The 12 Days of Christmas Treats: One Epic Recipe for Every Day!

As the festive season approaches, nothing says “holiday cheer” like indulging in delicious, homemade Christmas treats. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, attending a holiday party, or just wanting to add a little extra sweetness to your everyday December routine, we’ve got you covered! Let’s make this year’s celebration even merrier with The 12 Days of Christmas Treats, where we share one epic recipe for each day leading up to Christmas.

Day 1: Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies

Kick off your Christmas treat-making journey with these classic Christmas sugar cookies. They’re easy to make and fun to decorate with your favorite festive shapes and colored frosting. Perfect for an afternoon of family fun in the kitchen!

  • Key ingredients: Flour, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, baking powder.
  • Pro Tip: Use royal icing for that glossy, professional finish!

Day 2: Peppermint Bark

This holiday favorite is a must-make for any festive occasion. Layered with smooth dark chocolate and topped with crunchy crushed candy canes, peppermint bark is as delightful to eat as it is easy to prepare.

  • Key ingredients: Dark chocolate, white chocolate, peppermint extract, candy canes.
  • Pro Tip: Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.

Day 3: Gingerbread Men

You can’t have Christmas without gingerbread men! These spiced cookies bring that nostalgic holiday warmth, and decorating them with icing and candies is half the fun.

  • Key ingredients: Molasses, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, all-purpose flour.
  • Pro Tip: Roll the dough thick for soft, chewy cookies or thinner for a crispier bite.

Day 4: Chocolate-Covered Pretzels

Sweet and salty snacks are the perfect combination, and chocolate-covered pretzels are a crowd-pleasing treat. Dip pretzel rods into melted chocolate and sprinkle with festive toppings like colored sugar, mini M&Ms, or crushed nuts.

  • Key ingredients: Pretzel rods, milk chocolate, white chocolate, sprinkles.
  • Pro Tip: Let your kids help with the dipping and decorating for a fun family activity.

Day 5: Cranberry Bliss Bars

Cranberry bliss bars are a delightful blend of tart cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and a buttery base. The perfect balance of sweet and tangy makes this treat a favorite among adults and kids alike.

  • Key ingredients: Dried cranberries, cream cheese, white chocolate, brown sugar.
  • Pro Tip: Serve these chilled for the best texture and flavor.

Day 6: Hot Cocoa Bombs

Imagine a warm, rich cup of hot chocolate bursting with flavor. Hot cocoa bombs are the perfect addition to any cold winter day! Place them in a mug, pour steaming hot milk over the top, and watch the magic happen as they melt into creamy, delicious cocoa.

  • Key ingredients: Chocolate spheres, cocoa powder, mini marshmallows.
  • Pro Tip: Get creative with fillings by adding crushed peppermint, caramel, or even a splash of Bailey’s for the adults!

Day 7: Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies

For a classic holiday cookie with a twist, try shortbread thumbprint cookies. With buttery dough and a sweet jam filling, these cookies melt in your mouth.

  • Key ingredients: Butter, sugar, flour, vanilla, jam (your choice of flavor).
  • Pro Tip: Use raspberry or apricot jam for a festive red and gold appearance.

Day 8: Eggnog Fudge

If you’re a fan of eggnog, you’ll love this eggnog fudge. Rich, creamy, and spiced just right, this decadent treat will have everyone asking for the recipe.

  • Key ingredients: White chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, nutmeg, eggnog.
  • Pro Tip: Top the fudge with a sprinkle of nutmeg for that extra festive touch.

Day 9: Snowball Cookies

Snowball cookies, also known as Russian tea cakes, are delicate, nutty, and rolled in powdered sugar to resemble little snowballs. They’re easy to make and a classic holiday favorite.

  • Key ingredients: Pecans, flour, butter, powdered sugar.
  • Pro Tip: Roll your cookies in powdered sugar twice for a perfect snow-like coating.

Day 10: Holiday Rice Krispie Treats

Add a festive twist to a childhood classic with holiday Rice Krispie treats. Mix red and green M&Ms, sprinkles, or even melted chocolate into your traditional Rice Krispie recipe for a fun, colorful snack.

  • Key ingredients: Rice Krispies cereal, marshmallows, butter, holiday M&Ms.
  • Pro Tip: Shape the treats into Christmas trees or wreaths for an extra-festive presentation.

Day 11: Chocolate-Dipped Marshmallows

For a quick, fun treat, try chocolate-dipped marshmallows. Dip large marshmallows into melted chocolate and roll them in crushed candy canes, sprinkles, or chopped nuts. They make the perfect addition to a hot chocolate bar or holiday dessert spread.

  • Key ingredients: Marshmallows, milk chocolate, candy canes.
  • Pro Tip: Use a lollipop stick for easy dipping and eating!

Day 12: Yule Log Cake (Bûche de Noël)

End your 12 days of treats with an impressive yule log cake! This traditional Christmas cake is rolled with chocolate sponge and filled with rich cream. Decorate it to look like a snowy log, complete with powdered sugar “snow” and chocolate “branches.”

  • Key ingredients: Flour, sugar, eggs, cocoa powder, heavy cream.
  • Pro Tip: Use chocolate ganache for the outer layer and add edible decorations like mushrooms made from meringue.

Wrapping It Up

This holiday season, fill your home with the warmth of baking and the joy of sharing. These 12 epic Christmas treats will bring festive flavors, family fun, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your apron, gather the family, and let the countdown to Christmas begin!

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