Every year at Christmas time, my family has a tradition where my extended family meets up at
my grandma’s house and all the kids get together and make simple holiday treats. Sometimes
the moms make more complex things like cakes and pies, but the most fun part is always
making and decorating the simple little holiday snacks that everybody can enjoy. Here I have
included some of my favorite easy recipes that the whole family can enjoy this holiday season.

#1: Oreo Balls

Ingredients:
– One package (8oz) cream cheese
– One package of your favorite flavor of Oreos (I like to do one batch of
double stuffed and one batch of mint)
– Dipping chocolate – about 16oz

Instructions:
– Set out cream cheese to soften and set out a baking sheet with
parchment paper
– Place Oreos in large Ziplock bag and seal. Make sure there is no air in
bag.
– Smash Oreos into small pieces. I usually use a drinking glass to smash
them up but be careful not to break it.
– Pour Oreo pieces into large bowl with cream cheese and use hands to
mix together
– Use a spoon to scoop out mixture and roll into several small balls with
your hands.
– Place the balls on the baking sheet and stick in fridge to cool for four
hours or until they are firm
– Melt the dipping chocolate and one by one, dip the balls in the
chocolate and place back on baking sheet to dry. Decorate if desired
– Once done, I recommend keeping them refrigerated. Enjoy!

#2: Holiday Rice Krispies

Adapted from recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction

Ingredients:
– 3/4 cup unsalted butter
– Two 10oz bags of mini marshmallows
– 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Nine cups of crispy rice cereal
– Edible decorations of your choice

Instructions:
– Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the
parchment. Set aside.
– Melt the butter over medium heat in a large pot.
– Once melted, add the marshmallows. Stir the mixture until the
marshmallows are completely melted.
– Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
– Fold in the cereal. Make sure each piece of cereal is coated with the
marshmallow mixture.
– Transfer mixture to prepared pan. Using a rubber spatula (greasing it
lightly helps), gently spread mixture to fit the pan. Lightly grease the
back of a flat spatula and very gently press the mixture down into the
pan. Do not pack it down with force, just lightly press down so it’s
secure in the pan.
– Allow treats to set for at least 1 hour at room temperature and up to 1
day. Cover tightly if leaving out for more than a few hours.
– Lift the rice Krispy treats out of the pan using the parchment paper.
– Using shape cutters or just your hands, make into whatever shapes you
want.
– Dip in chocolate if desired and add decorations, such as frosting,
sprinkles etc.
– Cover and store leftover treats at room temperature for up to 3 days. To
store, place in layers between sheets of parchment or wax paper.

#3: Christmas Snack Mix

Ingredients:
– Two cups rice or corn Chex
– One cup pretzel sticks
– One cup M&M’s
– One cup chocolate chips
– Salted popcorn
– Mini Marshmallows
– Teddy Grahams of your choice

Instructions:
– Put all ingredients into a large bowl and mix until thoroughly
incorporated
– Scoop small amounts into individual goody bags and tie with ribbon.
These make a great snack for on the go
*Note: these are just my favorite thing to put in a snack mix. You can
add and take away whatever you like and customize it