Oh, the weather outside is frightful. Okay, not really. It’s almost 80 degrees in LA. But Christmas is definitely right around the corner. And you know what that means — CHRISTMAS TREATS! Listen, I’ve had very little sugar these past few months, which has been fabulous for my waistline, but I’m getting a little bug-eyed. My wimpy sweet tooth is ready to dive into the nearest cookie platter, whether or not it’s meant for me.
Earn a Spot on Santa’s Nice List with These Delicious Holiday Goodies
I put together a mix of sweet and savory treats this year because sometimes Santa gets a little tired of all those cookies. Or maybe that’s just me!
M&M Candy Cookie Bars
These blondies are chock full of M&Ms and chocolate chips. I brought this to an event and they were gobbled up in minutes. Also, they taste amazing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and hot fudge sauce. Just saying.
Get the recipe, here.
Shortbread Cookie Bites
I love these little buttery bites of crispness so much and cannot be left alone with them. They are the best and will be devoured quickly.
Get the recipe, here
Bacon Peanut Clusters
These admittedly sound weird, but I swear they are delicious. It’s a great combination of salty and sweet that I simply adore.
Get the recipe, here.
Caramels
My family would riot if I didn’t make these every year. They are my favorite and well worth the effort.
Get the recipe, here
Candy Cane Kiss Thumbprints
Peppermint is one of my favorite flavors and these freezer-friendly cookies also happen to also feature my favorite holiday Hershey Kiss. You guessed it — candy cane kisses.
Get the recipe, here.
Peppermint Crunch Cookies
Remember my love of peppermint? You cannot be surprised that I’ve got another mint cookie to share with you! This delicate peppermint cookie uses a boxed cake mix to keep it super easy, and oh so yummy!
Get the recipe, here.
Russian Snowballs
Delicate, buttery and crisp cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar. The only kind of snowball I enjoy! 😉
It’s totally goes against the Christmas spirit but hey, sometimes I’m a Grinch. I suggest calling these Russian Snowballs to those who might get twitchy over Russian collusion allegations. And for your racist relative or co-worker, call them Mexican Wedding Cookies. This may earn me a spot on Santa’s naughty list but worth it.
Get the recipe, here.
Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies
My latest treat is completely and utterly addictive — the perfect combination of sweet and tart. They look gorgeous, freeze fabulously and can be made year-round.
Get the recipe, here.
Caramel Corn
This stuff is dangerously addictive and no one can eat just one handful. No. One.
Get the recipe, here.
Peanut Butter Toffee Oyster Crackers
Another irresistible sweet and salty snack that whips up quickly and also makes a great gift too.
Get the recipe, here.
Caramilk Fudge
This decadent fudge is a family favorite and made entirely in the microwave. No candy thermometer needed!
Get the recipe, here.
Oreo Fudge
This is such a gorgeous-looking fudge and tastes as good as it looks! It’s also freezer friendly, which is so nice during the busy holiday season.
Get the recipe, here.
Peanut Butter Fudge
This fudge is so smooth and delicious and must make for your peanut butter loving friends and family members. They will thank you, again and again.
Get the recipe, here.
Peppermint Oreo Bark
This is one of my most requested holiday treats. It’s delicious, easy and looks fabulous. What more could you want in a holiday treat?
Get the recipe, here.
Cinnamon Roasted Almonds
I love how shopping centers smell of almonds roasting with cinnamon during the holidays. You can replicate both that smell and those yummy almonds at home, without needing to brave the crowds!
Get the recipe, here.
Special K Bars
My mom’s recipe and she is a certified expert when it comes to making these delicious treats. Whenever I make them for friends, I get immediate recipe requests and claims of “best ever” treat. I always try to include a bar in a holiday treat platter because they are less fussy than cookies and candies, which is nice for the baker. 😀
Get the recipe, here.
Caramel Rice Krispie Bars
This is a very rich, family-favorite treat. I mean who doesn’t love a rice krispie bar? Add in a thick layer of caramel and it’s pure ooey, gooey goodness.
Get the recipe, here
Some Savory Snacks for when Your Sweet Tooth Cries Uncle
I love sweets but I won’t lie: My sweet tooth is a wimp. 😀 And for those moments when you need something a little salty or savory, may I recommend …
Stuffed Pizza Rolls
Pizza is one of my favorite foods. PERIOD. And these little bad boys hit all the right notes for me. Plus, you can make them up ahead of time and bake them right before serving, which makes them great party food. Kids of all ages and sizes will be clamoring for these.
Get the recipe, here.
Candied Bacon Wrapped Lil Smokies
A party favorite that is always a huge hit. Make a big batch because these will disappear quickly, especially if my nephews are around. 😀
Get the recipe, here.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Another classic appetizer that I love. Tasty, flavorful finger food at it’s best.
Get the recipe, here.
Spicy Beer Cheese Dip
My family is always pleased to see a big bowl of tortilla chips and salsa for snacking on during holiday festivities. This creamy dip would make a welcome addition.
Get the recipe, here.
Crab and Artichoke Dip
A very decadent and special dip that is a perfect appetizer or treat to set out on your holiday buffet. Yes, I used imitation crab. Please don’t judge. I come from the land of 10,000 lakes, not 10,000 crab cakes. You can, of course, use real crab!
Get the recipe, here.
Cheese Ball
Three kinds of cheese combined into one great, big cheese ball of yumminess.
Get the recipe, here
Bacon Ranch Tortilla Pinwheels
I am a lover of any kind of tortilla roll-up and these are definitely no exception. Delicious, easy and something you can make in advance. These always go fast whenever I make them. And no, not just for me. Errrr … most of the time I make them for others. 😀
Get the recipe, here.
Happy Holiday Eating!
I firmly believe that holiday food has zero calories and fat because we are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and he would never be so cruel to make those calories count. 😀 Well, I believe that until I try to squeeze into my pants! Regardless, these treats are well worth the calories and we can start/restart diets in January, right?
What’s your favorite holiday treat or snack?
Tanya
My pants are already too tight… Yoire killing me here.
That peanut butter fudge with the chocolate chips? Ohhhh my!!!
Sorry! The peanut butter fudge is glorious. It’s probably my favorite fudge but I love me some peanut butter.
Oh my gosh, this all looks SO good!
Lil smokies wrapped in bacon is one of my favorite snacks!!
Those cookies are to die for, too! Danggg!!
Thanks, Audrey! I love little smokies wrapped in bacon too. Such a great balance of savory and sweet. I especially love the shortbread cookies and the peppermint cookies. Peppermint is one of my favorite flavorings.
Send me all the baked goods!
You got it! 😀
I am starving now! Everything looks so good!
I have a fudge recipe that’s been in Scott’s family forever and that’s the one I’m required to use. I have a “cheat” version but I promised my daughter I’d do the real one this year.
Thanks, Jana! Family recipes are the best! That’s so sweet you’re making the “hard” version for your daughter. 😀