Delectable Holiday Treats: Five Must-Try Recipes

While you may not have seen Santa Claus come down your chimney in search of cookies, that doesn't stop us from creating a variety of delicious holiday treats each year! During the festive season, bakers everywhere tempt us with sweet delights at parties, dinners, and cookie exchanges. Check out these five decadent recipes to get started on your own sweet treats this holiday season.

1. Rich Hot Chocolate: A Cozy Winter Beverage

Warm up those frosty winter nights with a mug of rich hot cocoa. Customize your drink with mix-ins like marshmallows, peppermint syrup, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder (preferably Dutch processed)
• 3 cups whole milk
• 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• (Optional) Whipped cream for serving

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring ¾ cup water to a simmer over medium-high heat.
2. Whisk in cocoa powder until smooth, then add milk and return to a simmer.
3. Stir in chocolate and sugar, whisking frequently until smooth and creamy, about five minutes.
4. Divide among mugs and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings if desired.

2. Easy Peppermint Bark: A Festive Favorite

Creamy and crunchy, peppermint bark is a holiday favorite. With just three simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for family gatherings or last-minute parties.

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 16 ounces white chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 (6-ounce) package candy canes, unwrapped and crushed

Directions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring until smooth. Alternatively, microwave at 50% power in 30-second increments.
3. Spread melted dark chocolate in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator.
4. Melt white chocolate and spread it over the dark layer. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top and gently press to adhere. Refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes. Break into pieces before serving.

3. Homemade Caramel Corn: Sweet and Crispy Treats

Sweet, crispy, and delicious, homemade caramel corn is perfect for the cold months. Fill small treat bags to give away as presents or use them as stocking stuffers!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup corn syrup
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 12 cups popped popcorn

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and grease with cooking spray.
2. Melt butter in a large pot. Add brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring to combine.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for five minutes. Stir and cook for another 4-6 minutes until golden.
4. Remove from heat and whisk in salt, baking soda, and vanilla. Stir in popcorn until coated.
5. Spread onto the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring every five minutes. Let cool before breaking into pieces.

4. Classic Gingerbread Cookies: A Holiday Tradition

A holiday tradition, gingerbread cookies can be used for everything from cookie cutouts to festive decorations. This recipe makes a delightful batch that lasts for days.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 ¾ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¾ cup dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup molasses
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• (Optional) 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

Directions:

1. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves in a bowl.
2. In another bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and egg until blended. Add molasses, vanilla, and lemon zest.
3. Gradually stir in dry ingredients until smooth. Wrap dough in plastic and let stand at room temperature for 2-8 hours.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll out dough and cut into shapes. Bake for 7-10 minutes until firm.

5. Dairy-Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies: A Delicious Alternative

These chocolate chunk cookies are soft and delicious, made with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Perfect for parties or Santa!

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons potato starch
• 1/3 cup refined coconut oil, melted
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ ounces high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
• Coarse kosher or sea salt for sprinkling

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together sugar and potato starch, then stir in coconut oil. Add almond milk and vanilla; let sit for one minute to thicken.
3. Mix in flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Fold in dark chocolate.
4. Drop dough onto baking sheet and roll into balls. Bake for 10-11 minutes. Sprinkle with coarse salt and cool on the baking sheet.

Conclusion: Spread Holiday Cheer with Sweet Treats

We hope you enjoyed these festive recipes for holiday sweet treats! Share these recipes with your friends on social media to spread the holiday cheer!

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