‘Tis the Season for Sweet Treats

By Carolina Kondas '28

As festive, fun, and relaxing as winter break may be, the first few days that are spent waiting for travel plans and family visits can feel unusually long. This slow stretch is the

perfect time to make fun, festive, easy, and affordable holiday treats that are entertaining and provide delicious snacks, with some saved for family, of course. These simple recipes can also be made with family or friends on a cold December night, adding cozy and festive vibes to the season and giving everyone something enjoyable to do together. After all, it is the season of love, joy, and giving. Making simple, budget-friendly DIY holiday treats is a fun and creative way to enjoy winter break while sharing festive moments with family and friends, so read along and find the best recipes for the holiday season!

There are so many holiday treats online that a fun activity can quickly turn into an

overwhelming search for the perfect treat. To make things easier, here are some of the best

winter snacks to make this holiday season: peppermint bark, chocolate-dipped pretzels with a holiday twist, and hot chocolate spoons. First is the easy, delicious, and classic peppermint bark. About 8 ounces of dark or milk chocolate, 8 ounces of white chocolate, and ½ cup of crushed candy canes are needed. First, melt the dark or milk chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler, and then spread it evenly on a parchment-linked baking sheet. Melt the white chocolate separately and drizzle it over the dark chocolate, making sure to sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top while it is still warm. Let this set for at least thirty minutes in the refrigerator before breaking it into pieces. Lastly, put a warning sign on it, as it is extremely addictive and so hard to stop eating!

Next are chocolate-dipped pretzels with a holiday twist. 1 cup of pretzels, 1 cup of

chocolate chips,  a combination of ¼ cup of crushed  candy canes with red and green

sprinkles, ¼ cup of white chocolate for decoration, and red and green food colorings are needed. First, melt the chocolate chips and dip each pretzel in. Immediately after, sprinkle the crushed candy canes mix on top. Once the chocolate hardens, melt the white chocolate, color it green and red (saving some white), and drizzle it over the pretzels for a red, green, and white festive look. 

Finally, the fan-favorite hot chocolate spoons. For this recipe, wooden or reusable

spoons, 1 cup of chocolate chips, ¼ cup mini marshmallows, and ¼ cup crushed candy canes are needed. First, melt the chocolate and dip each spoon about halfway into it, scooping up chocolate. Repeat this step about 2-3 times. Then, while the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle on mini marshmallows and crushed candy canes. Let the spoons harden on parchment paper for at least 20 minutes. Once these are ready, they can be stirred into hot milk to make a festive hot chocolate, or enjoyed as a treat on their own.

These simple, festive treats are the perfect way to make the most of  winter break, whether time is being spent with family, friends, or just enjoying a cozy night in. From the classic peppermint bark to colorful chocolate-dipped pretzels and indulgent hot chocolate spoons, each recipe is easy, budget-friendly, and brings smiles to everyone who tries them. Beyond satisfying everyone’s sweet tooth, making these treats creates memorable moments, fills homes with the warm scents of the season, and adds a little extra magic to the holidays. So grab the ingredients, get creative, and enjoy the joy of giving (and tasting), these delightful homemade goodies!

All Photos Courtesy of asprinkleandasplash.com, anaffairfromtheheart.com and currytrail.in 

Sources: asprinkleandasplash.com, anaffairfromtheheart.com and currytrail.in

Edited by Catherine Polatidis '26 and Ms. Brilliant

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