If you’re looking for some last-minute Christmas treats, here are three colourful ideas, all no-bake, made with chocolate. These sweets are so simple…you don’t even need a recipe to make them!
Chocolate Dipped Marshmallows
You may have seen chocolate dipped marshmallows in stores – they are usually made with jumbo marshmallows. They’re dipped in chocolate and embellished with crushed candy canes, sprinkles, and any other candy you can think of. And, they come wrapped in clear cellophane and tied with a ribbon.
Chocolate dipped marshmallows are so easy to make at home! I’ve made them here with regular-sized marshmallows. They are just the right size for satisfying a sugar craving or for dipping in a mug of hot chocolate.
To make these, push cake pop sticks into the marshmallows. Melt some chocolate chips or baking chocolate in the microwave or in a double-boiler. (I melted 3 ounces for 12 marshmallows). Dip the marshmallows in the chocolate, tap off any excess, and roll in crushed candy canes or sprinkles.
Place upright in a container to dry. I used a short vase with tissue paper in the bottom to hold up the marshmallows. Wrap in cellophane and tie with a ribbon for gift-giving, or store in an airtight container.
By the way, this is also a great activity for entertaining kids!
White Chocolate Peppermint Bark
Chocolate bark makes such an impressive dessert because of how colourful and creative it can be. You can use white or semi-sweet or dark chocolate as the base. The mix-ins and toppings are endless, from nuts to dried fruits to seeds to crushed candies.
For this white chocolate peppermint bark, I melted 8 ounces of white chocolate squares in a double boiler and added 3 crushed candy canes plus a quarter teaspoon of peppermint extract (you can adjust to taste). I spread the mixture out onto a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet and let it set in the fridge or freezer. Break into pieces and enjoy! Store in the fridge in a sealed container.
Chocolate Dipped Pretzels
If you like the combination of sweet and salty flavours, then chocolate dipped pretzels are for you! All you do is melt chocolate squares or chocolate chips, and dip the pretzels. Let the excess chocolate drip off by tapping your hand against the bowl. Cover the chocolate in sprinkles, nonpareils, mini-chocolate candies, or crushed candy canes. You can dip the pretzels into the candy, or sprinkle the candy on top.
Use small or large pretzels or pretzel rods. Dip part of the pretzel or the whole thing. Let dry and harden on parchment paper. Store at room temperature or in the fridge in a sealed container.
I love how festive these no-bake desserts look on Nutcracker dishes like these as well as this confetti serving plate.
I hope you try making some of the combinations suggested here. Not only are these the easiest and tastiest last-minute Christmas treats, but they are the perfect no-bake activity to make in the classroom, at a kids’ party, or with family and friends!
(This post also appeared on the Kitchen Stuff Plus blog on December 17, 2018)
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