2015 Holiday Candy, Cookies and Treats

I‘m not gonna lie, folks — I love Christmas!! Ever since I was a little girl, Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year. Back then, Santa Claus was my focus. Oh, how I would beg my Mom to take me to see him. Eventually, she would cave in (you’ll soon understand her reluctance) and we would head to the Mall where I’d stand in line, quivering with excitement over telling the Big Guy about the new Barbie I wanted for Christmas. When it was finally my turn, instead of eagerly climbing onto his lap, I’d cry. Bawl. Sob. And refuse to sit on his lap. Ummmm … sorry Mom. My bad.

While I have long outgrown my desire to sit on Santa’s lap, I still love Christmas. Not as much as my Grandma who I secretly suspect listens to Christmas music year-round. My Mom also loves Christmas music, but I’m pretty sure she waits until Thanksgiving (or at least November) before she starts rocking her Christmas CDs. I used to give them a hard time about their deep love of Christmas tunes, but it is entirely possibly that I have been dancing around my apartment to some holiday music the past few days.

This is what happens when you turn 40. Next I’ll be running to the store to buy an ugly Christmas sweater to wear intentionally. Ack.

Holidays Treats to Wow Your Loved Ones

One thing that I will always love about Christmas is all the good food. Admittedly, my sweet tooth is sort of wimpy, but I still love whipping up a variety of yummy holiday candies, cookies and snacks for my friends and family to enjoy. Here are some of my favorites that I know your family will love too.

Bacon Peanut Clusters

I know. I know. Sounds weird, maybe even gross. But I swear they are delicious and down right addictive. It’s a great combination of salty and sweet.

Caramels

I make these every year and everyone gobbles them up. Seriously, they are one of the first candies to disappear. We actually set out a specific amount, otherwise they wouldn’t last through all the various festivities.

Candy Cane Kiss Thumbprints

I’m a huge peppermint fan, so I knew instantly that I would adore these. Add in the fact that they feature my favorite Hershey kiss, it was truly love at first bite. You can also make these now and freeze them until Christmas.

Peppermint Crunch Cookies

Another easy cookie that utilizes a boxed cake mix and cream cheese. It makes a delicate cookie with a satisfying peppermint crunch.

Russian Snowballs

These are very similar to Mexican Wedding Cookies too, but since we’re celebrating Christmas, Russian Snowballs are a more fitting title. Delicate, buttery and crisp cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar. Beautiful and delicious!

Caramel Corn

I call this caramel corn crack because it is dangerously addictive. Granted, I’m a huge caramel fan. You won’t be able to eat just one handful, I promise. Make plenty because everyone will want their own bowl!

Peanut Butter Toffee Oyster Crackers

This is another salty and sweet snack that I find irresistible. It is also super easy to make and a great snack to put in little bowls at parties or to give as gifts.

Caramilk Fudge

I like fudge but can generally only manage a sliver because it is so rich. This caramilk fudge is definitely rich but it is incredibly delicious and made entirely in the microwave.

Oreo Fudge

This is my Mom’s famous fudge, which is somewhat ironic as she is not a huge Oreos fan. Do you who loves Oreos? Me. And this is another easy and delicious fudge. You can also make it in advance and store it in your freezer until needed.

Peanut Butter Fudge

I’m a big peanut butter fan, as is my brother and his family. We loved this velvety smooth peanut butter fudge with bits of Reeses Peanut Butter Cups.

Peppermint Oreo Bark

This always gets rave reviews and recipe requests. Plus, it’s super easy to make and who wouldn’t love a candy bark filled with peppermint and Oreos?

Cinnamon Roasted Almonds

Go into any Mall at Christmas and you can smell almonds being slowly roasted with cinnamon. I love that smell and best of all — they are so easy to make at home. Plus they make your home smell amazing.

Happy Holiday Eating!

I won’t pretend that any of these holiday goodies are healthy and low-fat because that would be a bald-faced lie and I don’t want Santa to give me a lump of coal in my stocking. What I can say with absolute honesty is that these treats taste amazing and your friends and family will certainly love them.

Tanya

P.S. If you’re planning a holiday party, I’m sharing 5 Tips to Hosting a Fabulous and Frugal Holiday Party at my sister site, A Mindful Migration. Be sure to check it out and download your free Holiday Party Checklist too!