Get ready to make your holiday gathering merry and bright with these 18 irresistible festive Christmas snack recipes! Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to add some extra cheer to your family’s celebration, we’ve got you covered. From savory treats like Peppermint Bark Popcorn and Festive Cranberry Brie Bites to sweet indulgences like Candy Cane White Chocolate Fudge and Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies, our collection has something for everyone.
To get started, try your hand at making a show-stopping centerpiece with our Cheesy Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread. Or, impress your guests with a delicious and easy-to-make dip featuring the flavors of Gingerbread Cookie Dip. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect snacks to make your holiday season merry and bright.
Stay tuned for the rest of our festive snack recipes!
Cheesy Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread
Add a touch of holiday cheer to your gatherings with this adorable and delicious pull-apart bread, shaped like a Christmas tree!
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 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 large mixing bowl, combine yeast, flour, salt, and sugar. Add warm water and melted butter; mix until shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Punch down dough and shape into a Christmas tree using a cookie cutter or a knife. Place on prepared baking sheet.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese and chopped parsley over the bread. Drizzle with beaten egg for glaze.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Peppermint Bark Popcorn
Brighten up your snack game with this refreshing twist on classic popcorn. Crunchy kernels infused with peppermint and dark chocolate create a delightful treat perfect for any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1/4 cup popcorn kernels
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– Crushed candy canes or sprinkles for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Pop the popcorn kernels in a large pot or a popcorn machine until fluffy.
2. In a small bowl, mix together peppermint extract and vegetable oil.
3. Pour the peppermint mixture over the popped popcorn and toss to coat evenly.
4. Melt white chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
5. Pour melted white chocolate over the popcorn and sprinkle crushed candy canes or sprinkles if desired.
6. Melt dark chocolate chips in a separate double boiler or microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
7. Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the popcorn mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Gingerbread Cookie Dip
Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with this delicious Gingerbread Cookie Dip recipe! This warm and cozy dip is perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or even just a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 (8 ounce) container of cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup crushed gingerbread cookies (about 6-8 cookies)
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
2. Add the ground ginger, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Stir in the crushed gingerbread cookies.
4. Gradually add the heavy cream, mixing until the dip reaches your desired consistency.
Cooking Time: None! This dip is served chilled or at room temperature.
Enjoy with graham crackers, apple slices, or even as a dessert topping!
Festive Cranberry Brie Bites
Celebrate the holiday season with these bite-sized treats that combine creamy brie cheese, sweet cranberries, and flaky pastry. Perfect for a festive appetizer or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 (8 oz) wheel of brie cheese
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
– 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 on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
3. Cut into 12 equal pieces. Place a small spoonful of brie cheese in the center of each piece.
4. Top with a few cranberries, orange zest, and a drizzle of honey.
5. Fold pastry over filling, pressing edges to seal. Brush tops with egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water).
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Christmas Wreath Cheese Ball
Add a festive touch to your holiday gatherings with this easy-to-make Christmas Wreath Cheese Ball recipe. With its creamy cheese filling and festive cranberry and pecan topping, it’s sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Shape into a ball and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned.
5. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
6. Roll in chopped pecans to coat, then roll in cranberries to coat.
7. Garnish with parsley.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Holiday Spiced Mixed Nuts
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this sweet and savory recipe for spiced mixed nuts. Perfect as a snack or gift, these warm-spiced treats are sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans, etc.)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. Add the mixed nuts to the wet ingredients and stir until evenly coated.
4. Pour in the corn syrup and water; mix until the nuts are well-coated.
5. Spread the nut mixture on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely before serving or packaging as gifts.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Snowman Cheese Platter
Gather your friends and family around the table with this adorable Snowman Cheese Platter, perfect for a winter gathering or holiday party.
Ingredients:
– 1 block of white cheddar cheese, cut into snowman shapes (or use crackers as an alternative)
– 1/2 cup of mixed greens
– 1/4 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup of sliced red bell peppers
– 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 10-12 carrot sticks, peeled and cut into snowman arms and hat
– Snowman-themed toothpicks or skewers (optional)
Instructions:
1. Arrange the white cheddar “snowmen” on a platter or serving board.
2. Top each snowman with a spoonful of mixed greens to resemble the snowy top.
3. Add cherry tomatoes for eyes and sliced red bell peppers for the scarf.
4. If using, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese around the snowmen for added color.
5. Use carrot sticks to create arms and hats for each snowman.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None! This platter is a simple assembly of ingredients.
Reindeer Pretzel Rods
Get into the holiday spirit with these adorable Reindeer Pretzel Rods, perfect for snacking or gift-giving. Soft pretzels shaped like reindeer antlers are dipped in white chocolate and sprinkled with crushed candy canes and red sprinkles.
Ingredients:
– 1 bag of soft pretzels
– White chocolate chips
– Crushed candy canes
– Red sprinkles
– Pretzel rods (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 200°F (90°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Shape pretzels into antler shapes, using the ends of the pretzels for the reindeer’s ears and the rest for the antlers.
3. Dip each pretzel rod in white chocolate, coating about half of the pretzel.
4. Immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes and red sprinkles onto the wet chocolate.
5. Place pretzels on prepared baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
6. Serve or package as gifts.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (including setting time)
Santa Hat Strawberries
Add some holiday cheer to your snack time with these adorable Santa hat strawberries. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and visually appealing treat that’s perfect for parties or gift-giving.
Ingredients:
– 1 pint fresh strawberries
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon shortening (such as Crisco)
– Red gel icing or cherry halves for the “hat”
– Green gel icing or chopped pecans for the “tree”
Instructions:
1. Wash and dry the strawberries.
2. Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
3. Dip each strawberry into the melted white chocolate, coating about 3/4 of the fruit.
4. Place the dipped strawberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to set the chocolate.
5. Use red gel icing or cherry halves to draw a hat shape on top of the chocolate-covered strawberry.
6. Use green gel icing or chopped pecans to create a tree shape below the hat.
7. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None
Christmas Tree Veggie Platter
Bring festive flair to your holiday gatherings with this colorful and easy-to-assemble veggie platter, shaped like a Christmas tree.
Ingredients:
– 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into long strips
– 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced into long strips
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup cucumber slices
– 1/2 cup carrot sticks
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Arrange the red bell pepper strips on a large serving platter or board, creating the base of the Christmas tree.
2. Add the yellow bell pepper strips, forming the trunk of the tree.
3. Place the cherry tomatoes in the center, creating the star-shaped topper.
4. Alternate layers of cucumber slices and carrot sticks around the tree, ending at the top with a small cluster of cucumber slices.
5. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese (if using) over the platter for added flavor and color.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the platter and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves to complete the festive look.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required!)
Eggnog Truffles
These creamy truffles capture the essence of winter with the rich flavors of eggnog, perfect for a holiday party or gift-giving. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create these bite-sized treats in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup eggnog
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, butter, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts.
2. Remove from heat and stir in eggnog until well combined.
3. Let mixture cool to room temperature.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Once chilled, use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form into balls.
6. Roll each ball in powdered sugar, then chopped nuts (if using).
7. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None
Candy Cane White Chocolate Fudge
Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with this festive Candy Cane White Chocolate Fudge recipe! This creamy, pepperminty treat is perfect for holiday gatherings and makes a great gift or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 12-15 candy canes, crushed
– 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions:
1. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt white chocolate chips and heavy cream, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from heat and stir in butter, peppermint extract, and salt until smooth.
4. Fold in crushed candy canes and granulated sugar.
5. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
6. Cut into squares and serve.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Puff Pastry Christmas Stars
These elegant pastry stars are a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a beautiful and delicious treat that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon milk
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
3. Use a cookie cutter or a knife to cut out star shapes from the pastry.
4. In a small bowl, mix together sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Brush the mixture onto the pastry stars.
5. Place the stars on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each star.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Allow the stars to cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Holiday Deviled Eggs
Holiday Deviled Eggs Recipe
These classic deviled eggs get a festive twist with the addition of cranberries and orange zest, perfect for your holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 6 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cranberries
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley or paprika for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cut the eggs in half lengthwise.
2. Scoop out the yolks and place them in a bowl.
3. Mash the yolks with a fork until they’re well broken up.
4. Stir in the mayonnaise, mustard, and horseradish until smooth.
5. Fold in the chopped cranberries and orange zest.
6. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Spoon the yolk mixture evenly into the egg white halves.
8. Sprinkle with paprika or parsley if desired.
9. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None, as this recipe is chilled before serving.
Festive Sausage Rolls
Add some festive cheer to your holiday gatherings with these scrumptious sausage rolls, perfect for snacking or as a main event. With a flaky pastry crust and savory sausage filling, you’ll be the star of any party.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Stir in parsley and olive oil; season with salt and pepper.
5. Place the cooked sausage mixture along one long edge of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border.
6. Roll the pastry into a tight log shape, starting from the filled end.
7. Cut into 8-10 equal pieces.
8. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each roll.
9. Brush with egg wash (if using) and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Christmas Spiced Popcorn Mix
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this sweet and savory popcorn mix infused with the warm spices of Christmas. Perfect for a festive snack or as a unique addition to your holiday party.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup popping popcorn kernels
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Pop the popcorn kernels according to package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
3. Add the popped popcorn to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the spice mixture.
4. If using nuts, stir them in at this point.
5. Spread the popcorn mix out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Allow the mixture to cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: None (no cooking required)
Mini Gingerbread Muffins
Mini Gingerbread Muffins Recipe
These bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking on the go or as a festive addition to your holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, ginger, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
7. Allow muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies
Elevate your snack game with these classic shortbread cookies dipped in rich chocolate. A perfect treat for any occasion, these buttery bites are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Optional: chopped nuts or sprinkles for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out dough on floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
5. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or glass.
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
7. Melt chocolate chips in microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
8. Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.
9. Place dipped cookies on parchment-lined plate or tray.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in some festive fun with these irresistible Christmas snack recipes! From cheesy pull-apart bread shaped like trees to peppermint bark popcorn and gingerbread cookie dip, there’s something for everyone. Other treats include cranberry brie bites, cheese ball wreaths, spiced mixed nuts, and more. Make a snowman out of cheese, create reindeer pretzels, or indulge in Santa hat strawberries – these sweet and savory snacks are sure to be a hit at your holiday gatherings. Try one (or all!) of the 18 festive recipes featured here.
