12 Best Chocolate Treats for New Year: Sweet Surprises Await

Celebrating the New Year with loved ones is something I always look forward to. There's something special about gathering around, sharing delicious treats, and making new memories. And what better way to sweeten the occasion than with chocolate? Whether you're hosting a party, attending a gathering, or simply indulging at home, these delightful chocolate recipes will make your New Year's celebration unforgettable.

In "12 Best Chocolate Treats for New Year: Sweet Surprises Await," I'll share some of my favorite chocolate creations that are sure to bring joy, smiles, and a little extra sweetness to your festivities. So grab your apron, and let's dive into these heavenly chocolate treats!

1. Decadent Chocolate Truffles

These rich, velvety truffles are perfect for any chocolate lover.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder (for rolling)

Instructions:

1. Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream and butter until just boiling.
3. Pour the hot cream mixture over the chocolate and let sit for 5 minutes.
4. Stir until smooth and glossy, then refrigerate for 2 hours until firm.
5. Scoop small amounts of the mixture and roll into balls.
6. Roll each ball in cocoa powder until fully coated.
7. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

2. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

These classic treats are always a hit at any celebration.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh strawberries
• 8 oz dark chocolate, melted
• 1/4 cup white chocolate, melted (optional for drizzling)

Instructions:

1. Wash and dry the strawberries thoroughly.
2. Dip each strawberry in the melted dark chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off.
3. Place the chocolate-covered strawberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. If desired, drizzle with melted white chocolate for an extra touch of elegance.
5. Refrigerate until the chocolate sets, about 30 minutes.

3. Chocolate Fudge

Rich and perfectly sweet, this fudge is a holiday favorite.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a saucepan, combine chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter over medium heat.
3. Stir continuously until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.
7. Cut into squares and serve.

4. Chocolate Brownies

These fudgy brownies are an all-time favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
2. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat.
3. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder; mix well.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool before cutting into squares.

5. Chocolate Bark

This customizable treat can include your favorite nuts and dried fruits.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz dark chocolate, melted
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries or cherries

Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Pour the melted chocolate onto the parchment paper and spread evenly.
3. Sprinkle the chopped almonds and dried cranberries evenly over the chocolate.
4. Gently press the toppings into the chocolate.
5. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
6. Break into pieces and serve.

6. Chocolate Mousse

Light and airy, chocolate mousse is a sophisticated dessert option.

Ingredients:

• 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 large egg whites
• 1/4 cup sugar

Instructions:

1. Melt the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl over simmering water.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks.
3. In another bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy, then gradually add sugar and beat to stiff peaks.
4. Fold the whipped cream into the melted chocolate mixture.
5. Gently fold in the egg whites until no streaks remain.
6. Spoon the mousse into serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

7. Hot Chocolate Bombs

These fun treats explode with flavor when added to hot milk.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted
• 1/4 cup hot cocoa mix
• Mini marshmallows

Instructions:

1. Fill silicone molds with melted chocolate, ensuring they are fully coated.
2. Refrigerate the molds until the chocolate is set, about 15 minutes.
3. Remove the chocolate shells from the molds.
4. Fill half of the shells with hot cocoa mix and mini marshmallows.
5. Warm the edges of the remaining shells and press onto the filled halves to seal.
6. Store in an airtight container until ready to use.
7. To serve, place a hot chocolate bomb in a mug and pour hot milk over it, stirring until dissolved.

8. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels

This salty-sweet combo is irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag pretzels
• 8 oz milk chocolate, melted
• Colored sprinkles (optional)

Instructions:

1. Dip each pretzel halfway into the melted milk chocolate.
2. Allow the excess chocolate to drip off.
3. Place the chocolate-covered pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Decorate with colored sprinkles if desired.
5. Refrigerate until the chocolate sets, about 30 minutes.

9. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Homemade peanut butter cups are a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Melt half of the chocolate chips and spoon into the bottom of each liner.
3. In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Drop a small amount of the peanut butter mixture on top of the chocolate in each liner.
5. Melt the remaining chocolate chips and spoon on top of the peanut butter layer.
6. Refrigerate until set, about 1 hour.

10. Chocolate Chip Cookies

A classic that never goes out of style.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing well.
6. Stir in the chocolate chips.
7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

11. Chocolate Cheesecake

This creamy, chocolatey cheesecake is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter; press into the bottom of a springform pan.
3. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and melted chocolate.
6. Pour the mixture over the crust in the springform pan.
7. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set.
8. Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

12. Chocolate Lava Cakes

These molten delights are the epitome of indulgence.

Ingredients:

• 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 6 tbsp all-purpose flour
• Butter for greasing ramekins
• Cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Grease 4 ramekins with butter and dust with cocoa powder.
3. Melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water.
4. Stir until smooth and remove from heat.
5. Whisk in the powdered sugar until well blended.
6. Add the eggs and egg yolks, and whisk thoroughly.
7. Gently fold in the flour until just combined.
8. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins.
9. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the center is still soft.
10. Let cool in the ramekins for 1 minute, then run a knife around the edges to loosen and invert onto plates.
11. Serve immediately.

Conclusion

These 12 chocolate treats will surely add an extra layer of sweetness to your New Year's celebrations. Enjoy every bite and Happy New Year!