Christmas is here and it’s the season for holly and jolly! I love making Christmas desserts as I know it will be the funnest to execute! Here are 5 easy Christmas desserts! All of these recipes are from the food network and they can be modified for any allergies! Enjoy!
Strawberry Santas!
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/strawberry-santas-2260882
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 12 large strawberries
- 24 mini chocolate chips
(last 2 are for the santas)
Recipe:
- For the frosting: In a medium bowl, using an electric hand mixer, beat the mascarpone and vanilla until smooth. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the mixture is thick and smooth. Using a spatula, transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a small star piping tip
- For the Santas: Using a paring knife, cut off the leaf-end of each strawberry to make a flat surface. Cut a 1/2- to 3/4-inch piece from the pointed end of each strawberry and reserve as the hats
- Place the strawberries, wide-side down, on a work surface. Pipe a 3/4-inch-high swirl of frosting on each strawberry. Place the hats on top and pipe a small ball of frosting on top of the hats. Press two chocolate chips, pointed-sides inward, into the swirl of frosting to make eyes
(if needed – Pastry bag fitted with a small star piping tip)
Candy Cane Cookies!
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sandra-lee/candy-cane-cookies-recipe-1915890
Ingredients:
- 1 box sugar cookie mix
- 1/2 stick butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, plus additional for surface
- Red food coloring
- 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract
Recipe:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F
- In a bowl, combine sugar cookie mix, melted butter, egg, cream cheese, and flour; mix together to form dough. Separate dough into 2 equal portions and place in 2 different bowls. Add red food coloring gradually to 1 bowl of dough, kneading together until desired shade of red is created. To the second bowl of uncolored dough, add peppermint extract and knead together. On a floured work surface, shape each dough into balls and then roll each ball into 1/4-inch-wide ropes, each about 6 inches long. For each cookie, carefully twist some of the red and white ropes of dough together and shape into a candy cane. Spread candy canes out on cookie sheets and bake on the top shelf of the oven for about 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool before serving
Meringue Sandwiches!
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/meringue-sandwiches-3364367
Ingredients:
- 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- Seedless jam or lemon curd, for spreading
Recipe:
- Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven; preheat to 250 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Beat the egg whites, cream of tartar and salt in a large clean dry bowl with a mixer on medium speed until foamy. Increase the speed to medium high and beat until thick and opaque, about 1 more minute. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, about 1/4 cup at a time, and beat until stiff shiny peaks form, about 5 more minutes.
- Transfer the meringue to a pastry bag fitted with a large flat or star tip. Pipe about seventy 1-inch disks on the baking sheets, leaving space between each. Bake at 250 degrees F until dry and crisp, about 3 hours. Let cool completely on the baking sheets. Store in an airtight container in a dry place for up to 1 week. Just before serving, sandwich with seedless jam or lemon curd.
Popcorn Ball Wreaths!
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/popcorn-ball-wreaths-11791592
Ingredients:
- 14 cups air-popped plain popcorn
- One 12-ounce bag marshmallows
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 14 drops green food coloring (not gel)
- Nonstick cooking spray, for your hands
- 1/2 cup red mini candy-coated chocolates, such as M&Ms
- 1 red fruit leather candy, such as Joray
Recipe:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment. Put the popcorn in a bowl large enough to toss it with the melted marshmallows.
- Combine the marshmallows and butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals at 50 percent power until the marshmallows are puffed and melted inside, about 1 minute. Add the vanilla and food coloring and stir until smooth and bright green.
- Pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and stir with a spatula to combine. Coat your hands well with cooking spray. Use your hands to toss and finish combining. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle in half of the candy-coated chocolates and mix. Add the remaining chocolates, mixing to combine evenly.
- Divide the mixture into 12 portions (about 1 cup each). Pat into balls, then flatten slightly and use your thumb to make a hole in the center, similar to a wreath. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- To make the bows, cut 12 thin strips (about 1/8 inch thick) from the fruit leather and loop into bows. Place one at the bottom of each wreath.
Meringue Lollipops!
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/meringue-lollipops-3364130
Ingredients:
- 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- Coarse sugar and/or silver nonpareils, for sprinkling
- 1 11-ounce bag white chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening
Recipe:
- Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven; preheat to 250 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Beat the egg whites, cream of tartar and salt in a large clean dry bowl with a mixer on medium speed until foamy. Increase the speed to medium high and beat until thick and opaque, about 1 more minute. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, about 1/4 cup at a time, and beat until stiff shiny peaks form, about 5 more minutes.
- Transfer the meringue to a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe twenty-four 2 1/2-inch disks on the baking sheets, leaving space between each. Sprinkle with coarse sugar and/or silver nonpareils; bake at 250 degrees F until dry and crisp, 3 to 4 hours. Let cool completely on the baking sheets. Store in an airtight container in a dry place for up to 1 week.
- For the filling, combine the white chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted. Sandwich some white chocolate mixture and a lollipop stick between 2 cookies; repeat to make 12 lollipops. Let set.
Have Fun! Merry Christmas!
By: Sorina Yeghian ‘26, Food and Wellness editor
