Chocolate and cherries just belong together, don’t they? I’ve always believed there’s something incredibly romantic about that combo—rich chocolate, bright cherries, a little burst of tart sweetness—and this chocolate cherry cake brings it all together with almost no effort.

My grandma looooved cherry cordials. I remember having them at her house one Christmas and instantly, the moment I bit into them I knew… these are not for me…haha!

Nowadays my taste buds have grown up quite a bit and I can see how much cherries and chocolate belong together!

Because this cake stays unbelievably moist (thank you, cherry pie filling!), it’s a total crowd-pleaser for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, or honestly any night you want something that feels a little special without getting too fussy. Trust me—one bite and you’ll know why this cake keeps disappearing around here.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chocolate Cherry Cake

If you’re a chocolate lover, this cake is about to become a new favorite. A boxed chocolate cake mix and canned cherry pie filling come together for a rich, ultra-moist chocolate cherry cake that tastes way more homemade than it is—without the extra effort.

• Easy and Impressive: Because the base starts with a cake mix, the batter comes together in minutes. Mix, bake, cool—done. It’s the kind of dessert that feels special without adding stress to your day.
• Extra Chocolatey: The frosting doubles down on the chocolate with both melted chocolate and cocoa powder for deep, fudgy flavor—no dry or overly sweet frosting here.
• Generously Frosted: The recipe makes enough frosting for a thick, dreamy layer (the way I like it!), but you can use less and stash the rest in the fridge for another dessert if you want.
• Pretty Finishing Touches: Add a sprinkle of chocolate chips or a few extra cherries on top for color and texture—it makes each slice look irresistible.

Slice into squares and serve—no one has to know how easy it was.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This box cake mix recipe couldn’t be simpler to make! Here’s everything you’ll need to make this super easy chocolate cake with cherry pie filling:

For the Cake

• Chocolate Cake Mix: Creates the base of the cake with strong chocolate flavor, structure, and tenderness, saving time without sacrificing taste.
• Cherry Pie Filling: Adds rich cherry flavor, natural sweetness, and moisture that keeps the cake incredibly soft. They also create juicy pockets in every bite.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together, provide lift, and help the cake set with a tender, moist crumb.
• Almond Extract: Enhances the cherry flavor (cherries + almond mimic each other naturally) while adding warmth and depth to the chocolate.
• Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips: Add bursts of rich chocolate flavor throughout the cake and melt slightly into the crumb for extra gooeyness. We melt them and add the chocolate to the frosting too!

For the Frosting

• Unsalted Butter: Forms the base of the frosting, adding richness, smooth texture, and a creamy mouthfeel.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting while creating a silky consistency that’s easy to spread.
• Cocoa Powder: Boosts the chocolate flavor in the frosting and balances the sweetness of the sugar and cherries.
• Whole Milk: Thins the frosting to a smooth, spreadable consistency while adding creaminess and helping everything blend together.
• Light Corn Syrup: Adds shine and stability to the frosting, helping it stay glossy and smooth instead of crusting over.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the chocolate flavor and adds warmth, preventing the frosting from tasting flat or overly sweet.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the chocolate and cherry notes so the flavors taste richer and more defined.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cake (Step-by-Step)

The key thing to remember when making this chocolate cake mix recipe is that you do NOT mix together the chocolate mix like it instructs on the packaging. Instead, follow these instructions:

1. Combine: Stir together the cake mix, cherry pie filling, eggs, egg yolk and vanilla.
2. Fold: Then, fold in the chocolate chips.

3. Spread the cake batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and bake.
4. Once the cherry cake has cooled completely, make the homemade chocolate frosting.
5. Frost the cake and top with additional chocolate chips or sprinkles.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cake

If you are serving this chocolate cherry cake recipe for Valentine’s Day then let me give you a few ideas for what to serve for the rest of dinner. Some of our favorite easy but fancy main dishes are garlic butter steak at home, whole roasted chicken, sausage and peppers pasta, or smoked tri tip.

Chocolate Cherry Cake FAQs

Make Ahead, Storing and Freezing

This chocolate cake with cherries is great for making ahead of time! It stays moist for 2–3 days when tightly covered. The flavor deepens after resting overnight.

You can store the cake at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to one week.

If you want to make it really far in advance, you can make the cake and freeze it for up to 2-3 months, then let it defrost and frost it once it’s ready to serve.

So whether you’re slicing this up for Valentine’s Day or sneaking a forkful straight from the pan at midnight (no judgment—we’ve all been there), this chocolate cherry cake is one of those desserts that just sticks. It’s rich without being heavy, sweet with a little tang, and it tastes even better the next day… assuming there’s any left.

More EASY CHOCOLATE CAKE RECIPES:

• Moist Chocolate Cake
• Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
• Chocolate Molten Lava Cakes
• Double Chocolate Zucchini Cake
• Simple Chocolate Cake
• Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake
• ALL OF OUR CAKE RECIPES! 

Watch How to Make Moist Chocolate Cherry Cake…

Christmas dinner is one of the most memorable meals of the year, and this collection brings together all the holiday favorites your family loves. Whether you’re planning a show-stopping main dish like prime rib or glazed ham, or searching for the perfect mashed potatoes, stuffing, rolls, vegetables, and other sides to serve with it, you’ll find the classics right here.

These tried-and-true Christmas dinner recipes are comforting, festive, and guaranteed to bring everyone back for seconds!

Classic Christmas Main Dishes

Christmas dinner deserves a stunning centerpiece, and these traditional mains deliver big flavor with minimal stress.

Alternative Holiday Main Dishes

Whether you’re feeding a crowd that wants something different or simply moving beyond turkey and ham, these hearty holiday mains bring bold flavor to the Christmas table.

Smaller Holiday Poultry

Not hosting a crowd this year? These poultry dishes are perfect for intimate celebrations. Smaller cuts cook faster, make less mess, and still deliver holiday-worthy flavor without leaving excessive leftovers.

Potato Side Dishes

No holiday plate is complete without something warm, creamy, cheesy, or crispy—and these potato dishes are classics for a reason.

Stuffing, Bread & Carbs

Set the foundation of your Christmas spread with comforting carbs that soak up all that gravy and goodness. Fresh rolls, fluffy bakes, and make-ahead stuffing guarantee no holiday plate leaves the table hungry.

Vegetable Side Dishes

Balance out the rich holiday mains with bright, flavorful vegetable dishes. These sides complement everything on the table while adding color, nutrients, and seasonal flavor to the plate.

Christmas dinner doesn’t need to be complicated to be meaningful. With a few well-chosen recipes and the people you love gathered around the table, even simple dishes feel special. I hope this collection helps you build a holiday menu that’s stress-free, delicious, and full of the comforting flavors we all look forward to all year long. From our kitchen to yours — Merry Christmas and happy cooking!

read more: If you’re looking for ways to start your Christmas morning, check out our Christmas breakfast recipes roundup. If you need a yummy dessert to compliment your Christmas dinner, check our Christmas cookies roundup.

For all our chocoholics, these double chocolate chip cookies are about to become your new obsession. With double the chocolate and double the deliciousness, they are chewy, rich, and completely irresistible.

I struggled to find the perfect name for them whether it should be chocolate chip chocolate, chocolate chocolate chip, or simply double chocolate chip but one thing is certain this cookie recipe is absolutely divine.

I’m actually more of a fruit dessert kind of gal, and Cade is a chocolate lover, but when I make these cookies, it’s me who can’t stop eating them. I may have even grabbed a couple and eaten them alone in the pantry so I didn’t have to share with my kids. Shhhhhh…yes, I am one of those moms!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These double chocolate chip cookies are the best cookies for chocolate cravings. It starts like classic chocolate chip cookies and then we add all the chocolate! They could actually be called triple chocolate chip cookies because we have chocolate coming from three different directions. Yummmmm!

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a soft, tender texture.
• Eggs: Bind the dough and provide structure and moisture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps them spread slightly.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture, deeper flavor, and a chewier texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances and rounds out the chocolate flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives the cookies structure and helps them hold their shape.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts overall flavor.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and stay soft.
• Devil’s Food Pudding: Makes the cookies super soft, rich, and extra chocolatey.
• Cocoa Powder: Deepens the chocolate flavor and darkens the dough.
• Chocolate Chips: Add pops of melty chocolate throughout the cookies. (Use whatever kind you like! Milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, or even white chocolate chips work great!)

Jump down to the recipe card for all the exact measurements.

What Kind of Cocoa Powder is Best?

For the richest flavor and deepest color, use a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder. Natural cocoa powder works great in these cookies because it delivers a bold chocolate taste and reacts well with the leavening for a soft, tender texture.

If you want an even more intense, almost fudgy chocolate flavor, you can use Dutch process cocoa powder, but it may make the cookies slightly denser. Both options work, so choose based on the flavor you prefer and what you already have in your pantry.

How to Make Double Chocolate Chip Chocolate Cookies

These double chocolate chip cookies are so simple it’s dangerous! They’re a chocolate lover’s dream!

1. Mix: Combine all the wet ingredients in a medium bowl and mix evenly.
2. Whisk: Combine all the dry ingredients in a separate bowl.
3. Combine: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Fold: Add the chocolate chips and fold them in.
5. Scoop: Scoop dough using a cookie scoop onto a prepared cookie sheet.
6. Bake: In a 350 degree oven, bake until slightly underdone.
7. Cool: Cool in a single layer on a wire rack and enjoy!

Head to the recipe card to for all the detailed instructions.

Storage and Make Ahead Instructions

These double chocolate chip cookies are perfect for making ahead. You can scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it until the next day. When you are ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for 15–30 minutes before putting the cookies in the oven.

You can also freeze the dough for longer storage. Simply scoop the dough into balls, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and freeze for about 2 hours. Once solid, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag.

Frozen cookie dough keeps well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit on the counter for about 30 minutes to soften slightly, then bake as directed. Baked cookies should be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Pudding makes these double chocolate chip cookies the most soft and moist cookies, not to mention the delicious chocolate flavor. Trust me, you’ll want to put pudding in all your cookies from now on! They’re so irresistible, they may not even make it off the baking sheet before they’re gone!

More COOKIE RECIPES You’re Going to Love:

• Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
• Chocolate Reese’s Pieces Cookies
• NY Times BEST Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
• Nutella and Dulce de Leche Stuffed Cookies
• Copycat Swig Sugar Cookies

Watch How to Make Chocolate Cookies…

This indulgent Holiday Hot Cocoa Dip is one you’ll want to save! Our chocolate dessert dip is a simple, 5 ingredient that’s perfect for any holiday gathering or party.  Just mix, chill, and serve with your favorite dippers!

We love using TruMoo Chocolate Marshmallow Milk for this recipe—it adds that rich, authentic cocoa flavor without needing to melt chocolate or make a mix.

I don’t know what it is about the holidays and dips, but they go together as much as Rudolph and Santa, or candy canes and Christmas trees!

I don’t know about you, but I kind of miss the old days where holiday parties were filled with friends bringing their “famous” dish to every holiday party. That tradition, the investment in offering a little of their time and love to a gathering of friends and family seems a little lost with the convenience of the world.

But I’m bringing it back.

Whether it’s our famous Baked Brie or Peggy’s Creamy Baked Artichoke Dip, there’s room for everyone and every taste bud at my house. In fact, come on, I can’t be the only one that misses the nostalgia of family favorite recipes showing up around the holidays.

What Recipe Do You Think of For the Holidays?

It’s not Christmas at our house without our chocolate peanut butter truffles. And if we are talking about a whole holiday meal, our potato rolls, brown sugar ham and sweet potato casserole are everything the holidays should be.

In recent years, we can’t miss making our chewy gingerbread man cookies. They are unlike any other cookie you’ve ever had! Trust me and make these cookies!

What recipes are part of your holiday traditions?

Ingredients for Hot Cocoa Dip

You only need 5 ingredients to make this holiday dessert dip…

• Chocolate Pudding Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and thick, silky texture.
• TruMoo Chocolate Marshmallow Milk: Deepens cocoa flavor and keeps the dip creamy.
• Cream Cheese: Adds body and a hint of tang to balance the sweetness.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Sweetens and gives the dip a smooth, rich finish.
• Cool Whip: Lightens the texture for a fluffy, mousse-like feel.

How to Make Hot Cocoa Dip

Grab your kiddos and head to the kitchen to whip up this easy no bake chocolate dip! It’s easy enough that children of any age can help.

• Make the Pudding: In a bowl, whisk the pudding powder and milk together until smooth and set aside to thicken.
• Beat: Beat the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
• Combine: Mix the pudding and cream cheese mixture together and fold in the whipped topping.
• Serve: Get all your favorite dippers and serve!

Variations of a Holiday Dip Recipe

• Cool Whip – if you’d prefer not to use cool whip, you can use 1 ½ cups of whipped cream instead. However, it tends to not thicken quite the same.
• Chocolate milk – please feel free to use your favorite chocolate milk for this recipe, but the TruMoo really packs more flavor.
• Flavor additions –Try mixing in some peppermint candies, m&ms, caramel drizzle and more!
• Garnishes – Try using sprinkles, crushed chocolate cookies, marshmallow creme, or nuts!

What to Dip in Hot Cocoa Dip

You can dip anything you want in this tasty chocolate dip, but here are a few of our favorite dippers: graham crackers, cookies, animal crackers, Nilla Wafers, pretzels or fruit.

Storage Tips

Leftover hot cocoa dip should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 5 days.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or snuggling up for a movie night, this Hot Cocoa Dip is the kind of treat that brings everyone together. It’s simple enough for the kids to help make and special enough to take to a party with the fam.

More Dessert Dips to Try:

• Brownie Batter Dip
• Brown Sugar Apple Dip
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip
• Strawberry Fluff Fruit Dip
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip

Watch How Easy this Holiday Dip is Made…

Christmas gatherings deserve food that brings people together—and nothing sets the mood like delicious holiday appetizers. Whether you’re hosting a formal Christmas dinner, a casual family gathering, or a festive holiday work potluck, these Christmas appetizers and easy finger foods make entertaining effortless.

From warm bites and cheesy dips to elegant handheld snacks, and make-ahead options, this collection has something for every party. Mix, match, and build your perfect holiday menu!

read more: If you’re looking for more sweet Christmas dessert options, check our our Christmas cookies and treats recipe roundup!

Holiday Classics & Crowd Favorites

These are the appetizers everyone expects at a Christmas party—warm, creamy, cheesy, and always demolished by the end of the night.

Elegant Holiday Bites

These appetizers look fancy but are surprisingly simple. Perfect for Christmas Eve dinners or evenings when you want something a little special.

Sweet & Fruity Holiday Appetizers

Great for snacking, grazing boards, or balancing savory holiday spreads.

Meaty, Bacon-Wrapped & Savory Party Bites

Protein-packed and irresistible—these are the appetizers guests go back for seconds…and thirds.

Holiday Snack Mixes & Party Bowls

Easy, make-ahead, and perfect for large groups—these snacks fill bowls fast.

Whether you’re hosting a full holiday party or just need a few festive snacks to round out Christmas dinner, these easy and irresistible appetizers are guaranteed to shine. From hot and cheesy dips fresh from the oven to sweet snack mixes and elegant bite-sized starters, there’s something here for every celebration and every guest.

No matter which you choose, the magic of the season is always better when shared over good food, great company, and plenty of laughter. So grab a plate, dig in to these holiday party snacks!

read more: If you are looking for Christmas breakfast ideas or need helping deciding what to make for Christmas dinner, check out our Christmas breakfast recipes roundup and our Christmas dinner recipes collection.

These Pinwheel Cookies are a treasured family favorite straight from Grandma’s cookbook! Delicious vanilla cookie dough is rolled up with a sweet raisin filling that bakes into the most nostalgic treat. They’re the perfect Christmas cookies but just as delicious any time of year.

Even if you’re not a raisin lover, trust me, your whole family will fall for these!

These pinwheel cookies are sneaky little delights with delicious raisin-filled swirls, simple to look at but impossible to stop eating. They’ve been a hit with my cousins for years, and now we keep the tradition alive in our own kitchen.

I’ll never forget standing in my grandma’s kitchen, pouring the vanilla and feeling trusted to help. Baking these cookies instantly brings back those warm, silly, perfect memories. Grab a kid, make a batch, tell some stories, and pass the magic (and the vanilla) along.

Pinwheel Cookies Ingredients

This great recipe has two parts: the cookie dough and the raisin pinwheel filling. I’ve seen recipes online for date pinwheel cookies, but my family has always made the filling with raisins.

Here’s what you’ll need to make pinwheel cookies:

• Vanilla Extract: Boosts flavor and adds warmth
• Shortening: Provides structure and tenderness for the cookie dough
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with spreading
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture, chewiness, and rich flavor
• Eggs: Bind the dough and add moisture
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the cookie dough
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and brown
• Raisins: Sweet filling for the pinwheel center
• Water: Moistens the raisin filling

How To Make Grandma’s Pinwheel Cookies:

Don’t let the pretty pinwheel pattern fool you into thinking these cookies are tough to make! These Christmas pinwheel cookies require little prep work and are super simple to shape and bake.

1. Blend: Combine raisins, water, sugar, and vanilla in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Boil: Pour the mixture into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Let it boil for 5 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
3. Mix: Prepare the cookie dough in a large mixing bowl and roll it into a large rectangle sheet of dough on a lightly floured surface.
4. Spread: Evenly spread the raisin filling over the piece of dough.
5. Roll: Roll the dough tightly into a log of dough, just like you would for cinnamon rolls.
6. Slice: Cut into cookies and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
7. Bake: Bake until lightly golden and set.

Can I Add Other Flavors or Mix-Ins to the Filling?

Some pinwheel cookie recipes call for chopped nuts, different flavor extracts, or other mix-ins in the filling. We’ve always stuck with the classic version, so we can’t say for sure how additions might change the texture or bake time. If you experiment with nuts or other flavors, let us know in the comments how they turn out—we’d love to hear!

Do I Need To Use Shortening?

You can use half shortening and half butter in the dough, though we usually stick with all shortening. Don’t swap all butter, the texture will change.

Make sure shortening and butter are at room temperature so the dough isn’t crumbly. If it’s still dry, add a splash of water.

Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time? 

You can easily make the dough ahead of time. The vanilla cookie dough can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator to chill. When you pull the chilled dough from the fridge, it may take a few extra minutes to bake.

For longer storage, make the dough logs with the raisin filling and freeze them until ready to bake.

If freezing unsliced, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Sliced cookies can go straight into an airtight gallon-sized ziploc bag. Baking from frozen will require a little extra patience and a few additional minutes in the oven, but the cookies come out just as delicious!

Storing Pinwheel Cookies

These pinwheel cookies stay fresh for 3-5 days when kept in an airtight container at room temperature.

You can also freeze them once completely cooled. Store in freezer-safe bags or containers, and when ready to enjoy, simply thaw on the counter. They’ll taste just as delicious as when freshly baked!

These pinwheel cookies are a timeless treat your whole family will love. Bake a batch, share some stories, and enjoy a sweet bite of tradition!

More Easy Cookie Recipes: 

• The Best Soft Gingerbread Cookies
• Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
• Sweet Glazed Lemon Cookies
• White Chocolate Peppermint Shortbread
• …All of our cookie recipes! 

Watch How These Cookies are Made…

Carmelitas are dessert bars that have a buttery brown sugar oat crust, a melty chocolate and rich caramel center, and a crumbly oat topping. Dessert perfection!

I love switching up desserts — don’t get me wrong, chocolate chip cookies and brownies are amazing, but sometimes your sweet tooth needs something new. These carmelita bars are everything you love about cookies and candy rolled into one irresistible bite.

The top and bottom layers are soft, golden oatmeal cookie goodness, sandwiching a gooey caramel-chocolate center that melts together beautifully. One bite, and you’ll understand why these bars never last long at our house!

Why You’ll Love These Carmelita Bars

Gooey, melty, and a little bit of crispy in each bite. The combination of textures is totally divine!

Super easy to make. Even taking into account the different layers it’s pretty much just as easy as could be which is perfect for when you want a little something sweet but you aren’t up for a huge kitchen project.

No mixer needed. All you need is a large mixing bowl and a wooden spoon.

These are always a huge crowd pleasers. I’ve never taken home leftovers when I’ve taken them to any kind of event.

Now this is dangerous, but you probably have all the ingredients in your pantry right now, so get baking!

Ingredients Needed for Carmelitas

The good news just keeps on comin’! Most of the ingredients for carmelita bars are pantry-friendly ingredients that you’ll already have at home. Here is what you will need:

• Flour: Gives structure to the oat layers so they hold the gooey filling together.
• Old-Fashioned Oats: Add chewy texture and that classic oatmeal cookie flavor we love in carmelitas.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth, enhancing the caramel and chocolate flavors.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes the caramel and chocolate flavors pop.
• Baking Soda: Helps the oat mixture bake up light and slightly crisp instead of dense.
• Brown Sugar: Adds rich caramel flavor and moisture, giving the crust that buttery chew.
• Butter: Binds the oat mixture together and creates that golden, crisp, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Caramel Squares: Melt into that gooey, rich caramel center that defines carmelitas. You’ll want 37 pieces of the individually wrapped caramels, no more, no less.
• Evaporated Milk: Thins the caramel just enough so it’s pourable and soft when baked.
• Heavy Cream: Adds extra richness and keeps the caramel ultra-smooth and creamy.
• Chocolate Chips: We prefer a combination of milk chocolate chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Milk chocolate brings creamy, sweet chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with caramel. The semi-sweet chocolate adds balance and depth — just enough bitterness to keep the bars from being too sweet.

The measurements for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

How to Make Carmelitas

One of my favorite things about about caramel oat bars is that they are so quick and easy to make. Here are the basic steps:

1. Prep: Prepare a 9×13 pan by lining it with parchment and preheating the oven.
2. Mix: Combine all the ingredients for the oat layers in a large bowl.
3. Bake: Press half of the oat mixture into the pan and bake it.
4. Add the Filling: Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the bottom crust and then pour the caramel over everything.
5. Add the Topping: Add the rest of the oat layer over the top and finish baking.
6. Cool: Let the bars cool completely before cutting.

The complete instructions for making this recipe can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Variations and Substitutions

• If you want to try a little variation, try adding finely chopped pecans or almonds for extra crunch and flavor.
• I am a sweet and salty lover, so sprinkling sea salt flakes on top is a really yummy variation.
• Feel free to change up the chocolate chips. Doing all milk chocolate is a little too sweet for me, so I like adding some semi sweet in there to balance it out.

How Long Will Carmelitas Keep?

Carmelitas will keep for up to a week at room temperature. Carmelitas should be stored in an airtight container.

They also freeze really well. Carmelitas can be frozen for several months. They should be wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil, or stored in a heavy duty freezer bag.

Every morsel of these carmelitas bars is love. From the crunchy buttery brown sugar bottom to the gooey combination of chocolate and caramel in the middle and finally that golden oat crumble topping. You’re all going to be huge fans!

More Dessert Bars You’ll Love:

• Peanut Butter Bars
• Brookie Bars
• Lemon Bars
• No Bake S’more Bars
• Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Bars
• Raspberry Lemon Bars

Watch How This Recipe is Made…

Looking for a quick and easy Christmas neighbor gift? This snowman soup comes together in minutes and is a fun and festive way to spread holiday cheer. Just add hot water to this vanilla milk mix and you have a creamy, comforting warm drink for those cold winter nights!

Plus, check out our step-by-step video tutorial! It’s so easy and only 4 ingredients! Basically just dump everything in a bowl and whisk to combine, then package up the powder mix to share with friends and neighbors with instructions for how to make it. We have included an adorable printable in the recipe card with the instructions!

Now this might be a little grim, but picture jolly ol’ Frosty or Olaf getting too close to the warm fire or accidentally finding themselves in San Diego in the winter and melting into a puddle of sweet and delicious goodness. Snowman soup!

It tastes like the vanilla steamer from Starbucks with a hint of cinnamon and it is a family favorite! It’s a great alternative to hot chocolate or wassail for a warm holiday beverage.

Ingredients for Snowman Soup

You’re just 4 ingredients away, well 5 I guess if you count water, from the most delicious warm holiday beverage! Here is what you will…

• Powdered Milk: Acts as the creamy base, giving body and richness when mixed with hot water or milk. It replaces fresh milk for shelf-stability and convenience.
• Instant Vanilla Creamer: Adds extra creaminess and a hint of vanilla flavor, enhancing the sweetness and smooth feel of the drink.
• Sugar: Sweetens the mix and balances the richness of the milk. It ensures the flavors are cozy and comforting rather than flat or bitter.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a subtle spice that pairs beautifully with the sweet, creamy vanilla. It gives the mix depth and a little seasonal flair.

A single batch of this recipe makes about 24 servings, so you can scale up or down depending on your needs!

How to Make Snowman Soup

There’s not really much to this recipe which is why it’s such a great neighbor gift for the busy holidays.

1. Pour all the ingredients into a large mixing bowl and whisk until everything is combined.
2. Divide into smaller jars to give to neighbors or store in an airtight container in a dry place for your family.
3. Print the cute instructions and attach it to the small jars for the cutest holiday neighbor gifts.

Combine 1/3 of the cinnamon vanilla milk mixture with 1 cup of hot water and stir to combine.

The complete instructions can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Toppings for Snowman Milk

We love to top this warm vanilla milk with whipped cream and a sprinkle of more cinnamon. A little hit of nutmeg never hurt anyone either! Other delicious toppings would be mini marshmallows, caramel or white chocolate chips.

What to Serve with Snowman Soup

Assuming you all are like me and my family, a warm vanilla steamer goes best with some cookies. Some of our favorites are…

• Best Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies
• Molasses Cookies
• Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
• Christmas m&m Cookies

How to Store Snowman Soup

The powder for hot vanilla milk should be stored in an airtight container in a dry place. It will keep for up to a month or two as everything is shelf stable.

If you have already combined the vanilla milk mix with water, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Warm it back up in the microwave.

Spread some holiday cheer with this simple and festive snowman milk gift idea! This fun DIY project is perfect for giving to neighbors, coworkers, or friends during the Christmas season.

More Christmas Neighbor Gift Ideas:

• Muddy Buddy Christmas Mix
• Christmas Pretzel Hugs
• Christmas M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

Watch How to Make Snowman Soup

This is the classic holiday recipe for meringue cookies! Our little meringues only call for 5 ingredients, and a lot of oven time. Be patient as the piping takes a little bit of practice, but this recipe will walk you through the steps so that you can make your own perfect meringues!

Must Make Holiday Cookies

Ok, this Christmas, well, holiday cookie recipe is one you would have found in my grandma’s kitchen which means it’s a must-make! I love the traditions of holidays and cookies are the perfect place to remember loved ones.

I’ve been busy practicing meringue cookies, dying meringues, and munching on A LOT of meringues so that I can share what I’ve learned with you! Now you can make these addictive cookies without the stress! And since they are only about 20 calories each, munch away!

Important Tip: Making Meringue Cookies

This recipe calls for only 5 ingredients. With so few ingredients, you actually run a higher risk of issues. The key to avoiding those issues is stiff peaks.

While adding the sugar, the foamy egg mixture will start to become thick, glossy, and sticky, that’s exactly what you are looking for! My mom would often stop the mixer, grab the whisk and turn it upside down to inspect. I love that method of checking for stiff peaks!

Ingredients for Meringue Cookie Recipe

• Egg Whites: The foundation of meringue — when whipped, they trap air, creating the light, airy structure. As they cook, the proteins set and give the cookies their crisp texture.
• Salt: Sharpens the flavor and helps slightly strengthen the egg white foam during whipping.
• Cream of Tartar: The acid that stabilizes the egg whites which allows them to hold more air without collapsing, and helps prevent overbeating.
• Clear Vanilla: Adds flavor without discoloring the pure white meringue. Regular vanilla extract can give the meringue a beige tint.
• Sugar: Sweetens and dissolves into the egg whites to create a glossy, stable foam that bakes into a crisp shell outside with melt-in-your-mouth marshmallow on the inside.

How to Make Meringue Cookies

1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 225℉ and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Beat: Using the whisk attachment on a stand mixer (you can also use a mixing bowl and electric hand mixer), beat the egg whites. When they start to get foamy, add the salt, cream of tartar and vanilla. Continue beating until soft peaks form.
3. Whip: Slowly add the sugar one small spoonful at a time continuing to whip until stiff peaks form and the meringue is shiny.
   • PRO TIP: Test the meringue by rubbing a small bit of the mixture between your fingers, you shouldn’t feel the sugar or any grittiness. If you can still feel the sugar, just whip it a little longer.
4. Pipe: Transfer the meringue batter to a large piping bag with a large star piping tip. Pipe onto the prepared baking sheets.
5. Bake and Cool: Place the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 1 hour. DO NOT open the oven! When the 1 hour is up, turn the oven off and let the cookies cool completely in the oven then remove.

Adding Color

If you want to add some color to your meringue cookies, you’ll add food gel at the end of step 3. Once the meringue is fully combined and shiny, add a few drops of food gel and mix to combine. Add more food gel until you get the color you want.

NOTE: The meringue will brown when you add food coloring so plan on a darker color than what you start with.

Tips for Beautiful Meringue Cookies

• Clean Bowls: In college I watched a chef repeat often that you cannot think about making meringue until you make sure your bowl is clean and free of grease, water and any debris.
• Two Bowl Eggs: The second tip she gave was to crack your eggs in a separate bowl when separating the whites to avoid any egg yolk sneaking in.  Even a tiny bit of yolk will ruin your meringues.
• Gritty Sugar: You need to beat the meringues until smooth, which can be a little hard to tell. Add the sugar gradually, one tablespoon at a time, and then take a small bit of meringue and rub between your fingers to see if it’s gritty.
• Stiff Peaks: You’ve already heard my two cents, just truly make sure you can turn that whisk upside down and a peak stays standing.
   

How to Store Meringue Cookies

Meringue cookies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They need to be kept dry and they will keep for up to 2 weeks.

They can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Layer them in an airtight container with parchment paper between each layer. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

There’s just something so magical about how a few simple ingredients—egg whites, sugar, and a touch of vanilla—can turn into the lightest, crispest meringue cookies. Whether you’re making them for Christmas cookie trays, a baby shower, or just because you want a sweet little treat for the family, these easy meringue cookies always feel special.

More Holiday Cookies to Try:

• Soft Gingerbread Men Cookies
• Best Christmas M&M Cookies
• Peppermint Double Chocolate Cookies
• Christmas Sugar Cookies

There are a few recipes that instantly take me back to childhood, and these easy cream cheese mints are one of them. They’re sweet, creamy, and just a little minty—the kind of treat that melts in your mouth and feels so nostalgic.

The best part? You only need five ingredients and a few minutes to make them!

I remember my grandma making these (we called them “party mints” back then) and man, I loved when the ladies at church brought them to potlucks!! They are perfect for weddings, baby showers, and Christmas, and I can still remember sneaking one (or five!) off the tray when grandma wasn’t looking.

I tried making old fashioned cream cheese mints on my own for the first time in college and then totally forgot about them. They need to be posted here! They are the perfect holiday treat! The best no bake mint candy recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Cream Cheese: The base of the recipe. It provides creaminess, a slight tang, and moisture to bind the powdered sugar into a smooth dough. It also keeps the mints tender instead of dry or crumbly.
• Butter: Adds richness and a silky texture, helping the mints melt in your mouth. It also balances the tang of the cream cheese and makes the mixture easier to work with.
• Peppermint Extract: Gives the mints their classic cool, refreshing flavor. Just a little goes a long way in creating that signature taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Softens and rounds out the peppermint flavor so it isn’t too sharp, adding warmth and depth to the overall sweetness.
• Powdered Sugar: The bulk of the recipe. It sweetens the mints, thickens the mixture into a pliable dough, and creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture because of its fine consistency.
• Gel Food Coloring: Optional, but perfect for making pastel or seasonal shades. Gel is preferred over liquid so the color is vibrant without thinning the dough.

How to Make Cream Cheese Mints

1. Beat: Add the cream cheese and butter to the bowl of a stand mixer and beat until creamy with the paddle attachment.
2. Combine: Add the peppermint and vanilla extracts to the cream cheese mixture and mix until combined and then lower the speed of the mixer and gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until combined.
3. Add Coloring: If you want to add multiple colors to the mints, separate the dough into different bowls and add gel coloring for your desired colors. Mix thoroughly until the gel coloring is fully incorporated.
4. Form: Use a small scoop, scoop the dough into small balls and roll between your palms. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Dip a fork into powdered sugar and gently press down on each mint.
5. Dry: Let the mints dry at room temperature for several hours. Once they are completely dry, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container until ready to serve.

FAQs

Storage and Making Ahead

Once the mints have dried completely, they should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator with each layer of mints separated with a sheet of wax paper between them.

Peppermint cream cheese mints freeze beautifully which makes them a great make ahead treat, especially for the holidays. You could start making them in September or October and that’s one thing off your to-do list once the craziness of the holidays comes.

These little cream cheese mints have been around for generations, and it’s easy to see why. They’re beautiful on a wedding or shower table, they freeze like a dream for make-ahead holiday trays, and they’re simple enough for the kids to help with.

Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that bring back memories while creating new ones at the same time. I hope these melt-in-your-mouth mints become just as much a tradition in your home as they have in ours.

Watch How These Cream Cheese Mints are Made…

More Homemade Candy Recipes:

• Chocolate Covered Coconut Balls
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
• Homemade Fudge Recipe
• Rolo Pretzel Bites
• Homemade Caramels