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Christmas is here! Well… at least according to the grocery store aisles and the new lineup of seasonal drinks and snacks being released this week. Before you wait in that long drive-thru line for a holiday-flavored latte, try making a few festive favorites at home instead!
Why make your own when you could just grab one to-go?
When you bake or whip up treats at home, you’re in control of what goes into them. You can choose your flour, adjust your sugar, and decide exactly how much syrup or sweetener to add. Most recipes (aside from the occasional baking soda or baking powder science) are totally customizable.
If you’re watching your sugar intake or working toward specific health goals, making your own holiday drinks and treats can save you from the extra calories and hidden sugars that often come with store-bought versions.
Bonus: Baking or crafting in the kitchen can also be great for your mental health. Engaging in creative hobbies has been shown to help combat seasonal depression and boost your mood, especially when the days get shorter and colder.
So grab your whisk, turn on some holiday music, and make something cozy, delicious, and just right for you.
Tiramisu Cold Brew Dupe by Ogden Clinic
For the Tiramisu Cold Foam:
1 tbsp mascarpone cheese
1/4 cup heavy cream
Splash of whole milk
Natural sweetener of your choice (maple syrup, agave, honey, etc.)
Unsweetened cocoa powder for topping
For the Cold Brew:
Any cold brew of your choice
1/2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
Natural sweetener of your choice (maple syrup recommended)
Start by making the cold foam. Add your mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, and sweetener of choice to a small bowl. Whip until the mixture thickens, then slowly add a splash of milk while mixing until the foam reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
Next, prepare your cold brew. In a separate small bowl, combine the cocoa powder and maple syrup, stirring until smooth. Mixing these ingredients first helps prevent the cocoa powder from clumping or floating on top of your coffee.
To assemble your drink, add the cocoa and maple syrup mixture to a glass filled with ice. Pour your favorite cold brew over the top and stir until well combined. Finish by pouring the mascarpone cold foam over your cold brew and adding a dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder.
Skinny Peppermint Mocha by Skinnyfitalicious
This Peppermint Mocha is the perfect pick-me-up without having too many calories or sugar! If you’re looking for a higher protein option, just sub out half of the cocoa powder for chocolate-flavored protein powder.
Healthy Hot Cocoa by Elizabeth Rider
Everyone wants a cozy hot cocoa on a cold day. This recipe is refined sugar-free and can be adapted to be high protein or dairy-free, depending on your health goals.
Healthier Gingerbread Cookies by This Healthy Table
What’s the Holiday Season without Gingerbread Cookies? These cookies are naturally sweetened with that gingerbread spice kick that you expect from a tasty Christmas cookie.
Naturally Sweetened Homemade Marshmallows by Our Amyable Farmhouse
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Homemade Marshmallows are incredibly easy to make and fun to gift! Add these to your hot cocoa, roast them over the fire or eat them on their own for a little sweet treat during the day.
Easy Vegan Peppermint Bark by What Grandma Ate
This Peppermint Bark is made with real dark chocolate for a boost of antioxidants and crushed candy canes for that classic holiday flavor. Perfect for snacking, gifting, or both this season!
Healthy Yogurt Christmas Cookies by Molly’s Home Guide
A classic Christmas Cookie with Greek Yogurt in this recipe makes the cookies perfectly soft and packs some more protein.
How to make your own Holiday Simple Syrups by Ogden Clinic
In the cold winter months, sometimes you just need to add a little something sweet to your morning coffee, a cup of steamed milk, or to a cold foam as a pick-me-up. Making your own simple syrup is an easy way to add sweetness to your mornings. All of these simple syrups take under 30 minutes to make and last for 2 weeks in your fridge in a sealed bottle or jar.
Gingerbread Simple Syrup
- 1 cup of light brown sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tbsp of Molasses
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
- 3 whole cloves
- 3 inches of fresh ginger
- ½ tsp of ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp of ground allspice
- 1 tbsp of vanilla extract or vanilla paste
Add your water and sugar to a saucepan and mix until the sugar is dissolved. Bring water and sugar to a boil and then bring down to a simmer. Add your spices and ginger and simmer on medium-low for 5 minutes, then turn off the heat and add your vanilla. Cover and let sit for at least 20 minutes to let everything infuse. After it’s cooled, add to a sealable bottle or jar and store in the fridge.
Sugar Cookie Simple Syrup
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp of vanilla extract
- 1 tsp of butter extract
- ¼ tsp of almond extract
Add your water and sugar to a saucepan and mix until the sugar is dissolved. Bring water and sugar to a boil and then bring down to a simmer. Let simmer for 5 minutes and then turn off the heat. Add the vanilla, butter, and almond extract and stir to incorporate. Allow to cool before adding to a sealable bottle or jar to store in the fridge.
Holiday Spiced Simple Syrup
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 star anise
- ½ tsp of whole black pepper corns
- ½ tsp of ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp of ground allspice
- 1 tbsp of vanilla extract
Add your water and sugar to a saucepan and mix until the sugar is dissolved. Bring water and sugar to a boil and then bring down to a simmer. Add your spices and simmer on medium-low for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and add your vanilla. Cover and let sit for at least 20 minutes to let everything infuse. After it’s cooled, add to a sealable bottle or jar and store in the fridge.
Chocolate Mint Simple Syrup
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/3 of dark cocoa powder
- ¼ to ½ tsp of peppermint extract (depending on how minty you would like it to be)
Add your water, sugar, and cocoa powder to a saucepan and mix until sugar and cocoa powder are incorporated. Bring the mixture to a boil and then bring it down to a simmer. Let simmer for 5 minutes and then turn off the heat. Add the peppermint extract and stir to incorporate. Allow to cool before adding to a sealable bottle or jar to store in the fridge.