20 Easy Christmas Snack Recipes to Wow Your Guests
The holiday season is fast approaching, and the festive spirit is in the air! One of my favorite things about this time of year is hosting Christmas gatherings with friends and family. Nothing brings people together quite like delicious food. If you're anything like me, you want your holiday parties to be filled with warmth, laughter, and mouth-watering treats.
That's why I've put together a list of 20 easy Christmas snack recipes to wow your guests. These recipes are simple to make, incredibly tasty, and perfect for any festive occasion. So, grab your apron and let's dive into a world of delightful holiday flavors!
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1. Candy Cane Pretzel Bites
These sweet and salty treats are a holiday favorite in my house.
Ingredients:
- Mini pretzel twists
- White chocolate chips
- Crushed candy canes
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange mini pretzel twists on a baking sheet.
- Place a white chocolate chip on each pretzel.
- Bake for 3-4 minutes until the chocolate is soft.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the melted chocolate.
- Let cool and enjoy!
2. Cranberry Brie Bites
Elegant and simple, these bites are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- Puff pastry sheets
- Brie cheese
- Cranberry sauce
- Fresh rosemary (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut puff pastry into small squares and place them in a mini muffin tin.
- Add a small piece of Brie on top of each pastry square.
- Spoon a bit of cranberry sauce over the Brie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary if desired.
3. Snowman Cheese Ball
A cute and cheesy addition to your snack table.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- Carrot, olives, and pretzel sticks for decoration
Instructions:
- Combine shredded cheese, cream cheese, green onions, and pecans in a bowl.
- Form two balls, one larger for the body and one smaller for the head.
- Stack the smaller ball on top of the larger one to create a snowman shape.
- Use a carrot piece for the nose, olives for eyes and buttons, and pretzel sticks for arms.
4. Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats
Adorable and festive, these snacks are great for kids.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 package marshmallows
- 3 tbsp butter
- Chocolate chips
- Pretzel sticks
- Red M&M’s
Instructions:
- Melt butter and marshmallows in a large saucepan over low heat.
- Stir in Rice Krispies cereal until well coated.
- Press the mixture into a greased baking pan to cool.
- Cut into rectangles and decorate with chocolate chips for eyes, pretzel sticks for antlers, and red M&Ms for noses.
5. Santa Hat Cheesecake Bites
Rich, creamy, and festive.
Ingredients:
- 1 package mini phyllo cups
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Strawberries
- Whipped cream
Instructions:
- Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
- Fill each mini phyllo cup with the cream cheese mixture.
- Top with a strawberry, cut side down.
- Add a small dollop of whipped cream on the tip of the strawberry to complete the Santa hat look.
6. Pigs in a Blanket
A classic crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 package mini cocktail sausages
- 1 tube crescent roll dough
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out crescent dough and cut into small triangles.
- Wrap each cocktail sausage in a piece of dough.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Spiced Nuts
A savory and sweet snack that guests will munch on all night.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb mixed nuts
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Mix melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl.
- Toss nuts in the mixture until well coated.
- Spread nuts on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
8. Hot Cocoa Cookies
Chocolatey treats perfect for a cold winter night.
Ingredients:
- 1 stick butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- Mini marshmallows
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar together, then mix in egg and vanilla.
- Combine flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and press a few mini marshmallows on top of each cookie.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes.
9. Christmas Tree Veggie Platter
A healthy and festive option.
Ingredients:
- Broccoli florets
- Cherry tomatoes
- Yellow bell pepper
- Baby carrots
- Ranch dip
Instructions:
- Arrange broccoli florets in the shape of a Christmas tree on a platter.
- Use cherry tomatoes as ornaments and slices of yellow bell pepper as the star.
- Place baby carrots at the bottom as the tree trunk.
- Serve with ranch dip.
10. Gingerbread Popcorn
A spicy, sweet snack that has all the flavors of the season.
Ingredients:
- 8 cups popped popcorn
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then stir in brown sugar, molasses, ginger, and cinnamon.
- Pour the mixture over the popcorn and toss to coat.
- Spread popcorn on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
11. Caprese Christmas Wreath
A fresh and colorful appetizer.
Ingredients:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil
- Balsamic glaze
Instructions:
- Arrange cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves in a circular wreath shape on a platter.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
12. Eggnog Dip
A creamy and festive dip to enjoy with cookies or fruit.
Ingredients:
- 1 package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
Instructions:
- Beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add eggnog, powdered sugar, and nutmeg, mixing until combined.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
13. Christmas Tree Cheese Board
An elegant and easy option.
Ingredients:
- Assorted cheeses
- Crackers
- Grapes
- Fresh rosemary
Instructions:
- Arrange cheeses, crackers, and grapes in the shape of a Christmas tree on a large board.
- Use fresh rosemary sprigs as the tree branches for added decoration.
14. Spinach Artichoke Christmas Tree
A warm and cheesy dip with a festive twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 can artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tube crescent roll dough
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix spinach, artichoke hearts, mozzarella, Parmesan, mayonnaise, sour cream, and garlic in a bowl.
- Roll out crescent dough and cut into triangles.
- Arrange triangles in a tree shape on a baking sheet, overlapping slightly.
- Spread spinach artichoke mixture over the dough.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
15. Peppermint Bark
A holiday classic that's easy to make and even easier to eat.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag white chocolate chips
- 1 bag dark chocolate chips
- Crushed candy canes
Instructions:
- Melt dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring until smooth.
- Spread melted dark chocolate onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Melt white chocolate chips using the same method.
- Pour white chocolate over the dark chocolate layer and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top.
- Let cool completely and break into pieces.
16. Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
A savory and sophisticated appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- Prosciutto slices
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wrap each asparagus spear with a slice of prosciutto.
- Place on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until prosciutto is crispy.
17. Festive Fruit Skewers
A healthy and colorful snack.
Ingredients:
- Strawberries
- Green grapes
- Marshmallows
Instructions:
- Thread strawberries, green grapes, and marshmallows onto wooden skewers in a festive pattern.
- Arrange on a platter and serve.
18. Mini Sausage Rolls
A bite-sized version of a classic.
Ingredients:
- 1 package puff pastry sheets
- 1 package sausages
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out puff pastry and cut into strips.
- Wrap each sausage in a strip of puff pastry.
- Brush with beaten egg and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
19. Holiday Deviled Eggs
A festive twist on a classic appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and halved
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Red and green food coloring
Instructions:
- Remove yolks and mash with mayonnaise and mustard.
- Divide the yolk mixture into two bowls.
- Add red food coloring to one bowl and green to the other, mixing well.
- Spoon or pipe colored yolk mixtures back into egg whites.
- Garnish with paprika or chives.
20. Christmas Cookie Truffles
Sweet, bite-sized treats perfect for any holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 package sugar cookies, crushed
- 1 package cream cheese, softened
- White chocolate chips
- Sprinkles
Instructions:
- Mix crushed sugar cookies and cream cheese until well combined.
- Form into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Dip each ball into the melted chocolate and place back on the baking sheet.
- Decorate with sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
Conclusion
There you have it, 20 easy Christmas snack recipes to wow your guests! These delicious and festive treats are sure to make your holiday gatherings extra special. Enjoy and happy holidays!
