Seasonal Archives - Sugar Spun Run https://sugarspunrun.com/category/seasonal/ Sweet, simple, and from-scratch dessert recipes Tue, 19 Mar 2024 17:03:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://sugarspunrun.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/cropped-SugarSpunRun_flowers-32x32.png Seasonal Archives - Sugar Spun Run https://sugarspunrun.com/category/seasonal/ 32 32 Coconut Cake https://sugarspunrun.com/old-fashioned-coconut-cake/ https://sugarspunrun.com/old-fashioned-coconut-cake/#comments Tue, 19 Mar 2024 16:26:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=6397
Slice of coconut cake on a white plate


Those of you who follow the blog regularly are familiar with a lot of my grandmother's recipes.]]>
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Hummingbird Cake https://sugarspunrun.com/hummingbird-cake-recipe/ https://sugarspunrun.com/hummingbird-cake-recipe/#comments Tue, 12 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=16042 I'm not sure that I've ever had a cake quite as packed with flavor as this Hummingbird Cake is. The perfect springtime cake, this recipe is flavored with ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, ground cinnamon, butter, vanilla, and pecans, then iced with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting. It really doesn't get any better than this.

Slice of hummingbird cake on white plate

Have you ever heard of Hummingbird Cake?]]>
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Hot Cocoa https://sugarspunrun.com/hot-cocoa-recipe/ https://sugarspunrun.com/hot-cocoa-recipe/#respond Thu, 01 Feb 2024 13:00:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=58880 Skip the store-bought packets and make this 5-minute hot cocoa recipe! It tastes SO much better and uses just 6 pantry staples. Perfect for a snow day! Recipe includes a how-to video!


Cup of hot cocoa topped with marshmallows, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings.

While I already have a rich, decadent hot chocolate recipe on the blog, it's not necessarily a quick treat. It’s the ultimate hot chocolate if you ask me, but it's also slightly fussier than ripping open a packet and pouring it in some hot water. Some days I want something that's just a little bit less complicated, but still chocolatey and flavorful. This hot cocoa recipe is my solution!

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Peppermint Bark Cake https://sugarspunrun.com/chocolate-peppermint-cake/ https://sugarspunrun.com/chocolate-peppermint-cake/#comments Thu, 21 Dec 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=58184 My peppermint bark cake is made with moist dark chocolate cake layers and a white chocolate peppermint frosting. It's so festive and incredibly decadent! Recipe includes a how-to video!


Peppermint bark cake decorated with chocolate ganache drip, white chocolate buttercream swirls, and crushed candy canes.

Today I'm transforming classic peppermint bark candy into a fun and festive holiday cake! This peppermint bark cake is a stunner and sure to be the star of your Christmas dessert table. The base is the same richly fudgy and chocolatey cake from my triple chocolate cake recipe, which we'll top with a peppermint-infused white chocolate frosting (a favorite of mine!). We'll cloak the whole thing in a dark chocolate ganache, and then pipe peppermint swirls to finish.

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Oatmeal Cookies https://sugarspunrun.com/big-soft-oatmeal-cookies/ https://sugarspunrun.com/big-soft-oatmeal-cookies/#comments Wed, 20 Dec 2023 17:30:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=10312
Close-up of two big soft oatmeal cookies on marble, with more cookies in background


The Best Oatmeal Cookies



Despite their humble appearance, my oatmeal cookies are always the very first cookies to disappear from their cookie tins each Christmas. ]]>
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Bread Pudding https://sugarspunrun.com/bread-pudding/ https://sugarspunrun.com/bread-pudding/#comments Mon, 18 Dec 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=58078 My classic bread pudding recipe is easy and oh so cozy. Customize it with dried fruit, nuts, or chocolate, or keep it simple and serve with the buttery sauce. Recipe includes a how-to video!


Overhead view of a bread pudding in a white casserole dish.

I've received so many requests for a bread pudding recipe, and I'm thrilled to be sharing my version just in time for Christmas! Made with enriched bread soaked in a sweet custard, this is a timeless and classic dessert, and for good reason. It's easy, deeply flavored, and incredibly comforting. It's a cozy hug of a dessert!

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Cranberry Cake https://sugarspunrun.com/cranberry-cake/ https://sugarspunrun.com/cranberry-cake/#comments Fri, 15 Dec 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=58070 This sugared cranberry cake comes together in just 15 minutes and can be served right from its baking pan. It has an incredible texture (so plush and moist!) and is so festive for the holidays! Recipe includes a how-to video!


Square slice of cake made with fresh cranberries on a plate with one bite missing.

If you are looking for a Christmas cake without any peppermint or gingerbread, you simply must try my cranberry cake! It's flavored with pops of tart cranberries and a splash of both almond and vanilla extract. It's festive, but also fresh and so unique!

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Lemon Meltaway Cookies https://sugarspunrun.com/lemon-meltaway-cookies/ https://sugarspunrun.com/lemon-meltaway-cookies/#comments Thu, 14 Dec 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=57778 Bright and citrusy lemon meltaway cookies will truly melt in your mouth! My recipe is simple yet so flavorful. Just seven ingredients! Recipe includes a how-to video!


Stack of three lemon meltaway cookies with the top cookie missing a bite.

This is a super simple shortbread recipe made with just seven ingredients (including the icing!). Don't let its simplicity fool you though; these lemon meltaway cookies are bursting with flavor and taste so good, especially considering how few ingredients are needed. Plus, there's no chilling required!

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Italian Cookies https://sugarspunrun.com/italian-cookies/ https://sugarspunrun.com/italian-cookies/#comments Wed, 13 Dec 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=57915 These Italian cookies are so tender and soft with a simple vanilla glaze. They are incredibly simple to make (no chilling!) and can be formed into fun shapes too!


Pile of Italian cookies on a plate with one cookie missing a bite.

A close cousin to the anise cookies I shared yesterday, these Italian cookies are a classic! This recipe was given to me by my grandmother's cousin, Janet. One of the main differences between yesterday's recipe and this recipe is the glaze; as Janet said (and was very clear about when sharing this recipe!), you need a clear glaze for real Italian cookies. As a result, today's glaze is not nearly as thick as the icing I shared yesterday.

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Anise Cookies https://sugarspunrun.com/anise-cookies/ https://sugarspunrun.com/anise-cookies/#comments Tue, 12 Dec 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=57893 Anise cookies are classic Italian Christmas cookies! My version can be baked right away (no chilling required!) and is topped with a simple icing.


Close-up view of pillowy, round cookies topped with a white icing and rainbow sprinkles.

An Italian style Christmas cookie, these tender and pretty anise cookies are begging to join your Christmas cookie tray! They have a distinct anise flavor; if you've never had it before, it tastes like black licorice. Not everyone enjoys it’s potent taste, but if you do, you'll love these cookies!

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Hot Chocolate Cookies https://sugarspunrun.com/hot-chocolate-cookies/ https://sugarspunrun.com/hot-chocolate-cookies/#comments Mon, 11 Dec 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=57738 My adorable hot chocolate cookies start with a fudgy chocolate cookie base and are topped off with squishy marshmallows and even more chocolate. They are fun to make and so decadent! Recipe includes a how-to video!


Close-up view of hot chocolate cookies topped with marshmallow and chocolate ganache on a cooling rack.

We're big hot chocolate fans around here, in case you can't tell. From our hot chocolate cake to our hot chocolate fudge, we've remixed the cozy beverage quite a few times now. The saga continues today with these incredible hot chocolate cookies!

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Snowball Cookies https://sugarspunrun.com/snowball-cookies/ https://sugarspunrun.com/snowball-cookies/#comments Fri, 08 Dec 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=57835 These tender, buttery snowball cookies are filled with chopped nuts and rolled in powdered sugar. They are simple to make (just 30 minutes to chill!) and look so pretty on a Christmas cookie tray!


Overhead view of snowball cookies in a parchment lined bread pan with one cookie missing a bite.

Snowball cookies are classic, old-fashioned cookies that are popular during the Christmas season. They're similar to Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies, but we will be chilling the dough and using more cornstarch and flour here for round, snowball-like cookies!

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Grinch Cookies https://sugarspunrun.com/grinch-cookies/ https://sugarspunrun.com/grinch-cookies/#comments Thu, 07 Dec 2023 14:48:26 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=57723 Grinch cookies are so fun and festive with their bright green color, subtle mint flavor, and colorful M&M candy pieces! My recipe comes together in minutes with NO chilling required. Recipe includes a how-to video!


Stack of grinch cookies dyed a pale green color and decorated with red and green m&m candies.

Here's a unique addition to your Christmas cookie tray: grinch cookies! I actually developed this recipe several years ago and can’t believe I haven't shared it here sooner. These cookies are incredibly soft and chewy, fun, and kids love them!

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Gingerbread House Recipe https://sugarspunrun.com/gingerbread-house-recipe/ https://sugarspunrun.com/gingerbread-house-recipe/#comments Mon, 04 Dec 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=57682 Learn how to make a sturdy and completely edible gingerbread house! My recipe includes a template for one large house or two small houses. Make sure to watch my how-to video!


Intricately decorated gingerbread house on a metal plate with christmas ornaments in the foreground and a lit tree in the background.

This recipe has been highly requested for years! A number of people have wanted to make my gingerbread men into a gingerbread house, but unfortunately that recipe wasn’t suitable (the cookies are meant to be softer and more melt-in-your mouth, so they weren’t sturdy enough to hold up a whole house). Today's recipe is based off that one, but I made some critical changes to make the house sturdy and strong.

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Shortbread Cookie Recipe https://sugarspunrun.com/best-shortbread-cookie-recipe/ https://sugarspunrun.com/best-shortbread-cookie-recipe/#comments Thu, 30 Nov 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=16241 This shortbread cookie recipe makes tender, buttery, classic shortbread cookies that hold their shape in the oven and melt in your mouth. Dipping in chocolate is optional, but highly recommended! Recipe includes a how-to video!


Heart shaped cookies made from a shortbread cookie recipe.

I'm excited to be sharing my updated shortbread cookie recipe with you today! While I was happy with the original, I wanted to make some tweaks for more tender, soft, and melt-in-your-mouth results that still held their shape beautifully. Comparing the two, my old version was more like a sugar cookie, while this is classic, perfected shortbread.

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Chocolate Covered Pretzels https://sugarspunrun.com/chocolate-covered-pretzels/ https://sugarspunrun.com/chocolate-covered-pretzels/#comments Wed, 29 Nov 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=57576 This is my easy technique for making gorgeous, professional looking chocolate covered pretzels. Add your favorite toppings like sprinkles, crushed candies, or nuts!


Close up view of chocolate covered pretzels.

Pretty much anything can be improved with a chocolate coating, pretzels being no exception. A salty sweet classic, chocolate covered pretzels pop up most often during the holidays, then disappear--but not anymore! You can now enjoy these poppable pretzels year-round with my easy at-home tutorial!

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Sand Tarts https://sugarspunrun.com/sand-tarts/ https://sugarspunrun.com/sand-tarts/#comments Tue, 28 Nov 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=57545 Thin and crispy sand tarts are simple and irresistible Pennsylvania Dutch cookies. Keep them classic with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar and pecan halves, or make them festive with colored sugars!


Overhead view of sand tarts made with pecans arranged on a cooling rack.

If you've been around for a little while, you know we're typically team soft and chewy cookies here at Sugar Spun Run. However, I will make an exception from time to time, especially when nostalgia is involved. And for me, there's no cookie quite as nostalgic as these sand tarts!

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Turkey Pot Pie — Great for Leftover Turkey! https://sugarspunrun.com/turkey-pot-pie/ https://sugarspunrun.com/turkey-pot-pie/#comments Fri, 24 Nov 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=5061 My favorite turkey pot pie recipe is made easily and completely from scratch with seasonal veggies and flavors. It's the perfect way to use up the last of your Thanksgiving turkey leftovers!


Turkey pot pie made in a cast iron pan with one slice missing.

What do you usually do with your Thanksgiving turkey leftovers?  Do you pick at them cold from the fridge, like my sister? Do you slap them on bread and have dry turkey sandwiches, like my dad? Or do you revive them by making something totally new, delicious, and cozy, like a turkey pot pie?

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Orange Cranberry Cookies https://sugarspunrun.com/orange-cranberry-cookies/ https://sugarspunrun.com/orange-cranberry-cookies/#comments Tue, 21 Nov 2023 13:06:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=57295 My soft and chewy orange cranberry cookies are infused with real orange zest and juice (no extracts or flavors!). They're punctuated with pops of fresh cranberries and are so festive. No chilling required!



I’ve received quite a few requests for cranberry orange recipes recently, so I challenged myself to make some orange cranberry cookies (you know how I love cookies!). Sounds fairly straightforward, right? I thought so too, but surprisingly, this recipe was tricky to master.

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The Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes https://sugarspunrun.com/best-thanksgiving-side-dishes/ https://sugarspunrun.com/best-thanksgiving-side-dishes/#comments Fri, 17 Nov 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=56714 Thanksgiving side dishes are just as important as the turkey! Here are 16 Thanksgiving sides ranging from classic and crowd-pleasing to unexpected and irresistible.


collage of thanksgiving side dishes

Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving this year or simply bringing a dish, side dishes should be a definite consideration. Do you want something creamy and rich, crisp and crunchy, soft and fluffy? Maybe even one of each? That's where this Thanksgiving side dishes recipe roundup comes in handy--I've put all the options in one easy list!

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Sweet Potato Casserole https://sugarspunrun.com/sweet-potato-casserole/ https://sugarspunrun.com/sweet-potato-casserole/#comments Thu, 16 Nov 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=57053 This classic sweet potato casserole recipe is elevated by a few simple ingredients like maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla. Make it ahead to save time on Thanksgiving! Recipe includes a how-to video!


Gold spoon scooping sweet potato casserole out of a white dish.

My family requests (demands) I make this sweet potato casserole recipe every year for Thanksgiving. It's a staple side dish on our holiday table, holding its own among its ever-popular peers (green been casserole and sausage stuffing, in our house anyway!).

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Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie https://sugarspunrun.com/pumpkin-cheesecake-pie/ https://sugarspunrun.com/pumpkin-cheesecake-pie/#comments Mon, 06 Nov 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=56950 My pumpkin cheesecake pie is a beautifully swirled combination of pumpkin pie and classic cheesecake. It's the perfect Thanksgiving dessert! Recipe includes a how-to video!


Overhead view of a swirled pumpkin cheesecake pie in a wood cutting board.

Today's recipe is beautiful marriage of two flavors and two favorite desserts: creamy cheesecake (my favorite) and pumpkin pie (my husband's favorite!). Served over a crisp, crumbly graham cracker crust, this is a fall-flavored masterpiece that deserves a spot on your Thanksgiving table!

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Spice Cookies https://sugarspunrun.com/spice-cookies/ https://sugarspunrun.com/spice-cookies/#comments Thu, 26 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=56772 My soft and chewy spice cookies are infused with five different spices and topped with an easy vanilla drizzle. This is such a warm and cozy cookie recipe--perfect for fall! Recipe includes a how-to video!


Pile of spice cookies topped with vanilla glaze.

So what exactly are spice cookies? Well for starters, spice cookies are not the same thing as gingerbread men or gingersnap cookies. We won't be adding any molasses to this recipe (besides what is in the brown sugar!), and the resulting cookies will have a softer, chewier texture.

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Apple Pie Cheesecake https://sugarspunrun.com/apple-pie-cheesecake/ https://sugarspunrun.com/apple-pie-cheesecake/#comments Mon, 23 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=56673 Apple pie cheesecake is an incredible blend of classic cheesecake and apple pie. My version is served on a walnut-infused crust and topped with an easy crumb topping. It's perfect for fall! Recipe includes a how-to video!


Whole apple pie cheesecake that's been cut into slices with one slice missing.

Similar to my recent gourmet cookie obsession, I've also been on a bit of a gourmet cheesecake kick lately. It all started with my salted caramel cheesecake, continued with my turtle cheesecake and peanut butter cheesecake, and today I'm taking things even further with this glorious apple pie cheesecake!

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Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies https://sugarspunrun.com/pumpkin-cheesecake-cookies/ https://sugarspunrun.com/pumpkin-cheesecake-cookies/#comments Thu, 12 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=56472 Filled with cheesecake and rolled in cinnamon sugar, these pumpkin cheesecake cookies are incredibly gourmet and perfect for fall! Recipe includes a how-to video!


Two halves of a pumpkin cheesecake cookie stacked on top of each other.

So far I've shared pumpkin cheesecake in classic form, as mini no-bake cheesecakes, and most recently, as cheesecake bars. Today, I'm taking things one step further and sharing pumpkin cheesecake cookies!

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