Seasonal Winter Recipe Ideas - Recipe Critic https://therecipecritic.com/winter-recipes/ Tried and True Recipes for Families | Food Blog Tue, 11 Jun 2024 14:05:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 https://therecipecritic.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/cropped-favicon-32x32.png Seasonal Winter Recipe Ideas - Recipe Critic https://therecipecritic.com/winter-recipes/ 32 32 53477294 Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu https://therecipecritic.com/slow-cooker-chicken-cordon-bleu/ https://therecipecritic.com/slow-cooker-chicken-cordon-bleu/#comments Tue, 04 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000 http://www.recipecritic.com.dev/?p=199 Treat yourself to this easy, Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe! With tender chicken, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese,…]]>

Treat yourself to this easy, Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe! With tender chicken, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese, it’s a perfect comfort meal for any day.

Aren’t slow cookers the best? Set it and forget it and you come back to the most delicious and savory meal. Pair this Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu with some Perfectly Soft Buttery Rolls and this yummy Wedge Salad!

Slow cooker chicken cordon bleu in the crockpot being scooped out with a wooden spoon.

Reason’s You’ll Love This Recipe!

  • Simple Prep: Ready to be cooked in less than 10 minutes, then you let your slow cooker do the work—perfect for busy days!
  • Comforting Flavors: Creamy chicken, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese make for a deliciously satisfying meal.
  • Minimal Cleanup: One-pot cooking means less mess and fewer dishes to wash.
  • Versatile: Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or any time you need a hearty, easy meal!

Don’t Worry!

This recipe is Picky Eater Approved!

What’s in Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu?

This dish uses classic, kid friendly ingredients that create a delicious and filling meal! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all of the exact measurements.

  • Milk: Adds a creamy base to the dish.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides rich, comforting flavor.
  • Dijon Mustard: Gives a slight tang and depth of flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens and balances the richness.
  • Chicken Breast: The hearty, tender protein base of the casserole.
  • Ham: Adds a savory, smoky taste.
  • Swiss Cheese: Melts beautifully for a gooey, delicious layer.
  • Chicken Stuffing Mix: Adds a crunchy, flavorful topping.
  • Unsalted Butter: Drizzled on top for extra richness and to help brown the stuffing.
The top view of ingredients al individually laid out on the counter and labeled.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu in the Crockpot

If you love chicken cordon bleu as much I do, you will love how easy this is to throw into the crockpot!

  1. Prep: Spray the bowl of a 4 or 6-quart slow cooker with pan spray.
  2. Whisk: Whisk together the milk, cream of chicken soup, Dijon, and lemon juice. Spread about 1 cup of the mixture in the bottom of the crockpot.
  3. Add Meat and Cheese: Add the chicken to the crockpot, then top with the ham and shredded cheese.
  4. Add Stuffing Mix: Top with the rest of the soup mixture. Cover with the stuffing mix and drizzle with butter.
  5. Cook: Cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.

Tips for Slow Cooker Cordon Bleu

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead? Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work as a flavorful alternative to chicken breasts! You can use all breasts, all thighs, or a mixture of the two as long as you’ve got 3 pounds of chicken.
  • Cut it into cubes: You can keep the chicken breasts whole, or you can cut it into 1-inch cubes for easier serving.
  • Fresh or bottled lemon juice? I like to try to use fresh lemon juice anytime that I can. Fresh lemons always have better flavor and will add the perfect amount of zing to the cordon bleu sauce.
  • Crockpot Size: If you use a larger crockpot, (7-8 quarts) your cooking time may be a bit shorter than the recipe calls for.
  • Can I make it gluten-free? Yes! You can easily make this a gluten-free recipe by swapping out 2 ingredients! You can swap out the stuffing mix for your favorite gluten-free stuffing mix and also swap out the cream of chicken soup for a can gluten free cream of chicken soup!
A close up of scooped chicken cordon bleu from a crockpot with a wooden spoon.

Storing Leftovers

  • In the Refrigerator: Store your slow cooker chicken cordon bleu leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in 30-second increments in the microwave.
  • Make it Ahead of Time: You may prepare the items in the crockpot the night before except for the stuffing and butter. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and place in the refrigerator. In the morning, add on the stuffing, drizzle it with butter and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
Slow cooker chicken cordon bleu on a plate with some broccoli.

More Slow Cooker Recipes to Try!

Print

Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu

Treat yourself to this easy, Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe! With tender chicken, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese, it's a perfect comfort meal for any day.
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken cordon bleu, cordon blue, creamy chicken crockpot, easy crockpot meal, slow cooker dinner recipes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings 8 Servings
Calories 431kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Spray the bowl of a 4 or 6-quart slow cooker with pan spray.
  • Whisk together the milk, cream of chicken soup, Dijon, and lemon juice. Spread about 1 cup of the mixture in the bottom of the crockpot.
  • Add the chicken to the crockpot, then top with the ham and shredded cheese.
  • Top with the rest of the soup mixture. Cover with the stuffing mix and drizzle with butter.
  • Cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.

Notes

Originally Posted on August 9, 2012 
Updated on June 4, 2024

Nutrition

Calories: 431kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 50g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 177mg | Sodium: 642mg | Potassium: 703mg | Fiber: 0.04g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 599IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 302mg | Iron: 1mg
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Hot Toddy https://therecipecritic.com/hot-toddy/ https://therecipecritic.com/hot-toddy/#respond Sun, 07 Jan 2024 01:00:00 +0000 https://therecipecritic.com/?p=239646 As soon as you feel a cold coming on, make yourself a Hot Toddy! This warm and comforting beverage is…]]>

As soon as you feel a cold coming on, make yourself a Hot Toddy! This warm and comforting beverage is made of brewed tea with honey, lemon, and cozy spices stirred in. Although traditionally made with dark liquor, this recipe is non-alcoholic so the whole family can enjoy it!

It has been so cold lately, hot drinks have been the only thing getting me through this winter! Here are a few more of my favorite recipes that you should try next: wassail, Mexican hot chocolate, and Crockpot apple cider!

Hot Toddy Recipe

It’s cold out there! Winter finally hit Utah full-force, so I’ve been looking for ways to stay warm. Honestly, hot toddys are so underrated. If you’ve never had one before, it’s a cozy mix of brewed tea, honey, lemon, and spices. Aaand you’re going to want one in hand all winter long.

This hot toddy recipe is ideal for when you’re feeling under the weather. (Or just craving some wintery comfort!) And get this – it’s totally alcohol-free! So even kiddos can get in on the cozy action. But don’t worry, grown-ups, I got you covered. Scroll down for some liquor add-ins if you’re wanting to spice things up.

Ingredients in a Hot Toddy

Got the winter blues? This hot toddy recipe is here to warm your soul and maybe even soothe that tickle in your throat. It’s packed with immune-boosting goodness and winter flavors, and is completely alcohol-free! So grab your favorite mug and let’s dive into the delicious details:

  • Black Tea: The base of the drink, black tea adds a kick of caffeine and comforting warmth. Choose your favorite – Chai, Earl Grey, English Breakfast for classic strength, or any other brew that tickles your fancy. You can also use herbal tea if you want something caffeine-free.
  • Honey: Nature’s sweet soother, honey coats your throat and gives your immune system a little TLC. Plus, it also adds a touch of sweetness that complements the spice blend beautifully.
  • Lemon Juice: A burst of vitamin C and a zesty counterpoint to the honey, fresh lemon juice cuts through the richness and wakes up your taste buds. Squeeze your own for maximum freshness, or if you’re feeling lazy, store-bought works just fine.
  • Spices: Cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon create the best wintery flavor in your mug. They not only taste amazing, but help to boost your immune system and clear up your sinuses.

How to Make It

It’s so easy, and takes less than 5 minutes to mix up. Whenever you get a scratchy throat or feel under the weather, make yourself a hot toddy!

  1. Combine Ingredients: Stir the honey, lemon juice, and spices into the hot tea.
  2. Serve: Serve with a slice of lemon, cinnamon stick, and whole star anise.

Tips and Variations

Hot toddies are super easy to make, but there are a few ways to make them even better. Use these tips to upgrade yours!

  • Strain: If you don’t like the grittiness of the spices, let the tea steep with the spices for 5 minutes before straining through a fine mesh sieve. Reheat if needed.
  • Different Types of Tea: I used chai tea, but any black tea would be great with this recipe. For an alternative without caffeine or black tea, use chamomile or Bengal Spice tea.
  • Fresh lemon juice is a must! Don’t use the bottled stuff, that has additives to make it shelf stable that will make the Toddy taste off.
  • Adding Alcohol: For an alcoholic kick, add 1 ½ ounces of dark liquor, such as brandy, rum, bourbon, whiskey, scotch, or cognac.

How Long Will a Hot Toddy Last?

Hot toddys are best made fresh. Discard any leftovers and make a fresh cup when you’re ready for another!

More Hot Drinks to Enjoy All Winter Long!

Print

Hot Toddy

As soon as you feel a cold coming on, make yourself a Hot Toddy! This warm and comforting beverage is made of brewed tea with honey, lemon, and cozy spices stirred in.
Course Beverage
Cuisine british, Irish, Scottish
Keyword hot toddy, hot toddy recipe
Prep Time 3 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes
Servings 1 serving
Calories 47kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Stir the honey, lemon juice, and spices into the hot tea.
  • Serve with a slice of lemon, cinnamon stick, and whole star anise.

Nutrition

Calories: 47kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 21mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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Pigs in a Blanket https://therecipecritic.com/pigs-in-a-blanket/ https://therecipecritic.com/pigs-in-a-blanket/#comments Wed, 27 Dec 2023 01:00:00 +0000 https://therecipecritic.com/?p=106631 Gotta love a classic Pigs in a Blanket appetizer! These are always the first to go at a party, and…]]>

Gotta love a classic Pigs in a Blanket appetizer! These are always the first to go at a party, and for good reason. Whole all-beef hot dogs are wrapped in crescent roll dough, stuffed with cheeses and baked with a garlicky butter. They’re cheesy, easy to make, and so addictive!

For more easy bite-sized apps, check out these Pizza Stuffed Crescent Rolls, our favorite Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels, and these Mozzarella Sticks.

A stack of pigs in a blanket on a stoneware plate.

Pigs in a Blanket

There are few things in life that my family loves more than pigs in a blanket. It’s one of those nostalgic appetizers that I grew up eating and have continued to adore well into adulthood. What’s not to love? Salty all-beef hot dogs are wrapped up in soft crescent roll dough, stuffed with cheese, baked and then brushed with a totally addictive garlic butter. So good.

We love to eat these Pigs in a Blanket as appetizer, but we love them equally as much served for dinner with a big salad and some grilled veggies. Happy kiddos, happy adults. There are a million different ways you can make pigs in a blanket, but my favorite is what I grew up with, good old packaged crescent roll dough, American cheese and hot dogs. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients in Pigs in a Blanket

This is one of my favorite dishes to make for my kids because the ingredients are so simple. Plus, you can add extra fillings, cheeses, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce to add more flavor! They’re so easy to customize.

  • Crescent Roll Dough: I grew up using crescent dough for pigs in a blanket, so that’s still what I use today. If you want to get a little fancier, you can also make pigs in a blanket with puff pastry. You still have the same effect, but the puff pastry is a little bit more flaky and crispy, whereas the crescent roll dough is soft and sweet. It’s just a personal preference!
  • Hot Dogs: I use all-beef hot dogs, but use whatever you want! This would work with turkey dogs or even chicken hot dogs.
  • Cheese: I like to use American cheese here. It melts wonderfully and gives that all-American Pigs in a Blanket taste, but cheddar cheese would also work nicely.
  • Dijon Mustard: This is totally optional. I usually do half with Dijon, half without since my kids don’t tend to like it. All I do is spread a little bit of mustard on each strip of dough, then roll the hot dog up as I normally would.
  • Butter: You’ll need salted, melted butter. If you don’t have salted butter, that’s fine, just season the butter with salt to taste.
  • Spices: You’ll need garlic powder and onion powder. This gets added to the melted butter mixture and brushed on top of each roll.
  • Maldon Salt: This is also optional, but I love topping these pigs in a blanket with big flakes of salt.

How to Make Pigs in a Blanket

These pigs in a blanket are about as easy as it gets to make. Only a few simple steps and then you’ll have a delicious meaty, buttery snack that the whole family will love!

  1. Preheat Oven, Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a medium baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Shape the Dough: Take the crescent roll dough out of the can. Keep the dough in tact. Gently pull the dough into four rectangles. (They should already be in rectangles as each rectangle has two triangles that are meant to be pulled apart if you were making classic crescent rolls.) Use your fingers to pinch the middle of the triangles together so the rectangle stays in tact when you cut it and roll the pigs in a blanket. Use a pizza cutter to cut each rectangle into three long strips. They should be about 3/4-inch by 4-inches. You should have twelve strips.
  3. Cut the Hot Dogs: Cut the hot dogs into thirds. You should have twelve pieces of hot dog.
  4. Cut Cheese Slices: Cut each slice of cheese in half and then into thirds. You should have six small pieces of cheese.
  5. Add Fillings: If using, brush the strips of dough with a little bit of Dijon mustard. Place a piece of cheese on the bottom of the strip of dough. Then place a mini hot dog on top. Roll up and place on prepared baking sheet.
  6. Bake: Bake for 12 minutes until golden brown and cheese has melted.
  7. Butter Mixture: While the pigs in a blanket bake, melt butter in a small saucepan. Stir in garlic powder and onion powder. When the pigs in a blanket comet of the oven, brush with the butter. Sprinkle with flaked sea salt. Serve with preferred dipping sauce.
4-photo collage of hot dogs being wrapped in crescent roll dough, then brushed with butter.

Tips, Tricks and Variations

These pigs in a blanket are easy to make, and also easy to customize! Here are a few simple ways to switch things up:

  • Use Different Dough: Swap out the crescent roll dough for puff pastry or even pizza dough if that’s what you have on hand.
  • Make it Spicy: For a spicy pigs in a blanket, add in a little bit of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic butter.
  • Other Cheeses: Use cheddar, pepper jack, or even gouda in place of the American cheese.
  • Use Different Hot Dogs: Feel free to swap out turkey or chicken hot dogs for the beef. You could even do cheddarwurst sausage or spicy sausage as a tasty variation.
  • Dipping Sauces: Fry sauce, chipotle mayo, honey mustard, garlic aioli, BBQ sauce, sriracha mayo, the options are endless!
Top-down view of pigs in a blanket served with ketchup.

Can You Make These in Advance?

ABSOLUTELY! Please do. You can prep them a day in advance, cover with plastic wrap and then bake right before serving.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover pigs in a blanket, transfer them to an airtight container and store for up to 3 days.

Reheating

  • In the Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees F and air fry for 3-5 minutes, keeping an eye on your pigs in a blanket to avoid overcooking.
  • In the Oven: Preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 8-10 minutes, until completely warmed through.
  • In the Microwave: For a snack in a pinch, microwave your pigs in a blanket for 30-second intervals or until warm.
Closeup of one of them being dipped into ketchup.

More Picky Eater-Approved Recipes

Print

Pigs in a Blanket

Gotta love a classic Pigs in a Blanket appetizer! These are always the first to go a party, and for good reason. Whole all-beef hot dogs are wrapped in crescent roll dough, stuffed with cheeses and baked with a garlicky butter. They’re cheesy, easy to make, and so addictive!
Course Appetizer, Dinner, lunch
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs in crescent rolls, pigs in a blanket, pigs in a blanket recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 12 pigs in a blanket
Calories 76kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers
Cost $10

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a medium baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Take the crescent roll dough out of the can. Keep the dough in tact. Gently pull the dough into four rectangles. (They should already be in rectangles as each rectangle has two triangles that are meant to be pulled apart if you were making classic crescent rolls.) Use your fingers to pinch the middle of the triangles together so the rectangle stays in tact when you cut it and roll the pigs in a blanket. Use a pizza cutter to cut each rectangle into three long strips. They should be about 3/4-inch by 4-inches. You should have twelve strips.
  • Cut the hot dogs into thirds. You should have twelve pieces of hot dog.
  • Cut each slice of cheese in half and then into thirds. You should have six small pieces of cheese.
  •  If using, brush the strips of dough with a little bit of dijon mustard. Place a piece of cheese on the bottom of the strip of dough. Place a piece of hot dog on top. Roll up and place on prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake for 12 minutes until golden brown and cheese has melted.
  • While the pigs in a blanket bake, melt butter in a small saucepan. Stir in garlic powder and onion powder. When the pigs in a blanket comet of the oven, brush with the butter. Sprinkle with flaked sea salt. Serve with preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

Originally posted May 11, 2020
Updated on December 26, 2023

Nutrition

Serving: 1pigs in a blanket | Calories: 76kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 211mg | Potassium: 27mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 92IU | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg
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Kanelbullar https://therecipecritic.com/kanelbullar/ https://therecipecritic.com/kanelbullar/#comments Sun, 17 Dec 2023 01:00:00 +0000 https://therecipecritic.com/?p=237045 These Swedish cinnamon buns, also known as Kanelbullar, are just the dessert to make if you’re craving something soft, sweet,…]]>

These Swedish cinnamon buns, also known as Kanelbullar, are just the dessert to make if you’re craving something soft, sweet, and spiced to perfection! You’re not going to be able to resist going in for another bite, especially if they’re fresh out of the oven!

I love cinnamon rolls in every form. If you do too, you should try this Cinnabon cinnamon roll cake or cinnamon roll dessert pizza next! This cinnamon roll wreath is another great option, and perfect for the holidays!

Kanelbullar on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Swedish Cinnamon Buns

These Swedish cinnamon buns are like little swirls of happiness, with soft, pillowy dough wrapped around a gooey cinnamon filling. Kanelbullar feature a fun twisted shape instead of the traditional roll we see most commonly in the US. They’re also made with cardamom, so they have amazing spiced flavor. (Perfect for Christmastime!) You’re going to love them!

Kanelbullar are nice and golden brown on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside! You won’t be able to resist sinking your teeth into one. These buns are also topped with crunchy pearl sugar instead of a layer of icing. (You can definitely add some on if you want to, but I like the switch up!)

Kanelbullar Ingredients

Each ingredient plays a key role in creating these amazing Swedish cinnamon buns. The end result is soft and sweet and looks wonderful with its knotted shape!

  • Milk & Butter: Melted together, these make the kanelbullar dough smooth and soft.
  • Eggs & Water: Add moisture and help to bind all of the ingredients together.
  • All Purpose Flour: The base of the buns, giving them structure and that satisfying chew.
  • Instant Yeast: So the dough is fluffy and light.
  • Sugar: To sweeten up the rolls.
  • Salt: Just a pinch to balance the flavors!
  • Brown Sugar: Rich and deep, adding warm caramel notes to the filling.
  • Spices: You’ll need both ground cinnamon and ground cardamom to give your kanelbullar the best spiced flavor.
  • Egg Wash: A thin coating made from egg and water that creates a golden, crispy crust.
  • Pearl Sugar: Tiny, crunchy crystals that add a fun, sparkly sweetness.

Kanelbullar Recipe

Making these tasty cinnamon buns is a labor of love, and you won’t be able to resist them once they come out of the oven! They smell amazing and taste even better.

For the Dough and Filling:

  1. Butter and Milk Mixture: In a small bowl melt the butter and milk together in 30 second intervals.
  2. Add Water and Egg: In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the water and egg.
  3. Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
  4. Combine: Fit the mixer with a dough hook and slowly add in the warm milk mixture and 1 cup of flour until the dough starts to form and become smooth.
  5. Rest: Once the dough is well mixed, cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
  6. Roll Out: On a lightly floured work surface, roll the dough into a large 9×15 rectangle. About ¼-1/2 inch thick.
  7. Filling Mixture: For the filling, in a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom. Mix well.
  8. Add to Dough: Spread the butter on ⅔ of the kanelbullar dough. Spread and smooth the cinnamon mixture over the butter covered areas of the dough.

Assembly and Baking:

  1. Fold: Fold the dough into thirds, starting with the uncovered section of dough, fold it over the middle section, then fold the final covered section over the uncovered section.
  2. Cut: Take a pizza cutter and cut the folded dough into 12 equal strips. Take each strip and cut them in half lengthwise nearly to the end, but leaving the two pieces connected.
  3. Twist: Twist these sections together and roll them into a small knot shape. Place the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, evenly spaced apart.
  4. Proof: Cover and allow the buns to proof until they are nearly double in size, about an hour depending on the temperature of the room they are in.
  5. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and make the egg wash by whisking the egg and water together in a small bowl. Once the buns are ready to bake, brush each one with egg wash and sprinkle them generously with pearl sugar.
  6. Bake: Bake the buns for 25 to 30 minutes, until they are all golden brown. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for at least 30 minutes.
  7. Sugar Glaze: For the glaze, in a small bowl whisk together the water and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Brush kanelbullar with the sugar glaze and enjoy!
6-photo collage of the dough and filling being prepared.

Tips and Variations

  • Add Chopped Nuts: Feeling nutty? Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the kanelbullar before they bake. Crunchy, toasty goodness in every bite.
  • Citrus Flavor: Add some orange zest to your dough or on top of each bun for some citrusy, holiday flavor.
  • Make Them Chocolatey: For some melty, chocolatey goodness, tuck mini chocolate chips into your knots before you bake them.
  • Let Your Buns Proof: Be sure to let your kanelbullar buns proof for about an hour so they can get all nice and pillowy. I recommend a warm, draft-free spot.

Add Frosting

For a little extra decadence, Kanelbullar go great with cream cheese frosting as well!

Brushing an egg wash on the buns.

Storing Leftover Kanelbullar

At my house, these Swedish cinnamon buns always disappear as soon as they’re out of the oven. If you’re lucky enough to have some left over, here’s how to keep them fresh:

Store the cooled leftover kanelbullar in a bag or airtight container on the counter for up to 4 days, in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for 2 months.

Closeup of kanelbullar buns topped with pearl sugar. One has been torn in half.

I Think You’ll Love These Other Cinnamon Desserts!

Print

Swedish Kanelbullar

These Swedish cinnamon buns, also known as Kanelbullar, are just the dessert to make if you’re craving something soft, sweet, and spiced to perfection! You’re not going to be able to resist going in for another bite, especially if they’re fresh out of the oven!
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine Swedish
Keyword kanelbullar, kanelbullar recipe
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 12 rolls
Calories 329kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

Dough

Filling

Sugar glaze

Instructions

  • Make the dough: In a small bowl melt the butter and milk together in 30 second intervals.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the water and egg.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
  • Fit the mixer with a dough hook and slowly add in the milk mixture and 1 cup of flour until the dough starts to form and become smooth.
  • Once the dough is well mixed, cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large 9×15 rectangle. About ¼-1/2 inch thick.
  • For the filling, in a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom. Mix well.
  • Spread the butter on ⅔ of the dough. Spread and smooth the cinnamon mixture over the butter covered areas of the dough.
  • Fold the dough into thirds, starting with the uncovered section of dough, fold it over the middle section, then fold the final covered section over the uncovered section.
  • Take a pizza cutter and cut the folded dough into 12 equal strips. Take each strip and cut them in half lengthwise nearly to the end, but leaving the two pieces connected.
  • Twist these sections together and roll them into a small knot shape. Place the buns on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper, evenly spaced apart.
  • Cover and allow the buns to proof until they are nearly double in size, about an hour depending on the temperature of the room they are in.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit and make the egg wash by whisking the egg and water together in a small bowl. Once the buns are ready to bake, brush each one with egg wash and sprinkle them generously with pearl sugar.
  • Bake the buns for 25 to 30 minutes, until they are all golden brown. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for at least 30 minutes.
  • For the glaze, in a small bowl whisk together the water and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Brush each cooled bun with the sugar glaze and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 329kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 198mg | Potassium: 116mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 370IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 2mg
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Cheesecake Stuffed Gingerbread Cookies https://therecipecritic.com/cheesecake-stuffed-gingerbread-cookies/ https://therecipecritic.com/cheesecake-stuffed-gingerbread-cookies/#respond Sat, 16 Dec 2023 01:00:00 +0000 https://therecipecritic.com/?p=238961 A fun twist on a holiday favorite! These cheesecake stuffed gingerbread cookies are soft and spiced to perfection, filled with…]]>

A fun twist on a holiday favorite! These cheesecake stuffed gingerbread cookies are soft and spiced to perfection, filled with a rich and creamy filling. Each bite is a dream!

Get into the holiday spirit by trying a few of these other amazing desserts: gingerbread cheesecake, gingerbread cupcakes, and gingerbread bundt cake!

4 stuffed gingerbread cookies stacked on top of each other. 2 are ripped in half so the filling can be seen.

Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

Craving something sweet and festive this holiday season? Look no further than these cheesecake stuffed gingerbread cookies! They’re the perfect bite-sized desserts, combining the classic gingerbread cookie with a creamy, dreamy cheesecake filling inside.

It’s two holiday favorites in one delightful cookie! And don’t forget the finishing touch – a sprinkle of spiced sugar adds a little extra crunch and extra flavor. Trust me, these stuffed gingerbread cookies are so good, they’ll be the star of any party platter. Here’s what you need to make them:

Ingredient List

These stuffed gingerbread cookies use a lot of simple ingredients! I’m sure you’ll have most of them ready to go in your pantry.

Cheesecake Filling:

  • Cream Cheese: Softened so it mixes smoothly with the other ingredients.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to complement the tangy cream cheese.
  • Vanilla Extract: Infuses the filling with tasty, warm flavor.

Gingerbread Dough:

  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cookies.
  • Baking Soda & Powder: Give these cookies a gentle lift, keeping them nice and fluffy.
  • Salt: Just a pinch is all you need to enhance all the flavors.
  • Melted, Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and makes the dough soft and pliable.
  • Sugar: I used both dark brown sugar and granulated sugar here.
  • Unsulphured Molasses: Infuses the cookies with a deep caramel flavor.
  • Egg: Binds the dough together.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds another layer of warm, delicious flavor.

Spiced Sugar Coating:

  • Granulated Sugar: Adds a delightful crunch and sweetness.
  • Spices: I mixed the sugar with ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves for the perfect holiday flavor. 

How to Make Cheesecake Stuffed Gingerbread Cookies

Grab those ingredients and get ready to make some cookies that are perfect for Christmastime! I know it looks like a lot of instructions, but they’re actually pretty straightforward to prepare.

Cheesecake Filling

  1. Cream Cheese Mixture: Add the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla to a medium sized bowl and beat with a hand mixer until smooth.
  2. Chill: Place parchment or wax paper on a large plate or baking sheet and use a small cookie scoop to scoop 1 ½ teaspoon portions of the cream cheese onto the paper. Place in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

Gingerbread Dough

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: While the cheesecake filling chills, prepare the cookie dough by sifting the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices together in a medium bowl. Then set aside.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and molasses together. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until combined.
  3. Combine: Add the dry ingredients to the wet and beat until just combined. Then cover and chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.
  4. Prepare Sugar Coating: Make the spiced sugar coating by whisking together the sugar and spices in a small bowl. Set aside until needed.

Baking

  1. Preheat Oven: When the dough and cheesecake filling are nearly done chilling, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Shape: Remove the dough from the fridge and for each cookie use a medium cooking scoop to scoop two 1 ½ tablespoon portions of dough. Gently press them each out into discs that are about 1 ½ inch wide, keeping the center thicker and the edges a bit thinner. If the dough rips or tears, use your fingers to pinch it back together. Use your thumb to make the disc slightly bowl shaped.
  3. Add Filling: Place one of the chilled cheesecake filling scoops into the center of one of the discs and top with a second one. Very carefully but firmly pinch just the very edges of the two discs together to create a seal around the filling. Be careful not to pinch too much of the dough, otherwise the filling will squeeze out the other side. If the dough cracks on the edges or on the tops, use your fingers to smooth it out. This dough is very pliable and it’s alright to warm it up a bit with your fingers to get it smoother.
  4. Roll: Once the two discs are sealed together, gently round out the pinched edge with your fingers and give a light roll of the dough to form a uniform and smooth circle where it was sealed.
  5. Coat in Sugar, Bake: Roll the dough in the spiced sugar and place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 ½-3 inches between cookies. Bake for 10 minutes.
  6. Cool and Serve: Let the stuffed gingerbread cookies cool on the baking rack for 3-4 minutes before transferring to a baking sheet or serving while they are still warm.
6-photo collage of the filling and cookie dough being prepared.

Tips and Tricks

Use these extra tips to ensure your cheesecake stuffed gingerbread cookies turn out perfectly! Soft, sweet, and filled with spiced winter flavor.

  • Chill the Filling: The cheesecake filling doesn’t need to be chilled until it is solid, but it should hold its shape pretty well. This will help prevent it from completely melting and disappearing into the cookie as it bakes.
  • Shape the Dough: The two discs of gingerbread dough should be a little bowl-shaped, so that once the cheesecake is added between them they cup around it and all you need to do is pinch the edges of the cookie dough together to seal it in.
  • Be Gentle With the Dough! If you pinch too far into the dough, the cheesecake filling will squeeze out the other side. A very gentle, small pinch will be enough. You can even use your fingers to smooth and spread the dough in the direction you need it to go if you feel like there isn’t enough dough to pinch it together.
  • Roll the Cookies: You can stop after you pinch the dough together, but rolling the seam in your hands will help smooth everything out and give you really nice looking gingerbread cookies.
  • Let Them Cool: Let your stuffed gingerbread cookies cool on the pan for a couple minutes. The cookies are still baking when they come out of the oven. They need that extra time to finish setting up.
  • Don’t Use Blackstrap Molasses! Blackstrap molasses is very strong and bitter. You should use unsulphered molasses.
Cheesecake stuffed gingerbread cookies on a wire rack.

How Long Do Cheesecake Stuffed Gingerbread Cookies Last?

Your tasty stuffed gingerbread cookies will stay soft and flavorful for almost a week as long as you keep them in a sealed container.

  • In the Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 4-5 days.
  • Reheating: For that just out of the oven freshness, pop your cheesecake stuffed gingerbread cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until soft and warm.
4 cookie halves stacked on top of each other.
Print

Cheesecake Stuffed Gingerbread Cookies

A fun twist on a holiday favorite! These cheesecake stuffed gingerbread cookies are soft and spiced to perfection, filled with a rich and creamy filling. Each bite is a dream!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword cheesecake stuffed gingerbread cookies, stuffed gingerbread cookies
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
chill time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 55 minutes
Servings 18 cookies
Calories 251kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

Cheesecake Filling

Gingerbread Dough

Spiced Sugar Coating

Instructions

Cheesecake Filling

  • Add the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla to a medium sized bowl and beat with a hand mixer until smooth.
  • Place parchment or wax paper on a large plate or baking sheet and use a small cookie scoop to scoop 1 ½ teaspoon portions of the cream cheese onto the paper. Place in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

Gingerbread Dough

  • While the cheesecake filling chills, prepare the cookie dough by sifting the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices together in a medium bowl. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and molasses together. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until combined.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet and beat until just combined. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.
  • Make the spiced sugar coating by whisking together the sugar and spices in a small bowl. Set aside until needed.

Baking

  • When the dough and cheesecake filling are nearly done chilling, preheat the oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Remove the dough from the fridge and for each cookie use a medium cooking scoop to scoop two 1 ½ tablespoon portions of dough. Gently press them each out into discs that are about 1 ½ inch wide, keeping the center thicker and the edges a bit thinner. If the dough rips or tears, use your fingers to pinch it back together. Use your thumb to make the disc slightly bowl shaped.
  • Place one of the chilled cheesecake filling scoops into the center of one of the discs and top with a second one. Very carefully but firmly pinch just the very edges of the two discs together to create a seal around the filling. Be careful not to pinch too much of the dough, otherwise the filling will squeeze out the other side. If the dough cracks on the edges or on the tops, use your fingers to smooth it out. This dough is very pliable and it’s alright to warm it up a bit with your fingers to get it smoother.
  • Once the two discs are sealed together, gently round out the pinched edge with your fingers and give a light roll of the dough to form a uniform and smooth circle where it was sealed.
  • Roll the dough in the spiced sugar and place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 ½-3 inches between cookies. Bake for 10 minutes.
  • Let the cookies cool on the baking rack for 3-4 minutes before transferring to a baking sheet or serving while they are still warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 251kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 174mg | Potassium: 131mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 341IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg
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Biscoff Cheesecake https://therecipecritic.com/biscoff-cheesecake/ https://therecipecritic.com/biscoff-cheesecake/#comments Tue, 12 Dec 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://therecipecritic.com/?p=236345 Soft, rich, and loaded with delicious cookie butter flavor, this Biscoff cheesecake is sure to please! Everyone will be lining…]]>

Soft, rich, and loaded with delicious cookie butter flavor, this Biscoff cheesecake is sure to please! Everyone will be lining up for a slice.

When it comes to rich and creamy desserts, cheesecake is at the top of the list for me. It’s always so delicious! And adding cookie butter makes it even better. After you make this amazing Biscoff cheesecake, here are a couple of other recipes you need to try out: cranberry orange cheesecake, or gingerbread cheesecake for another great holiday dessert!

Closeup of a slice of Biscoff cheesecake on a metal cake spatula.

Ah, Biscoff cookies. They’re so simple but have the most addictive flavor! And they’re perfect for adding to all of your favorite desserts to make them taste even better. Enter Biscoff cheesecake – the holiday dessert that’s just what you need in your life.

This Biscoff cheesecake is made with cookie butter spread to give each slice more of that nutty, spiced cookie flavor we all love. You can either buy this prepackaged at the store or make it yourself, whatever’s more convenient! The cookie flavor combined with the tangy, creamy cheesecake is to die for. I know making cheesecake from scratch can be time consuming and tricky at times, but trust me, it’s so worth it! I’ve broken down all the steps and added in tips so you can enjoy this amazing dessert. (And be just as obsessed with it as I am.)

Ingredients Needed

I know it looks like a lot, but most of these ingredients are either reused or pantry staples to make your life a little easier. Exact measurements are in the recipe card below. You can also click on ‘jump to recipe’ at the top of the post to get there!

Crust:

  • Biscoff Cookies: These cookies are crushed and used as the base for the cheesecake crust. You could also use a graham cracker or gingersnap crust if you wanted.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the crust.
  • Butter: So all the crust ingredients stick together. Butter also adds a rich and delicious flavor!
  • Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all of the flavors.

Filling:

  • Cream Cheese: The main ingredient in the cheesecake filling. Use room temperature cream cheese so everything mixes together nicely!
  • Sugars: You’ll use both brown sugar and granulated sugar here.
  • Biscoff Cookie Butter: The star of the show! This a delicious and nutty flavor to the Biscoff cheesecake.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture and extra tanginess to the cheesecake.
  • Eggs: Bind everything together and give the cheesecake its structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Our trusty flavor enhancer! Use pure vanilla extract if you have it.

Topping:

  • Whipped Cream: Add dollops on top for a little extra creamy goodness! It also makes the cheesecake look nice.
  • Biscoff Cookies: Add crumbles or whole cookies to garnish your Biscoff cheesecake with.
  • Biscoff Cookie Butter: A drizzle to top things off!

Use Full-Fat!

For the best consistency and richness in this Biscoff cheesecake, I recommend using full-fat cream cheese and sour cream. Save that reduced-fat cream cheese for other recipes! You will love the difference it creates when you see how velvety and smooth the cheesecake is.

Biscoff Cheesecake Recipe

Homemade cheesecake can be finicky, so make sure you’ve read through all the instructions before you begin. A couple key tips: don’t skip the water bath, and let the Biscoff cheesecake cool in the oven without opening it! This will make sure your cheesecake turns out perfectly rich and creamy without cracks.

  1. Preheat Oven, Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 10-inch springform pan by spraying lightly with cooking spray.
  2. Biscoff Crumbs: Add the biscoff cookies to a blender or a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs.
  3. Cookie Butter Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the cookie crumbs, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt together. This should resemble damp sand.
  4. Add to Pan: Pour the crumb mixture into the prepared springform pan and press evenly into the pan. You can use the bottom of a flat glass or a flat measuring cup to really press it in well and get a nice, even crust.
  5. Bake: Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool completely. Keep the oven on as the cheesecake will bake at the same temperature.

Cheesecake Filling

  1. Beat Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the mixing bowl of a stand mixer and beat with a paddle at medium-high speed for about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and beat for a few seconds more.
  2. Mix in Sugar and Cookie Butter: Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar and beat for 1 minute on medium-high speed. Scrape the bowl again and mix for 1 more minute. Add in the cookie butter and mix until combined before scraping down the bowl again. Add the sour cream and mix until combined, scraping down the bowl again.
  3. Mix in Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time and beat on low speed until combined, about 30 seconds-1 minute. Scrape down the bowl as needed, which will help create a smooth batter.

Prepare the Water Bath

  1. Wrap Springform Pan: Using 18-inch heavy-duty aluminum foil, wrap the outside of the springform pan with 4 sheets of foil, ensuring the sheets are long enough to go up all sides of the pan. You can use regular foil, but it may take a couple more sheets to ensure the water does not get into the pan.
  2. Place in Roasting Pan: Place the wrapped pan in a deep roasting pan. You can alternatively use a baking sheet, so long as the sides are about 2 inches deep.
  3. Add Cheesecake Batter: Add the cheesecake batter to the pan and smooth over the top of it.
  4. Surround With Water: Using very hot water, add water to the baking pan until there is about 1 ½ inches of water around the springform pan. carefully move the baking pan to a rack in the oven that is positioned in the lower third of the oven.

Keep it Moist

Using a water bath is the only way to get an even bake on your cheesecake and avoid graininess and cracking. If you don’t want to place your Biscoff cheesecake in a water bath, you can achieve similar results by putting the pan of water on the rack directly beneath the cheesecake. 

Bake The Cheesecake

  1. Bake: Bake for 1-1 ½ hours. After about an hour of baking, check the cheesecake’s consistency. A slight jiggle of the pan (while still in the oven) should tell you if it’s ready or needs more time. The cheesecake should be jiggly, but not liquid. If it seems very liquid still, give it 15 more minutes and check it again.
  2. Cool in the Oven: Once the cheesecake is fairly firm but still has a slight wobble, turn the oven off but leave the cheesecake in the oven for another hour or so, until the oven has cooled down. Resist the temptation to open the oven during this time! The purpose of this step is to allow the cheesecake to cool slowly as the oven cools. Doing this will prevent it from cracking, as one of the biggest reasons cheesecakes crack is the drastic temperature change going from the hot oven into the much cooler kitchen.
  3. Remove Foil Lining: Once the oven and the cheesecake are cooled, remove from the oven and carefully remove the foil lining the pan.

Chill and Serve

  1. Chill: Chill Biscoff cheesecake in the fridge for 4-6 hours, or overnight before serving.
  2. Add Toppings and Enjoy: Before serving top the cheesecake with melted cookie butter, whipped cream, and biscoff cookies and cookie crumbs.
6-photo collage of the crust, cheesecake filling, and topping being prepared.

Tips for Successful Biscoff Cheesecake

If you’ve made it this far, congrats! These tips will ensure that your Biscoff cheesecake turns out perfectly rich and creamy, packed with cookie butter flavor that will have you wanting another slice.

  • Don’t Overbeat: Remember, overbeating your batter invites unwanted air into the mix. This can cause the batter to rise uncontrollably or fall flat during baking.
  • Grease Your Spring Form Pan: Even if your trusty springform pan has a non-stick surface, don’t be tempted to skip greasing it. Think of it as giving your Biscoff cheesecake an extra layer of insurance for a smooth and effortless release. You don’t want all that hard work to end up falling apart!
  • No Peeking: After all the effort you’ve put into creating the perfect water bath for your cheesecake, it’s crucial to let it work its magic. So don’t peek! Every time you open the oven door, you release that precious steam and risk exposing your delicate cheesecake to sudden temperature changes. This can cause it to crack.
  • Let it Cool: You will know your cheesecake is done when there is a slight wobble to the center. Don’t stick a knife or a thermometer inside it. It will cause it to crack. Once it’s done, turn off the oven and let it come to room temperature inside the oven. This takes about an hour. Patience is key!
A whole Biscoff cheesecake with whipped cream on top.

How Long Does Biscoff Cheesecake Last?

Lucky you if you have leftovers! Store leftover Biscoff cheesecake in an airtight container or covered in plastic wrap the fridge for up to 5 days.

Can Biscoff Cheesecake Be Frozen?

Yes it can! Once baked and cooled, leave the cheesecake in the fridge until completely chilled. Don’t add the topping yet! Place the cheesecake on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 4-6 hours, or until solid. Double or triple-wrap the whole cheesecake with plastic wrap for more protection, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months and then thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Front view of a slice of cheesecake with a bite taken out of it.

Try These Other Homemade Cheesecake Recipes Next:

Print

Biscoff Cookie Butter Cheesecake

Soft, rich, and loaded with delicious cookie butter flavor, this Biscoff cheesecake is sure to please! Everyone will be lining up for a slice.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword biscoff cheesecake, biscoff cheesecake recipe, cookie butter cheesecake
Prep Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
chill time 6 hours
Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes
Servings 10 servings
Calories 802kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

Crust

  • 2 cups crushed biscoff cookies about 32 cookies or 1 8.78-ounce package
  • cup brown sugar not packed
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • pinch of salt

Filling

Topping

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 10-inch springform pan by spraying lightly with cooking spray.
  • Add the biscoff cookies to a blender or a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the cookie crumbs, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt together. This should resemble damp sand.
  • Pour the crumb mixture into the prepared springform pan and press evenly into the pan. You can use the bottom of a flat glass or a flat measuring cup to really press it in well and get a nice, even crust.
  • Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool completely. Keep the oven on as the cheesecake will bake at the same temperature.

Cheesecake Filling

  • Add the softened cream cheese to the mixing bowl of a stand mixer and beat with a paddle at medium-high speed for about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and beat for a few seconds more.
  • Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar and beat for 1 minute on medium-high speed. Scrape the bowl again and mix for 1 more minute. Add in the cookie butter and mix until combined before scraping down the bowl again. Add the sour cream and mix until combined, scraping down the bowl again.
  • Add the eggs one at a time and beat on low speed until combined, about 30 seconds-1 minute. Scrape down the bowl as needed, which will help create a smooth batter.

Bake The Cheesecake

  • Using 18-inch heavy-duty aluminum foil, wrap the outside of the springform pan with 4 sheets of foil, ensuring the sheets are long enough to go up all sides of the pan. You can use regular foil, but it may take a couple more sheets to ensure the water does not get into the pan.
  • Place the wrapped pan in a deep roasting pan. You can alternatively use a baking sheet, so long as the sides are about 2 inches deep.
  • Add the cheesecake batter to the pan and smooth over the top of it.
  • Using very hot water, add water to the baking pan until there is about 1 ½ inches of water around the springform pan. carefully move the baking pan to a rack in the oven that is positioned in the lower third of the oven.
  • Bake for 1-1 ½ hours. After about an hour of baking, check the cheesecake’s consistency. A slight jiggle of the pan (while still in the oven) should tell you if it’s ready or needs more time. The cheesecake should be jiggly, but not liquid. If it seems very liquid still, give it 15 more minutes and check it again.
  • Once the cheesecake is fairly firm but still has a slight wobble, turn the oven off but leave the cheesecake in the oven for another hour or so, until the oven has cooled down. Resist the temptation to open the oven during this time! The purpose of this step is to allow the cheesecake to cool slowly as the oven cools. Doing this will prevent it from cracking, as one of the biggest reasons cheesecakes crack is the drastic temperature change going from the hot oven into the much cooler kitchen.
  • Once the oven and the cheesecake are cooled, remove from the oven and carefully remove the foil lining the pan.
  • Chill in the fridge for 4-6 hours, or overnight before serving.
  • Before serving top the cheesecake with melted cookie butter, whipped cream, and biscoff cookies and cookie crumbs.

Nutrition

Calories: 802kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 57g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 202mg | Sodium: 419mg | Potassium: 233mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 47g | Vitamin A: 1655IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 145mg | Iron: 1mg
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4 Ingredient Christmas Punch https://therecipecritic.com/christmas-punch/ https://therecipecritic.com/christmas-punch/#comments Thu, 07 Dec 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://therecipecritic.com/?p=122201 This easy Christmas punch is delicious and so festive! It’s the perfect punch to serve at your next gathering. It’s…]]>

This easy Christmas punch is delicious and so festive! It’s the perfect punch to serve at your next gathering. It’s for all ages, young and old!

A festive drink makes any gathering that much more special. Try this Root Beer, Pomegranate Lemonade, or Eggnog for some other fun options!

Christmas punch with cranberries and orange slices.

Non-Alcoholic Christmas Punch

The holidays and all of the parties are such a busy time that sometimes, I forget about any drinks at our gatherings! I am usually scrambling to put something together at the last minute so this punch is perfect! It’s quick and super easy to put together. Plus, it looks gorgeous and fancy when I’m done, so it’s a win-win!

Not only does this cranberry orange punch look great, but it tastes delicious too! You mix cranberry juice and orange juice together and to make it extra special you add in some sparkling soda for a fun fizz. Plus, it complements just about any food that you eat with it!

What’s In Cranberry Orange Punch?

It just takes a few ingredients to put this yummy Christmas punch together! See the recipe card below for exact measurements.

  • Orange Juice: Make this from concentrate or buy some ahead of time.
  • Cranberry Juice: This gives it a bit of a tangy flavor.
  • Lemon Lime Soda: I used Sprite for this recipe.
  • Orange Slices and Cranberries: These are optional, but they are a super easy way to make it look fancy!

Let’s Make Some Christmas Punch!

This will take you less than 5 minutes to make, but looks like a million bucks! Your family and friends will love it!

  1. Combine, stir and garnish: In a large punch bowl add the orange juice and cranberry juice. Add soda if using. Give it a good stir and garnish with orange slices and cranberries.
Juice being poured into a glass punch bowl.

Variations and Tips

I love this Christmas punch! If you want to change it up so that you can use it a few times over the holiday season, here are some ideas!

  • Soda: To change it up, try Ginger Ale, Sparkling Water, or Soda Water. There are even flavored sparkling waters that make the cranberry or orange flavor stronger if you want.
  • Juice: There are several cocktail versions of cranberry juice. Use whatever you prefer to drink. The 100% cranberry juice will give you the best cranberry flavor. Just make sure it’s not a cranberry juice cocktail… it needs to be cranberry juice.
  • Sherbert: To add a little bit of texture and fun, then add orange sherbet to the drink.
  • Pineapple: Try adding pineapple juice instead of the orange. It gives this punch a whole new flavor!
  • Flavoring:  You can also add 1/2 tsp almond or vanilla flavoring for more taste.
  • Stir:  Don’t stir once you’ve added the soda. It will deflate the carbonation.
A punch bowl filled with cranberry orange punch that's garnished with orange slices and cranberries.

Serving Options

This Christmas punch is awesome because you can make it look different depending on how you serve it! Here are some examples and ideas for different ways to do that.

  • Bowl: Serving this in a clear bowl shows off the festive garnish and color. If you don’t have one then you can often find cheap ones at a thrift store, dollar store or Walmart. Any clear plastic one works great!
  • Mason Jars:  Serve this class pint mason jars for a rustic look.
  • Top the glasses:  Dip the rim of the glasses in water and then some sugar for a festive look.
  • Add some color:  Add a bit of green to the punch with rosemary or mint leaves or cut limes. They don’t add any flavor but will give a festive color.
A glass filled with Christmas punch.
Print

4 Ingredient Christmas Punch

This easy Christmas punch is delicious and so festive! It's the perfect punch to serve at your next gathering… It's for all ages, young and old!
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Keyword christmas punch, cranberry orange punch
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 8 People
Calories 388kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

  • 4 cups orange juice
  • 4 liters cranberry juice about 16 cups
  • 2 liters lemon lime soda
  • orange slices for garnish
  • 1 cup real cranberries for garnish

Instructions

  • In a large punch bowl add the orange juice and cranberry juice. Add soda if using. Give it a good stir and garnish with orange slices and cranberries.

Notes

Updated on December 7, 2023
Originally Posted on December 1, 2020

Nutrition

Calories: 388kcal | Carbohydrates: 100g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 36mg | Potassium: 633mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 96g | Vitamin A: 473IU | Vitamin C: 109mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 2mg
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My 18 Favorite Holiday Gifts for Home & Kitchen https://therecipecritic.com/best-kitchen-gifts/ https://therecipecritic.com/best-kitchen-gifts/#comments Wed, 29 Nov 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://therecipecritic.com/?p=237319 The holiday season has officially arrived, which means it’s time to get shopping! Gift-giving can be A LOT of fun…]]>

The holiday season has officially arrived, which means it’s time to get shopping! Gift-giving can be A LOT of fun for some people, but for others, it can end up being a stressful experience. Choosing the perfect gift for a cherished friend, or trying to find something special for a family member who is hard to shop for, can be overwhelming. That’s why I put together a list of the best kitchen gifts for the people in your life who love to cook, and I included a few items for the home as well!

Best Gifts for Home and Kitchen
Credit: Williams-Sonoma

The best kitchen gifts for foodies include high-quality cookware and cooking tools. I’ve included many of the items I use in my kitchen, including the BEST cookie scoops, which I use to make my chocolate chip cookies, and home finds from businesses big and small that would make anybody’s home more comfortable and stylish. Check out my ideas for the best gifts for home and kitchen, and have a great holiday season! 

1. For the One Who is an Accomplished Baker: Jupiter Beaded Glass Cake Stand

Best kitchen gifts: Jupiter Beaded Glass Cake stand
Credit: Pottery Barn

This elegant cake stand from Pottery Barn gives your loved one’s carefully crafted cakes the stage they deserve. The Jupiter Beaded Glass Cake stand is wider than your average cake stand (at 13 inches in diameter), allowing for extra room to store a batch of cupcakes, brownies, muffins, and more. It comes in three different colors, including fun options such as pink and blue, and a large dome for better storage. 

2. For the One Who Shops at the Farmers’ Market: Williams-Sonoma Market Tote 

Best kitchen gifts: Williams-Sonoma market tote
Credit: Williams-Sonoma

The Williams-Sonoma Market Tote makes lugging your farmers market haul A LOT easier. This is thanks to the bag’s thick canvas material, its six separate compartments that allow for even weight distribution, and its reinforced base, which helps keep your produce in place while unpacking. Your farmers-market-loving friend will appreciate the comfort this design brings and will feel more at ease that delicate items such as lettuce and tomatoes are no longer getting crushed by olive oil or wine bottles. 

3. For the One Who Loves to Bake: KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer

Best kitchen gifts: KitchenAid stand mixer
Credit: Amazon

The iconic KitchenAid Stand Mixer is the BEST electric mixer for making large batches of delectable baked goods, including my grandma’s perfectly homemade bread, sweet potato rolls, and quick, 45-minute cinnamon rolls. It’s also versatile; you can purchase different attachments, such as an ice cream mixing bowl, a meat grinder, a juicer, and a pasta roller. Given this, as well as its incredible performance and proven longevity, the KitchenAid would make a great gift for both beginning and seasoned home bakers. 

4. For the One Who Bakes Bundts: Nordic Ware Gold Heritage Bundt Pan

Best kitchen gifts: Williams-Sonoma Bundt Cake pan
Credit: Williams-Sonoma

One of the BEST kitchen gifts you can get from a cake maker is a great Bundt pan. This popular Nordic Ware Bundt pan features a striking, swirled mold that would be perfect for making my carrot Bundt cake and pumpkin Bundt cake. The pan is also made of coated cast aluminum, allowing for even heat distribution, can accommodate up to six cups of batter, and with its neutral design, works for both holiday baking and other year-round celebrations. 

5. For the One Who Makes Sunday Waffles: Ninja Belgian Waffle Maker PRO NeverStick

Best kitchen gifts: Ninja Pro Waffle Maker
Credit: Amazon

Homemade waffles are so much better than store-bought, and my family and I LOVE making them together. Waffle lovers and breakfast enthusiasts alike will appreciate the Ninja waffle maker for its five-shade settings. Not to mention that it can handle sugary batters such as cake mixes and brownies. Plus, with its vertical design, it takes up less counter space than horizontal models and produces fewer messes. 

6. For the Pastry Chef: Ateco Pastry Bag Decorating Kit

Best kitchen gifts: Ateco pastry bag set
Credit: Williams-Sonoma

I LOVE using Ateco’s piping products. They’re affordable and durable, and the brand has every kind of piping tip needed for baking cookies. I love using it for my Danish butter cookies, and decorating desserts, like my hummingbird cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. This decorating kit, which includes two reusable nylon piping bags and six piping tips, is one of the best kitchen gifts for any baker. Especially one just embarking on their dessert-decorating journey. 

7. For the One Who Wants Easier Food Prep: Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor

Best kitchen gifts: Cuisinart food processor
Credit: Amazon

One of the BEST kitchen gifts you can get from any home cook is the coveted Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor. This appliance does all the work for you: it chops, blends, purees, and grates cheese and vegetables in minutes! This saves you precious time when putting your family’s meal together. 

8. For the One Who Loves Fresh Herbs: Barnyard Designs Indoor Herb Garden Planter Set 

Best kitchen gifts: Barnyard Designs Herb Garden
Credit: Amazon

This super cute, farmhouse-style planter set gives you the ability to grow your own herbs indoors. Made by Barnyard Designs, a small business that sells affordable, high-quality home goods, the planter set is small enough to fit on a kitchen window sill and comes with a tray that helps with collecting water and allows for easier transport. Your giftee will thoroughly enjoy watching their herbs grow and using the fresh herbs to make recipes like my buttery herb sauteed mushrooms.

9. For the One Who Loves Sentimental Gifts: Memorable Moments Custom Photo Art 

Best kitchen gifts: Minted Memorable Moments Photo Art
Credit: Minted

One of the most impactful gifts you can give is one that’s tied to lots of memories. This polished photo collage allows gift givers to choose up to 18 meaningful photos for their giftees, whether they’re snapshots from a recent family vacation or a collection of them with loved ones from years past. Minted also gives you the option to choose from several print sizes and frame styles and offers UV-protected plexiglass (very good for preventing fading from the sun). 

10. For the One Who Meal Plans: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

Best kitchen gifts: Instant Pot
Credit: Amazon

This gets dinner on the table FAST. Whether you’re a busy, single professional or a parent with multiple mouths to feed, everyone will appreciate this incredibly versatile kitchen appliance. I use this to cook recipes such as lemon garlic chicken and beef stroganoff, as well as other meat and veggie dishes when I’m short on time. This Instant Pot comes with 13 program options, ranging from making rice to yogurt, can serve up to six people, and has more than 10 safety features like overheat protection and a safe-locking lid, the latter of which is essential if you have kids who like to spend time with you in the kitchen. 

11. For the One Who Bakes: JK Adams French Tapered Rolling Pin 

Best kitchen gifts: JK Adams rolling pin
Credit: Amazon

This JK Adams product is the BEST for rolling out dough. The rolling pin is easy to maneuver, simple to maintain (hand wash only!), and super long (20.5 inches, to be exact), making it easy to roll out recipes such as my grandma’s perfect pie crust and my easiest homemade pizza. It’s also pretty to look at; each rolling pin is made of a beautiful American hardwood that also happens to be sustainably sourced. 

12. For the One Who Cooks Cozy Stews: Le Creuset 7.5-Quart Dutch Oven

Best kitchen gifts: Le Creuset Dutch oven
Credit: Wiliams-Sonoma

One of the best kitchen gifts for chefs is the iconic Le Creuset Dutch Oven, which you can use to make a variety of dishes, including bread, sweet treats such as a peach or apple cobbler, big-batch stews, my coq au vin, and more. These enameled cast iron Dutch ovens offer great heat retention, can be safely transferred from stovetop to oven, and come in a kaleidoscope of eye-catching colors. This is perfect for any keen home cook who is seeking one piece of cookware that they can cook everything in, and that will also last a lifetime. 

13. For the One Who Misses Home: Claudia Pearson City Tea Towels

Best kitchen gifts: Claudia Pearson City Tea Towels
Credit: West Elm

I LOVE supporting small businesses, which is why I’m happy to share these unique and fun tea towels by Claudia Pearson, an illustrator who is part of West Elm’s Local program which helps designers and artists grow their businesses. These tea towels feature 20 big cities from many different regions in the U.S., including Palm Springs, Savannah, Denver, Austin, Boston, and New Orleans. Get your friend a tea towel from their city, which can act as both kitchen decor and a means to clean up messes. 

14. For the One Who is a Little Spicy: Peugeot Paris u’Select Pepper Mill

Holiday shopping guide: Peugeot pepper mill
Credit: Amazon

Freshly ground pepper is better than pre-ground pepper the same way that homemade waffles are better than the store-bought versions. Peugeot is the leading brand in the pepper mill world, making mills that offer six grind settings, from extra fine to very coarse, and strong steel grinders. It can also handle coriander seeds and other varieties of peppercorns such as white and red on their own, as well as pink peppercorns when part of a variety. 

Holiday shopping guide: Williams-Sonoma Cookie Scoops
Credit: Williams-Sonoma

Anyone who makes cookies on the regular would LOVE these cookie scoops from Williams-Sonoma. These Italian-made, stainless steel scoops are much more durable than cheaper versions and produce uniform cookies every time. You can also use them to make perfectly-sized cake pops, Swedish meatballs, and ice cream scoops. 

16. For the One Who is Always Cold: West Elm Brushed Herringbone Throw

Holiday shopping guide: West Elm Blanket
Credit: West Elm

Throw blankets are a crowd-pleaser, gift-wise. You can’t go wrong with getting someone a super soft and warm blanket that they can wrap themselves in, whether they’re reading a good book or catching up on their favorite show. This stylish West Elm option offers that cozy experience, as it’s made of 20% wool and is brushed to give it a soft-to-the-touch feel, the latter of which ups the warmth factor. 

17. For the Cook Who Needs a Better Knife: Wüsthof Classic Chef’s Knife

Holiday shopping guide: Wusthof Knife
Credit: Amazon

One of the best kitchen gifts you can get home cooks, whether they are novices or experts, is a quality, long-lasting knife. You’ll get that with a Wüsthof knife, a brand that has been making knives for more than 200 years. The Wüsthof Classic Chef’s knife is super sharp, made of durable materials that are corrosion and stain-resistant, and unlike many other knives, comes in fun, pastel color options. 

18. For the One Who Loves Self Care: Zadro Countertop Towel Warmer

Holiday shopping guide: Zadro towel warmer
Credit: Amazon

This gift is perfect for that friend or family member who goes out of their way to create spa-like experiences for themselves from the comfort of their own home. This towel warmer can accommodate a towel that is 40 by 70 inches and is also a great place to store other personal items that would feel better with warmth, including robes, socks, and towels. You can set the timer between 15 and 60 minutes to warm your things up, and it comes with safety technology that automatically shuts off after an hour of use. 

Prices were accurate at the time of publication.

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Hot Chocolate Mix https://therecipecritic.com/hot-chocolate-mix/ https://therecipecritic.com/hot-chocolate-mix/#comments Wed, 29 Nov 2023 01:00:00 +0000 https://therecipecritic.com/?p=234756 Delicious homemade hot chocolate mix that you can enjoy all winter long! It’s easy to customize and makes a perfectly…]]>

Delicious homemade hot chocolate mix that you can enjoy all winter long! It’s easy to customize and makes a perfectly rich and creamy cup of hot cocoa every time.

Hot chocolate is essential for cold weather! Not only is it delicious, but it warms you up from the inside-out. Try these other great recipes next: pumpkin pie white hot chocolate, peppermint hot chocolate, and Mexican hot chocolate!

Top-down view of hot chocolate mix in a glass jar, being mixed with a wooden spoon.

Recipe for Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

On those chilly days when you crave a warm and comforting beverage, look no further than this homemade hot chocolate mix. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a delicious cup of hot cocoa in minutes! This recipe is not only easy to make but also easy to store and customize to your liking. It’s nice because you know exactly what’s in it!

Whether you prefer your hot cocoa rich and dark or light and sweet, you can easily adjust the ingredients to your liking. Plus, this homemade hot chocolate mix makes a wonderful gift for friends and family. (Because everyone loves a good cup of hot chocolate!) It’s the perfect way to spread some holiday cheer. So gather your ingredients, put on your coziest pajamas, and let’s indulge in a mug of homemade hot cocoa goodness. Here’s everything you need:

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making homemade hot chocolate mix is a breeze with just a few simple ingredients: powdered milk, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, powdered coffee creamer, and salt. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below, so you can whip up a batch in no time.

  • Dry Milk Powder: (Whole or non-fat, depending on your preference.) This adds creaminess and richness to the hot chocolate mix. It also helps to stabilize the mix and prevent it from clumping.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to dissolve the cocoa powder. The end result is perfectly smooth.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This is key to making flavorful hot chocolate. You can use regular unsweetened cocoa powder or Dutch-processed cocoa powder. Dutch-processed cocoa powder is slightly darker and has a less acidic flavor.
  • Powdered Coffee Creamer: So your hot chocolate mix has a touch of vanilla flavor. The creamer also helps to make the hot chocolate even creamier.
  • Salt: Salt may seem like an odd addition to hot chocolate, but it actually helps to balance the sweetness and bring out the other flavors. A pinch is all you need!

How to Make Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

Make your own custom batch of hot chocolate mix in minutes! It’s perfect for gifting or when you get a sweet tooth.

  1. Combine: To a large bowl, add the powdered milk, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, powdered coffee creamer, and salt. Whisk together until combined.
  2. Store: Store the dry mix in an airtight container for up to 3 months. 
  3. Making Hot Chocolate: To make hot cocoa, put ⅓ cup of the hot chocolate mix in a mug then stir in 1½ cups of hot milk. You can also use non-dairy milk as well. Water can be used, but milk gives the best results!
  4. Enjoy: Top with whipped cream if desired and enjoy!
2-photo collage of the ingredients being mixed together.

Add-Ins and Toppings

Customizing your hot chocolate mix is the best part of the whole process! Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Add Your Favorite Chocolate: Add 1 1/2 cups finely chopped chocolate or white chocolate chips. It melts into the hot milk and makes it rich in flavor. You could even do butterscotch chips for a fun variation!
  • Peppermint Candy: I love to add bits of peppermint candy. They melt into the hot chocolate and give it the perfect holiday flavor!
  • Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for cozy, warm flavor.
  • Extracts: Stir in flavored extracts like hazelnut, peppermint, or vanilla. A little goes a long way, so add a small amount to begin with and then adjust to taste!
  • Toppings: Marshmallows (mini or regular), whipped cream, caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, crushed Oreos, toffee bits, you name it!
Pouring a spoonful of hot chocolate mix into a mug.

Perfect for Gifting!

I love making homemade hot chocolate mix for my neighbors during the holidays! Simply grab a few small, airtight jars, seal them up, and decorate them with some festive ribbon! No one can resist a good cup of hot cocoa. These homemade hot chocolate bombs are another great option if you need more fun (and delicious) gift ideas!

How Long Does Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Last?

As long as it’s in a sealed container, your hot chocolate mix will last for up to 3 months in a cool, dry place. You’ll be able to use it all winter long!

Top-down view of a cup of hot chocolate.

All Things Hot Chocolate

If you love hot chocolate, here are a few more must-make recipes! Whether it’s a hot chocolate charcuterie board or some hot chocolate spoons to make as gifts, these are perfect for the holidays.

Print

Hot Chocolate Mix

Delicious homemade hot chocolate mix that you can enjoy all winter long! It’s easy to customize and makes a perfectly rich and creamy cup of hot cocoa every time.
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Keyword homemade hot chocolate mix
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 20 people
Calories 65kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

Instructions

  • To a large bowl, add the powdered milk, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, powdered coffee creamer, and salt. Whisk together until combined.
  • Store the dry mix in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
  • To make hot cocoa, put ⅓ cup of the hot chocolate mix in a mug then stir in 1½ cups of hot milk. You can also use non-dairy milk as well. Water can be used, but milk gives the best results!
  • Top with whipped cream if desired and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cup | Calories: 65kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 96mg | Potassium: 322mg | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 392IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 227mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash https://therecipecritic.com/maple-roasted-brussels-sprouts-butternut-squash/ https://therecipecritic.com/maple-roasted-brussels-sprouts-butternut-squash/#comments Tue, 21 Nov 2023 01:00:32 +0000 http://therecipecritic.com/?p=20664 Simple to make and full of incredible flavor, maple roasted brussels sprouts and butternut squash is the perfect side dish.…]]>

Simple to make and full of incredible flavor, maple roasted brussels sprouts and butternut squash is the perfect side dish. The veggies are crisp on the edges but soft and tender on the inside, tossed in a delicious maple glaze and surrounded by crunchy pecans and cranberries.

Get your daily dose of veggies with these maple-roasted brussels sprouts and squash, then add a few of my other favorite recipes to the rotation: tender roasted root vegetables, parmesan garlic zucchini spears, and cauliflower steaks!

Squash, brussels sprouts, and pecans served in a white baking dish.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash in a Maple Glaze

Brussels spouts. Do you love them or hate them? Or have you even tried them? Because the girl that was checking out my groceries had never tried them. She didn’t even know how to cook them. I do have to say I used to fall into this category. I thought brussels sprouts… gross. It all changed for me when my sister in law introduced our family to this recipe at Thanksgiving a few years ago. If Brussels sprouts are prepared the right way, they are AMAZING!

I prefer my brussels sprouts to be drizzled with real maple syrup to give them a sweet flavor. But you can also drizzle them with balsamic vinegar which is great too! Roasting brussels spouts and butternut squash is my favorite way to prepare them! They get that crispy, slightly charred edge with a tender inside.The addition of crunchy pecans and cranberries truly makes this the perfect holiday side. You are going to love this recipe!

Ingredient List

Combine these ingredients to make a flavorful and well-balanced maple roasted vegetable dish. It’s the most delicious way to get your daily dose of veggies!

  • Brussels Sprouts: Provide a hearty base with a slightly nutty flavor.
  • Butternut Squash: Adds natural sweetness and a creamy texture to the dish.
  • Olive Oil: Coats the veggies for a crispy exterior during roasting.
  • Real Maple Syrup: Infuses a subtle sweetness to enhance flavors.
  • Salt and Pepper: Season to taste to balance your maple roasted vegetables!
  • Pecans: So the dish has some crunch and more nutty flavor.
  • Dried Cranberries: Offer a chewy, tart contrast for a burst of flavor.

How to Make Maple Roasted Vegetables

A few simple steps and 30 minutes of your time is all it takes to make these mouthwatering maple roasted vegetables. Even if you’re not a fan of Brussels sprouts or squash, you will be after giving this recipe a try. It’s just so good! The perfect combination of flavors and textures.

  1. Preheat Oven, Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. 
  2. Coat: In a large bowl combine the Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Toss to coat then season with salt and pepper.
  3. Roast: Spread evenly on the baking sheet and roast in the oven for 25 minutes or until tender and lightly browned. Then remove from the oven.
  4. Combine: Add the roasted Brussels sprouts and butternut squash back to the large bowl. Add pecans, cranberries, and then the remaining 3 tablespoons of maple syrup. Gently toss so it’s coated. Then serve immediately.
4-photo collage of the vegetables being roasted and combined with the other ingredients.

Tips and Tricks

Make your maple roasted Brussels sprouts and butternut squash taste even more amazing with these quick tips!

  • Perfect Roasting: Ensure even roasting by spreading the veggies in a single layer on the baking sheet. Don’t crowd the pan, and make sure there’s enough room between each vegetable.
  • Customize Maple Flavor: Adjust maple syrup quantity based on your sweetness preference. Start with less and then add more to taste!
  • Add Seasonings: Experiment with herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor.
  • Nut Variations: Swap pecans for almonds or walnuts to personalize the crunch.
Maple roasted brussels sprouts and butternut squash in a wooden spoon.

Storing Leftovers

This maple roasted veggie dish stores well in the fridge, lasting for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, simply preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, spread the leftovers on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-15 minutes. This helps maintain the tasty crispiness.

Closeup of maple roasted vegetables in a white baking dish.

Try These Other Brussels Sprout Recipes Next!

Print

Maple Roasted Brussel Spouts and Butternut Squash

Simple to make and full of incredible flavor, maple roasted brussels sprouts and butternut squash is the perfect side dish. The veggies are crisp on the edges but soft and tender on the inside, tossed in a delicious maple glaze and surrounded by crunchy pecans and cranberries.
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword maple roasted brussels sprouts, maple roasted butternut squash, maple roasted vegetables
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 310kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

  • 1 pound brussels spouts ends trimmed, sliced in half
  • 1 pound butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cubed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons real maple syrup, divided
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup whole pecans
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl combine the Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Toss to coat then season with salt and pepper.
  • Spread evenly on the baking sheet and roast in the oven for 25 minutes or until tender and lightly browned. Remove from the oven.
  • Add the roasted Brussels sprouts and butternut squash back to the large bowl. Add pecans, cranberries, and the remaining 3 tablespoons of maple syrup. Gently toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Notes

Originally posted on October 27, 2016
Updated on November 20, 2023

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 24mg | Potassium: 658mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 8615IU | Vitamin C: 80mg | Calcium: 94mg | Iron: 2mg
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