Savory Puff Pastry Pesto Tree Appetizer

The holiday season is all about gathering with loved ones, sharing joy, and indulging in delicious treats. Elevate your festive spread with a show-stopping Savory Puff Pastry Pesto Tree Appetizer—a delightful creation that’s not only easy to make but looks like a culinary masterpiece. Picture this: light, flaky puff pastry adorned with the vibrant hues of basil pesto, sun-dried tomato ornaments, and a crowning glory of a star-shaped cheese. Your guests will be amazed by both the presentation and the incredible flavors.

The Best Holiday Appetizers

Today I am joining friends who are also sharing their favorite appetizers. Be sure to scroll down to the bottom and grab these ideas for holiday parties!!

How to Make Savory Puff Pastry Pesto Tree Appetizers

Now let’s make these savory puff pastry Trees!

Ingredients:

• 2 rolls puff pastry
• 7-8 tablespoons basil pesto
• 1/2 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
• 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomato pieces

Instructions:

Preheat and Prepare:

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring a non-stick surface for your puff pastry masterpiece.

Pesto and Cheese Magic:

Unroll the puff pastry sheets onto a lightly floured surface. Spread basil pesto evenly on top of each puff pastry piece, ensuring a luscious coating. Sprinkle the shredded Italian cheese mix over the pesto-covered sheets.

Slice and Shape:

Use a pizza cutter to cut each pastry sheet into 8 long strips. Now, let’s create the tree shape. Gently fold the bottom fourth of the puff pastry strip face down, folding the strip into a tree shape. The bottom layer will be the widest, gradually folding until it is the smallest at the top.

Skewer and Decorate:

Insert a small skewer through the center of each folded strip, ensuring it pierces through all the layers. Leave about 2 inches of the skewer bare at the top. This will serve as the tree trunk. Add 3-4 sun-dried tomatoes on each tree, distributing them evenly.

Bake to Perfection:

Place the assembled trees on your parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges start to brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they reach that perfect golden crispiness.

Star Power Finish:

Once done, take the trees out of the oven and add a star-shaped cheese to the bare top of each skewer.

Serve and Impress:

Allow the Savory Puff Pastry Pesto Trees to cool for a few minutes. Slice into serving portions along the tree lines, creating individual tree-shaped servings. Arrange them on a festive platter, and get ready to impress your guests with your culinary creativity.

Optional Garnishes:

For an extra touch of elegance, consider garnishing the platter with a sprinkle of fresh basil or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. These additions not only enhance the visual appeal but also add subtle layers of flavor to each bite.

The Savory Puff Pastry Pesto Tree Appetizer is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a centerpiece for your holiday gatherings. With minimal effort, you’ve created a dish that looks as though it’s been crafted by a culinary artist. So, gather your loved ones, celebrate the season, and relish in the joy of sharing good food and good company. Cheers to a festive feast that’s as memorable as it is delicious!

Printable Savory Puff Pastry Pesto Holiday Tree Appetizer Recipe

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Savory Puff Pastry Pesto Tree Appetizer

Savory Puff Pastry Pesto Tree Appetizer. Effortlessly elevate your holiday spread with the easy yet upscale Savory Puff Pastry Pesto Tree, boasting flaky layers, basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and a classy cheese star.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American, Italian

Keyword 10 minute appetizer, Christmas appetizer, easy appetizer, holiday appetizer, puff pastry

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 16

Ingredients

• package puff pastry (2 sheets)
• 7-8 Tbs. basil pesto
• 1/2 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
• 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomato pieces

Instructions

• preheating your oven to 400°
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
• Unroll the pastry roll and roll it out on parchment paper.
  
• Spread pesto on top.
  
• Sprinkle with cheese.
  
• Cut into 8 thin strips with a pizza cutter.
  
• Fold a quarter of the strip onto itself and continue folding to make a tree shape.
  
• Put a skewer through the center of the tree.
• Put trees on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  
• Put them in the oven at 400-degrees for 25-30 minutes.
• Take them out when they are browned and the pastry has puffed up.
• Add a cheese star to the top of the skewer.
  
• Serve and enjoy! Can be paired with marinara sauce or drizzled with balsamic glaze.
  

The Best Holiday Appetizers

Midwest Life and Style: Quick And Festive Cranberry And Feta Christmas Pinwheel| The Handmade Home: Easy Cranberry Brie Bites | Pink Peppermint Design: 15 Minute Amazing Mini Goat Cheese Bites Appetizer| Tatertots and Jello: Savory Puff Pastry Pesto Trees | She Gave it a Go: Festive Christmas Tree Cheese Ball Recipe| Lolly Jane: Reindeer Charcuterie Board | My Sweet Savannah: Boursin cheese with caramelized onions and bacon appetizer| Paint Me Pink: Strawberry Santa’s with Cream Cheese Frosting| This is Our Bliss: Easy Christmas Cheese Trees

More appetizers to make!

Here are a few of my favorite holiday appetizers

• Christmas Party Pinwheel Tree
• 15-Minute White Snowman Cheese Ball
• Holiday Pull-Apart Cheesy Roll Wreath
• Southern-Style Cornbread Crostinis with Topping Bar!
• Greek 10-Layer Salad Appetizer Cups
• Baked Asian Pierogies
• Grandma’s Pierogi Recipe

Which one do you want to make first?
Let us know in the comments!

xoxo

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Everything Bagel Seasoning Cheese Ball Recipe – perfect for the holidays! Soft and flavorful on the inside and crunchy and nutty on the outside. We took grandma’s classic cheese ball recipe and added a crunchy and zesty twist!

The Best Cheese Ball Recipe

Cheese Balls are the Perfect Holiday Party Appetizer to Make

Heading out to holiday parties? Whip up this crunchy cheese ball. It will be the hit of the party! In minutes you can have an appetizer that everyone will love!

How to Make an Everything Bagel Seasoning Cheese Ball

Here’s a video that shows you how to make this delicious easy cheese ball recipe!

Everything Bagel Seasoning Cheese Ball Recipe

Here’s the Everything Bagel Seasoning Cheese Ball recipe. You can print it off and keep it!

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Everything Bagel Seasoning Cheese Ball Recipe

Everything Bagel Seasoning Cheese Ball Recipe – perfect for the holidays! Soft and flavorful on the inside and crunchy and nutty on the outside. We took grandma’s classic cheese ball recipe and added a crunchy and zesty twist! 

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword cheese ball, cheeseball, appetizer, holiday recipe, party recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 2 hours hours

Servings 12

Ingredients

• 2 pkg cream cheese 
• 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 8 ounces  Shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 tsp. Garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp.   Cayenne pepper
• 1 cup Everything Bagel Seasoning  

Instructions

• In a medium bowl mix the cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder and cayenne pepper until combined. 
• Add cheddar cheese and form into a ball.
• In a smaller bowl, add the Everything Bagel Seasoning. Roll the cheese ball around in the seasoning until well covered.
• Let Cheese Ball refrigerate for at least 2 hours and serve. 

Note – you can also add chopped green onions or chives in with the cheese ball before you roll it in the Everything Bagel Seasoning. Customize it to YOUR liking!!

You can find all of the ingredients to make a Everything Bagel Seasoning Cheese Ball at Walmart! 

Thanksgiving Turkey-Shaped Cheese Ball

I used the recipe above and shaped the cheese ball into two balls. One larger ball for the body of the turkey and a smaller ball for the head. The turkey shape cheese ball is the perfect easy Thanksgiving appetizer!

Winter White Snowman Cheese Ball 

And if you are looking for the perfect cheese ball to bring to a holiday or winter party – make this 15-minute white cheese ball rolled in shaved Parmesan – so good!! 

You just divide the cheese ball into two balls – one that is slightly larger than the other, then roll them both in shaved Parmesan cheese and add a face and buttons. We switched out the cheddar cheese for mozzarella so the cheese ball is white like snow. Hop over and grab the recipe!

More Holiday Recipes

Here are a few other holiday recipes we love to make:

Crockpot 7-Layer Dip 

What’s YOUR favorite recipe? Mine might be 7-layer dip! It is just SO good! I’ve made it a lot over the years. But I love it even more when it’s warm! The cheese is gooey, everything blends together into a heavenly taste sensation of gooey cheese, spicy salsa, beans and jalapenos! I’ve made it in the oven and it’s delicious, but the problem is that if you are having a party, everyone has to eat the dip right when it comes out or it’s not as good! Game Day Recipe – Warm Crock-pot 7-Layer Dip!

Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball

Jalapeno Popper Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball. Celebrate fall with the perfect cheese ball appetizer that combines spicy jalapeno, creamy cheese filling and rolled in a layer of crushed cheese puffs.

Grandma’s Pierogis 

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Follow along with me on Instagram @tatertotsandjello to get more recipes and DIY ideas!

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Jalapeno Popper Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball

Get ready for fall parties and tailgating with the perfect slightly spicy cheese ball! This is the perfect appetizer for all of those fall parties and game day get-togethers.

Fall Food Ideas

Today I am joining some friends who are sharing the YUMMIEST fall foods! To be honest, this is a fall baking hop, but as I was planning my calendar for some reason I was thinking that it was a fall food hop and I was excited to share my cheeseball. Luckily my friends are so sweet and overlooked the fact that my cheeseball isn’t a baking recipe and let me still join in! You will love all of these yummy fall ideas!

Why I Love Making Cheese Balls

I love a cheese ball. Why? Well first of all it’s SUPER simple to make. I can even say that a cheese ball is a fool-proof recipe. Yes! Cheese balls always turn out and they are so fast to make. Plus you only need a few ingredients to make a cheese ball. And you can make cheese ahead of time so it’s really the easiest recipe to bring to a party! Scroll down to the bottom and I will share my other cheese ball recipes!

Jalapeno-Flavored Cheese Ball

As my kids have grown, some of our favorite memories have been made in the kitchen. I love traditions and many of or traditions include food. We always make my grandma’s pierogis and jalapeno poppers on New Years Eve. So I thought it would be fun to take that holiday tradition and create a jalapeno popper cheese ball! And it was so easy to turn the round shape into a pumpkin shape for fall. This jalapeno popper cheese ball has all of the spicy and creamy flavors of jalapeno poppers with the ease of a cheese ball.

How to Make a Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball

I wanted to make the cheese ball with ridges on the sides like a real pumpkin. What I ended up doing was once I combined the ingredients and formed a ball, I wrapped the ball in plastic wrap. THen I took four big rubber bands and wrapped the bands around the ball, having them intersect on the top and the bottom. Then I popped the whole thing in the fridge overnight so the cheeseball could set and the flavors could combine. The next day, I took the cheese ball out of the fridge, cut the elastics with scissors, unwrapped the cheese ball and rolled it in a layer of crushed cheese puffs! I added a faux pumpkin stem and I had the cutest, tastiest pumpkin-shaped cheese ball!

Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball Recipe

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Jalapeno Popper Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball

Jalapeno Popper Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball. Celebrate fall with the perfect cheese ball appetizer that combines spicy jalapeno, creamy cheese filling and rolled in a layer of crushed cheese puffs.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword cheese ball, cheeseball, appetizer, holiday recipe, party recipe, easy appetizer, game day food, jalapeno popper casserole, jalapeno popper cheese ball, no bake appetizer, party food

Prep Time 12 hours hours

Servings 16

Ingredients

• 2 8-ounce blocks of cream cheese, softened.
• 3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
• 1.5 cups shredded cheese I used a mexican blend
• 1 t. garlic powder
• 1 t. onion powder
• 2 cups crushed cheese puffs

Instructions

• Mix cream cheese, jalapenos, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder until combined.
• Use hands to roll into a round ball.
• Wrap cheese ball in plastic wrap.
• Add four rubber bands to the cheeseball and have the rubber bands intersect at the top and bottom of the ball, mimicking a pumpkin.
• Place cheese ball in the fridge for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
• Take cheeseball out of the fridge. Roll the cheese ball in crushed cheese puffs until the whole ball is orange.
• Place cheese ball on serving platter, add a faux pumpkin stem. Enjoy!

Blogger’s Best Fall Recipes

1. How to Make Pretty Fall Cookies | My 100 Year Old Home
2. Apple Cider Donut Bread Pudding | Modern Glam
3. Pumpkin Scones with Maple Glaze | Paint Me Pink
4. Jalapeno Popper Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball | Tatertots and Jello
5. Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe (Mini Pastries) | Happy Happy Nester
6. Classic French Apple Tart | Sincerely, Marie
7. A Roundup of My Favorite Fall Treats | Pasha is Home
8. How to Easily Make the Best Air Fryer Breakfast Pop Tarts Now | The Design Twins
9. Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting | Maison de Cinq
10. Gorgonzola & Pear Pizza | My Sweet Savannah
11. Hearty Homemade Chicken Pot Pie | Twelve on Main
12. Pumpkin Molasses Cookies | Finding Lovely

More Fall Appetizers

Here are a few cheese balls and other easy fall appetizer ideas!

Everything Bagel Seasoning Cheese Ball

Everything Bagel Seasoning Cheese Ball Recipe – perfect for the holidays! Soft and flavorful on the inside and crunchy and nutty on the outside. We took grandma’s classic cheese ball recipe and added a crunchy and zesty twist!

15-Minute Snowman Cheese Ball

15-Minute Snowman White Cheese Ball Recipe. Mozzarella, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce and spices rolled in shaved Parmesan cheese. Divide the cheese ball into two parts and make it into a delightful snowman that will be the hit of any holiday or Winter party!

Pumpkin Pie Cream Cheese Ball

Pumpkin Pie Cream Cheese Ball Recipe. Make this sweet cream cheese ball that tastes just like pumpkin pie. Pair it with sliced apples or cookies and you have the perfect fall dessert or party food!

Have a Yummy Day!

xoxo

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Holidays + Buffet = Perfect Party Food

We love the holidays and a good buffet. We combined the two with this easy holiday appetizer idea.

Southern-Style Cornbread Crostinis with Topping Bar

Golden cornbread bottoms can be topped with cheeses, veggies, fruits and herbs with so many possibilities! Plus kids love making their own appetizers too. And we made the base with Simply Homemade Cornbread mix which makes this recipe ready in just minutes!

Use a Cornbread Mix to Save Time

We used Simply Homemade Cornbread Mix which is our favorite. It’s so creamy and turns out perfectly golden every time.

Spoon into Muffin Pan

You can use a muffin pan and only fill it half way OR you can use a mini tart muffin pan like I did. It has an indentation which makes it easy to add toppings inside.

Cook the Batter

Cook for 14 minutes. When the cornbread corstinis were done, I put a pan underneath the muffin pan and flipped them upside down so the flat side was on top.

Let them Cool

Let the cornbread crostinis cool completely.

Create a Crostini Topping Bar

I used a large cutting board and put all of the toppings on the board.

What Kind of Toppings do you Include for a Cornbread Crostini Bar?

The toppings I used were — cream cheese, marscapone cheese, shredded Parmesan cheese, sliced apples, raspberries, cranberries, chives, cilantro, pico de gallo, goat cheese and jalapenos.

Make Topping Cards

I cut some cardstock into 2 inch wide foldable labels and wrote the name of each topping on each card. That makes it easier for your guests to navigate the topping bar.

See What Kinds of Crostinis Your Guests Create!

I loved seeing the cornbread crostini creations everyone made! There were sweet creations, there were savory creations and some in between. And every single one was gorgeous and SO delicious!

Southern-Style Crostinis — Our New Favorite Holiday Appetizer

This one ranks as one of our favorite appetizers. I think we will make it again for New Years Eve!!

Here are a few other appetizers and desserts we love to make for the holidays: 

Awesome Blossom Airfryer Recipe

Mini Italian 7-Layer Dip Cups

Pull-Apart Sausage Roll Appetizers 

What’s YOUR favorite appetizer to make for the holidays? 

Share it with us!

xoxo

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These little cake pops are perfect for kids. They also make fantastic gifts.

Peppermint Brownie Cake Pops:

1 box brownie mix
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups white chocolate chips
2 tsp vegetable oil
crushed peppermint pieces

Let’s Make It:

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare brownies according to directions for fudgy brownies. Let cool completely.

2) Remove brownies from pan and discard the edges. Mix together with softened cream cheese. Using a cookie dough scoop, scoop into balls and roll with hands. Place on parchment lined baking sheet.

3) Combine chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a bowl. Microwave for 45 seconds. Stir until smooth. If needed, microwave in additional 10 seconds until fully melted. Dip brownie pieces into white chocolate. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint pieces. Let set until chocolate is set.

These little brownie cake pops are so perfect for Christmas…or anytime of the year.

I hope you will stop by and visit me over at Just Us Four where I love to share new recipes and craft projects all year long.

******

Thanks Shannah! I love a good copycat recipe! Shannah has amazing ideas on her blog. Here are a few more you should check out:

She has these Double Chocolate Cherry Walnut cookies that would be perfect for delivering treats to neighbors!

And this Cranberry Brie Skillet Bake would be a perfect appetizer for holiday parties!

And I can’t wait to try her Pomegranate Pumpkin Crostini!

Make sure you visit Just Us Four and

Follow the HAPPY Holidays Event at Tatertots & Jello

all through the holidays with awesome tutorials, recipes, decorating ideas and more from some amazing blogs!

xoxo

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I’m Kim from Today’s Creative Life, where I share all things creative.

• Recipes
• Printables
• DIY Projects
• Holiday DIY

I share whatever I’m inspired by. It doesn’t have to be fancy to be perfect!

Clam Dip Recipe

It’s the holidays which mean parties, potlucks and dinners! This dip is a great option to serve for any party. I’m all about party dips and one of my current obsessions is my Crock Pot Apricot Brie Dip. Yum!

I love fantastic ideas that don’t require a lot of time or steps. Who does, right? This clam dip is one of those “mix it all together” recipes that turns into the most wonderful creamy party dip you’ll ever need. It’s a pretty forgiving recipe, so if you’d like to add ingredients, go for it!

How to Make Clam Dip

The only prep that would help, is having your cream cheese around room temp. I seem to always forget that part and it still turns out, so if you also forget, just carry on and make the dip!

Place your brick of cream cheese and about 8 oz. sour cream in a mixing bowl. I used my kitchen aid mixer, but you could use an electric hand mixer instead. Chop up a few scallions, add Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika and a can of clams, mix it all up until it’s smooth.

I’d take a taste, just to make sure. Keep in mind that the flavors will come alive if you allow it to sit in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving. I could eat it with carrots, but there’s nothing like a salty ruffles potato chip that really adds to the overall taste.

If you like a little extra crunch, you can add diced celery.

Another great option is to sprinkle crumbled bacon on top. Everything’s better with bacon.

Clam Dip Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 8-ounce brick Cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup or 8 ounce container Sour cream
• 1 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice, bottled or Fresh
• 3 or 4 Scallions or Green Onions, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 can chopped Clams, drained, but save a little juice to add to the recipe (2 cans if you really like clams)

Directions:

1. Place your softened cream cheese and sour cream into your mixing bowl. Mix until smooth with an electric mixer.
2. Add all other ingredients and mix well.
3. Let it chill for at least 2 hours, although I always eat some right away and it’s still delicious.
4. Serve with a thick potato chip like Ruffles.

Who’s ready to party?

Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook

Thanks Kim! I can’t wait to try that dip. It would be so good for a New Year’s Party or Christmas! Kim has amazing ideas. Here are a few more I know you’ll love:

She has this Crockpot Apricot Brie Dip that I can’t wait to try.

And look at this awesome post about Decorating for La-Z-Boy!

And, I love how she is Organizing with Tartan Plaid!

Make sure you visit Today’s Creative Blog and

Follow the HAPPY Holidays Event at Tatertots & Jello

all through the holidays with awesome tutorials, recipes, decorating ideas and more from some amazing blogs!

xoxo

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I’m Kristyn from Lil’ Luna, and I’m so happy to be here today. Jen is my FAVORITE, and is one of the nicest friends ever. So grateful for her friendship and the constant inspiration she provides. The girl is a creative genius!

Today I wanted to share a simple recipe for Mint and White Chocolate Hot Cocoa. It has become the kids’ new favorite winter drink and is one that I think you’ll love. I must warn it’s a little rich, but it is so stinkin’ good that you’ll find yourself wanting more. I’ve already made it a few times in the last month, and the whole family loves it. We’ve also made it for friends and have already been asked for the recipe several times. If you love a delicious warm drink, with a hint of mint then I recommend giving this one a try. It will warm the soul!!

MINT & WHITE CHOCOLATE HOT COCOA RECIPE:

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups half & half
• 1/2 bag white chocolate chips
• 1 tsp. peppermint extract
• few drops of green food coloring
• Crushed Andes mints and Whipped Cream for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large pot, add milk, half & half and heat over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
2. Add white chocolate chips and stir until completely melted.
3. Add extract and food coloring. Stir well.
4. Top with Whipped Cream and Andes. Serve warm.

Check out that Whipped Cream!!!

I know you can’t beat Hot Cocoa sometimes, but if you’re looking to change things up this is a great recipe. It’s also really festive with the green color, so it’s perfect for serving at parties.

For even more great ideas follow me on Facebook – Pinterest – Instagram – Twitter – Periscope.

And get weekly emails with monthly freebies by signing up for the Lil’ Luna newsletter.

Come on over to Lil’ Luna and say hi!

ENJOY!

****

Thanks Kristyn! That recipe sounds so delicious! I can’t wait to try it! Kristyn has such inspiring ideas on her blog. Here are a few more I know you’ll love:

She has these Dipped Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies that would be perfect for a cookie exchange!

And this Santa Jar Gift is just darling for the holidays!

She also has these Free Thanksgiving Printables perfect for the big day!

Make sure you visit Lil’ Luna

and

Follow the HAPPY Holidays Event at Tatertots & Jello

all through the holidays with awesome tutorials, recipes, decorating ideas and more from some amazing blogs!

xoxo

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Today I’m sharing a recipe for a pretty and delicious Christmas cookie. If you’re like me, you can’t wait for all the seasonal mint chocolate candy to hit store shelves! I always stock up on these candy cane kisses, as well as the mint truffle variety. They are both so yummy! I love eating them straight out of the bag, but I also like finding ways to use them in baking. Last year my mom and I experimented and came up with these Candy Cane Peppermint Kiss Cookies. They were a huge success!

They have crushed peppermint candies in the dough, and a Hershey Candy Cane Kiss on the top. If you are a fan of mint, you will love these cookies! They are rolled in sugar, so they have a sparkle to them that is so pretty. They are perfect for Christmas cookie trays, or for gift giving. Just make sure that you let them sit for a couple hours before stacking them. That will give the kisses a chance to harden up again.

Candy Cane Peppermint Kiss Cookies

1 cup butter, softened
1 tsp peppermint extract
10 peppermint candies, very finely crushed
2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup sugar for rolling
1 pkg. Candy Cane Hershey kisses

Cream together the butter and peppermint extract. Beat in the crushed peppermint candies. Add the flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and salt; stir well. Chill for 30-60 minutes. Roll in 1” balls, then roll in sugar. Place on lightly greased cookie sheets. Bake at 350° for about 12 minutes. Immediately press a kiss in the middle of each cookie. Cool for several minutes on the pan before removing to cooling racks.

-Makes 3 dozen

Do you have a favorite Christmas candy that you like to use in baking? Or you a strictly unwrap and eat it kinda gal?

*******

Thanks Kara! Those look so delicious. I’m adding this to my list of cookie recipes to try this year. Kara has amazing ideas on her blog. Here are a few I think you’ll love:

If you’re looking for a yummy side for Thanksgiving, why not try her Creamy Cranberry Salad. Looks so good!

And her Rustic Fall Centerpiece with Acorns is so darling! It would be perfect on the Thanksgiving table.

And if you’re giving gifts for the holidays, make sure to pick up her Printable Christmas Bread Wrapper!

Visit Creations by Kara and

Follow the HAPPY Holidays Event at Tatertots & Jello

all through the holidays with awesome tutorials, recipes, decorating ideas and more from some amazing blogs!

xoxo

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I am a fan of cookie and candy bark for holiday gifts. I love cookies too but cookies are best eaten fresh, not five days later. The best part of cookie/candy bark is it tastes great 5 or more days later too! It is perfect for making ahead for holiday gift giving.

I have shared a lot of different versions of cookie/candy bark over the years. Reindeer Corn Cookie bark is one of my favorites! You can find lots of other ideas over in the Candy section of my Recipe Index.

I am a big Trader Joes fan and recently found some Cowgirl Bark on one of my frequent trips. I bought a bag and brought it home. I loved the idea of it – white chocolate, dried cranberries, krispy rice cereal, almonds, peanuts, pretzels and ginger cookies. Such a fun combination of flavors and textures. I was only semi impressed when I opened the bag and it didn’t look like the picture on the package and didn’t taste nearly as good as I thought it would.

I decided though that it was a good idea so I was going to make my own homemade version. So today I give you my copycat version of Trader Joes Cowgirl Bark.

The bag says they call it Cowgirl Bark because cowgirls are adventuresome and individualistic just like this bark. The bark is full of unexpected and adventerous flavors and textures. Not tough but ruggedly delicious and interesting. I admit it is not a combination that I have tried before.

I melted my white chocolate and stired in the rice krispies and then spread it on a baking sheet.

I then sprinkled all the yummy other ingredients on top of the white chocolate mixture. I decided to leave the peanuts out though and just use almonds. Wasn’t feeling the peanuts at the moment.

With your fingertips, gently press the cookies, pretzels, etc. into the soft chocolate so that they stick better as it sets up. After it is set up just break it into pieces and munch away.

My homemade version was SO MUCH BETTER than the store bought version. Sorry Trader Joes. You know I am a big fan but this time I did it better!

I love the crunchiness of the krispy rice cereal in the chocolate and then all the fun flavors, colors and textures sprinkled on top. Just bag up a pile of Cowgirl Bark and your friends and neighbors are going to say YeeHa!

 **********

Thanks Leigh Anne! Oh my, that looks so amazing! I love the idea of mixing in the rice krispie treats too. YUM!

Leigh Anne always has the most amazing, mouth watering recipes on her blog. Here are a few I think you’ll love:

This is such a fun idea, and could be a new Thanksgiving tradition in your family. Check out her post on Candy Corn Blessings, or a way to share what you are thankful for in a fun, creative way.

And, if you’re looking for a unique stuffing idea, why not check out her Wild Rice, Dried Cherry & Jones Sausage Dressing.

And her Orange Cranberry Pretzel Gelatin Salad looks like the perfect treat to bring to dinner too.

Visit Your Homebased Mom and

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all through the holidays with awesome tutorials, recipes, decorating ideas and more from some amazing blogs!

xoxo

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Hi Tatertots and Jello friends! I’m Mique from Thirty Handmade Days (30daysblog). Jen is the sweetest, most supportive and genuine person I know and am soooo happy to be here today.

With Christmas coming up so soon — I thought you might like to try a new recipe. This Holiday Eggnog Bread is quick and delicious. My family loooooves eggnog. Me? Not so much. But this bread is moist and tastes so good. It’s the perfect compromise and would be great for Christmas breakfast.

I’m bagging up a few for neighbor gifts. I hope they like it as much as we do.

The original recipe found at Mommy I’m Hungry calls for rum in the batter. We don’t drink at our house so I replaced rum with orange juice (love using that trick in baking!). If you want to add the rum, go for it! It also didn’t call for orange juice in the glaze but I thought it might add a oomph and I love the citrus-y flavor.

Looking for some other last minute recipes or gifts? I’ve got you covered. Stop by and visit 30days.
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and holiday season. From my family to yours.

I absolutely adore Mique — she is wonderful and SO talented!! 

Here are just a few of her amazing ideas at 30 Handmade Days: 

This is such a fun idea – Candy Scavenger Hunt with free printables

Homemade Bookmark Gift Idea and Valentine’s Day Printable

Anniverary Hour Gift Idea

Pretty much the story of my life — Diet Coke Printable and more

You will love getting to know Mique and all of her creative ideas!! 

Merry Christmas Eve!!

I also wanted to take a moment and let you know how thankful I am for you. 

Blogging is such a wonderful blessing in my life.

I am able to be creative – which I love.

But also, I love featuring peope and sharing great ideas.

And I LOVE getting to know you all.

Thank you for reading Tatertots and Jello.

I am looking forward to 2013 and I can’t wait to see all of the JOY the new year brings.

xoxo

The post HAPPY Holidays – Holiday Eggnog Quick Bread Recipe! appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.