Sweet Archives - A Beautiful Mess https://abeautifulmess.com/category/food/sweet/ Crafts, Home Décor, Recipes Fri, 15 Dec 2023 15:58:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.2 https://abeautifulmess.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/cropped-ABM-Favicon-60x60.jpg Sweet Archives - A Beautiful Mess https://abeautifulmess.com/category/food/sweet/ 32 32 50+ Christmas Cookies https://abeautifulmess.com/christmas-cookies/ https://abeautifulmess.com/christmas-cookies/#comments Sat, 09 Dec 2023 14:01:00 +0000 https://abeautifulmess.com/?p=120098 The holidays always put me in the mood to bake! No matter if you are having a little baking day to yourself, sharing the kitchen with your kids or hosting a cookie decorating party, here are 50+ of our favorite Christmas cookie recipes!

Many of these are holiday specific, but I think Christmas cookies can also be classics or favorites throughout the year, so we are sharing a big variety in this post.So grab your baking trays, butter, flour and sugar. We’ll help you make the ultimate cookie platters.

Find other holiday sweets in our full Desserts archive.

Christmas Wreath Cookies

Easy Christmas wreath cookies made from cornflake cereal with a marshmallow coating.

Easy Chocolate (Oreo) Truffles

An Oreo truffle recipe that’s perfect for the holidays. No baking required.

Melted Snowman Cookies

Create delicious sugar cookies decorated to look like a melting snowman.

Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Cookies

Flavorful holiday cutout cookies. Some gingerbread cookies are firm and crispy but this recipe is soft and chewy.

Butter Cookies

Soft and delicious butter cookies—use a holiday cookie press on top for a festive look!

Grinch Cookies (With Cake Mix!)

Make a holiday favorite with these easy green Grinch cookies.

Snowball Cookies

Nutty and buttery cookies rolled in powdered sugar so they look like snowballs!

Meringue Cookies

Melt in your mouth egg white cookies. These are delicate with a little crunch.

M&M Cookies

A soft and chewy M&M cookie recipe—you can use holiday colored M&Ms or all one color for any look you prefer.

Thumbprint Cookies

These thumbprint cookies are easy to make and so good!

Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

This recipe is like soft chocolate chip cookies but with peanut butter and peanut butter chips. A favorite at our house!

White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Soft and delicious white chocolate chip cookies—these are so good and perfect with hot chocolate.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

An old-fashioned soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookie recipe.

Pinwheel Cookies

Vanilla and chocolate flavored cookies with a festive swirl design.

Edible Cookie Dough

A cookie dough recipe that is safe to eat without baking. A great snack for watching holiday movies, or a fun homemade gift idea!

Potato Chip Cookies

This is a one of those recipes that feel like my great-grandmother. Just a classic, salty and sweet cookie.

No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookie Recipe

How to make no-bake chocolate oatmeal cookies that set every time! This is probably my favorite chocolate cookie recipe.

Peanut Butter Blossoms

A simple peanut butter blossom recipe with no chilling required. Fill the centers with mini peanut butter cups or chocolate kiss candies.

white chocolate macadamia nut cookies on plate

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies

This cookies for this recipe are soft, chewy and buttery. The flaky salt and macadamia nuts contrast with the white chocolate for the perfect sweet/salty combination. 

Soft & Chewy Molasses Cookies

A simple, easy to follow recipe for flavorful molasses cookies. These smell amazing while they bake!

Espresso Cookies

Chewy chocolate espresso cookies—these are rich and feel perfect for the holiday season.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

A classic chocolate chip cookie bar recipe. These are a classic and a reader favorite.

Candy Cane Cookies

An easy recipe for candy cane cookies made with peppermint extract. It’s fun to shape these and mix different colors together!

Simple Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

An all basic ingredients recipe for chocolate chip pumpkin cookies.

Snickerdoodles

The best snickerdoodle cookies (without cream of tartar—I always seem to be out). These always smell like the holidays to me!

How to Freeze Cookie Dough Balls

If you prefer to plan and work ahead, then read all our best tips for how to freeze cookie dough balls so your freezer is always stocked and ready for guests anytime you need some fresh baked cookies.

Rocky Road Cookies

A favorite ice cream flavor transformed into cookies. These remind me a lot of hot chocolate with marshmallows.

Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies

Big chocolate chip cookies with crispy edge and soft centers—these are BIG and so fun for the season.

Tips for Mailing Royal Icing Sugar Cookies

This coming season is full of holiday gifting—get our best tips for mailing treats from a professional baker.

How to Make Slice and Bake Cookie Designs

An easy slice and bake cookie recipe with cute designs. You could make autumn leaves, Santa hats, holiday presents, or any cookie cutout design!

Classic Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread cookies are some of my very favorite cookies. They are wonderful all on their own, but they also go great with hot chocolate or coffee.

Lemon Crinkle Cookies

I love citrus in the winter months and if you do too please make these lemon crinkle cookies!

Brownie Cookies

If you are in need of an easy-to-bake cookie recipe and are in the mood for chocolate, then do yourself a favor and bake these brownie cookies.

Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

These are the number ONE cookies I make for almost every holiday! I decorate for whatever season or event we are celebrating.

The Best Vegan Sugar Cookies!

If you need a vegan (non-dairy) version of royal icing sugar cookies.

Easy Gooey Butter Cookies

Gooey butter cake is one of my favorite desserts to bring to a holiday potluck. These are the cookie version.

Vegan Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies (also Gluten-Free!)

For when you need a seasonal alternative. These may be vegan and gluten-free, but we guarantee they are also DELICIOUS!

Red Velvet Cookies

Rich, red velvet cookies with white chocolate chips. These are thin and crispy and absolutely packed with flavor!

Banana Cookies

This recipe is the cookie version of banana bread or almost like a banana bread muffin with a crumb topping.

Chocolate Chip Slice and Bake Cookies

A great chocolate chip recipe you can easily make ahead and save in your freezer. When needed, just slice and bake!

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

I’m filing this one under inspired by childhood favorites. Who doesn’t love peanut butter and jelly? This is the dessert version.

Vanilla and Thyme Slice and Bake Cookies

Rich and buttery cookies with the flavors of vanilla bean and thyme. These are perfect with coffee or tea and smell like the holidays while you bake them.

Chocolate Snowcap Mountain Cookies

Giant, oversized cookies featuring chocolate and those classic movie-theater candy: snowcaps!

Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

These cookies are slightly chewy with a little pool of sweet and spicy jam at the center of each. If you love classic thumbprint cookies, you’ll probably enjoy this variation.

Blueberry Muffin Cookies

These embody all of my favorite parts of a muffin—namely sweet, delicious flavors and the crown: crumble tops!

Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrots don’t get enough credit. And probably my favorite carrot recipe has got to be carrot cake. This recipe is the cookie version.

Spicy Gingerbread Cookies Turned Cityscapes

If you love thin, crispy gingerbread cookies, this recipe is for you! Plus, how to turn them into snowy cityscapes.

Make Homemade Cookie Butter (With Any Cookie!)

An easy homemade cookie butter recipe (using any cookie!). This recipe is perfect to add to a dessert board OR as a homemade gift.

Pie Crust Cutout Cookies

It wasn’t until adulthood that I truly came to appreciate the buttery, flaky deliciousness that is pie crust! This cookie recipe captures the magic.

Flourless Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe is WAY easy to make (only six ingredients), and I love the soft, but not overly gooey texture it creates.

Skillet Cookies

A great recipe for when you want cookies for a crowd! These are best served with ice cream on top.

How to Make Macaron Cookies

These classic French cookies are as delicious as they are beautiful. While they are fairly labor-intensive to make, this post makes it easy.

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Monkey Bread with biscuits https://abeautifulmess.com/monkey-bread/ https://abeautifulmess.com/monkey-bread/#comments Wed, 06 Dec 2023 14:02:00 +0000 https://abeautifulmess.com/?p=119985 Monkey bread is one of those recipes I’ve been making with my family since high school. And that’s because: 1.) Everyone loves this and 2.) With just five ingredients, it’s incredibly easy to make. This is a Home Economics project everyone will get a good grade on. Lol.

I also think of monkey bread as a holiday breakfast or special treat when family is visiting. It’s kind of like donuts for breakfast; we all know it’s not a balanced meal, but we also accept it as breakfast food. It’s fun to make! It’s easy to eat! And it’s very, very delicious.

Related: Looking for more crowd-pleasing breakfast options? Try Tater Tot Casserole or Air Fryer Donuts. Or for a more involved baking challenge learn to make homemade English muffins.

Ingredients

  • Canned biscuits – the homestyle or non-flaky kind
  • Granulated white sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Butter
  • Brown sugar

You can add other spices or ingredients to this to change up the flavors slightly. For example, you could replace half the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice or add one apple, peeled and cubed into small pieces throughout for a caramel apple variation. It’s a simple recipe so feel free to make it your own!

How to make Monkey Bread

Begin by opening the biscuit cans and cutting each of the biscuits into fourths.

In a gallon-size ziplock bag or large mixing bowl, combine the granulated white sugar and cinnamon. Toss the biscuit pieces so they get coated in the cinnamon sugar mix.

In a medium-sized pan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring until fully melted and well combined.

Add the biscuit pieces to a greased bundt pan. Then pour the melted butter mixture over all the pieces; it should leak down between the cracks and coat everything.

Place the bundt pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips while baking. And bake at 350°F (177°C) for 40 minutes. Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before placing a large plate over the top and then inverting to remove from the pan.

Serving Suggestions

Other breakfast/brunch recipes you may like:

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called monkey bread?

The recipe gets its name from the fact that you can pull apart the pieces with your hands and eat, like a monkey would.

Where do you store monkey bread?

After it’s baked, monkey bread is like many pastries in that you can store it in a closed container (airtight) on your kitchen counter or refrigerate to keep it fresh for longer periods.

Print

Monkey Bread with biscuits

Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Keyword canned biscuits
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 769kcal

Equipment

  • bundt pan

Ingredients

  • 3 cans homestyle biscuits non-flaky
  • ¾ cup granulated white sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 cup butter
  • ½ cup brown sugar

Instructions

  • Begin by opening the biscuit cans and cutting each of the biscuits into fourths.
  • In a gallon-size ziplock bag or large mixing bowl, combine the granulated white sugar and cinnamon.
  • Toss the biscuit pieces so they get coated in the cinnamon sugar mix.
  • In a medium-sized pan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring until fully melted and well combined.
  • Add the biscuit pieces to a greased bundt pan. Then pour the melted butter mixture over all the pieces; it should leak down between the cracks and coat everything.
  • Place the bundt pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips while baking. And bake at 350°F (177°C) for 40 minutes.
  • Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before placing a large plate over the top and then inverting to remove from the pan.

Notes

You can add other spices or ingredients to this to change up the flavors slightly. For example, you could replace half the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice or add one apple, peeled and cubed into small pieces throughout for a caramel apple variation.

Nutrition

Calories: 769kcal | Carbohydrates: 93g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 1455mg | Potassium: 333mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 571IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 87mg | Iron: 5mg
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Christmas Cake Pops https://abeautifulmess.com/christmas-cake-pops/ https://abeautifulmess.com/christmas-cake-pops/#comments Tue, 28 Nov 2023 14:02:00 +0000 https://abeautifulmess.com/?p=117925 Christmas is the best time of the year for treats and we have easy Christmas cake pop ideas that are sure to be a hit with all ages at your next holiday party. With just a few edible decorations, you can make reindeer, snowmen, or Christmas tree cake pops to celebrate the season.

We’ll also show you the secret to making cake pops in just minutes if you want a handy shortcut to get the decorating part faster, so look for that below …

Looking for more holiday treats? Check out:

Christmas cake pops with reindeer, snowman, and Christmas tree

What You Need to Make Christmas Cake Pops:

  • Cake mix: You can use any flavor cake mix: chocolatevanillared velvetyellow, etc. Be sure to check your cake mix to ensure you have whatever other cake ingredients the mix recommends for baking (eggs, oil, etc.).
  • Can of frosting: You will also need one container of store-bought frosting. I like to use anything with a simple texture like vanillachocolate, or strawberry.
  • Cake pop sticks: While it’s most common to use sticks like this, you can also use forks or edible items like pretzel rods!
  • Candy melts: These discs of chocolate are the easiest way to get that chocolate coating as they melt easily and come in lots of color options.
  • Microwave or Double Boiler: You can melt candy melts in the microwave, but you can also use a double boiler to do it on the stove top or a chocolate melter like this one.
  • Edible decorations: For these Christmas cake pops, you’ll want mini pretzels, candy eyes, and red M&Ms for the reindeer, chocolate coins, Rolo or mini Reese’s cups, and orange sprinkles for the snowmen, and sprinkles or mini M&Ms to decorate your Christmas tree.

How to Make Christmas Cake Pops

1. Bake the cake: Bake your cake according to the package instructions and allow to fully cool.

2. Add the frosting and mix: Spoon the baked cake into a large mixing bowl. Add 2/3 of the container of frosting. Using the full container makes the cake pops a bit too soft and harder to work with once we dip them in chocolate. But, this is how you get cake pops to stick together—with frosting. Use clean hands to mix together the frosting and cake. The cake pop batter is going to be pretty soft, but moldable.

3. Roll cake balls: Form your cake pop batter into small balls (about 3-4 tablespoons each). You don’t want them to be too big, just so they easily fit in the palm of your hand.

Once you have formed all your pops (a standard size cake will make around 35-40 cake pops), put them in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours or the freezer for 30 minutes.

4. Melt your candy melts: Melt candy melts in the microwave in 30-second increments on half power. You could also use a double boiler to do it on the stove top or a chocolate melter like this one. If you need to thin your candy melts, you can stir in a teaspoon of canola or vegetable oil once melted and can reheat the chocolate for 15 seconds at a time to remelt if it starts to set up at any point.

5. Attach the cake pop stick: First, put your stick into the melted chocolate and push the stick 2/3 through a cold cake pop.

6. Dip the cake pop: Dip the attached cake pop into the melted chocolate and allow any excess chocolate to drip off the pop. Gently tap the cake pop stick on the side of your bowl to also shake off extra chocolate. Then, add any extra decorations and store the cake pop upright while it sets (unless you don’t mind a flat bottomed cake pop).

You can keep them upright in a number of ways, like sticking them into a container that is filled with granulated white sugar or rice or you can stick them into a block of styrofoam.

Making cake pops from snack cakes

How To Make SUPER EASY Cake Pops:

  • To make your cake pops even faster and easier, try using Little Debbie Snack Cakes or Zebra Cakes! Just crumble them into a bowl and mash them together with a mixing spoon until you get a thick dough. Use your small cookie scoop to scoop out balls of cake and continue to chill, dip, and decorate just like you would with the regular recipe! Such a time saver and you get about one cake pop per snack cake.
Reindeer cake pops

How To Make a Reindeer Cake Pop:

  • Follow directions above to make a general cake pop and dip the cake pop into brown chocolate.
  • Add two mini pretzels to the head for the antlers (or break off a section of a regular size pretzel), two candy eyes, and a red M&M for the nose.
  • Allow the chocolate to set and your cake pop is ready!
Christmas tree cake pops

How To Make a Christmas Tree Cake Pop:

  • Follow directions above to make a general cake pop and dip the cake pop into green chocolate. Allow the chocolate to set.
  • Add some melted green chocolate to a piping bag (or ziplock bag with the tip cut off) and lay the cake pop on some wax paper. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the tree back and forth and add sprinkles or small candies to decorate.
  • Allow the chocolate to set and your cake pop is ready!
snowman christmas cake pops

How to Make a Snowman Cake Pop:

  • Follow directions above to make a general cake pop and dip the cake pop into white chocolate.
  • Glue your Rolo or mini Reese’s cup to your chocolate coin with a little melted chocolate to make a hat and add to your snowman’s head. Add your sprinkle nose and allow chocolate to set.
  • Once chocolate is set, melt a small amount of black or brown chocolate to pipe the eyes and mouth (or you can use black sprinkles or mini chocolate chips placed before the chocolate sets!).
  • Allow the chocolate to set and your cake pop is ready!
Christmas cake pops with reindeer, snowman, and Christmas tree
Christmas cake pops reindeer, snowman, and tree

Looking for a seasonal cocktail? Check out:

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store Christmas cake pops?

If making these ahead of time, you can store your completed cake pops at room temperature for 1-2 weeks. You can store them for up to four weeks in the refrigerator, but the cold can create some condensation on your decorations and cause them to bleed or warp a bit.

Can you use chocolate chips instead of candy melts?

While candy melts work best for cake pops, you can also use chocolate chips instead. The mixture will be a little thicker and slightly harder to work with (but still OK). And the shell around the cake pops will be thicker once the chocolate sets.

Print

Birthday Cake Pops

Create fun birthday cake pops for your next party!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword birthday cake, cake pops
Prep Time 30 minutes
2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings 35 cake balls
Calories 55kcal
Cost $15

Equipment

  • 1 small cookie scoop optional
  • 35-40 cake pop sticks
  • 1 microwave or double boiler

Ingredients

  • 1 boxed Funfetti or vanilla cake mix and whatever other ingredients you need to make the cake (eggs, oil, etc.)
  • 1/2-3/4 of a 16-ounce can of vanilla frosting (add little by little until you have right consistency)
  • candy melts in white
  • sprinkles

Instructions

  • 1. Bake the cake: Bake your cake according to the package instructions and allow to fully cool.
  • 2. Add the frosting and mix: Spoon the baked cake into a large mixing bowl. Add 1/2-2/3 of the container of frosting. Using the full container makes the cake pops a bit too soft and harder to work with once we dip them in chocolate. But, this is how you get cake pops to stick together—with frosting. Use clean hands to mix together the frosting and cake. The cake pop batter is going to be pretty soft, but moldable. Should feel like play dough consistency.
  • 3. Roll cake balls: Form your cake pop batter into small balls (about 3-4 tablespoons each). You don’t want them to be too big, just so they easily fit in the palm of your hand. Once you have formed all your pops (a standard size cake will make around 35-40 cake pops), put them in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours or the freezer for 30 minutes.
  • 4. Melt your candy melts: Melt candy melts in the microwave in 30-second increments on half power. You could also use a double boiler to do it on the stove top or a chocolate melter like this one. If you need to thin your candy melts, you can stir in a teaspoon of canola or vegetable oil once melted and you can reheat the chocolate for 15 seconds at a time to remelt if it starts to set up at any point.
  • 5. Attach the cake pop stick: First, put your stick into the melted chocolate and push the stick 2/3 through a cold cake pop.
  • 6. Dip the cake pop: Dip the attached cake pop into the melted chocolate and allow any excess chocolate to drip off the pop. Gently tap the cake pop stick on the side of your bowl to also shake off extra chocolate. Then, add any extra sprinkle decorations and store the cake pop upright while it sets (unless you don’t mind a flat bottomed cake pop).

Notes

*You can keep them upright in a number of ways while they set like sticking them into a container that is filled with granulated white sugar or rice or you can stick them into a block of styrofoam.
 

Tips for Making Cake Pops:

    • Add your icing to your cake crumble in small quantities so you just get the point of having enough for it to stick together. It should feel like play dough.
    • Make sure your cake balls are well chilled before coating.
    • Have your decorations nearby and prepped to go so you can attach them while the chocolate is still melted.
    • You can use a tall glass to pour your melted chocolate in (or melt it in a microwaveable mug) so you have a little dunk tank to fully submerge your cake pop into.

Nutrition

Calories: 55kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 102mg | Potassium: 9mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 6g | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 0.3mg
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Christmas Wreath Cookies https://abeautifulmess.com/christmas-wreath-cookies/ https://abeautifulmess.com/christmas-wreath-cookies/#comments Sat, 25 Nov 2023 14:08:00 +0000 https://abeautifulmess.com/?p=117571 These easy no-bake Christmas wreaths are a fun holiday cookie that puts a spin on the classic Rice Krispies treat recipe. Melted marshmallow and butter (and a little bit of green food coloring) transform cornflake cereal into cute little mini wreaths to make the season brighter.

It only takes about 15 minutes to put these wreaths together and you can customize and decorate them however you like!

ingredients for cornflake wreath cookies

Tips for making wreath cookies:

  • Make sure to spray your fingers with nonstick cooking spray (or butter them!) so you can handle the sticky mixture when forming the wreaths.
  • For sturdier cookies, you can pack your 1/3 cup measuring cup with the cookie mixture before dumping it out and shaping it into a wreath. The more loosely shaped wreaths will be a little floppier when picked up, so make your wreaths more dense if you want it to feel more solid when handled.
  • Add a little powdered sugar once your cookie is cool for a snowy effect!
  • The most common decorations are red hots or mini M&Ms, but you can use star candies, candy pearls to look like ornaments, or even pull-and-peel Twizzler pieces to make a small bow.
ingredients for cornflake wreath cookies

Ingredients for wreath cookies:

  • Cornflakes: All you need is plain cornflake cereal for the base of these wreaths.
  • Butter: Melted butter makes the marshmallows even creamier for a rich cookie coating.
  • Marshmallows: You can use mini or regular sized marshmallows for this recipe.
  • Vanilla extract (optional): Just a little hint of vanilla is added and you can also put in some almond extract if you have that on hand.
  • Green food coloring: We like gel food coloring as it’s a more concentrated color, but you can use liquid as well.
  • Decorations: You can use whatever sprinkles or candies you want to decorate your wreaths!

How to make wreath cookies:

Melt the marshmallows: Add your marshmallows and butter to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30-second increments until melted, stirring each time. Quickly add your green food coloring a few drops at a time until you get the color you like and stir in your vanilla and almond extract.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make wreath cookies without a microwave?

You can easily also make wreath cookies on the stovetop if you don’t have a microwave. Just add your butter to a saucepan over medium heat, and once it’s melted, add in your marshmallows, stirring often until melted. Remove from the heat, add your extracts and food coloring, stir to combine, and then fold in your cornflakes to finish your cookie dough.

Add the cornflakes: Working quickly, add in your cornflake cereal and fold in until evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.

Shape your wreaths: Spray some nonstick cooking spray onto your fingertips (or butter them) and scoop a 1/3 cup of the mixture onto a piece of wax paper or a cookie sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Use your fingers to make a hole in the center and shape the flakes into a wreath. Add your decorations while the coating is still warm.

Cool your cookies: Put your cookies into the fridge for about 2 hours to let the marshmallow coating to fully set before storing or serving.

cornflake wreath cookies
cornflake wreath cookies

Looking for more holiday recipes? Try our:

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you store cornflake wreath cookies?

Store wreath cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. You can add pieces of wax paper between layers of cookies so they don’t stick together and spray the bottom of the container with nonstick spray as well.

Can you freeze cornflake wreath cookies?

You can freeze wreath cookies for four weeks but you’ll want to wrap them individually in wax paper or plastic wrap coated with a little nonstick cooking spray. Let them come to room temperature before serving.

Print

Christmas Wreath Cookies

Easy Christmas wreath cookies made from cornflake cereal with a marshmallow coating
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword christmas, cookie
Prep Time 15 minutes
Setting time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings 10 cookies
Calories 189kcal
Cost $7

Equipment

  • 1 microwave safe-bowl or saucepan

Ingredients

  • 4 cups cornflakes
  • ½ cup butter
  • 30 marshmallows (or 4 cups mini marshmallows)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • green food coloring
  • candy decorations

Instructions

  • Melt the marshmallows: Add your marshmallows and butter to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30-second increments until melted, stirring each time. Quickly add your green food coloring a few drops at a time until you get the color you like and stir in your vanilla and almond extract.
  • Add the cornflakes: Working quickly, add in your cornflake cereal and fold in until evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
  • Shape your wreaths: Spray some nonstick cooking spray onto your fingertips (or butter them) and scoop a 1/3 cup of the mixture onto a piece of wax paper or a cookie sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Use your fingers to make a hole in the center and shape the flakes into a wreath. Add your decorations while the coating is still warm.
  • Cool your cookies: Put your cookies into the fridge for about 2 hours to let the marshmallow coating to fully set before storing or serving.

Notes

Tips for making wreath cookies:

  • Make sure to spray your fingers with nonstick cooking spray (or butter them!) so you can handle the sticky mixture when forming the wreaths.
  • For sturdier cookies, you can pack your 1/3 cup measuring cup with the cookie mixture before dumping it out and shaping it into a wreath. The more loosely shaped wreaths will be a little floppier when picked up, so make your wreaths more dense if you want it to feel more solid when handled.
  • Add a little powdered sugar once your cookie is cool for a snowy effect!
  • The most common decorations are red hots or mini M&Ms, but you can use star candiescandy pearls to look like ornaments, or even pull-and-peel Twizzler pieces to make a small bow.

How to make wreath cookies without a microwave:

You can easily also make wreath cookies on the stovetop if you don’t have a microwave. Just add your butter to a saucepan over medium heat, and once it’s melted, add in your marshmallows, stirring often until melted. Remove from the heat, add your extracts and food coloring, stir to combine, and then fold in your cornflakes to finish your cookie dough.

Nutrition

Calories: 189kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 171mg | Potassium: 23mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 484IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 3mg
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Grinch Cookies (With Cake Mix!) https://abeautifulmess.com/grinch-cookies/ https://abeautifulmess.com/grinch-cookies/#comments Fri, 24 Nov 2023 07:16:00 +0000 https://abeautifulmess.com/?p=117423 The holiday season is the best time for cookie making and these soft and chewy cookies make the perfect companion to a glass of milk by the fireside. The green color and heart sprinkle bring a touch of the Grinch spirit to the recipe and the crinkle pattern made by the powdered sugar looks snowy and delicious.

To make your recipe a snap, we use a cake mix so you can get to the baking (and eating!) part of your cookie experience even faster and easier. Maybe they will make your heart grow three sizes too!

grinch cookies with glass of milk

Looking for more holiday recipes? Try our:

ingredients for grinch cookies

Ingredients for Grinch Cookies:

  • White cake mix: Use your favorite brand of white or vanilla cake mix that comes in a 15.25-ounce size.
  • Eggs: You’ll want two eggs as the binder for this recipe.
  • Vegetable oil: You can use any vegetable or canola oil.
  • Vanilla extract: I’m using vanilla extract in my cookies, but you can choose to omit it if you choose a vanilla flavored box mix.
  • Powered sugar: Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar gives it that snowy look with an extra touch of sweetness.
  • Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch to the powdered sugar helps it lay on top of the cookie rather than soak right in.
  • Green food coloring: You’ll want to add a few drops at a time until you get the perfect green that you’re looking for! Gel food coloring is a little more intense in color but liquid will work as well.
  • Heart sprinkle: To represent the Grinch’s heart, add a heart shaped sprinkle after baking.

How to make Grinch Cookies:

Mix your dough: Add your cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract to a large mixing bowl. Mix on medium speed until combined.

Add your green food coloring one drop at a time until you reach your desired color and mix on low until just combined (I used 5 drops of gel food coloring).

Cover dough and let chill in fridge for 30-60 minutes so it’s easier to scoop.

Roll your cookies: Whisk together powdered sugar and cornstarch in a bowl.

Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop a 1-2 tablespoon size ball of dough and plop it into your powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture. Dough will be really sticky but once it lands in the powdered sugar it’s easier to handle.

Roll it around until covered and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

adding heart sprinkles to grinch cookie

Bake your cookies: Bake cookies at 375° for 8-10 minutes or until the center is just set but the cookies haven’t started to brown on top yet.

Add heart and cool: While still warm, add your heart sprinkle and after 3-5 minutes transfer to a cooling rack to completely cool.

grinch cookies cooling on a wire rack
grinch cookies and glass of milk

Tips for Making Grinch Cookies:

  • Try adding flavored extracts like mint, pistachio, or almond to your dough for a fun twist!
  • Make sure to mix the dough fully once you add your green food coloring so you don’t have any white streaks in your dough.
  • If you don’t have cornstarch you can just roll the cookies in powdered sugar—some will sink into the cookie but you should still get a dusted effect.
  • Make sure to keep an eye on your cookies so they don’t start to brown as that will affect the pretty green color of the cookie. These cookies should be soft and chewy.
  • If you don’t have heart sprinkles on hand, you could also use pink royal icing to pipe on the shape of a heart once the cookies are cool.
grinch cookie with heart sprinkle

These cookies are so soft and chewy and they are a fun one to make with kids and do some Christmas crafts or games by the fire. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will Grinch cookies keep for?

In an airtight container, Grinch cookies will last for about 5 days before starting to get stale.

Can you freeze Grinch cookies?

Yes! Put your cookie sheet in the freezer to first flash freeze the cookies for 30 minutes and then you can put them in a freezer bag for 2-3 months. Let the cookies thaw in the fridge or on the counter before eating.

Print

Grinch Cookies (With Cake Mix!)

Make a holiday favorite with these easy green Grinch cookies
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword christmas, cookies
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 126kcal
Cost $7

Equipment

  • 1 mixer or hand blender
  • 1 cookie scoop (optional but helpful)

Ingredients

Cookie batter

  • 1 box white cake mix (15.25 ounces)
  • 2 eggs
  • cup oil
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 5 drops green food coloring

Powdered sugar

  • cup powdered sugar
  • cup cornstarch

Instructions

  • Mix your dough: Add your cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract to a large mixing bowl. Mix on medium speed until combined. Add your green food coloring one drop at a time until you reach your desired color and mix on low until just combined (I used 5 drops of gel food coloring). Cover dough and let it chill in fridge for 30 minutes so it’s easier to scoop.
  • Roll your cookies: Whisk together powdered sugar and cornstarch in a bowl. Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop a 1-2 tablespoon size ball of dough and plop it into your powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture. Dough will be really sticky but once it lands in the powdered sugar it’s easier to handle. Roll it around until covered and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  • Bake your cookies: Bake cookies at 375° for 8-10 minutes or until the center is just set but the cookies haven’t started to brown on top yet.
  • Add heart and cool: While still warm, add your heart sprinkle and after 3-5 minutes transfer to a cooling rack to completely cool.

Notes

Tips for Making Grinch Cookies:
  • Try adding flavored extracts like mint, pistachio, or almond to your dough for a fun twist!
  • Make sure to mix the dough fully once you add your green food coloring so you don’t have any white streaks in your dough.
  • If you don’t have cornstarch you can just roll the cookies in powdered sugar—some will sink into the cookie but you should still get a dusted effect.
  • Make sure to keep an eye on your cookies so they don’t start to brown as that will affect the pretty green color of the cookie. These cookies should be soft and chewy.
  • If you don’t have heart sprinkles on hand, you could also use pink royal icing to pipe on the shape of a heart once the cookies are cool.
Storage and Freezing:
In an airtight container, Grinch cookies will last for about 5 days before starting to get stale.
To freeze, put your cookie sheet in the freezer to first flash freeze the cookies for 30 minutes and then you can put them in a freezer bag for 2-3 months. Let the cookies thaw in the fridge or on the counter before eating.

Nutrition

Calories: 126kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 155mg | Potassium: 19mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 0.5mg
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Melted Snowman Cookies https://abeautifulmess.com/melted-snowman-cookies/ https://abeautifulmess.com/melted-snowman-cookies/#comments Wed, 22 Nov 2023 14:00:00 +0000 https://abeautifulmess.com/?p=117779 With winter upon us, you may be looking for a fun and easy cookie to get you into the spirit of the season, and these melted snowman cookies are the perfect choice! They have a delicious sugar cookie base and a royal icing and marshmallow decoration that are fun to make with kids and adults alike.

Our recipe uses our favorite Aunt Judy’s Sugar Cookie recipe, but if you want to make yours super easy you can also buy a sugar cookie mix or even premade sugar cookies to speed things up a bit. Don’t have time to make your own icing? You can also use ready-to-pipe icing in a bag as well!

Melted snowman sugar cookies

These cookies are perfect for a holiday cookie table or a kid’s classroom holiday party snack idea.

Tips for melted snowman cookies:

  • If your icing piping skills aren’t great, try using food markers to add your details instead! Just wait until the icing has set a few hours before writing on the cookies.
  • To make your marshmallow snowman head a little melty, try putting the marshmallows in the microwave for about 30 seconds until they puff up a little before pressing into your cookie.
  • If you are transporting your cookies to a party, it’s best to make them the day before and let the icing fully harden overnight if possible.
  • When mixing up your black icing, make it a little thicker than your white icing (just add a little more powdered sugar to it to thicken it) so that it will keep its shape and not spread out when you pipe it.
  • You can use regular food coloring, but we love gel food color since it’s more concentrated and you’ll get a more intense color.
Melted snowman sugar cookies

Decorating ideas for melted snowman cookies:

There are lots of different ways you can decorate your snowman, try using:

  • Icing: You can stick to just icing in different colors for the buttons and scarf for easy decorating.
  • M&Ms: Round candies like M&Ms or M&M minis make great buttons.
  • Pull and Peel Twizzlers: These or sour straws make great scarves.
  • Mini Reese’s Cups: You can use these for a snowman hat!
  • Oreos: A mini Oreo on top of a single larger Oreo makes a cute top hat!

How to make melted snowman cookies:

Bake cookies: Make your easy cookie dough, roll out your dough and cut out cookies, bake, and let your cookies cool.

Ice cookies: Mix together your icing ingredients until you reach the consistency you want. The mixture should flow in thick ribbons, but not be super runny.

Use a piping bag or ziplock to pipe the frosting into a snow puddle shape on the cooled cookies (or you can spoon it on and spread with back of the spoon). You want the icing to look a little messy since the snowman is melting so it’s OK if some goes over the edge.

Decorate cookies: While the icing is still wet, press in your marshmallow head near the side of your cookies and any snowman buttons you want to add.

Add some icing to a small bowl and add black food coloring to a piping bag or ziplock bag and pipe on the eyes, mouth, and arms. Attach orange sprinkle nose with a small dab of icing (or make some orange icing to pipe it on). Use more candy to add scarfs, hats, or earmuffs for some extra details!

Allow the cookies to set for at least 2 hours before serving, but the cookies are best if left to set overnight. The frosting will get harder as it sets, so this is best if you plan to transport the cookies anywhere.

Melted snowman sugar cookies
Melted snowman sugar cookies

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you store melted snowman cookies?

You can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Can you freeze melted snowman cookies?

If you want to freeze them, they will last up to three months in the freezer. Just place them on a cookie sheet for 30 minutes in the freezer to flash freeze them and then place them in a bag together with wax paper sheets between them. Let them come to room temperature before eating.

Can I save any extra royal icing?

Extra royal icing can be saved in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just add in tiny bits of water to thin before using if mixture thickens up.

Can I make royal icing if I don’t have meringue powder?

Yes! There are lots of royal icing recipes that don’t use meringue powder or you can even make Vegan Royal Icing that’s delicious too!

Looking for more holiday recipes? Check out:

Print

The Best Melted Snowman Cookies

Create delicious sugar cookies decorated to look like a melting snowman
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword christmas, cookie
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Decorating Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 30 cookies
Calories 229kcal

Equipment

  • 1 stand mixer or hand mixer
  • piping bag and small tip or ziplock bag

Ingredients

Sugar Cookies

  • 1 ⅓ cup softened butter
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

Royal Icing

  • 2 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 5-6 tablespoons water

Decorations

  • marshmallows
  • black food coloring
  • M&Ms for buttons
  • orange sprinkles for nose
  • gumdrops for earmuffs (optional)

Instructions

To Make The Cookies

  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Then stir in the eggs and vanilla until just combined.
  • In another mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Then stir the dry ingredients in with the wet until a dough forms.
  • On a floured surface, roll the dough out so it's 1/4-inch thick or a little less. Cut out circle shapes with cookie cutters. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a baking mat.
  • Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. The centers may look a little undercooked, but the edges should just be beginning to brown. Remove to a cooling rack and they will firm up.

To Make The Icing

  • To make the royal icing, simply whisk together the meringue powder, powdered sugar, and water. Start with five tablespoons and add an additional one (or two) as needed. The mixture should flow in thick ribbons, but not be super runny. If it's too thin, add more powdered sugar; if too thick, add small bits of water until desired consistency.

Decorate The Cookies

  • Use a piping bag or ziplock to pipe the frosting into a snow puddle shape on the cooled cookies (or you can spoon it on and spread with back of the spoon). You want the icing to look a little messy since the snowman is melting, so it’s OK if some goes over the edge.
  • While the icing is still wet, press in your marshmallow head near the side of your cookies and any snowman buttons you want to add. Add some icing to a small bowl and add black food coloring to add to a piping bag or ziplock bag and pipe on the eyes, mouth, and arms. Attach orange sprinkle nose with a small dab of icing (or make some orange icing to pipe it on). For earmuffs, just shorten a gumdrop by cutting off a bit of the bottom and use a dab of icing to glue them to the sides of your marshmallow head. Use more candy to add scarfs or hats for some extra details!
  • The cookies are best if left to set overnight, but you can also consume them immediately if you like. The frosting will get harder as it sets, so this is best if you plan to transport the cookies anywhere.

Notes

Decorating Ideas for Melted Snowman cookies:
  • Icing: You can stick to just icing in different colors for the buttons and scarf for easy decorating.
  • M&Ms: Round candies like M&Ms or M&M minis make great buttons.
  • Pull and Peel Twizzlers: These or sour straws make great scarves.
  • Mini Reese’s Cups: You can use these for a snowman hat!
  • Oreos: A mini Oreo on top of a single larger Oreo makes a cute top hat!
Tips for melted snowman cookies:
  • If your icing piping skills aren’t great, try using food markers to add your details instead! Just wait until the icing has set a few hours before writing on the cookies.
  • To make your marshmallow snowman head a little melty, try putting the marshmallows in the microwave for about 30 seconds until they puff up a little before pressing into your cookie.
  • When mixing up your black icing, make it a little thicker than your white icing (just add a little more powdered sugar to it to thicken it) so that it will keep its shape and not spread out when you pipe it.

Nutrition

Calories: 229kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 176mg | Potassium: 23mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 268IU | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg
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Easy Peanut Butter Fudge https://abeautifulmess.com/peanut-butter-fudge/ https://abeautifulmess.com/peanut-butter-fudge/#comments Sat, 18 Nov 2023 14:05:00 +0000 https://abeautifulmess.com/?p=119295 Fudge is probably one of the easiest homemade candies to make and this peanut butter fudge is perfect for this coming season. My uncle used to make fudge that would be at my grandmother’s house when we all gathered for the holidays when I was a kid. It was delicious! I also think peanut butter fudge makes a great gift for neighbors or coworkers anytime, but especially around the holiday season.

If you love fudge or the filling of these peanut butter bars, you will probably love this recipe. Plus, it’s SO easy to make with just four ingredients.

Related: More homemade candy recipes = peanut brittle, puppy chow, and Oreo cake pops.

Ingredients

  • Butter – I use unsalted
  • Peanut butter – creamy
  • Vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar – also called Confectioner’s sugar

I usually sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top as well, but this is optional.

Directions

In a large pot, melt the butter and peanut butter together, stirring so they incorporate well. As soon as the mixture comes to a boil, remove from heat.

Stir in the vanilla extract. Take care as you do, when you add extract to a hot liquid it can boil up and spit at you. Then stir in the powdered sugar until a thick paste forms.

Cover an 8×8 pan with parchment paper. Press the fudge into an even layer in the prepared pan. Sprinkle with sea salt if using. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour. Slice and serve!

Tips for Making

  • I like fudge to be firm enough that it holds it shape well as you cut it, but still chewy when you bite into it. If you like your fudge on the softer side, you can reduce the powdered sugar to 4 cups.
  • This homemade fudge will only take about an hour to set in the refrigerator, but I often make this the night before and just let it sit in the refrigerator overnight before cutting.
  • While peanut butter fudge does not have to be refrigerated for storage, it will keep longer this way. Also, keep in mind the butter can melt if the fudge gets too warm.

More Peanut Butter Recipes:

Print

Peanut Butter Fudge

easy peanut butter fudge made with only 4 ingredients
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword fudge
Prep Time 10 minutes
Refrigeration Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 16 servings
Calories 323kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 ¼ cups powdered sugar confectioner's sugar
  • ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt optional

Instructions

  • In a large pot, melt the butter and peanut butter together, stirring so they incorporate well. As soon as the mixture comes to a boil, remove from heat.
  • Stir in the vanilla extract. Take care as you do, because when you add extract to a hot liquid it can boil up and spit at you.
  • Then stir in the powdered sugar until a thick paste forms.
  • Cover an 8×8 pan with parchment paper.
  • Press the fudge into an even layer in the prepared pan.
  • Sprinkle with sea salt if using.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour. Slice and serve!

Notes

I like fudge to be firm enough that it holds it shape well as you cut it, but still chewy when you bite into it. If you like your fudge on the softer side, you can reduce the powdered sugar to 4 cups.
This homemade fudge will only take about an hour to set in the refrigerator, but I often make this the night before and just let it sit in the refrigerator overnight before cutting.
While peanut butter fudge does not have to be refrigerated for storage, it will keep longer this way. Also, keep in mind the butter can melt if the fudge gets too warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 323kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 144mg | Potassium: 95mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 355IU | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 0.3mg
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Oatmeal Raisin Cookies https://abeautifulmess.com/oatmeal-raisin-cookies/ https://abeautifulmess.com/oatmeal-raisin-cookies/#comments Wed, 15 Nov 2023 14:05:00 +0000 https://abeautifulmess.com/?p=118840 These are my favorite oatmeal raisin cookies! They are crispy on the outside edges while a little soft and chewy on the inside with that distinct jammy flavor of raisins added in. While I love no-bake chocolate oatmeal cookies and basic oatmeal cookies, there’s just something old-fashioned and comforting about oatmeal raisin.

These oatmeal raisin cookies are made with all basic baking ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry if you bake much. And if you end up with extra raisins, I recommend adding some to pineapple fried rice for dinner!

Related: Need more cookie recipes? Try peanut butter cookies, butter cookies or molasses cookies.

Ingredients

  • Butter – softened
  • Brown sugar
  • Granulated white sugar
  • Egg
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Cinnamon
  • Oats – old fashioned
  • Raisins

Directions

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar and white sugar. Then stir in the egg, milk and vanilla extract until combined.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Then stir these dry ingredients as well as the oats in with the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms. Last, stir in the raisins.

Spoon the batter onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a baking mat. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 10-11 minutes. The centers of the cookies will still look a little undercooked, but the edges will be browned.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Tips & Additions

  • You can use golden raisins for a slightly different flavor and color. Or swap the raisins for a different dried fruit like dried cranberries or blueberries.
  • If you are a raisin-hater, you can swap them for chocolate chips. These oatmeal cookies are great containers for lots of things.
  • Soak the raisins in rum overnight, and then drain well before adding to the batter. Now you’ve made oatmeal rum raisin cookies. 🙂
  • For something even more seasonal, swap the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice.

More Oatmeal Recipes

Print

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

old-fashioned soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookies
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword cookie, oatmeal cookies
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 32 cookies
Calories 136kcal

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated white sugar
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1 cup raisins

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar and white sugar.
  • Then stir in the egg, milk and vanilla extract until combined.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.
  • Then stir these dry ingredients as well as the oats in with the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
  • Last, stir in the raisins.
  • Spoon the batter onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a baking mat.
  • Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 10-11 minutes. The centers of the cookies will still look a little undercooked, but the edges will be browned.
  • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Notes

You can use golden raisins for a slightly different flavor and color. Or swap the raisins for a different dried fruit like dried cranberries or blueberries.
If you are a raisin-hater, you can swap them for chocolate chips. These oatmeal cookies are great containers for lots of things.
Soak the raisins in rum overnight, and then drain well before adding to the batter. Now you’ve made oatmeal rum raisin cookies. 🙂
For something even more seasonal, swap the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice.

Nutrition

Calories: 136kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 130mg | Potassium: 85mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 144IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg
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Sweet Potato Casserole https://abeautifulmess.com/sweet-potato-casserole/ https://abeautifulmess.com/sweet-potato-casserole/#comments Tue, 14 Nov 2023 14:04:00 +0000 https://abeautifulmess.com/?p=119303 Sweet potato casserole, possibly the most controversial of all the holiday side dishes. Lol. Do you like a brown sugar and pecan topping? Or are you in the marshmallow topping group? Is this recipe a side dish to be served along with the meal? Or do you serve sweet potato casserole as a dessert?

While these are, obviously, deeply personal questions you’ll have to answer for yourself, here are my takes. I am a marshmallow topping gal, although I have family members who very much prefer brown sugar pecan topping. So, I going to share both topping options in the recipe card below. And our family tends to serve sweet potato casserole as a side dish during the meal, not as a dessert.

Related: Love sweet potatoes? Try Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes, Roasted Sweet Potatoes or Sweet Potato Pie next!

Ingredients

  • Sweet potatoes
  • Egg
  • Brown sugar
  • Milk
  • Butter
  • Salt
  • Cayenne – trust me, it doesn’t make this spicy just adds more depth of flavor
  • Pepper
  • Cinnamon

I will also share in the printable recipe card below the ingredients for the brown sugar pecan topping vs. marshmallow topping.

Directions

Wash and cut up the sweet potatoes. In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook until soft enough to mash—about 12-15 minutes. Drain well and then mash in a large bowl.

To the bowl add the egg, 1/4 cup brown sugar, milk, 1/4 cup butter (softened), salt, cayenne, pepper and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Mash together.

In a greased 9×13 pan, spread the sweet potato mixture in an even layer.

To make the brown sugar pecan topping, in a medium size bowl, stir together the 1/2 cup brown sugar, all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup butter (softened) and chopped pecans. This mixture should be crumbly. Spread evenly over the casserole before baking.

If you are using mini marshmallows for the topping, wait to add them until the last 5-8 minutes of baking.

Bake the casserole at 350°F (177°C) for 25-30 minutes.

Tips for Making

  • To get the marshmallow topping that extra crispy, caramelized top, you can pop the finished casserole under the broiler for a minute or two (keep a close eye!) or use a kitchen torch to brulee the tops of the marshmallows.
  • If your family is divided on toppings and you want to do a half and half casserole similar to the one I have pictured, keep in mind the measurements for the toppings in the recipe card are to cover the entire casserole. So, you want to divide them in half.
  • You can easily make sweet potato casserole ahead of time; simply keep the topping items separate and cover the refrigerate the casserole until you’re ready to bake.

More Casserole Side Dish Recipes:

Frequently Asked Questions

Are sweet potatoes the same as yams?

No, yams and sweet potatoes are different. They have different skins and they taste different when cooked.

Is sweet potato casserole a side dish or a dessert?

It is more commonly served as a side dish with the meal, but it’s certainly sweet enough that it could also be served as a rustic dessert.

Print

Sweet Potato Casserole

a sweet and savory side dish with brown sugar pecan topping OR marshmallows
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword casserole, sweet potato
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 313kcal

Equipment

  • 9×13 casserole dish

Ingredients

  • 4-5 sweet potatoes
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ¼ cup butter softened
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne
  • teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Pecan Topping

  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup butter softened
  • ½ cup pecans chopped

Marshmallow Topping

  • 2 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions

  • Wash and cut up the sweet potatoes. In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook until soft enough to mash—about 12-15 minutes.
  • Drain well and then mash in a large bowl.
  • To the bowl add the egg, 1/4 cup brown sugar, milk, 1/4 cup butter (softened), salt, cayenne, pepper and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Mash together.
  • In a greased 9×13 pan, spread the sweet potato mixture in an even layer.
  • To make the brown sugar pecan topping, in a medium size bowl, stir together the 1/2 cup brown sugar, all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup butter (softened) and chopped pecans. This mixture should be crumbly. Spread evenly over the casserole before baking.
  • If you are using mini marshmallows for the topping, wait to add them until the last 5-8 minutes of baking.
  • Bake the casserole at 350°F (177°C) for 25-30 minutes.

Notes

The get the marshmallow topping that extra crispy, caramelized top, you can pop the finished casserole under the broiler for a minute or two (keep a close eye!) or use a kitchen torch to brulee the tops of the marshmallows.
If your family is divided on toppings and you want to do a half and half casserole similar to the one I have pictured, keep in mind the measurements for the toppings in the recipe card are to cover the entire casserole. So, you want to divide them in half.
You can easily make sweet potato casserole ahead of time; simply keep the topping items separate and cover the refrigerate the casserole until you’re ready to bake.
The nutrition facts on this recipe card include both toppings, as both ingredients are listed. 

Nutrition

Calories: 313kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 260mg | Potassium: 371mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 13166IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 1mg
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Chocolate Tart https://abeautifulmess.com/chocolate-tart/ https://abeautifulmess.com/chocolate-tart/#comments Sat, 11 Nov 2023 14:16:00 +0000 https://abeautifulmess.com/?p=118994 A buttery fluted crust and a rich luxurious chocolate filling are the stars of this chocolate tart. Your guests will think you’ve stopped by a French patisserie, but you can make chocolate magic in your own kitchen with our easy step-by-step recipe.

Tarts are a shallow, one crust cousin to the classic pie, and you can make yours an Apple Tart, Mini Citrus Tarts, or Honey & Whiskey Apple Tarts!

Looking for more delicious treats? Check out:

chocolate tart

Ingredients for chocolate tart

For the crust:

  • A simple buttery pie crust of flour, sugar, salt, butter, and cold water will hold your chocolaty filling.

For the filling:

  • Semi-sweet chocolate: Chopped semi-sweet chocolate is the perfect amount of sweetness for this rich tart.
  • Heavy cream: Adding heavy cream to your chocolate makes it a silky ganache.
  • Instant espresso: Optional, but adding a little of this gives the tart another level of depth and flavor. Highly recommend!
  • Sugar: A small amount of sugar is all you need with semi-sweet chocolate.
  • Salt: Just a dash of salt needed for this tart.
  • Eggs: Gives your filling a thick custard-type consistency.
  • Vanilla: Adds a hint of vanilla to counter the chocolate notes.
chocolate tart

How to make a chocolate tart

Make the dough: In a food processor, pulse together the flour, sugar, salt, and cold butter until crumbly. Add the first 3 tablespoons of cold water and pulse again. If needed, add an additional tablespoon of cold water. It will still look crumbly but you want the dough to just come together when you pinch it with your fingers.

Dump onto a clean counter and press the dough together into a disc (you can knead it 2-3 times to get it to come together). Cover in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to chill. You can also make the dough ahead of time and freeze for up to 3 days.

Add dough to tart pan: On a floured surface, roll out your dough into a 12″ circle and place in your 9″ tart pan. If your dough is sticking, lightly flour the dough and your rolling pin every few rolls and flip it over once or twice.

To add your dough to your pan you can either roll the dough around your rolling pin and unroll it over your pan, or fold the dough circle in half, and in half again so you have a pizza wedge shape and then unfold the shape in the tart pan.

Press dough into the tart pan and roll your rolling pin over the top to cut off any excess. Prick the bottom with a fork and place in freezer for 30 minutes to chill.

blind baking a crust for a chocolate tart

Add a layer of foil over the crust to add pie weights or dried beans or rice to blind bake the pie.

Blind bake on a cookie sheet at 350° for 25-30 minutes covered and then remove foil and bake uncovered for another 12-15 minutes. You want the shell baked and just starting to brown.

Let shell cool completely for about one hour while you make the filling.

Prepare your filling: To make your filling, add your chopped chocolate to a bowl and heat your heavy cream until simmering or bubbles around the edges. Pour the heated cream into the bowl and let it sit for a few minutes to melt the chocolate. Whisk to combine.

Add your instant coffee, sugar, and salt and whisk again.

Add your two eggs and vanilla and whisk to combine.

filling a chocolate tart

Pour your filling into your baked shell and bake again at 350° for about 25 minutes or until the tart is mostly set but the middle is still a little wobbly. If you see any cracks starting to form, take it out.

Let your tart cool for one hour before slicing into it. Enjoy!

Tips for Making

  • When serving, wipe your knife off between slices for cleaner cuts.
  • To cut down on air bubbles in the filling, you can pop any you see with a toothpick before baking.
  • You can use milk or dark chocolate baking bars as well so mix and match to your taste level.
  • Make sure to allow the tart to fully cool before cutting into so it will solidify and keep its shape when cut.
  • Chop your chocolate in small pieces so it’s easier for it to melt when you add the heated cream. You can microwave it for small increments (and stir between each one) if you chocolate doesn’t all melt after you add the cream.
chocolate tart

Goes Great With:

Try serving chocolate tart with:

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you freeze a chocolate tart?

You should be able to freeze this tart for up to a month in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

How do you store a chocolate tart?

In a covered container (or covered in plastic wrap), this tart should keep in the fridge for about four days.

Can you make a chocolate tart in advance?

You can make the dough in advance and keep it well wrapped in the fridge for up to a week. Give it 15-30 minutes to soften before rolling.

Print

Chocolate Tart

A decadent but simple chocolate tart recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine French
Keyword chocolate, tarte
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings 12 people
Calories 354kcal
Cost $10

Equipment

  • 1 Food processor

Ingredients

For the dough

  • 1 ¼ cup flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup cold butter
  • 3-4 tablespoons cold water

For the filling

  • 1 teaspoon instant coffee (optional)
  • 10 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1 ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

Make the dough:

  • In a food processor, pulse together the flour, sugar, salt, and cold butter until crumbly. Add the first 3 tablespoons of cold water and pulse again. If needed, add an additional tablespoon of cold water. It will still look crumbly but you want the dough to just come together when you pinch it with your fingers.
  • Dump onto a clean counter and press the dough together into a disc (you can knead it 2-3 times to get it to come together). Cover in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to chill. You can also make the dough ahead of time and freeze for up to 3 days.

Add dough to tart pan and bake:

  • On a floured surface, roll out your dough into a 12″ circle and place in your 9″ tart pan. If your dough is sticking, lightly flour the dough and your rolling pin every few rolls and flip it over once or twice. To add your dough to your pan you can either roll the dough around your rolling pin and unroll it over your pan, or fold the dough circle in half, and in half again so you have a pizza wedge shape and then unfold the shape in the tart pan.
    Press dough into the tart pan and roll your rolling pin over the top to cut off any excess. Prick the bottom with a fork and place in freezer for 30 minutes to chill.
  • Add a layer of foil over the crust to add pie weights or dried beans or rice to blind bake the pie. Blind bake on a cookie sheet at 350° for 25-30 minutes covered and then remove foil and bake uncovered for another 12-15 minutes. You want the shell baked and just starting to brown.
    Let shell cool completely for about one hour while you make the filling.

Make the filling:

  • To make your filling, add your chopped chocolate to a bowl and heat your heavy cream until simmering or bubbles around the edges. Pour the heated cream into the bowl and let it sit for a few minutes to melt the chocolate. Whisk to combine. Add your instant coffee, sugar, and salt and whisk again.
    Add your two eggs and vanilla and whisk to combine.
  • Pour your filling into your baked shell and bake again at 350° for about 25 minutes or until the tart is mostly set but the middle is still a little wobbly. If you see any cracks starting to form, take it out. Let your tart cool for one hour before slicing into it. Enjoy!

Notes

Tips for Making

  • When serving, wipe your knife off between slices for cleaner cuts.
  • To cut down on air bubbles in the filling, you can pop any you see with a toothpick before baking.
  • You can use milk or dark chocolate baking bars as well so mix and match to your taste level.
  • Make sure to allow the tart to fully cool before cutting into so it will solidify and keep its shape when cut.
  • Chop your chocolate in small pieces so it’s easier for it to melt when you add the heated cream. You can microwave it for small increments (and stir between each one) if your chocolate doesn’t all melt after you add the cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 354kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 178mg | Potassium: 187mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 652IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg
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