Festive Winter Holiday Treats

Mary Ellen Bartley
Our desserts look super elegant, but they're oh so easy to prepare.
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Reindeer Pops

Photograph by Aaron Dyer

Keep the kids happy at your holiday party with a no-mess project. Using our template, cut face pieces and hooves from dark and light brown felt. Adhere each hoof with double-sided tape to a packaged candy cane. Wrap a dark brown head piece around both candy canes, as shown, and secure it with tape. Use more tape to attach the light brown snout. Adhere a pair of googly eyes and a pom-pom nose with glue dots.

Originally published in the January 2014 issue of FamilyFun magazine.

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Gingerkids!

Photograph By Doug Merriam and Idea By Lindsay Ann Of Dollhousebakeshoppe.Com

These plump marshmallow pals are adorned with sugar, spice, and everything nice.

To make four of them, combine 1/2 cup sugar with 2 teaspoons cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon ginger in a medium bowl and set it aside. Fill another medium bowl with water. Melt 1 cup white chocolate chips according to the package directions, then transfer the chocolate to a ziplock bag and snip off a corner. To form each pop, slide two marshmallows onto a lollipop stick. Use the melted chocolate to adhere mini marshmallow arms and legs as shown. Let the chocolate set. Dip the pop in the water, then roll it in the sugar mixture until coated. Pipe on a chocolate face, then use more chocolate to attach heart and confetti sprinkle buttons, bows, and bow ties.

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Not-so Frosty the Snowman

Made from melted candy, this sweet treat is sure to warm the heart of your Christmas crowd.

To make a snowman, melt white candy wafers in a bowl according to the package instructions. Scoop a rounded tablespoon of the candy onto a sheet of waxed paper, and with the back of a spoon, spread the candy into a puddle. Working quickly, stick on a light cocoa candy melt, add a dot of white melted candy, and place a Rolo on top. Add an orange Tic-Tac nose and some mini chocolate chip eyes and a mouth. Let the snowman set before serving, then watch him disappear!

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Frosty and Friends Cupcakes

Jim Franco
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Your kids will love our cute edible snowmen. (The secret ingredient? Doughnut holes!)Makes: 12 snowmen

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Ice Cubes

Jim Franco
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We gave creamy truffles a new flavor.Makes: 24 cubes

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Gift Boxes

Don't be intimidated by the fondant -- our amazing presents are actually really easy to make.

Makes: 5 gift boxes

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Gift Boxes

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These little presents have a raspberry filled cake inside. Give them away for a holiday gift or serve for dessert at a party.

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White Hot Chocolate

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Warm up with a gourmet version of the classic winter drink.Makes: 2 to 3 servings

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Holiday Brownie Tree

Alison Miksch
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Arrange brownies on a cake stand to make a gorgeous holiday dessert. Makes: 1 Brownie Tree

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Santa Claus Cake

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Billowy mint-flavored frosting forms Santa's bushy beard.Makes: 24 servingsPrep: 20 minutesBake: 40 minutesRecipe by Michael Tyrrell; Originally published in the November 29, 2006 issue of Family Circle magazine.

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Christmas Fudge

Paula Hible
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Colorful fruit studs this no-bake holiday confection.

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Santa Caps

Miki Duisterhof
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Turn meringue into a festive treat with food coloring and white chocolate. Makes: 8 dozen caps

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Ice-Skate and Mitten Cookies

Rita Maas
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Make these simple butter-cookie cutouts ahead of time and let your kids add the flourishes later. Makes: 24 cookies

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Gift-Wrapped Brownies

Rita Maas
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The beautiful packaging is actually made from easy-to-use fondant. Makes: 18 brownies

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Sugarplum Snowflakes

Rita Maas
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Pack these fruity candies in a pretty box for the perfect teacher gift. Makes: about 50 jellies

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Cornflake Christmas Wreaths

Rita Maas
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You choose -- serve these yummy treats or hang them from your tree. Makes: 12 wreaths

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Little Drummer Cakes

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The recipe calls for yellow cake, but you can use your kid's favorite flavor. Makes: 8 drums

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Mouse Macaroons

Mary Ellen Bartley
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Leave these 'Twas the Night Before Christmas-inspired treats out for Santa this year. Makes: 2 dozen

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Reindeer Gingerbread Cremes

Mary Ellen Bartley
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Gingerbread reindeer are sandwiched with creamy frosting to make these festive cookies. Makes: 4 dozen sandwich cookies

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Reindeer Names

Mary Ellen Bartley
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Your kids will learn all of Santa's Reindeer names by heart with these colorful cookies. Makes: 2-1/2 dozen cookies

Originally published in the December 2002, 2007 & 2008 issues of Parents magazine.

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