The Christmas season brings an abundance of joy, festivities, and, most importantly, delightful treats. From sweet confections to savory bites, holiday snacks play a crucial role in enhancing the festive spirit. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a gathering, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these 20 best Christmas snacks will satisfy your sweet and salty cravings. Let’s dive into these delectable treats that are sure to make your holiday season even more special.
Sweet Christmas Snacks
1. Gingerbread Cookies
Description:
Gingerbread cookies are a quintessential Christmas treat, loved for their warm, spicy flavor and delightful shapes. These cookies are often decorated with royal icing and candies, making them as fun to decorate as they are to eat.
Ingredients:
- Flour
- Ground ginger
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground cloves
- Baking soda
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Molasses
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
Preparation:
Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another.
Combine both mixtures to form a dough.
Chill the dough, roll it out, and cut into shapes.
Bake until golden brown and decorate with icing.
2. Peppermint Bark
Description:
Peppermint bark is a festive favorite, combining the rich taste of chocolate with the refreshing crunch of peppermint. It’s an easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for gift-giving or as a holiday snack.
Ingredients:
- Dark chocolate
- White chocolate
- Peppermint extract
- Crushed candy canes
Preparation:
Melt the dark chocolate and spread it evenly on a baking sheet.
Allow it to set before adding a layer of melted white chocolate.
Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top and let it harden.
Break into pieces and enjoy.
3. Sugar Cookies
Description:
Sugar cookies are a holiday staple, known for their buttery, sweet flavor and versatility in shapes and decorations. They are perfect for cookie exchanges or as a fun activity with kids.
Ingredients:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Butter
- Sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
Preparation:
Cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
Chill the dough, roll it out, and cut into desired shapes.
Bake until edges are lightly golden and decorate as desired.
4. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
Description:
Chocolate-covered pretzels offer the perfect balance of sweet and salty. These treats are easy to make and can be customized with various toppings like sprinkles, crushed nuts, or drizzled white chocolate.
Ingredients:
- Pretzels
- Milk chocolate
- White chocolate (optional)
- Toppings (sprinkles, nuts)
Preparation:
Melt the chocolate and dip each pretzel until coated.
Place on parchment paper and add toppings.
Let them cool and harden before serving.
5. Christmas Fudge
Description:
Rich and creamy fudge is a holiday classic that comes in various flavors such as chocolate, peanut butter, and peppermint. It’s a delightful sweet treat that makes for an excellent gift or indulgence.
Ingredients:
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Chocolate chips
- Butter
- Vanilla extract
Preparation:
Melt the chocolate chips with condensed milk and butter.
Stir in vanilla extract and pour the mixture into a lined pan.
Chill until firm and cut into squares.
6. Cinnamon Sugar Pecans
Description:
Cinnamon sugar pecans are a delightful snack with a perfect blend of sweetness and spice. They are great for munching on during holiday gatherings or as a crunchy topping for desserts.
Ingredients:
- Pecans
- Egg white
- Sugar
- Cinnamon
- Salt
Preparation:
Whisk egg white until frothy and coat the pecans.
Mix sugar, cinnamon, and salt, then toss with the pecans.
Bake until the pecans are crispy and coated with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
7. Chocolate Truffles
Description:
Chocolate truffles are decadent, bite-sized treats that melt in your mouth. They come in various flavors and can be coated with cocoa powder, nuts, or shredded coconut.
Ingredients:
- Heavy cream
- Dark chocolate
- Butter
- Flavorings (liqueurs, extracts)
- Coatings (cocoa powder, nuts, coconut)
Preparation:
Heat the cream and pour it over chopped chocolate and butter.
Stir until smooth and add flavorings.
Chill the mixture, then roll into balls and coat with desired toppings.
8. Holiday Popcorn
Description:
Holiday popcorn is a fun and festive snack that combines popcorn with sweet coatings and holiday-themed candies. It’s perfect for movie nights or as a party snack.
Ingredients:
- Popcorn kernels
- White chocolate
- Holiday sprinkles
- M&M’s or other candies
Preparation:
Pop the popcorn and spread it on a baking sheet.
Melt white chocolate and drizzle over the popcorn.
Sprinkle with holiday sprinkles and candies.
Let it set before breaking into clusters.
9. Eggnog Cookies
Description:
Eggnog cookies capture the creamy, spiced flavor of the classic holiday drink in a soft and chewy cookie form. These cookies are perfect for those who love eggnog and make a great addition to any cookie platter.
Ingredients:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Nutmeg
- Cinnamon
- Butter
- Sugar
- Egg
- Eggnog
- Vanilla extract
Preparation:
Cream butter and sugar, then add egg, eggnog, and vanilla.
Mix in the dry ingredients until combined.
Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake until lightly golden.
See Also: Eggnog: Origins, Evolution, Variations, Popularity & Recipes
10. Christmas Rice Krispie Treats
Description:
Christmas Rice Krispie treats are a fun twist on the classic marshmallow treat, dressed up for the holidays with festive colors and shapes.
Ingredients:
- Rice Krispies cereal
- Marshmallows
- Butter
- Food coloring
- Sprinkles
Preparation:
Melt butter and marshmallows, then add food coloring.
Stir in the cereal until well coated.
Press into a pan and decorate with sprinkles.
Cut into festive shapes once set.
11. Snowball Cookies
Description:
Snowball cookies, also known as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies, are buttery, nutty cookies rolled in powdered sugar, giving them a snowball-like appearance.
Ingredients:
- Butter
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Flour
- Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts)
Preparation:
Cream the butter and powdered sugar, then add vanilla.
Mix in the flour and nuts until a dough forms.
Shape into balls and bake until set.
Roll in powdered sugar while still warm and again once cooled.
12. Chocolate Peppermint Brownies
Description:
Chocolate peppermint brownies combine rich, fudgy brownies with a refreshing peppermint twist. They are perfect for holiday parties and satisfy both chocolate and mint lovers.
Ingredients:
- Flour
- Cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Butter
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Peppermint extract
- Chocolate chips
Preparation:
Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another.
Combine both mixtures and stir in chocolate chips.
Pour into a baking pan and bake until set.
Add a peppermint glaze or crushed candy canes on top.
13. Christmas Divinity
Description:
Divinity is a classic holiday candy made from sugar, corn syrup, and egg whites, resulting in a light, fluffy treat. It’s often flavored with vanilla and can include nuts or dried fruit.
Ingredients:
- Sugar
- Corn syrup
- Water
- Egg whites
- Vanilla extract
- Nuts or dried fruit (optional)
Preparation:
Heat sugar, corn syrup, and water to the hard-ball stage.
Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
Gradually pour the hot syrup into the egg whites while beating.
Stir in vanilla and nuts or dried fruit if using.
Drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper and let set.
14. Cranberry Orange Bread
Description:
Cranberry orange bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread that combines tart cranberries with zesty orange. It’s a wonderful addition to holiday breakfasts or as a sweet snack.
Ingredients:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Sugar
- Orange zest
- Orange juice
- Cranberries
- Eggs
- Butter
Preparation:
Combine dry ingredients and set aside.
Mix sugar, eggs, orange zest, juice, and melted butter.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and fold in cranberries.
Pour into a loaf pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
15. White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
Description:
White chocolate cranberry cookies are soft, chewy cookies filled with sweet white chocolate chips and tart cranberries, making them a festive and flavorful treat.
Ingredients:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- White sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- White chocolate chips
- Dried cranberries
Preparation:
Cream butter and sugars, then add eggs and vanilla.
Mix in dry ingredients and stir in white chocolate chips and cranberries.
Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake until edges are golden.
Salty Christmas Snacks
16. Chex Mix
Description:
Chex Mix is a versatile and savory snack mix that combines Chex cereal with nuts, pretzels, and a flavorful seasoning blend. It’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
- Chex cereal (corn, rice, or wheat)
- Pretzels
- Mixed nuts
- Butter
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Seasoned salt
Preparation:
Combine cereal, pretzels, and nuts in a large bowl.
Melt butter and mix in Worcestershire sauce and seasonings.
Pour over the cereal mixture and toss to coat.
Bake until crispy, stirring occasionally.
17. Sausage Balls
Description:
Sausage balls are a savory snack made from sausage, cheese, and biscuit mix. They are easy to make and perfect for holiday parties or as a hearty appetizer.
Ingredients:
- Sausage
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Biscuit mix (like Bisquick)
Preparation:
Preheat the oven and mix sausage, cheese, and biscuit mix in a bowl.
Form the mixture into balls and place on a baking sheet.
Bake until golden brown and cooked through.
18. Spiced Nuts
Description:
Spiced nuts are a delicious and festive snack that combines nuts with a blend of spices, sugar, and sometimes a touch of heat. They are perfect for snacking or gifting.
Ingredients:
- Mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, cashews)
- Sugar
- Cinnamon
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
- Egg white
Preparation:
Whisk egg white until frothy and coat the nuts.
Mix sugar, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper, then toss with the nuts.
Bake until the nuts are toasted and the coating is crispy.
19. Parmesan Herb Crackers
Description:
Parmesan herb crackers are savory, crunchy snacks that pair well with cheese, dips, or can be enjoyed on their own. They are flavored with Parmesan cheese and a blend of herbs.
Ingredients:
- Flour
- Parmesan cheese
- Dried herbs (rosemary, thyme)
- Salt
- Butter
- Water
Preparation:
Combine flour, Parmesan, herbs, and salt in a bowl.
Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add water until the dough comes together.
Roll out the dough, cut into shapes, and bake until golden and crispy.
20. Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Description:
Bacon-wrapped dates are a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. The sweetness of the dates pairs perfectly with the salty, smoky bacon, making them a popular holiday appetizer.
Ingredients:
- Medjool dates
- Bacon
- Toothpicks
Preparation:
Preheat the oven and slice the dates open to remove the pits.
Wrap each date with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
Place on a baking sheet and bake until the bacon is crispy.
See Also: Christmas Baking: Essential Tools, Ingredients & Recipes
Conclusion
The holiday season is a time for celebration, and there’s no better way to enhance the festivities than with a variety of delicious snacks. Whether you prefer sweet treats like gingerbread cookies and peppermint bark or savory bites like Chex Mix and bacon-wrapped dates, these 20 best Christmas snacks will satisfy your cravings and delight your guests. Enjoy these festive treats and make your holiday season even more special with these tasty, sweet, and salty snacks.