cheesecake. Using a food processor, begin by crushing a package of Oreo cookies into fine crumbs.
In a mixing bowl, combine the Oreo crumbs with 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until well blended. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined tray. Chill the truffles in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.Meanwhile, melt 12 ounces of high-quality chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Dip each truffle into the melted chocolate using a fork, ensuring it's fully coated. Place the coated truffles back on the parchment-lined tray and allow the chocolate to set. These bite-sized wonders are delicious and a visually stunning addition to your holiday dessert spread. It's also super simple to make and perfect to bring to any holiday party!
#9. Caramel Apple Crisp
Take a break from the traditional apple pie and indulge in the comforting embrace of caramel apple crisp. Tart apples are coated in a delicious caramel sauce and topped with a crispy oat and cinnamon crumble. This creates a dessert that is as visually inviting as it is delicious.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). For the filling, peel and slice 6-8 tart apples (such as Granny Smith) and toss them with 1 cup of granulated sugar, two tablespoons of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and stir it into the apple mixture. Transfer the filling to a greased baking dish. For the crisp topping, combine 1 cup of old-fashioned oats, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cut in 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the topping over the apple filling. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate winter treat that captures the season's essence. This is also the perfect treat for anyone who still isn't ready to let go of the beauty of the autumn season!
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#10. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Rods
Create a perfect balance of sweet and salty with chocolate-dipped pretzel rods. The combination of smooth, melted chocolate and the satisfying crunch of pretzels makes for an addictive treat that appeals to all palates. Begin by melting the chocolate of your choice, then dipping each pretzel rod into the melted chocolate, coating it generously, and allowing any excess to drip off.
Place the chocolate-coated pretzels on a parchment-lined tray and get creative with toppings. Crushed peppermint, chopped nuts, festive sprinkles, or an elegant chocolate drizzle are perfect for a personalized touch. These pretzel rods are easy to make and a crowd-pleaser that adds a whimsical and delightful element to your winter celebrations.
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These ten-holiday treats will elevate your winter experience, turning cold days into moments of warmth and joy. Whether you're sipping rich hot cocoa, savoring gingerbread spices, or indulging in the creamy delights of eggnog, these treats are a delicious celebration of the season. So, gather your loved ones, embrace the festive spirit, and make this winter a time of sweet indulgence and unforgettable culinary experiences.
