There’s something truly magical about Christmas mini desserts! They’re the perfect little bites that bring joy to every holiday celebration. I can still remember the sound of laughter and the aroma of baked goodies wafting through my family’s kitchen as we whipped up these delightful treats together. My siblings and I would race to decorate them with colorful sprinkles and crushed peppermint, turning each one into a tiny masterpiece. Trust me, these Christmas mini desserts not only look adorable but also taste heavenly! They’re sweet bites of happiness that make every gathering feel special, whether it’s a festive party or a cozy night in by the fire. And let’s be honest, who could resist a mini dessert? They’re just too cute to pass up!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candy
How to Prepare Christmas Mini Desserts
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect bake!
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and granulated sugar. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
- Add in the softened butter and cream cheese. Blend the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. I love using a hand mixer for this part—it makes it so much easier!
- Next, stir in the pure vanilla extract. The aroma will make your kitchen smell heavenly!
- Now, it’s time to pour your delightful mixture into mini cupcake liners. Fill them about two-thirds full, so there’s room for rising.
- Pop them into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them, because you want them to be lightly golden and set in the center.
- Once they’re done, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but let them cool completely!
- Finally, dust the tops with powdered sugar, and sprinkle on those chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candy. Wow, doesn’t that just make them look festive?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time: You can whip these up in just 20 minutes, making them a breeze for last-minute holiday gatherings!
- Festive flavors: Each bite is filled with sweet cream cheese and a delightful hint of peppermint, perfect for capturing the essence of the season.
- Perfect for sharing: These mini desserts are just the right size for sharing, so you can spread the holiday cheer with friends and family.
- Easy to decorate: Let your creativity shine! With toppings like chocolate chips and crushed peppermint, you can create a beautiful display that’s sure to impress.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Christmas mini desserts turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to help you achieve the best results:
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps create a smooth batter without any lumps!
- Don’t overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense mini desserts instead of the light, fluffy texture we want.
- Check for doneness: Keep an eye on your mini desserts while they bake. They should be lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
- Cooling is key: Allow them to cool completely before decorating. This prevents the toppings from melting and makes your desserts look picture-perfect.
- Have fun with toppings: Get creative! Besides chocolate chips and crushed peppermint, try adding some festive sprinkles or a drizzle of melted chocolate for that extra holiday flair.
Follow these tips, and I promise you’ll impress everyone with your deliciously delightful Christmas mini desserts!
Variations
Now, let’s get creative with these Christmas mini desserts! There are so many fun ways to customize them to suit your taste or make them even more festive. Here are some ideas that I absolutely love:
- Flavored extracts: Instead of vanilla extract, try using almond or peppermint extract for an extra punch of flavor. Just a drop or two can make a big difference!
- Different toppings: Switch things up by adding crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or even mini marshmallows on top. They add a delightful crunch and make each dessert unique.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, cozy flavor. It’s like wrapping yourself in a soft blanket on a chilly day!
- Chocolate lovers: Mix in some cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate version, or use dark chocolate chips as a topping. Who can resist chocolate, especially during the holidays?
- Fruit twist: Fold in some finely chopped dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a burst of color and a hint of sweetness in every bite.
Feel free to experiment and let your imagination run wild! Each variation brings a new twist to the table and makes these mini desserts even more special for your holiday celebrations.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made these delightful Christmas mini desserts, you’ll want to keep them fresh and tasty for as long as possible! Here’s how to store and enjoy them later:
- Storing: Place your mini desserts in an airtight container. This will keep them nice and moist. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, but if you want to keep them fresh longer, pop them in the fridge where they’ll last for about a week.
- Reheating: If you prefer them warm, you can gently reheat them in the microwave. Just pop one in for about 10-15 seconds. Keep a close eye on them, as you don’t want them to get too hot! Enjoy them warm, and they’ll taste like they just came out of the oven!
- Freezing: Want to save some for later? You can freeze these mini desserts! Just wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
So go ahead and make a big batch! They’re perfect for snacking or sharing, and with these storage tips, you can savor the joy of Christmas mini desserts even after the holidays!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional information for each of these delightful Christmas mini desserts:
- Serving Size: 1 mini dessert
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this as a general guide. It’s always a good idea to check the labels of your ingredients if you need precise nutritional information. Enjoy indulging in these festive treats while keeping balance in mind!
FAQ Section
Can I make these Christmas mini desserts ahead of time?
Absolutely! These mini desserts are perfect for making a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll be ready to wow your guests when it’s time to indulge!
What if I don’t have mini cupcake liners?
No worries at all! If you don’t have mini cupcake liners, you can lightly grease a mini muffin tin and pour the batter directly into the cups. Just be sure to watch the baking time closely, as they might need a minute or two less!
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can! Low-fat cream cheese works just fine in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly less rich, but they’ll still taste delicious!
How should I decorate these mini desserts?
Get creative! You can dust them with powdered sugar, drizzle some melted chocolate on top, or add festive sprinkles. They’re so cute that you can’t go wrong with any decoration you choose!
What’s the best way to serve these?
These mini desserts are perfect for holiday parties! You can arrange them on a festive platter or in individual cups for a fun, bite-sized treat. Just be sure to keep them chilled until serving for maximum freshness!
Imprimer
Christmas Mini Desserts: 7 Sweet Bites of Joy
- Temps Total: 35 minutes
- Rendement: 24 mini desserts 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A collection of delightful mini desserts perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingrédients
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour and sugar.
- Add butter and cream cheese. Blend until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the mixture into mini cupcake liners.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Let cool and top with powdered sugar.
- Add chocolate chips and crushed peppermint on top.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use seasonal sprinkles for decoration.
- Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 15 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 mini dessert
- Calories: 100
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 5g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 12g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 15mg
Mots-clés: christmas mini desserts
