Sweet & Simple: Cozy Winter Treats to Bake at Home!

After the busyness of the holidays, the long winter days can seem a lot less jolly. But it’s nothing some tasty baked treats can’t solve! Warm up those dreary days with some festive winter goodies that you and your family will love to enjoy—you can even decorate them together for extra fun!

Our first pick is these scrumptious Hot Chocolate Cupcakes from Sugar Spice and Glitter! These quick and easy cupcakes embody the taste of hot cocoa and even include a candy cane “handle.” They’re the perfect treat for family time or a winter party!

Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

·        ¾ cup sugar

·        1 cup all-purpose flour

·        1 tsp baking powder

·        ½ tsp salt

·        ½ cup cocoa powder

·        ¾ cups olive oil

·        ½ cup buttermilk

·        1 egg

·        1 tsp vanilla extract

·        24 large marshmallows

·        Chocolate drizzle

·        Chocolate chips

·        Mini candy canes

Instructions

1.      Preheat oven to 375F and line a muffin tray with cupcake liners.

2.      Beat oil and sugar together, then add egg, buttermilk, and vanilla. Set aside.

3.      Mix the remaining dry ingredients together, then add to the wet batter.

4.      Divide the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full.

5.      Bake 18–22 minutes until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

6.      Remove the muffin tray from the oven, and place 2 marshmallows on each cupcake, pressing down slightly.

7.      Return the cupcakes to the oven for 2 minutes until the marshmallows are slightly browned.

8.      Remove from oven and cool completely.

9.      Melt chocolate drizzle in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring well each time until smooth.

10.   Drizzle the chocolate over the cupcakes, then sprinkle with chocolate chips.

11.   Use a mini candy cane to create a “handle.”

Want to send these adorable treats home as party favors? Use cupcake boxes to keep them safe during transport!

Next up is a classic from The Pioneer Woman: peppermint brownies! These tasty treats only require 30 minutes of hands-on time and pack the perfect balance of chocolate and peppermint.

Peppermint Brownies

·        1 cup salted butter, plus more for the pan

·        4 oz. bittersweet chocolate, broken into pieces

·        1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

·        2 cup sugar

·        3 large eggs

·        1 Tbsp peppermint extract

·        1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour

·        ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips

·        Crushed candy canes or peppermints

Instructions

1.      Preheat the oven to 350F. Butter an 8-inch square baking pan, then line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. Lightly butter the parchment.

2.      In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter and bittersweet chocolate, stirring constantly for about 3 minutes.

3.      Remove from heat and whisk in cocoa powder until smooth. Let cool for 5 minutes.

4.      Stir in sugar until well combined.

5.      Add eggs, one at a time, mixing until well combined.

6.      Stir in peppermint extract, then add flour and gently stir until completely combined.

7.      Pour batter into the pan and spread evenly, tapping the pan on the counter to release air bubbles. Bake for approximately 50 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

8.      Let cool until firm enough to lift from the pan using the parchment paper, about 25 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.

9.      Place chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl and heat at 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted. Drizzle over brownies and sprinkle with crushed candy.

10.   Let set before slicing.

You can easily send these scrumptious brownies home with friends using rustic pastry boxes and twine to warm up their wintry days!

Whether you’re planning a winter party or just trying to add some post-Christmas cheer to your family’s routine, we’re sure these sweet treats will do the trick! Bon appetite!