Five Holiday Sweet Treats to Serve Your Guests
The holiday season is a time for gathering with loved ones, sharing laughter, and indulging in delicious treats. If you’re hosting this year and want to impress your guests, serving festive and easy-to-make sweet treats is a must. Whether you prefer baking from scratch or need quick options you can buy and prepare with minimal effort, we’ve got you covered. Here are five holiday sweet treats that are perfect for your gatherings, along with where you can purchase them and how to make them shine.
1. Peppermint Bark
Where to Buy: Trader Joe’s, Williams Sonoma, or Target
Why It’s Festive:
Nothing says the holidays quite like the refreshing combination of chocolate and peppermint. Peppermint bark is a classic treat that not only tastes delicious but also looks stunning with its layers of dark and white chocolate topped with crushed candy canes.
How to Prepare:
If you’re buying ready-made peppermint bark, simply place it on a festive platter to serve. To make it at home, melt dark chocolate and spread it on a lined baking sheet. Let it cool and harden before layering melted white chocolate on top and sprinkling crushed peppermint candies. Let it set, then break into pieces.
Pro Tip: Arrange the bark in a festive bowl or on a decorative tray with holly or pinecone accents to amplify the holiday vibe.
Where to Buy: Whole Foods, Local Bakeries, or Amazon
Why It’s Festive:
Gingerbread cookies are the epitome of holiday cheer. Their warm spices—ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg—make them a cozy and delightful treat. Plus, they’re fun to decorate, making them a family-friendly activity before your party.
How to Prepare:
Purchase a pre-made gingerbread dough or mix from your local grocery store to save time. Roll it out, use festive cookie cutters to create shapes like stars and snowflakes, and bake as directed. Decorate with icing and sprinkles for a personal touch.
Pro Tip: Serve the cookies with a side of hot cocoa or eggnog for an irresistible holiday pairing.
3. Holiday Truffles
Where to Buy: Godiva, Harry & David, or Costco
Why It’s Festive:
Rich, creamy chocolate truffles are an elegant treat that elevates any dessert table. These bite-sized indulgences come in a variety of flavors like dark chocolate, salted caramel, and hazelnut, making them a favorite for chocolate lovers.
How to Prepare:
Pick up a box of truffles from your local Costco or Godiva store for an effortless option. If you want to try making your own, mix melted chocolate with heavy cream, let it cool, then roll into small balls. Coat the truffles with cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or powdered sugar for a festive finish.
Serving Tip: Display the truffles on a tiered tray or in decorative holiday tins to give them a luxe, party-ready look.
4. Holiday Cupcakes
Where to Buy: Local Bakeries, Baked by Melissa, or Kroger
Why It’s Festive:
Cupcakes are a versatile treat that can be dressed up for any holiday theme. Whether you top them with green and red frosting or decorate them with snowflake sprinkles, cupcakes are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
How to Prepare:
Pick up pre-made cupcakes from your local bakery or grocery store and add your own festive decorations. For a DIY approach, bake a batch of your favorite cupcakes and use holiday-themed liners. Frost them with red, green, or white icing, and add sprinkles, candy canes, or small edible ornaments.
Serving Tip: Arrange the cupcakes on a cake stand with fairy lights or ribbon for a show-stopping centerpiece.
5. Pecan Pie Bars
Where to Buy: Sam’s Club, Dessert Gallery, or Local Bakeries
Why It’s Festive:
Pecan pie is a holiday classic, but serving it as bars makes it easier to eat and share. The gooey, nutty filling atop a buttery crust is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, and it adds a touch of Southern charm to your dessert lineup.
How to Prepare:
Pick up ready-made pecan pie bars from your local bakery or Sam’s Club. If you prefer homemade, make a simple shortbread crust, top it with a pecan filling made from eggs, brown sugar, and corn syrup, and bake until golden. Cut into squares once cooled.
Serving Tip: Pair pecan pie bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra festive touch.
The great thing about these five holiday sweet treats is not only are they easy to prepare but also guaranteed to bring joy to your guests. From the refreshing taste of peppermint bark to the indulgent richness of chocolate truffles, there’s something on this list for everyone. Best of all, you can find these treats or their ingredients at local stores, making last-minute holiday prep a breeze.
As you plan your holiday gatherings, don’t forget that presentation plays a big role in making your desserts festive. Use decorative platters, holiday-themed trays, or even edible garnishes to elevate your sweet treats. Most importantly, enjoy the process of preparing and sharing these desserts with your loved ones—it’s the memories that make the holidays truly special.
