Holiday Night In

December is always such a cozy month. And having a cozy night in is what December was made for.  I love the idea of snuggling up on the couch with my puppies, a tasty treat, and a Christmas movie.  I find that watching Christmas movies is a lot more fun while staring at a Christmas tree and eating sugary snacks.  Although if you are not a fan of Christmas movies if you keep reading down below I have some other ideas that you might enjoy. But first…snacks.

Holiday Snacks

I love a good snack that instantly reminds you of the holiday season.  While there are so many different options, I choose to go with the ones that are simple and easy and do not take much time at all.

Reindeer Chow

This is probably my favorite.  If you remember back to October, I made Halloween Puppy Chow which is almost identical to Reindeer Chow.  The only difference between the two is the small treats you add in at the end.  So instead of candy corn, and Reese’s Pieces I add Pretzels and Red and Green M&M’s!

All you need is:

• 9 cups Rice Chex
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• Pretzels
• Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cups
• Red and Green M&M’s

It will only take you about 5-10 minutes to make this delicious treat.  Simply measure out the cereal and set it aside.  Then, in a microwavable bowl melt together the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter for 45 seconds.  Take it out of the microwave, mix it up, add the vanilla and place it back in the microwave for 30 more second or until it is smooth.  In the large bowl with the cereal add the melted mixture.  Once the cereal is fully coated place it in a gallon sized Ziploc bag, add in the powdered sugar and mix it together until every piece is coated.  Once you take it out, add in the Pretzels, Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cups, and the Red and Green M&M’s.

For the original recipe, click here.

Christmas Tree Brownies

Brownies are my biggest struggle, I am not sure why but I always seem to struggle when it comes to making fun brownies.  With that being said, I find this snack the most difficult one to make.  While it may be more difficult to make, it is definitely worth it (just ask Jmo, he LOVED them).

Ingredients:

• 1 Box Betty Crocker Supreme Original brownie mix
• Green Frosting
• Candy Canes
• Red and Green M&M’s
• Green Sprinkles

In order to make these fun Christmas Tree Brownies, start by lining your pan with foil so that it covers the sides and 2 inches over the sides of the pan.  After doing that, follow the directions on the box of brownie mix and bake as normal.  After the brownies are done, let them cool for around 1 1/2 hours.  When the brownies are completely cooled cut the brownies into triangles.  Use the green frosting to decorate the each “Christmas Tree” however you like. Decorate the “Christmas Tree” with sprinkles and M&M’s.  To complete the Christmas Tree Brownie break off a piece of candy cane and add it to the brownie to create the tree trunk.

For the original recipe, click here.

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

I was on the hunt for Mint chocolate chip cookies and completely failed.  They were no where to be found and since I wanted to go with all easy recipes I did not want to attempt to make them from scratch so I came up with a better and super easy idea!

Items Needed:

• Pillsbury Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
• Ghirardelli Peppermint Chunks

This is so simple. Preheat the oven to 350.  In a bowl, mix the Cookie Dough with as many peppermint chunks as you want. After it is mixed well, make as many 1-inch balls of dough as desired, place on a cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Then enjoy!

Peppermint Cookie Dough

I LOVE cookie dough, so when I found this recipe on Pinterest I knew that I needed to try it out and that it could be such a great holiday treat!

What you need:

• 2 sticks Unsalted Butter
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 3/4 cup Light Brown Sugar
• 2 1/4 cups All Purpose Flour
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 3 tbsp Milk
• 1 tbsp Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1 cup Andres Peppermint Crunch
• 1/2 cup Mini Chocolate Chips

In order to make the peppermint cookie dough there are a few steps to follow.  In a large bowl combine butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar, mix using a handheld mixer.  Add flour and salt, mix until it is combined.  Next add the vanilla extract and milk, mix together until soft.  Unwrap the Andes mints, place in a ziploc bag and using a roller pin break up the mints into smaller pieces.  Once the mints are broken up add to the dough mixture along with the chocolate chips.  Put the cookie dough into a pan and place in the refrigerator to cool.

For the original recipe, click here.

Christmas Movies

I love a good quality Christmas movie, although I tend to find myself rewatching my favorites multiple times during the season.  I have listed below my top ten favorite Christmas movies in order!

1. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
3. Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
4. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
5. Holiday Inn 
6. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
7. Elf 
8. Four Christmases
9. Santa Claus 2
10. Home Alone

Non-Christmas Movies

I know that many people tend to get bored of Christmas movies or do not even like them at all so I have listed some of my favorite movies that are fun to watch as an alternative.  Honestly, these are just my favorite movies.  I watch all of these year round but they are extra fun to watch snuggled up on the couch with hot cocoa and holiday treats!

1. Breakfast at Tiffany’s
2. Funny Face 
3. How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days
4. Sex & The City: The Movie
5. Clueless
6. Uptown Girls
7. Anastasia
8. Bad Moms
9. Neighbors 
10. The Breakfast Club

No matter what you watch or how well your Holiday treats turn out, the Christmas season can be so fun.  Always remember that no matter how many presents you have to buy, parties you have to go to, or families you have to visit take a moment to relax and enjoy yourself.  Christmas is no fun if you spend it stressed out, so take a moment, make some snacks, and relax, because Christmas only comes once a year!

XO

Katelyn Moshier