It’s the most wonderful time of the year – Christmas! What better way to get into the holiday spirit than with delicious and easy-to-make snacks that are sure to please both kids and adults. In this article, we’ll be sharing 18 festive Christmas snack recipes that are perfect for your holiday party or gathering.
From sweet treats like peppermint chocolate bark and mini gingerbread cookies, to savory delights like garlic parmesan pretzels and cheesy snowflake crackers, we’ve got you covered. And the best part? Each recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients – perfect for a busy holiday season. So grab your mixing bowls, baking sheets, and snack-loving friends, because it’s time to get this festive party started!
Peppermint Chocolate Bark
Brighten up your holiday season with this refreshing twist on traditional chocolate bark. This Peppermint Chocolate Bark combines rich, dark chocolate with the invigorating flavors of peppermint and crunchy crushed candy canes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
– 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
3. Stir in the crushed candy canes and peppermint extract.
4. Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
6. Break into pieces and serve.
Cooking Time: None (no cooking required)
Cranberry Brie Bites
Elevate your party repertoire with these bite-sized treats that combine the creamy richness of brie cheese, the sweetness of cranberries, and the crunch of crackers. Perfect for holiday gatherings or impromptu get-togethers.
Ingredients:
– 1 (8 oz) wheel of brie cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 package of crackers (such as water crackers or wheat thins)
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together cranberries and honey until well combined.
3. Roll the softened brie cheese into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Place a spoonful of the cranberry mixture onto one half of each cracker, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Top with a brie ball and press gently to adhere.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until crackers are lightly toasted and cheese is melted.
7. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Pretzels
Transform plain pretzels into a flavorful snack with the rich aroma of garlic and parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 bag of pretzel rods (12-14 pieces)
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place pretzel rods on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
4. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and parmesan cheese.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the pretzels, then sprinkle the garlic-parmesan mixture evenly.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Christmas Tree Cheese Board
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this visually stunning Christmas tree cheese board, perfect for entertaining friends and family. With a few simple ingredients and assembly, you’ll be the host with the most.
Ingredients:
– 1 block of white cheddar cheese (sliced into 1/2-inch thick strips)
– 1 block of green cheddar cheese (sliced into 1/2-inch thick strips)
– 1 cup of fresh cranberries
– 1/4 cup of chopped pecans
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Arrange the white and green cheddar cheese slices on a large serving board or platter in the shape of a Christmas tree.
2. Top the “tree” with cranberries, creating a festive red and green effect.
3. Sprinkle chopped pecans around the base of the “tree” to resemble snow.
4. Drizzle honey over the cranberries for added sweetness.
5. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves to add a touch of elegance.
Cooking Time: None! This cheese board is ready in just 10 minutes.
Spiced Nuts with Rosemary
A fragrant blend of nuts, spices, and herbs, perfect for snacking or as a topping for salads or yogurt.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt.
3. Add the mixed nuts and stir until evenly coated.
4. Sprinkle chopped rosemary over the nuts and toss to combine.
5. Spread the nut mixture on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until fragrant and lightly toasted.
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mini Gingerbread Cookies
These bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking or as a festive addition to your holiday gatherings. Made with warm spices and sweet molasses, they’re sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons molasses
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
6. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are set. Let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Snowman Cheese Balls
Get into the holiday spirit with these adorable Snowman Cheese Balls! Made with a simple mixture of cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and chopped herbs, these bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or as a fun snack for kids.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 package of cocktail meatballs (about 20-25)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Wrap each meatball with about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture, forming a small ball shape.
4. Place snowman-shaped crackers or cookies around the cheese balls to create a snowy base.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Almonds
Transform plain almonds into a deliciously sweet and crunchy snack with this simple recipe. Perfect for munching on the go or as a topping for your favorite desserts.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup raw almonds
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Add the almonds to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the sugar mixture.
4. Spread the almonds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast for 10-12 minutes or until fragrant and lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Reindeer Chow Snack Mix
Get ready to sleigh the snack game with this sweet and salty mix, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a fun treat any time of year!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups Chex cereal (any variety)
– 1 cup pretzels
– 1/2 cup mixed nuts (peanuts, almonds, cashews)
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce
– 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: red and green M&M’s or other festive mix-ins
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine Chex cereal, pretzels, and mixed nuts.
3. In a separate saucepan, melt caramel sauce over low heat. Stir in white chocolate chips until smooth.
4. Pour melted mixture over dry ingredients and stir until coated.
5. Add butter, vanilla extract, and salt; mix well.
6. Spread mix on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent burning.
8. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
Enjoy your Reindeer Chow Snack Mix!
Festive Deviled Eggs
Festive Deviled Eggs Recipe
Kick off your holiday gathering with these show-stopping deviled eggs, decked out in vibrant red and green.
Ingredients:
– 6 large egg yolks
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon (optional)
– Edible gold dust or red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Hard-boil the egg yolks, then cool.
2. In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Add chopped parsley and crumbled bacon (if using) to the mixture; stir well.
4. Cut the cooled egg yolks in half lengthwise.
5. Spoon the yolk mixture into each egg white, mounding slightly.
6. Garnish with edible gold dust or red pepper flakes (if using).
7. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (hard-boiling eggs)
Puff Pastry Christmas Stars
Add a touch of festive flair to your holiday gathering with these elegant Puff Pastry Christmas Stars. Flaky puff pastry is shaped into star shapes and baked until golden, perfect for snacking or decorating your holiday table.
Ingredients:
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
– 1 tablespoon water
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter or a knife to cut out stars from the pastry. You should be able to get about 12-15 stars.
4. Place the stars on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each star.
5. Brush the tops with beaten egg and water mixture.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Allow the stars to cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Hot Chocolate Dip with Marshmallows
This decadent dip is perfect for chilly gatherings or cozy nights in with friends and family. Made with rich hot chocolate, creamy marshmallows, and crunchy graham crackers, it’s a treat that will leave everyone feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup milk chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
– 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the chocolate chips and heavy cream over low heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Once melted and smooth, remove from heat and stir in cocoa powder and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Pour into a serving bowl and top with mini marshmallows.
4. If desired, sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top for added crunch.
5. Serve warm with marshmallow-topped crackers, cookies, or fruit.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Candy Cane Popcorn
Get ready to add a festive twist to your movie nights with this sweet and salty Candy Cane Popcorn recipe!
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring
– 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (about 6-8 canes)
– Optional: 1 tablespoon white chocolate chips for drizzling
Instructions:
1. Pop the popcorn kernels according to package instructions.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
3. Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract and red food coloring.
4. Pour the flavored mixture over the popped popcorn and stir until coated.
5. Fold in crushed candy canes.
6. Spread the popcorn mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool completely.
7. If desired, drizzle with melted white chocolate chips for an extra touch of sweetness.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Cheesy Snowflake Crackers
Elevate your snack game with these buttery, cheesy, and utterly charming crackers. Perfect for movie nights or impromptu gatherings, Cheesy Snowflake Crackers are sure to delight!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work into the dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in grated cheese.
5. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes (snowflakes, squares, or whatever suits your fancy).
7. Brush with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until crackers are golden and fragrant.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Eggnog Truffles
These bite-sized truffles are a perfect blend of creamy eggnog, rich chocolate, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for the holiday season or as a special treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup eggnog
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, whip heavy cream and butter until stiff peaks form.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whipping until smooth.
3. Stir in eggnog until well combined.
4. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl.
5. Roll 1-inch balls of the eggnog mixture into the melted chocolate, coating completely.
6. Roll coated truffles in chopped pecans to coat.
7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None
Santa Hat Strawberries
Get ready to spread some festive cheer with these adorable Santa hat-shaped strawberries! A sweet and healthy treat perfect for holiday gatherings or as a fun snack for kids.
Ingredients:
• 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut flakes (red)
• 10-12 mini marshmallows (white)
Instructions:
1. Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl for 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.
2. Dip the strawberry slice into the melted white chocolate, coating about half of the strawberry.
3. Immediately sprinkle the coconut flakes on top to resemble Santa’s hat band.
4. Place a mini marshmallow on top of the coconut flakes to create the Santa hat tip.
5. Repeat with remaining strawberries and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls
These bite-sized treats are packed with nutritious ingredients and the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin spice. Perfect for a quick energy boost on-the-go!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup dried dates, pitted
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Pinch of salt
– Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine oats, dates, and peanut butter. Mix until well combined.
2. Add honey, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. If using nuts, roll each ball in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
4. Place the energy balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
6. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Cooking Time: None! These energy balls are ready to go as soon as they’re rolled and refrigerated.
Enjoy your Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls whenever you need a tasty pick-me-up!
Christmas Sausage Rolls
Elevate your holiday gatherings with these savory Christmas sausage rolls, perfect for snacking or as a main course. Made with flaky puff pastry and flavorful sausage, they’re sure to become a new tradition.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into 4 equal pieces.
3. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Spoon sausage mixture onto one half of each pastry piece, leaving a 1/2 inch border around edges.
6. Brush edges with beaten egg for a golden glaze. Fold other half of pastry over filling, pressing edges to seal.
7. Place rolls on prepared baking sheet and brush tops with remaining egg wash.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get into the holiday spirit with these 18 deliciously easy Christmas snack recipes! From classic treats like peppermint bark and gingerbread cookies, to creative twists like cranberry brie bites and reindeer chow snack mix, there’s something for everyone on this list. Impress your friends and family with festive finger foods that are perfect for parties and gatherings. Whether you’re a fan of sweet or savory snacks, these recipes are sure to bring joy and cheer to your holiday season.
