Ah, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with the scent of pine, cinnamon, and, of course, sweet treats. I absolutely love making easy Christmas treats for gifts because they bring so much joy to both the giver and the receiver. There’s just something special about homemade goodies wrapped up with a little love that store-bought gifts can’t compete with. Trust me, when you hand someone a box of these delightful little squares, you’re not just giving a treat; you’re sharing a piece of your heart. I remember making these with my family every year, laughing, and getting a bit messy in the kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to experience that joy too! Plus, they come together quickly and require no baking, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities. Let’s dive in and make some holiday magic happen!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful Christmas treats. I’ve kept it simple, so you won’t have to hunt down any fancy ingredients!
- 2 cups of powdered sugar, sifted for a smoother texture
- 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, because chocolate is the star of the show!
- 1/2 cup of butter, softened to room temperature—this helps everything mix beautifully
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for that warm, comforting flavor
- 1/4 cup of milk, just enough to bring it all together
- 1 cup of mini marshmallows to add that fun, chewy texture
- 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (optional), I love using walnuts for an extra crunch!
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to making treats that are not just easy but also incredibly delicious! Trust me, you’ll want to keep some for yourself, even if they’re meant for gifts!
How to Prepare Easy Christmas Treats for Gifts
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s get to the fun part—making these delicious treats! Follow along with these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delightful squares ready for gifting in no time.
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and combine the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. I like to use a whisk or a fork to really get them mixed together—this ensures there are no lumps and makes for a smoother treat. Just imagine the deep chocolatey aroma filling your kitchen; it’s heavenly!
Step 2: Add Butter
Next, it’s time to add the softened butter to your dry mixture. Use your hands or a fork to mix it in until the mixture becomes crumbly. You want to make sure the butter is at room temperature, so it blends in easily. If you’ve got little ones around, this is a perfect step for them to help with! Just watch out for flying cocoa dust—it can get messy!
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Now, let’s add the vanilla extract and milk. Pour them in and stir until everything is well combined. The mixture should start to come together into a nice, thick batter. If it seems too dry, feel free to add a little more milk, just a tablespoon at a time. Oh, the smell of vanilla is absolutely delightful, isn’t it?
Step 4: Incorporate Marshmallows and Nuts
Time to add in those mini marshmallows and any chopped nuts you’re using. Gently fold them into the mixture so they’re evenly distributed. Be careful not to over-mix; we want those marshmallows to stay fluffy and add a lovely chewy texture. This is the part where I usually sneak a marshmallow or two—don’t tell anyone!
Step 5: Spread and Refrigerate
Grab a greased pan (I usually use an 8×8 inch one) and spread your mixture evenly into it. Use a spatula to press it down gently so it’s nice and compact. Once it’s all spread out, pop it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling time is crucial because it helps the treats firm up and makes them easier to cut later. You can use this time to tidy up or, my favorite, enjoy a cup of hot cocoa while you wait!
Step 6: Cut and Package
After the chilling time is up, take your pan out and let it sit for a few minutes to soften just a tad. Then, using a sharp knife, cut the mixture into squares. You can make them as big or small as you like! Now comes the fun part—packaging! I love using festive boxes or wrapping them in pretty cellophane tied with a ribbon. It adds that special touch, and trust me, everyone will appreciate your thoughtful gift!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! For those of you who like to keep an eye on what you’re indulging in, here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each tasty square of these easy Christmas treats. Remember, these values are approximate and can vary a bit based on your specific ingredients.
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
These delightful squares are a sweet way to celebrate the holidays, and knowing what’s in them can make them even more enjoyable. So go ahead and indulge, guilt-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super quick to prepare—just 15 minutes of hands-on time!
- No baking required, so you can avoid the oven heat in those busy holiday months.
- Customizable—add your favorite mix-ins like different nuts or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a gourmet touch!
- Perfect for gifting—these treats look adorable packaged up, and everyone loves a homemade gift.
- Great for making with kids—let them help mix and package, creating joyful memories in the kitchen.
- Deliciously chocolatey with a fun texture from marshmallows, making them a hit at any holiday gathering.
- They stay fresh for days, so you can make them ahead of time and enjoy the holiday festivities without stress!
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your easy Christmas treats turn out perfectly every time! Here are some of my favorite pro tips to help you achieve the best results:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened and your ingredients are at room temperature. This helps them blend together smoothly and creates a better texture!
- Sift Your Dry Ingredients: Sifting the powdered sugar and cocoa powder together not only removes lumps but also gives you a lighter, fluffier mixture. Trust me, it’s worth the extra minute!
- Customize Your Mix-Ins: Feel free to get creative! Try adding crushed peppermint candies for a festive twist or a hint of espresso powder for a mocha flavor. The options are endless!
- Don’t Rush the Refrigeration: Chilling the mixture for a full 2 hours is crucial. It helps the treats firm up nicely, making them easier to cut and handle. Plus, it gives the flavors a chance to meld together!
- Invest in Good Packaging: Presentation matters! Use colorful boxes or decorative bags to package your treats. A little festive flair goes a long way in making your gifts feel special.
- Share the Joy: Making these treats is fun, but don’t forget to share the experience! Invite friends or family over to help, and create memories while preparing these delicious gifts.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to making the most delightful Christmas treats for gifts. I can’t wait for you to share them with your loved ones!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve made these delightful treats, let’s talk about how to store them! It’s super important to keep them fresh, especially if you’re making them ahead of time for gifting.
First off, store your treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them a bit longer, they can also be refrigerated, which helps maintain their texture and flavor. Just be sure to wrap them well to avoid any fridge odors sneaking in!
If you plan to freeze them, you can do that too! Simply cut the squares and layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last for about 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, just take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. No need to reheat—these treats are best served chilled or at room temperature, allowing that lovely chocolate flavor to shine through!
So, whether you’re storing them for yourself or getting them ready to be gifted, just remember to keep them sealed tight to preserve all that deliciousness. Happy snacking!
FAQ Section
Got questions? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I get about these easy Christmas treats for gifts, along with my best answers to help you out!
How should I store these treats?
You’ll want to keep your treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like them to last a little longer, pop them in the fridge. Just make sure they’re wrapped well to keep any unwanted odors out!
Can I use different types of nuts or omit them entirely?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite nuts, like pecans or almonds, or skip them altogether if you prefer a nut-free treat. These squares are super versatile!
What can I use instead of mini marshmallows?
If you can’t find mini marshmallows or want a different texture, you could try using chopped dried fruit or even a bit of shredded coconut. Just keep in mind that it will change the flavor and texture a bit!
Can I make these treats ahead of time?
Definitely! These treats are perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare them a few days in advance and store them until you’re ready to gift them. Just remember to keep them sealed tightly!
Are there any variations I can try?
Oh, for sure! You can add crushed candy canes for a minty twist, or even drizzle melted chocolate on top for extra indulgence. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative based on what you love!
Easy Christmas Treats for Gifts That Bring Joy and Love
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple recipe for making delightful Christmas treats perfect for gifting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of powdered sugar
- 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup of butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 1 cup of mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
- Add softened butter and mix until crumbly.
- Stir in vanilla extract and milk until well combined.
- Add mini marshmallows and nuts if using, and mix gently.
- Spread the mixture into a greased pan.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Cut into squares and package for gifts.
Notes
- Store treats in an airtight container.
- These treats can be customized with different toppings.
- Consider using festive packaging for gifts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: easy christmas treats for gifts
