This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Duke chapter.
The holiday season is upon us, but unfortunately it’s hard to feel very merry when you’re stuck at school taking exams. Among other things, you probably miss the delicious homemade treats that go along with the holiday season. Luckily, these recipes are not only festive but are also easy to make, even in a small dorm or apartment kitchen. You’ll be back in the holiday spirit in no time!
1. Peppermint White Chocolate Chip Cookies
You will need:
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cup all purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peppermint candy cane, crushed
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350
- Mix the butter and sugars in a bowl
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract
- Mix the flour, baking soda and salt in another bowl
- Mix the dry ingredients into the wet until they are just incorporated
- Mix in the chocolate and the peppermint candy cane.
- Chill the dough in the fridge for 30-60 minutes before placing it on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet one tablespoon at a time rolled up into balls.
- Bake until just lightly golden brown around the edges, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Snowman Cupcakes
You will need:
- Cupcakes (any flavor)
- 1 to 2 cans of vanilla frosting
- Coarse sugar
- Chocolate wafers
- Chocolate chips + mini chocolate chips
- Orange candy slices
- Optional: Blue food coloring, pearl dragees, blue jumbo diamond sprinkles and edible glitter
Directions:
- Frost cupcakes, reserving some frosting for decorating as desired.
- Dip the top of each cupcake in coarse sugar; gently shake off excess sugar.
- For stovepipe hats, microwave chocolate wafers for a few seconds to slightly soften as needed. Use a serrated knife to cut two narrow strips from opposite sides of each wafer. (Large center piece will form crown of hat; one strip will form the brim.)
- Add chips and mini chips to cupcake to form eyes and mouth. Cut a small piece of orange slice to form the nose.
- Stick brim of hat, rounded side up, into top of cupcake; insert hat crown into the top edge. Secure with additional frosting.
- Optional: Color frosting and place in a resealable plastic bag. Cut a small hole in corner of bag. Pipe a decorative hatband; add dragees and sprinkles if desired. Sprinkle cupcakes with glitter if desired.
3. Rice Krispie Treat Wreaths
You will need:
- 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 1 package (10 oz., about 40) regular marshmallows OR 4 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon green food coloring
- 6 cups Rice Krispies
- Canned frosting or decorating gel
- Assorted candies
Oven Directions:
- In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. Stir in food coloring.
- Add Rice Krispies. Stir until well coated.
- Using 1/4-cup measuring cup coated with cooking spray portion cereal mixture. Using buttered hands each portion into small wreath. Decorate with frosting and/or candies. Best if served the same day.
Microwave Directions:
- In microwave-safe bowl heat butter and marshmallows on HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes.
- Stir until smooth.
- Microwave cooking times may vary.