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Hot Chocolate Dip

Hot Chocolate Dip is a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is great for any party. It features all the flavors of your favorite hot chocolate in a smooth and creamy dessert dip. Serve it with cookies or fruit, and watch everyone dig in.

A bowl filled with chocolate dip and a plate of cookies behind it.

This post was first published in December 2014. It was updated and then republished in December 2023.

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When it's cold outside, there's nothing quite as comforting as a cup of hot chocolate. Imagine that same chocolate flavor turned into a dip that goes well with marshmallows, fruit, cookies, and pretzels.

We always keep hot chocolate packets on hand during winter, but one year I used them to make a fun hot chocolate dessert. A few we made: frozen hot chocolate, peppermint chocolate granola bars, and hot chocolate fudge. 

But my personal favorite was this hot chocolate dip. This recipe was very popular in 2014, when I first made it, and received great reviews from millions of readers. And it continues to be popular year after year.

Fans everywhere love the taste of hot chocolate combined with cream cheese, whipped cream, and marshmallow fluff. Plus, there is something special about a dessert dip!

Why You Will Love Hot Chocolate Dip with Cream Cheese

The chocolate cocoa dip is creamy and tastes like our favorite hot chocolate cheesecake. Serving and eating is easier, so the dip will disappear quickly. Get ready to take your favorite snacks to the next level.

This spoon-worthy sweet treat is perfect for parties or satisfying sweet cravings during the holiday season.

  • Easy to make. The best part about this hot cocoa dip is that it is ready in just a few minutes.
  • It's fun to dip all the things. It tastes fantastic on just about any fresh fruit or cookie you can think of. Set up a yummy dip bar with your favorite ingredients, then have fun.
  • Great snack for parties. The hot chocolate dip is a great addition to your next party. It's perfect for winter gatherings, movie nights, or just treating yourself.
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Buckeye Pretzels

If you are a fan of the sweet and salty combination, then you'll definitely love these peanut butter Buckeye Pretzels. This easy recipe combines buckeye balls and crunchy pretzels for a bite-sized snack that will leave you wanting more.

A stack of peanut butter pretzels on a white plate.

This post was first published in February 2011. The photos were updated in October 2016 and republished in December 2023.

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There are certain desserts that I can't resist. Particularly ones that combine chocolate and peanut butter or sweet and salty flavors. I tend to eat my fair share of these delicious treats when we make them because they combine both.

We have been making peanut butter balls for years. Our boys request them for every holiday, so we have transformed them into bunnies, pumpkins, and Christmas trees.

A few years back, I decided to sandwich one between waffle pretzels before dipping them in chocolate. Best idea ever! The salty crunch of the pretzels makes them the perfect treat to serve on any dessert table during the holiday season.

Why You Will Love Pretzels with Peanut Butter and Chocolate

These peanut butter pretzel bites are a great addition to your holiday baking plans. Easy, no bake, and full of sweet and salty goodness in every bite.

  • Sweet and Salty Twist. This fun treat turns a classic candy into a fun, no-bake dessert that will become your new favorite.
  • Pop-able Bites. The salty combination of these bite-sized snacks is hard to resist. Experience a burst of flavor with every bite.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Power. Peanut butter pretzel bites are a popular snack that can be enjoyed at parties or with family. They always disappear from the dessert table in record time.
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Maple Cookies

Bring the warmth of fall into your kitchen with these delightful Maple Cookies. Made with pure maple syrup and pecans, these cookies perfectly combine comfort and sweetness in every bite. The thin and chewy treats are perfect for the holiday season.

A white plate filled with cookies.

Cooler weather has arrived, so why not embrace the cozy vibes with homemade maple cookies? These chewy treats are made with real maple syrup and packed with crunchy pecans. Once you try them, you'll be hooked!

We have been making these chewy maple cookies for years. They are one of my husband's favorite treats to enjoy with hot coffee. We also include them in the cookie tins we give to family and friends at Christmas.

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Why These Maple Pecan Cookies Work

These cookies are a sweet celebration of fall, combining the magic of maple and pecans. You will feel like you're surrounded by rustling leaves and a crackling fireplace because these cookies smell like a cozy cabin in the woods.

  • Chewy and delicious. The nutty pecans perfectly complement the maple syrup's warm and earthy tones, creating a cozy, warm taste in every bite.
  • Real maple flavor. Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor when baking. For an extra spicy taste, try our homemade cinnamon maple syrup.
  • Perfect for the holiday season. This cookie recipe is perfect for fall parties, Christmas cookie exchanges, or bake sales. Get ready to share the recipe for your new favorite cookie because everyone will want it!

These are the best cookies to enjoy with a maple latte or a salted caramel mocha.

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Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies

These easy Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies are a delicious treat to add to your holiday cookie trays this year. Everyone will be delighted to find a cherry hidden beneath a layer of delicious chocolate! They are perfect for Christmas or even Valentine's Day.

A stack of cake mix cookies topped with cherries and ganache.
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I love finding chocolate-covered cherries in boxes of assorted chocolates because I enjoy the flavor combo. A while back, at Christmas, those candies inspired me to make chocolate covered cherry cookies using cake mix.

Using a mix as the foundation for these cookies is a game-changer. Not only does it save time, but it also guarantees a soft texture. Plus, you can use any flavor of cake to make them. We love them so much that we make them all year long.

If you are a fan of cherry cordials, you will absolutely love these simple cherry cookies. They are a great treat for any holiday cookie exchange or special dinner. 

The chocolate chip cookies have a hidden maraschino cherry that is guaranteed to make you smile. Indulge yourself or impress guests with our unique twist on a classic.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy. These thumbprint cookies are popular because they are simple. Cake mix makes them easy to prepare, even for new bakers.
  • Sweet Flavor. The soft treats have a hidden cherry center topped with a rich layer of chocolate frosting. This flavor combo tastes amazing!
  • Perfect for Any Occasion. These cookies are great any time of year, whether for a special celebration or a sweet pick-me-up.

Are you looking for more simple cake mix cookies for the holiday season? Try these Oreo peppermint crunch cookies or these cinnamon caramel cookies.

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Turkey Rice Soup

Turkey Rice Soup is a delicious way to enjoy holiday leftovers. The tender meat, savory vegetables, and rice are cooked together in a flavorful broth. It's the perfect meal for after the holidays.

A white bowl filled with creamy soup.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. We enjoy spending quality with our adult children while playing games and eating the holiday meal. Every year, we purchase and cook a bird that is larger than necessary to ensure that we have plenty of leftovers.

Leftover Thanksgiving turkey is a versatile ingredient. We always use it to prepare turkey cranberry salad and homemade soup throughout the upcoming weeks.

Why You Will Love This Leftover Turkey Soup

Transform your Thanksgiving turkey into a comforting meal. In less than 45 minutes, you can have a delicious pot of soup using just a few ingredients!

  • Simple preparation. Unlike other recipes, this comforting soup doesn't demand hours in the kitchen. It's a simple and flavorful one-pot meal that requires minimal effort.
  • Great use of leftovers. Looking for ideas on how to use up that leftover turkey? Check out this tasty solution! The hearty soup provides a delicious and efficient way to use up extra turkey breast. 
  • Budget-friendly meal. Making use of leftovers not only reduces food waste but also makes for a cheap meal. The dish turns basic ingredients into an incredibly tasty and fulfilling meal.
  • Easy to customize. Change up the soup by adding different vegetables, herbs, and spices to suit your taste. You can customize it more by adding heat, garlic, or lemon.
  • Freezer-friendly. The soup freezes very well. Keeping a batch in the freezer allows for quick and easy meal prep.
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Blackberry Dump Cake

This three-ingredient Blackberry Dump Cake is a quick and delicious dessert. The juicy berries and buttery cake mix topping make it perfect for potlucks or fancy dinners.

Fruit cobbler and ice cream on a white plate.

When I am pressed for time, I love to make simple desserts. My favorite ones to make over the years have been dump cake and cherry crisp. Our entire family enjoys how the vanilla ice cream slowly melts into the warm fruit filling.

A dump cake practically makes itself with no stirring or mixing required. This dessert is perfect to make when you're invited to an event on short notice.

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What Is A Dump Cake?

A dump cake is a dessert that's a cross between a cake and a cobbler. It's made by "dumping" all the ingredients in one pan and baking it.

Dump cakes and cobblers are similar. Both desserts are made with fruit filling and a crust topping.

Why This Blackberry Cake Mix Cobbler Works

This blackberry dump cake recipe is both delicious and incredibly easy to make. The best part is that you can change the pie filling and cake flavor to create a new recipe every time you bake one. So, get creative and have fun!

  • Quick and easy. This recipe comes together in minutes with three simple ingredients.
  • No mixing bowls are required. You don't need to mix anything. Just dump the ingredients into the baking dish and pop it into the oven.
  • Serve it in multiple ways. Enjoy this crowd-pleasing, easy dessert warm with ice cream or at room temperature with homemade whipped cream.
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Peanut Butter Pudding Pie

This easy Peanut Butter Pudding Pie is a must-make recipe for peanut butter lovers. A Nutter Butter crust combined with creamy peanut butter cheesecake and white chocolate pudding creates a delicious dessert. Enjoy this sweet treat any time of year.

A slice of pie on black plate.

I love eating pie all year round, but there's something extra special about it this time of year. During the busy holidays, I rely on simple, no-bake recipes for my family to enjoy.

One of our favorites is this chocolate peanut butter pie. To change it up, I used Nutter Butter cookies, white chocolate pudding, and white chocolate peanut butter cups.

When it comes to desserts, I usually go for dark chocolate. But there's something about the white chocolate mousse in this peanut butter pie that I can't resist.

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Why You Will Love This Peanut Butter Pie Recipe

If you love peanut butter, this dessert is perfect with its rich and creamy peanut butter flavor.

  • Easy, no bake dessert. Baking this pie is unnecessary, so it is one of the easiest pies to make. The crust sets in the fridge, and the fillings are no-bake.
  • Light and creamy. The combination of creamy cheesecake filling and fluffy pudding keeps it from being heavy.
  • Delicious all year long. This is a great treat to make during the hot summer months or for Thanksgiving dinner.
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Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites are a tasty bite-sized treat for parties! A creamy pumpkin filling and a swirl of whipped cream make them irresistible. These desserts are delicious, adorable, and perfect for the fall season.

Mini cheesecake bites with whipped cream on a white plate.

Autumn is a great time to enjoy a pumpkin cream cold brew and bake pumpkin treats. These pumpkin spice latte cheesecakes combine coffee and pumpkin flavors in a delicious cheesecake form.

I used these pumpkin Oreo cheesecakes as the base for these mini pumpkin cheesecakes. Then added homemade coffee whipped cream and a chocolate-covered coffee bean to make them look cute and taste delicious.

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Why Make This Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

Once you try these pumpkin cheesecake bites, you'll be hooked! The creamy cheesecake filling complements the pumpkin flavor perfectly. They are easy to make and look fancy, so I love bringing them to fall parties.

  • So easy to make. Making cheesecake bites is a quick and easy process. Unlike large cheesecakes that need special pans and a water bath, these bites are baked in a standard mini muffin pan.
  • Delicious fall flavor. The filling for these desserts is made of cream cheese, pumpkin puree, and warm spices to create a delightful pumpkin spice flavor. It's a classic fall combination of flavors enjoyed in a single bite.
  • Bite-sized servings. These mini cheesecakes are perfect for parties or brunch and bake much faster than full-sized cheesecakes. They are the perfect fall dessert.

If you're a pumpkin fan, try these delicious fall treats: pumpkin cheesecake,  pumpkin crunch cobbler, and pumpkin Nutella muffins. 

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Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies

Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies are a delicious dessert. With a rich, gooey crust and swirls of pumpkin cheesecake, they have the perfect balance of chocolate and fall flavors. They are great for any occasion - from Thanksgiving dinner to afternoon snacks with friends.

Three pumpkin cheesecake bars stacked on a plate.

These pumpkin cheesecake brownies will make your autumn-loving heart skip a beat. Just look at the swirls! If you're a fan of pumpkin and brownies, then this dessert is a must-try!

We've been making this pumpkin brownie recipe for years. I look forward to baking a few pans to share with friends and family every fall.

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Why You Will Love These Pumpkin Brownies

Fudgy brownies and creamy pumpkin cheesecake are layered together to create a fantastic dessert. This delicious recipe will satisfy any sweet tooth.

  • Easy to make. You can easily make this dessert with a boxed brownie mix and homemade cheesecake.
  • The perfect combination of two classic desserts. A layer of fudgy brownies topped with pumpkin spice cheesecake is perfect for fall.
  • A fun treat for fall. These pumpkin cream cheese brownies are a hit for autumn parties, potlucks, or Thanksgiving. Please share them with your family during the holidays and watch them disappear.

Looking for more fall desserts? Try these pumpkin chocolate chip cookies or this pumpkin cobbler. Or check out a round up of these 35 easy Thanksgiving desserts!

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Apple Bread Pudding

Apple Bread Pudding is a delicious treat that can be enjoyed all year round. Loaded with apples, raisins, and spices, this dessert casserole is warm and comforting. Top it off with caramel drizzles and a scoop of ice cream to make it even better.

A square of apple dessert casserole topped with ice cream and caramel.
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There's something so warm and inviting about bread pudding! It's very similar to this apple French toast casserole, although the toppings differ slightly.

What is Bread Pudding?

Bread pudding is a dessert made from stale bread cubes soaked in an egg custard mixture. Classic bread pudding typically includes raisins, but other ingredients can be used. It is traditionally served with warm sauce on top.

Why This Apple Bread Pudding Recipe Works

This sweet bread pudding has apples and raisins, making it a delicious treat for cozy nights or special events.

Once you try this comforting dish, you'll completely understand why we love it so much! The warm, creamy textures make it amazing for breakfast or dessert. Give it a try the next time you have extra bread on hand.

  • Total comfort food. I enjoy indulging in warm bread pudding with caramel and vanilla ice cream. It is a delicious comfort food dessert that is underrated and overlooked in the dessert world.
  • Use up bread. Over the years, bread pudding has been known for being a way to use up stale or day-old bread. It's the best way to give that old bread a new life!
  • So flavorful and delicious. A sweet custard adds a rich creaminess to this dessert. Adding fruit and nuts to the baked pudding takes it to the next level.
  • Delicious crispy topping. The cinnamon sugar baked on top gives the dessert a crispy texture that contrasts with the soft bread pieces underneath.
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