Valentine Cookie Cups (with a hidden treat inside)

These little cookie treats are perfect for Valentine's Day!

You start with a sugar cookie mix and add a few ingredients, 

then wrap dough around a candy kiss to surprise each recipient. 

I really LOVE shortcuts so this makes it easy for a last minute treat

if you need one. 

Get the kids to help by unwrapping the chocolates...and maybe even wrapping the dough around each candy. 

Homemade gifts from the heart are the best! These sweet treats definitely say LOVE, especially with the hidden 'kiss' inside. 

Don't waste any time...get busy making these fun cookie cups to 

give to friends or share with your family. They'll be so glad you did!

ENJOY A SWEET VALENTINE'S DAY!!!  

VALENTINE COOKIE CUPS 

(with a hidden treat inside) 

1 bag (17.5) ozs. package sugar cookie mix

1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted

3 Tb. all purpose flour

1 large egg

several drops pink or red food coloring

(I didn't measure, I just squeezed out a stream) 

24 Hershey's kisses (or hugs), unwrapped

Valentine sprinkles, optional 

Spray a mini cupcake pan with cooking spray - you'll need 24 total. Set aside. Preheat oven to 350*. 

In a large bowl, blend sugar cookie mix, melted butter, flour, egg and food coloring (I added food coloring to melted butter before adding to mix - you may add a few more drops as you're mixing if desired.)  I stirred this by hand. 

Using about  1 Tablespoonful of cookie dough, roll into a ball; flatten in your hand...covering most of your palm, placing the 'kiss' in the center. Wrap the dough around it to create a ball; roll until smooth. 

Place the cookie balls into muffin cavities and repeat until you use all the dough. 

Bake for about 12 minutes or until the outsides of the dough look set. Remove from oven and then top with sprinkles. 

Let cookie cups cool in pan for at least 15 minutes before removing from pan to cooling rack. 

Recipe inspired by Princess Pinky Girl

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Easy Polar Bear Paws (Copycat See's Candy)

'Tis the Season!!!! 

This is a simple treat that can be whipped up when you don't have a lot of time, and they make a great addition to your goodie tray for the neighbors or friends. 

They're made in the microwave so that makes for a speedy process! (But be aware - they do have to cool some before and after dropping into 'paws' onto cookie sheet). 

The original recipe calls for peanuts, but I used cashews and they

were terrific! 

The recipe only takes 5 ingredients...get ready for a tasty,

caramel-y, nutty treat covered in white chocolate (almond bark works great too!) 

(hover over photo to pin) 

POLAR BEAR PAWS 

1 (11 ozs) bag caramel bits 

(use name brand for best quality) 

3 Tbs. heavy whipping cream

1 Tb. unsalted butter

1 c. roasted peanuts or cashews

12 ozs. vanilla almond bark or Ghirardelli white chocolate 

melting wafers 

Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper; set aside. 

Place caramels, cream and butter into a microwave safe bowl,

microwaving for 30 second increments, stirring, and repeating

until melted and smooth. 

Mix in the nuts; let stand in the bowl to cool about 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes or so. 

Spoon onto prepared cookie sheet, making tablespoon sized mounds.  Place in the fridge for about 45 minutes or until set. 

Melt almond bark according to directions, stirring until smooth. 

Dip a chilled caramel cluster in the chocolate, using a fork to remove it.

Allow any excess chocolate to drop off the candy before setting

on parchment paper. Repeat with remaining clusters, keeping them chilled while they wait to be dipped.  

Refrigerate for another 45 minutes or until chocolate is set. 

Don't eat too many before packaging up to give away! 

Recipe inspired by Belly Full

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Simple Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge (5 ingredients!)

Everyone needs an easy fudge recipe right?  

I love trying new recipes and this one was top notch!

Creamy and rich....right up my taste bud alley! 

The customers at my farmer's market stand were glad for this one! 

Chocolate and peanut butter are surely a classic combo, so you can't go wrong with this one. 

Hope you give it a try soon...and make sure you're not alone, because

no one will know you made the fudge if you don't share it! *-* 

It's too tempting to hide it and eat it all yourself....😍😍

And of course, you can use peanut butter chips if you don't want

the chocolate! 

(to pin hover over photo) 

SIMPLE CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE 

• 1 and 1/2 (heaping) cup granulated sugar
•   (original recipe calls for 2 c.) 
• 1/2 c. milk (2% or whole) 
• 3/4 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 c. peanut butter (chunky or creamy)
• 1 Tb. real vanilla 

Butter a 9" x 9" square pan; set aside. 

Measure chocolate and peanut butter; set aside with vanilla. 

Place sugar and milk in heavy sauce pan.  Over medium heat, stir with a wooden spoon until well combined. 

In a few minutes this mixture will come to a boil. Boil (all over) for 2 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly with wooden spoon. 

Remove from heat; using a whisk, beat in the chocolate chips until smooth.  Stir in peanut butter and vanilla until well blended. 

Pour fudge into prepared pan and let it cool at room temperature.  It usually takes 30 - 40 minutes to set up enough to cut.  (I let mine chill after coming to room temp, for a couple of hours before cutting). 

Store in airtight container. 

Recipe inspired by Mirlandra's Kitchen

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Copycat Payday Candy Bars

How excited I was to come across this simple recipe...

Not only do I enjoy Payday Bars on occasion, I love being

able to make my own.

This only takes a few ingredients...and about 10 minutes...waiting for it to set up is the hardest part. 

I gave some 'samples' away for Valentine's Day treats, then took some of these sweet treats to a ladies luncheon, and this recipe was requested. You know that's always a good thing! I cut them in small pieces so they could have a 'taste' without splurging too much. 

(I will tell you if you decide you want to make half a batch...in an 8" X 8" pan...

you won't use a full jar of peanuts) 

(hover over photo to pin) 

COPYCAT PAYDAY CANDY BARS 

1-1/2 jars (16 ozs. each) dry roasted peanuts 

(I used lightly salted) 

5 Tb. butter

1 can (14 ozs) sweetened condensed milk

2 c. mini marshmallows

1 bag (10 ozs) Reese's peanut butter chips 

(use name brand for best results) 

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

pinch salt

Spray 9" x 13" baking pan with non-stick baking spray. 

Add 1 jar of peanuts in even layer in the bottom of prepared dish; set aside. 

(Read tip below)...In large saucepan, melt butter over medium/low heat. 

Add marshmallows, sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter chips to saucepan; stir well. 

Continue cooking over medium/low heat (for about 5 minutes), stirring

frequently. 

Remove from heat; add salt and vanilla; stir until blended. 

Carefully pour marshmallow mixture over peanut layer in the pan, using a spatula to even out marshmallow mixture as needed. 

Sprinkle remaining peanuts over marshmallow mixture, pressing lightly into the filling. 

Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours. Cut into bars or squares and enjoy. 

Yield: 24 - 30 pieces, depending on size. 

Recipe found at Kudos Kitchen by Renee

(You can watch a video there if you choose to) 

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Christmas Muddy Buddies

A simple cereal mixture, coated with melted chocolate and peanut butter,

with a powdered sugar coating.  Add candies, nuts and pretzels to give for a fun gift!

Or make visitors feel special when they drop by! 

                                               I love all the colors - so inviting and fun! 

Melted chocolate/peanut butter/butter blended onto the cereal..

before sprinkling with powdered sugar! MMMM! 

Bagged up ready to give as gifts! 

(hover over photo to pin) 

CHRISTMAS MUDDY BUDDIES 

• 3 c. Corn Chex
• 3 c. Rice Chex
• (Or 6 c. Crispix cereal) 
• 1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
• (I like milk chocolate too) 
• 1/2 c. creamy peanut butter
• 4 Tb. salted butter
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 c. powdered sugar
• 1 - 12 ounce bag of Christmas M&Ms
• 2 - 3 c. pretzels
• 1 c. salted peanuts, optional 
• 1 - 2 c. Reese's mini peanut butter cups

• In a large bowl add Chex cereals and stir gently using your hands; set aside.
• 
  
• In a medium glass bowl add chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter; melt in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring after each one until the mixture is melted and smooth.
• 
  

• Add vanilla extract and salt, stirring until fully combined.
• 
  
• Pour the chocolate/peanut butter/butter mixture on top of the Chex cereal; gently mix with a spatula until fully covered.
• 
  
• Working in two batches, pour half the Chex mix into a ziploc bag with 1 cup of powdered sugar, seal the bag and shake until all the cereal is covered with powdered sugar.
• 
  
• Pour the powdered sugar covered Chex onto a baking sheet; set aside. Repeat with the other half of the Chex cereal and powdered sugar in the same bag, making sure to seal the bag. Shake until the Chex is completely covered with powdered sugar.
• (The kids will enjoy helping with this process!)
• 
  
• Pour the cereal mixture onto another baking sheet and allow to cool completely.   I cover with parchment paper for easy cleanup. 
• 
  
• When ready to share or serve, place cereal mixture in a large bowl; add M&M’s, pretzels, peanuts, and Reese's peanut butter cups and mix until fully combined and enjoy! 
• 
  

Box or bag up to give to happy recipients! 

• 
  

It's beautiful - so many pretty colors! Very festive for gift giving! 

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU & YOURS! 

​

Nutella Fudge (4 ingredients/microwave!)

Oh mercy!

This super easy and mighty tasty fudge will most likely make it to your holiday

plates this year!

What's not to love about this amazing and quick recipe!? 

How can you go wrong making it with nutella...that lovely

chocolatey hazelnut spread that's so easy to eat right from the jar!

(If you've never tried it before, you should be able to find it

near the peanut butter at your favorite grocery store.)

Let's get cooking...er, or microwaving!

NUTELLA FUDGE 

1 c. Nutella chocolate hazelnut spread 

1 - 12 ozs. bag semi-sweet (or milk) chocolate chips

1 (14 ozs.) can sweetened condensed milk

(Eagle Brand) 

1 tsp. vanilla 

1/2 c. chopped nuts, optional 

sea salt sprinkles, optional

Line an 8" X 8" square pan with parchment paper; set aside. 

In a large microwavable bowl, heat the nutella and chocolate for 1 minute, stirring after 30 seconds; then after a minute, stirring well until smooth and creamy. 

Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla until blended.  Mixture will be thick. Stir in nuts until coated with chocolate. 

Spread mixture in prepared pan, smoothing as much as possible. (You can always dip a large spoon in a bit of warm water to spread smooth if need be). 

Sprinkle with coarse sea salt if desired; it helps cut the sweetness. 

Refrigerate at least 2 hours before slicing. 

Cut into small pieces - about 60. 

TIP:  This fudge gets soft when left out at room temp for very long. 

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Butterfinger Balls

Yumohyum!

These delightful balls of goodness are like a peanut butter ball (or Buckeye) with crushed Butterfinger candies in them!

How could anyone say no to them? 

A little time consuming to roll into balls, but an easy recipe to make to add to your holiday. 

I loved dipping them in white almond bark (tinted green) and shaping them into a Christmas tree on a platter for a fun presentation.

I got the original recipe from Plain Chicken, but the batch made A LOT!

She said it would make 3 - 4 dozen and I just wanted fewer, and made them

smaller (still about the size of a walnut) because they are rich, so do your thing...this recipe is easily doubled for a bunch more! 

May you and yours enjoy a SWEET CHRISTmas season!

BUTTERFINGER BALLS 

1-3/4 c. powdered sugar

1-1/2 c. graham cracker crumbs

3 Butterfinger bars (1.9 ozs. each), crushed

1/2 c. + 2 Tb. butter, melted

3/4 c. crunchy peanut butter (or creamy)

12 ozs. chocolate almond bark or chocolate candy coating (discs)

Colored sprinkles, optional

In a large bowl, combine powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs and Butterfinger pieces; set aside.

In medium glass bowl; combine melted butter and peanut butter until smooth.

Add to crumb mixture and stir until blended. Shape into walnut-sized balls, place

on wax paper lined cookie sheet; refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Melt chocolate according to package directions; dip chilled balls into chocolate,

placing them back onto the waxed paper.  Sprinkle with holiday sprinkles if desired.

Refrigerate any leftovers.

Yield: about 3 dozen treats

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Flashback Friday - Gotta-Have Christmas Candies

WELCOME TO FLASHBACK FRIDAY! 

These treats will add so much 'sweetness' to your holidays...

SWOON!  Some have told me these are the BEST caramels they've ever eaten. 
No candy thermometer needed!!! Go for it! 

Fabulous (Chocolate Covered) or Sea Salt Caramels

Believe it...4 ingredients & only 45 seconds in the microwave?  Gotta try it to believe how awesome this fudge is! 

Nutter Butter Fudge (Microwave)

A favorite from my mom's recipe file...it keeps for days until you're ready to slice it...

Church Window Candy

This delicious recipe has a strong caramel flavor..crunchy cereal and

chewy dates...Irresistible!! 

Date Balls

The first time I ever ate this delectable candy, it was gifted to me and I
knew I HAD to have the recipe.  Simple and only 6 ingredients!  And it 
makes A LOT!

Copycat Almond Roca (or Toffee)

Homemade Copycat Kit Kat Bars

I haven't made these luscious treats for a few years, so it was past time! 

I bought a box of Club crackers a couple of weeks ago, so when the time came, I'd be ready...set...GO! 

These are pretty simple and so delicious! Smashed graham crackers, butter, brown sugar, and milk make up the filling. 

The topping is melted peanut butter and chocolate chips!

I keep mine in the garage so when I need a treat to share, they are ready for me.  (And it helps to keep them 'hidden') 

A beautiful and tasty addition to your holiday tray.  It's the only time of the year I can trust myself to make them - because it's December...and
anything goes, right??? 

Enjoy every crunchy bite!  

HOMEMADE KIT KAT BARS

8 ozs. Club Crackers (or Waverly)
1 c. butter (2 sticks)
2 c. graham cracker crumbs
3/4 c. light brown sugar, packed
1/2 c. milk
1/3 c. white sugar

1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips 
2/3 c. creamy peanut butter

Line a 9" X 13" ungreased baking dish with a single layer of crackers. In large saucepan, over medium heat, melt the butter.  Add graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, milk and sugar. Bring to a gentle boil; boil for 5 minutes. Stir constantly so it doesn't burn. 

Remove from heat; spread half the butter mixture evenly over the crackers. Place another layer of crackers over the graham cracker mixture; spread remaining butter mixture over top; add final layer of crackers. 

In a small saucepan, add chocolate chips and peanut butter.  Melt over med-low heat, stirring constantly until blended. Spread evenly over the top layer of crackers.  

Allow to cool about 10 minutes; cover with plastic wrap and place in a cool place (my garage works nicely for this...but you can put them in the fridge for an hour if you'd like)...until chocolate layer is set. 

When it is completely cool; cut into small squares. 

Enjoy!  If you have any leftovers...keep covered in a cool place. 


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