Yesterday I was asked about my favorite Christmas desserts and baked goods in order to prepare for Christmas day. Next week we will have an epic baking session to make things for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day so that everyone can enjoy their favorite item and share with others. It’s going to be so wonderfully fun that I just can’t wait to start baking.

In preparation for the baking I picked my favorite Christmas desserts and today I’m sharing them with you!

Puppy Chow

Puppy Chow or Muddy Buddies is a simple Christmas treat that is easy to make and always pleasing to everyone. It’s just Chex cereal with a coating and some extra treats thrown in depending on what flavor variation you plan to make.

Thin Mint Muddy Buddies from Something Swanky sounds delightful.

Peppermint Puppy Chow from Your Cup of Cake makes me want to make this version.

This Reindeer Chow from This Silly Girls Life is a great Christmas version of puppy chow with the right colors for the holiday.

Puppy Chow Recipe

Recipe from Chex

Ingredients

• 9 cups Rice Chex™, Corn Chex™ or Chocolate Chex™ cereal (or combination)
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Directions

1. Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside.
2. In 1-quart microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.
3. Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

Kiss Cookies

This was my pick when asked what I wanted for Christmas because puppy chow had already been added to the list. I always loved making and eating kiss cookies as a child so these bring back fond memories of Christmas for me. The classic peanut butter kiss cookies like the ones above from One Sweet Appetite are my favorite.

I also love that the variations people have come up with. These Candy Cane Peppermint Kiss Cookies on Tatertots & Jello look like the perfect minty Christmas cookie.

Kiss Cookies Recipe

From Hershey’s

Ingredients

• 48 HERSHEY’S KISSES Brand Milk Chocolates
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 3/4 cup REESE’S Creamy Peanut Butter
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Additional granulated sugar(optional)

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Remove wrappers from chocolates.
2. Beat shortening and peanut butter in large bowl until well blended. Add 1/3 cup granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat until fluffy. Add egg, milk and vanilla; beat well. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into peanut butter mixture.
3. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in granulated sugar; place on ungreased cookie sheet.
4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately press a chocolate into center of each cookie; cookie will crack around edges. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely. Makes about 48 cookies.

Christmas Cake Balls

I’m planning to make cake balls for my contribution to the Christmas festivities in addition to making the other desserts with everyone else. Cake balls are the perfect indulgent bite and you can create super cute Christmas themed cake balls like Bakarella did with the Snowman cake pops above.

These penguin cake ball pops from niner bakes are super adorable.

Any Christmas themed cake ball will do since the dessert itself is amazing and the rest is just icing on the cake.

Cake Ball Recipe

From All Recipes

Ingredients

• 1 (18.25 ounce) package chocolate cake mix
• 1 (16 ounce) container prepared chocolate frosting
• 1 (3 ounce) bar chocolate flavored confectioners coating

Directions

1. Prepare the cake mix according to package directions using any of the recommended pan sizes. When cake is done, crumble while warm into a large bowl, and stir in the frosting until well blended.
2. Melt chocolate coating in a glass bowl in the microwave, or in a metal bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth.
3. Use a melon baller or small scoop to form balls of the chocolate cake mixture. Dip the balls in chocolate using a toothpick or fork to hold them. Place on waxed paper to set.
4. If you want to go the extra mile, cake balls can be rolled in nuts, sprinkles, coconut, etc. or double-dipped in white and dark chocolates. White chocolate confectioners’ coating is also called Almond Bark in some stores.

Enjoying Christmas Desserts

While I’m all about making Thanksgiving recipes healthier, Christmas is one holiday where I prefer to keep things indulgent and deliciously calorific.  These are my favorite treats and the ones I will indulge in happily. Christmas is a time to enjoy and spend time with your loved ones…. and delicious desserts! Hopefully you get to do that in upcoming weeks!

What’s your favorite Christmas dessert?