Small Batch Chocolate Cake with Fluffy Peppermint Frosting

Have you thought about your Christmas menu yet? Now’s the time! Christmas Eve is only 2 weeks away!

I was chatting with a friend about it last week and she mentioned how hard it feels to create a menu for just a few people when you’re used to having a crowd for the holidays. I totally understand – we usually celebrate with our big families! – but it’s also the perfect opportunity to let small-batch treats shine.

This cutie is the perfect example! A petite chocolate cake that is perfectly sized for just 2-4 people and topped off with fluffy peppermint frosting – what more do you want for Christmas? It’s a great option for this year’s sized-down celebrations.

Continue reading

Instant Pot Gingerbread Cheesecake

We are planning a cozy, just-the-four-of-us Christmas this year. I’ve tried very hard not to dwell on negatives this year – which means that instead of focusing on all the holiday cooking I won’t be doing, I decided to tackle some smaller-batch treats that will be perfect for our family.

Instant Pot cheesecakes are perfect for smaller crowds because they themselves are smaller – and they’re super easy to pull off . Jazzed up with the gingerbread-inspired spices, this small-batch holiday treat is a slam dunk.

Continue reading

Black Forest Cheesecake #ChristmasSweetsWeek

This post is sponsored in conjunction with ChristmasSweetsWeek. I received product samples from sponsor companies to aid in the creation of the ChristmasSweetsWeek recipes. All opinions are mine alone.

I always feel a little more nostalgic about my German heritage at Christmas. I think it’s a remnant of Opa’s Christmas cookie packages, which were synonymous with Christmas for all of my childhood. Without even thinking about it, I end up planning some German-inspired dessert for our holiday table – like this Black Forest Cheesecake.

Black Forest Cheesecake

This is obviously not traditional, but the flavors are there – and, I’ll be honest, this is going to be easier than your traditional Black Forest Cake.

Continue reading

Chocolate Hazelnut Doughnuts #ChristmasSweetsWeek

This post is sponsored in conjunction with ChristmasSweetsWeek. I received product samples from sponsor companies to aid in the creation of the ChristmasSweetsWeek recipes. All opinions are mine alone.

I am all about a festive breakfast for holiday celebrations – and these delicious doughnuts are a perfect treat for Christmas morning!

Chocolate Hazelnut Doughnuts 3

These pack a big punch of flavor thanks to LorAnn Oils Chocolate Hazelnut Flavor. Just a little gives these a great, complex flavor – and it’s balanced nicely by the vanilla icing. Sweets & Treats sprinkles make them extra festive and perfect for the holiday!

Continue reading

Chocolate Orange Crinkle Cookies #ChristmasSweetsWeek

This post is sponsored in conjunction with ChristmasSweetsWeek. I received product samples from sponsor companies to aid in the creation of the ChristmasSweetsWeek recipes. All opinions are mine alone.

Fluffy and soft on the inside, but crisp around the edges, these Chocolate Orange Crinkle Cookies will be your new favorite to leave for Santa!

Chocolate Orange Crinkle Cookies 5

Chocolate and orange is a nostalgic Christmas flavor pairing for me, thanks to years of chocolate oranges in our stockings! These cookies taste just like that childhood treat.

Continue reading

Grinch Cocoa with Peppermint Marshmallows #ChristmasSweetsWeek

This post is sponsored in conjunction with ChristmasSweetsWeek. I received product samples from sponsor companies to aid in the creation of the ChristmasSweetsWeek recipes. All opinions are mine alone.

There are two things my four-year-old is loving this season: hot chocolate and the Grinch. I combined the two for him in this fun, festive treat.

Grinch Cocoa 3

Welcome to #ChristmasSweetsWeek 2018 hosted by Terri fromĀ Love and Confections and Christie fromĀ A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures! What better way to celebrate the holidays than with food and a fun giveaway? 44 bloggers from around the country have come together to share over 180 sweet Christmas recipes!! Deck the halls and get ready for very merry sweet treats, like fudge, cookies, Christmas morning breakfasts, layer cakes, martinis, cocoa, and more! Our #ChristmasSweetsWeek sponsors are helping us give away some great prizes. Thank you so much, Sponsors, for your generosity. We have an incredible giveaway below and would love if you would take a moment to read about it and what you can win!

Continue reading