As winter quickly approaches, there are countless recipes that can help you get into the holiday spirit! Before making any of the recipes listed below, it’s important to check for allergies. 

The first recipe is a new take on a classic winter staple: hot chocolate cookies. This recipe takes approximately 25 minutes, to complete both the prep and the baking itself. Each batch produces about five dozen cookies. The necessary ingredients include:

• ¾ cup butter, softened
• ¾ cup sugar
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup instant hot cocoa mix (about 3 packets)
• 3 tablespoon baking cocoa
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup vanilla marshmallow bits (not mini marshmallows)
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

The directions to make this recipe are as follows:

• Preheat the oven to 375. 

• In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy—this will probably take around 5-7 minutes. Once that step is complete, beat in eggs and vanilla.
• In another bowl, gradually whisk together flour, cocoa mix, baking cocoa, salt, baking soda and baking powder. 
• Combine both bowls and stir until the mixture is creamy. Then, gently stir in marshmallow bits and chocolate chips.
• Drop the dough (each measuring about the size of a tablespoon) onto greased baking sheets, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake until set, which should take about 10-12 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Another popular winter treat is cookie bars or cookie sticks. This recipe also takes around 25 minutes, including prep and baking time. Each batch produces around 3 dozen cookies. The ingredients needed for this recipe are as follows:

• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, optional

The directions for this recipe are as follows:

• In a large bowl, combine the oil, sugars, egg, and vanilla. 
• In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually this mixture to the first bowl and mix well. Divide dough in half.
• On a greased baking sheet, shape each portion into a 15×3-in. rectangle, each with about 3 inches of space in between. Sprinkle chocolate chips and nuts (if desired) over the dough, and press these toppings in lightly. 
• Bake at 375° for 6-7 minutes. (Bake for 8-9 minutes for crispier cookies.) Cool for 5 minutes. Cut with a serrated knife into 1-in. strips; remove to wire racks to cool.

Chocolate mousse is another delicious winter dessert! This recipe takes around 20 minutes to prep, but it also has to chill for a much longer amount of time. The ingredients needed for this recipe are as follows:

• 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 large egg yolk, lightly beaten
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Optional: Whipped cream and raspberries

To make this recipe, follow the instructions below:

• In a small saucepan, melt chocolate chips with water; stir until smooth. 
• Stir a small amount of hot chocolate mixture into egg yolk in a separate bowl. Once you have done this, add this mixture to the pan, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Quickly transfer to a small bowl. Stir occasionally until completely cooled.
• In another small bowl, beat whipping cream until it begins to thicken. Add sugar; beat until soft peaks form. Fold this cream into the cooled chocolate mixture. 
• Cover the mixture, and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. If desired, garnish the final product with whipped cream and raspberries.

Another iconic holiday-themed treat is peppermint bark! Peppermint bark takes 15 minutes to prep and cook, and it also takes 30 minutes to chill. Overall, a really basic recipe! The ingredients are listed below:

• 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips or chopped semi sweet chocolate
• 16 ounces white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 3/4 cup crushed candy canes

The directions for this recipe are detailed below:

• Place the semisweet chocolate chips in a medium bowl and microwave for 30-second increments until they have melted. Stir until smooth.
• Spread the chocolate into a roughly 9″x 13″ rectangle on a piece of parchment paper. Place the chocolate in the fridge for 15 minutes to set.
• Place white chocolate chips in a medium-sized bowl and microwave for 30-second increments until melted. Add the peppermint extract and stir until smooth.
• Spread the white chocolate over the semisweet chocolate layer. Top with crushed candy canes. Let the dessert harden in the fridge for about 20 minutes, then break into pieces to serve. 

Although sugar cookies are common across all seasons, you can certainly add your own holiday or wintery flair! Since the cookies have to cool before the icing can be placed on the cookie, the amount of time necessary for the recipe varies from batch to batch. The cookies also have to stand for a while before being able to store or serve. 

The ingredients for the cookies are as followed:

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 1 egg 
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar

The ingredients for the frosting are listed below:

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 3 to 5 tablespoons milk
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla
• Food colors, if desired
• Colored sugar or candy sprinkles, if desired

To make this recipe, follow the directions as listed below:

• For the cookies: In a large bowl, beat powdered sugar, the softened butter, vanilla, almond extract, and egg with an electric mixer on medium speed, or mix with a spoon, until well blended. Stir in flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Divide dough in half; shape dough into 2 disks, and wrap in plastic wrap. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
• Heat oven to 375°F.
• Roll each disk on a lightly floured surface until each cookie is about 1/4 inch thick. Cut with 2- to 2 1/2-inch cookie cutters into desired shapes. On ungreased cookie sheets, place cutouts at least 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 7 to 8 minutes or until the edges are light brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks. Cool completely.
• For the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla with a spoon until smooth and spreadable. If frosting is too stiff to spread, add additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time. Tint with food color. Spread frosting on cooled cookies. Decorate as desired with colored sugar or candy sprinkles. Let stand for about 4 hours or until frosting is set. Store covered in an airtight container at room temperature with waxed paper between layers.

The number of holiday recipes for you to try are only limited by your imagination. The recipes listed in this article can be modified according to your own creativity and taste, and they can also be altered to exclude allergens. Enjoy making and eating the winter recipes that you choose!