Cozy winter treats & eats to brighten your holidays

Snowflake Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

• 3 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• White icing and sprinkles for decoration

Instructions:
1. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
2. Cream butter and sugar in a separate bowl until fluffy. Mix in egg and vanilla.
3. Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Chill the dough for 1 hour.
4. Roll out your dough and cut into snowflake shapes. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
5. Once cooled, decorate with white icing and sprinkles for a wintery look.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Whipped cream and crushed candy canes for topping
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat milk and cream over medium heat until warm (do not boil).
2. Whisk in cocoa powder and sugar until dissolved.
3. Add chocolate chips and stir until melted. Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract.
4. Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.

Cranberry Brie Bites

Ingredients:
• 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed)
• 1 wheel of Brie cheese (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• Honey for drizzling

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
2. Cut the puff pastry into 2-inch squares and press each square into a muffin tin slot.
3. Place a cube of Brie into each puff pastry cup, followed by a small spoonful of cranberry sauce.
4. Sprinkle with chopped pecans. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden.
5. Drizzle with honey and serve warm.

Spiced Rum Eggnog

Ingredients:
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (plus more for garnish)
• 1/2 cup spiced rum
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy.
2. In a saucepan, heat milk, cream, and nutmeg over medium heat until warm (do not boil).
3. Slowly add the milk mixture to the yolks, whisking constantly. 4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook until slightly thickened (about 3–5 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and stir in rum and vanilla. Chill before serving. Garnish with extra nutmeg.

Spiced Mulled Wine

Ingredients:
• 1 bottle of red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon works well)
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1 orange, sliced
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3 star anise pods
• 2–3 tbsp honey or sugar (adjust to taste)

Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot or slow cooker.
2. Heat on low for 20–30 minutes, being careful not to boil (boiling can cook off the alcohol).
3. Strain to remove the spices and orange slices.
4. Serve warm in mugs, garnished with an orange slice or cinnamon stick.

Chewy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Ingredients:
•1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for coating)

Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cocoa powder, sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then stir in vanilla.
2. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined. The dough will be sticky.
3. Cover and chill the dough for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.
5. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll into a ball, and coat completely in powdered sugar. Place balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers are soft.
7. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.