Fantastic Christmas Treats That Will Add Some Fun To Your Celebrations

During this wonderful and expensive time of the year, it’s easy to get lost in all of the hustle and bustle. The driving force behind this time of year is to give gifts, be with loved ones, and remember those less fortunate than ourselves. Rather than spending money on store-bought treats, opt for something more personal this holiday season. Here are some tasty recipes that won’t break your budget or take a long time to put together!

#1. Gingerbread Houses

This is a family favorite that can be tailored to any age group. All you need is some gingerbread dough, icing, and candy to decorate. If you’re looking for a quick and easy solution, plenty of premade gingerbread houses are available at most supermarkets. Let the kids go crazy with the decorations – it’s a great way to get them excited about Christmas!

#2. Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Another classic Christmas treat, chocolate-covered strawberries are simple to make and always a hit. Start by melting some chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or a saucepan set over low heat. Dip the strawberries in the chocolate and then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle a bit of decorative sugar on the strawberries and place them in the fridge until they dry. For even more pizzaz, you can add some mint leaves or rose petals to make them fit in with any holiday decor! A word of warning: don’t attempt to serve these delicious treats when it’s very warm out – the chocolate will melt!

#3. Peppermint Bark

People tend to love or hate peppermint bark, but there’s no denying that it’s a Christmas classic. It only takes three ingredients and a little patience to whip up a batch yourself! Melt about 12 ounces of your choice of dark, white, or milk chocolate in a saucepan set over low heat. Once smooth, stir in 3 tablespoons of crushed candy canes. Pour the mixture into a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place it in the fridge until solid. Break the bark into pieces and enjoy!

#4. Peppermint Patties

These peppermint patties are not only delicious, but they also make for a pretty impressive gift during the holidays. All you need is some chocolate (candy melts or cocoa butter work well), powdered sugar, red food coloring, and peppermint extract to make these festive snacks. Melt your choice of chocolate and add the food coloring while stirring; pour the mixture into a mold or waxed paper-lined baking sheet and wait for it to harden. Once hardened, add about half a teaspoon of peppermint extract to your melted chocolate; stir well. Pour the chocolate over your patties and refrigerate until solid.

#5. Spritz Cookies

Spritz cookies are a simple cake-like Christmas cookie, and they’re a cinch to make! You can also buy cookie cutters so that you have more time to spend with your family during the holidays. Combine powdered sugar, flour, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and salt in a food processor or blender; process until well combined. Add butter and continue processing until it forms a ball of dough. Wrap your dough in plastic wrap or parchment paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until firm enough to handle. Take portions of the dough about the size of an orange and roll them into balls; place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees F or until the cookies are lightly golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

#6. Spiced Nuts

These spiced nuts are perfect for gifting or snacking on during Christmas parties! They’re also really easy to make; combine almonds, pecans, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in a bowl and stir well. Spread the mixture out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 300 degrees F for about 20 minutes or until the nuts are lightly toasted. Allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

#7. Buckeyes

Buc is another classic Christmas candy that’s simple to make – and they always seem to disappear quickly! Start by beating together butter, peanut butter, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Add powdered sugar and continue beating until the mixture is smooth. Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 30 minutes or until solid. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl or a saucepan set over low heat. Dip each ball in the chocolate and return it to the baking sheet. Sprinkle some decorative sugar on top before freezing again for about 15 minutes or until the chocolate has hardened.

#8. Gingerbread Men

Gingerbread men are always a hit during Christmas and easy to make – you don’t need a gingerbread house for these treats! Start by putting brown sugar, molasses, and butter in a bowl. Mix in egg yolks and then add flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and allspice to form a dough. Wrap the dough in plastic or parchment paper; chill for at least an hour. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F; roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/2 inch thick. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters; place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper before putting them into the oven for 8-10 minutes each (or until they start to brown). Allow them to cool completely before decorating with icing or candy.

#9. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

These chocolate-dipped strawberries are a simple but elegant Christmas treat that everyone will love! Start by melting some chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl or a saucepan set over low heat. Dip each strawberry into the chocolate, making sure to coat it completely. Place the strawberries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 15 minutes or until the chocolate has hardened.

#10. Candy Cane Fudge

This candy cane fudge is another easy Christmas treat perfect for gift giving! Combine sugar, corn syrup, and evaporated milk in a saucepan over medium heat; constantly stir until the mixture comes to a boil. Add butter and stir until it’s completely melted. Continue stirring the mixture until it thickens slightly – about 5 minutes after boiling. Stir well, add vanilla extract, red food coloring, peppermint oil, and crushed candy canes. Pour the fudge into a baking dish lined with parchment paper and let it cool completely before cutting or serving.

#11: Chocolate-Dipped Dried Figs

These festive chocolate-dipped dried figs are another simple Christmas treat to share! Start by lining a baking sheet with wax paper; set aside. Bring some water to a boil in a small saucepan, then remove from heat and pour over dried figs; let them soak for 20 minutes before draining well. Coat each dried fig in chocolate chips and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Freeze for about 15 minutes or until the chocolate has hardened.

#12: Cranberry-Pecan Bark

This cranberry-pecan bark is a festive Christmas treat that’s easy to make! Start by melting white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl or a saucepan set over low heat. Add cranberries, pecans, and maple syrup to the melted chocolate; stir well. Pour the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spread into an even layer. Freeze for about 15 minutes or until the chocolate has hardened. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container.

In conclusion, there are plenty of easy Christmas treats to prepare for your family and friends! From gingerbread men to candy cane fudge, there’s something for everyone. So why not try out a few of these recipes this year? Your guests will be sure to love them!

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