Cozy Winter/Holiday Treats Archives - Sugar Spun Run https://sugarspunrun.com/category/seasonal/cozy-winterholiday-treats/ Sweet, simple, and from-scratch dessert recipes Wed, 31 Jan 2024 19:40:01 +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 Cozy Winter/Holiday Treats Archives - Sugar Spun Run https://sugarspunrun.com/category/seasonal/cozy-winterholiday-treats/ 32 32 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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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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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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Cozy Pot Roast Recipe https://sugarspunrun.com/best-pot-roast-recipe/ https://sugarspunrun.com/best-pot-roast-recipe/#comments Mon, 02 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=56100 This classic, best pot roast recipe cooks low and slow in one pot and absolutely melts in your mouth. It yields a flavorful dinner that will feed the whole family (with leftovers to spare!) and is the perfect cold-weather food. Make it in the oven, slow cooker, or pressure cooker. Recipe includes a detailed how-to video tutorial!


Plate of beef pot roast with baby potatoes and carrots.

The humble pot roast.



While surely you must have a recipe for this simple American classic tucked away somewhere or dog-eared in an old cookbook, today I'm bringing you my family's favorite and your new favorite version. It's been carefully tweaked to perfection, delivers flavor you didn't even know was possible with a pot roast (seriously!), and will have everyone asking for seconds (and probably for the recipe, too). ]]>
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No-Chill Sugar Cookies https://sugarspunrun.com/no-chill-sugar-cookies/ https://sugarspunrun.com/no-chill-sugar-cookies/#comments Fri, 23 Dec 2022 13:00:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=47203 A sweet and simple recipe for no-chill sugar cookies, these are buttery and soft with crisp defined edges and don't require any chilling in the refrigerator.



overhead of frosted no-chill sugar cookies showcasing sharp defined edges


Sneaking in just before Christmas with a last-minute cookie recipe for all of my fellow procrastinators out there! I actually hesitated quite a bit to share this no-chill sugar cookie recipe, and almost didn't. ]]>
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Chocolate Snickerdoodles https://sugarspunrun.com/chocolate-snickerdoodles/ https://sugarspunrun.com/chocolate-snickerdoodles/#comments Thu, 15 Dec 2022 13:00:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=5093 Chocolate Snickerdoodles are a warm and cozy twist on the classic. My recipe makes soft and thick cookies with NO mixer and NO chilling! Recipe includes a how-to video!



Crinkly, cinnamon sugar coated chocolate cookies on a cooling rack.


These chocolate snickerdoodles are a chocolatey take on my classic snickerdoodle recipe that you'll love (maybe even more than the original!). The flavor is warm and slightly spiced, with perfectly textured, crackly outsides and rich, chocolatey interiors. They're like a cup of hot cocoa on a snowy Christmas night--so festive!

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Peppermint Bark Cheesecake https://sugarspunrun.com/candy-cane-cheesecake/ https://sugarspunrun.com/candy-cane-cheesecake/#comments Wed, 14 Dec 2022 13:00:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=5165 My festive Peppermint Bark Cheesecake features a crisp Oreo crust, white chocolate peppermint filling, and chocolate ganache topping. This recipe can be made WITHOUT a water bath and includes lots of tips for success!



Overhead view of a cheesecake topped with chocolate ganache, whipped cream, and crushed peppermint candy.


Inspired by peppermint bark, one of my favorite Christmas candies, this peppermint bark cheesecake is as festive as it is beautiful. My recipe pairs smooth, creamy white chocolate cheesecake with crushed candy canes and a crumbly Oreo crust. It's draped in a rich chocolate ganache cloak and topped with whipped cream and more candy canes for extra flair.

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Molasses Cookies https://sugarspunrun.com/molasses-cookies/ https://sugarspunrun.com/molasses-cookies/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2022 12:00:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=11860 These Molasses Cookies are carefully designed to be SO soft and chewy! Their sparkling sugar exteriors and warm, cozy spices make them a perfectly festive and unique winter cookie. Recipe includes a how-to video!



Crackly topped molasses cookies on a cooling rack after baking.


Molasses cookies are the softer, chewier cousin of my gingerbread cookies. They're a great and easy-to-make cookie option for your holiday cookie tray, right next to my sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies, and peanut butter blossoms, just to name a few.

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Peppermint Bark Cookies https://sugarspunrun.com/peppermint-bark-cookies/ https://sugarspunrun.com/peppermint-bark-cookies/#comments Mon, 12 Dec 2022 12:00:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=5325 Inspired by the classic favorite holiday candy, my Peppermint Bark Cookies are the perfect trifecta of chocolate, white chocolate and festive peppermint. They take just 30 minutes to make, don't require a mixer, and need NO chilling! Recipe includes a how-to video!



Overhead view of chocolate peppermint bark cookies that have been half dipped in white chocolate and sprinkled with crushed candy canes.


Peppermint bark is winter's version of pumpkin spice; it's the flavor of the season, found everywhere from hot chocolate to candles. My peppermint bark cookies combine all the flavors of the real thing (chocolate, white chocolate, peppermint) and bake them into soft and chewy, white chocolate-dipped cookies.

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Peanut Butter Blossoms https://sugarspunrun.com/peanut-butter-blossoms/ https://sugarspunrun.com/peanut-butter-blossoms/#comments Wed, 07 Dec 2022 12:00:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=11870 My Peanut Butter Blossoms are made without shortening for the best flavor and texture. They're a classic holiday cookie and so fun to make! Recipe includes a how-to video!



Peanut butter blossoms on a teal decorative plate.


Peanut butter blossoms have always been my favorite cookie on the holiday cookie tray. They're the perfect combination chocolate and peanut butter (like my peanut butter chocolate cake!), and they are so easy to make. Plus, they're just so pretty with their sparkly exteriors!

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Gingerbread Cupcakes https://sugarspunrun.com/gingerbread-cupcakes/ https://sugarspunrun.com/gingerbread-cupcakes/#comments Thu, 01 Dec 2022 12:00:00 +0000 https://sugarspunrun.com/?p=8726 These moist and fluffy Gingerbread Cupcakes are carefully designed to have beautiful domed tops. My recipe is quick (less than an hour) and includes a cinnamon and brown sugar frosting. Includes a how to video!



Gingerbread cupcake topped with a brown sugar cream cheese frosting and cinnamon sticks.


I can't think of a more festive way to welcome December than with these soft and fluffy gingerbread cupcakes! These are outrageously moist and tender cupcakes packed full of spices and flavor. I've chosen to top them with a brown sugar and cinnamon spiced variation of my cream cheese frosting, and it complements the gingerbread flavor SO well!

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