No-Bake Treats For The Holidays

Here's 2 delicious no-bake candies you can whip up quickly for the holidays:



These are just downright yummy.  Easy to make, no baking required, and the perfect amount of salt and sweet.  You could use chocolate candy melts or almond bark in place of the chocolate chips, but I think the chocolate chips are perfect for this recipe.
Chocolate-Dipped Peanut Butter PretzelsAdapted from a recipe by Baked Perfection

1 c. creamy peanut butter {this is not the place to use the low-fat version}
1/2 c. unsalted butter, softened
3 c. confectioner's {powdered} sugar
1 t. vanilla
1/2 t. salt
1 1-lb bag square shaped pretzels {you'll use about 1/2 the bag for this recipe}
2 1/2 c. chocolate chips {I use a mixture of 1 1/2c. milk chocolate and 1c. semi sweet, but you can use whatever you prefer}
1 1/2 T. vegetable oil {canola is fine}

In a large mixing bowl, with an electric mixer mix together the peanut butter and butter until combined.  Add the vanilla, sugar and salt.

Roll the peanut butter dough into 1/2" balls and place on a pretzel.  Place a second pretzel on top and squish down lightly.  {see photo above} Place on a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper and put in the freezer for about 20 minutes, or until firm.

Melt the chocolate chips and oil over low heat in a small saucepan, stirring to melt.  Remove from heat and, grabbing a pretzel, dip the second pretzel and peanut butter mixture into the chocolate {I did not dip the bottoms - the pretzel I hung on to}.  Let excess drip off back into the pan and then place, un-dipped pretzel side down, back on to the waxed paper.

Once all have been dipped in the chocolate mixture, place them in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened.  Store in the refrigerator.


 

I've ventured into a no-bake week for give away treats this Holiday season.  My oven is busy baking breads, cakes, pies and yummy meals so I decided to try a few of the truffle and candy ideas I've seen on the internet for gifts.

Cake Batter Truffles are exactly that - cake batter{minus the eggs}, dipped in a candy coating.  The cake mix added to the coating helps the truffle taste like cake batter, so don't skip that step.  I used the FunFetti cake mix for this recipe, but you could use any white or yellow cake mix and add a few sprinkles to the mixture for the same results.

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pretzels are posted below, and I'll be adding Oreo Truffles and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles tomorrow.  One thing is for sure.....these will most certainly cure a sweet tooth!


Cake Batter Truffles:Recipe from The Girl Who Ate Everything
Makes 25 - 30 truffles

candy:
1/2 c. unsalted butter, softened
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 t. vanilla
1/8 t. salt
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. Funfetti Cake or sugar cookie Mix
4-5 T. milk

coating:
8 squares (16oz) almond bark or white candy melts
4 T. Funfetti Cake or sugar cookie Mix
2 T. sprinkles {optional}, for decoration

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together with an electric mixer.  Once combined, add the vanilla and then the salt, flour and cake mix, mixing to combine.  Add 4 T. of the milk, and mix.  If you have not reached a dough-type consistency, add the additional 1T. milk.

Roll into 1" balls and place on a waxed paper lined cookie sheet.  Chill the truffles in the refrigerator for 15 - 20 minutes, or until firm.

Meanwhile, melt the almond bark in a bowl in the microwave.  Use 30 second intervals and mix with a spoon between each, until fully melted.  Once completely melted, stir in the 4 T. cake mix.

Using a fork, dip the truffles into the almond bark mixture, shake off excess coating, and place back on the waxed paper.  Top immediately with a few candy sprinkles - the coating sets pretty quickly.  Repeat until all truffles have been dipped.

Store in the refrigerator until served.


1 comment

  1. Made those choc./peanut butter/pretzels! Delicious! My Dad had a hip replacement on Tuesday. Took some to the hospital and they were a big hit. Thanks!

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