A rich, creamy stovetop hot chocolate perfect for Christmas gatherings
Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp peppermint extract (optional for a holiday twist)
- Pinch of salt
Toppings: whipped cream, mini marshmallows, crushed candy cane, chocolate shavings
Instructions
- In a large pot, warm the milk and cream over medium heat until steaming (not boiling).
- Whisk in cocoa powder, sugar, and salt until smooth.
- Add chocolate chips and stir until fully melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla (and peppermint extract if using).
- Ladle into mugs and garnish with anything festive—marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed peppermint, or chocolate curls.
Tip: For events, keep warm in a slow cooker on “warm.”
A sweet-salty, crunchy holiday snack mix perfect for gifting or sharing in a group
Ingredients
- 4 cups Rice Chex
- 4 cups Corn Chex
- 2 cups pretzels (mini twists or sticks)
- 2 cups holiday-colored M&Ms
- 1 cup peanuts or cashews (optional)
- 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips or melting wafers
- ½ cup crushed peppermint or holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine Chex, pretzels, M&Ms, and nuts.
- Melt white chocolate in the microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Pour melted chocolate over the mix and toss gently to coat.
- Spread mixture on parchment paper and sprinkle with crushed peppermint or festive sprinkles.
- Let set for 20–30 minutes, then break into clusters.
Packaging idea: Scoop into clear bags tied with red ribbon for an easy ministry handout.
Soft, fluffy, bakery-style cinnamon rolls with a classic cream-cheese frosting
Ingredients (Makes 12 Rolls)
Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- 2 eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
Filling
- ½ cup softened butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
Cream-Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
Prepare the dough:
- In a bowl, whisk warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add melted butter and eggs.
- Stir in flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
Fill & roll:
- Roll dough into a 14x18-inch rectangle.
- Spread butter over dough.
- Mix brown sugar + cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly.
- Roll tightly from the long side and slice into 12 rolls.
Bake:
- Place rolls in a greased 9×13 pan.
- Cover and let rise 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 25–28 minutes until golden.
Frost:
- Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Spread over warm rolls.