Best 6 Nutcracker Sweets Recipes

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Indulge in the enchanting world of Nutcracker Sweets, a delectable collection of holiday treats inspired by the timeless ballet. From the delicate artistry of Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies to the festive cheer of Candy Cane Crunch Popcorn, this article offers a symphony of flavors that will transport you to a winter wonderland.

Unleash your inner child with the whimsical Nutcracker Gingerbread House, a showstopping centerpiece that combines the magic of Christmas with the charm of the Nutcracker story. For a taste of nostalgia, whip up a batch of Peppermint Pinwheels, a classic cookie recipe with a refreshing twist. And don't miss the irresistible Chocolate-Dipped Clementines, a delightful fusion of citrus and rich chocolate.

As you explore the recipes, let the captivating aromas of Spiced Apple Cider warm your senses and evoke memories of cozy winter evenings. Surprise your loved ones with a batch of Nutcracker Sugar Cookies, adorned with intricate royal icing designs. And for a sweet and savory treat, try the Nutcracker Cheese Ball, a festive appetizer that adds a touch of elegance to any gathering.

With detailed instructions and vibrant photos, this article provides a comprehensive guide to creating these enchanting Nutcracker Sweets. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes will inspire you to craft a magical holiday spread that will leave your family and friends in awe.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

NUTCRACKER SWEETS RECIPE - (5/5)



Nutcracker Sweets Recipe - (5/5) image

Provided by ltrodrigu

Number Of Ingredients 15

For Base:
1/3 cup Butter Flavor Crisco(r)
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
For Frosting & Drizzle:
1/4 cup Butter Flavor Crisco(r)
2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate pieces

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Grease 15 x 10-inch baking pan with Butter Flavor Crisco(r). Set aside. *For Base:* Cream Butter Flavor Crisco(r) and peanut butter in large bowl at medium speed of electric mixer. Blend in brown sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time. Beat until creamy Combine flour baking powder and salt in small bowl. Set aside. Combine milk and vanilla in measuring cup. Add dry ingredients and milk alternately to creamed mixture. Mix at low speed of electric mixer. Scrape sides of bowl frequently. Beat until blended. Spread batter into prepared pan. Bake at 350F degrees for 18 - 20 minutes. Cool. *For Frosting:* Cream Butter Flavor Crisco(r) and peanut butter in large bowl at medium speed of electric mixer. Add sugar and milk. Beat until fluffy. Spread on cooled cookie base. *For Drizzle:* Melt chocolate pieces on very low heat in small saucepan. Drizzle chocolate from end of spoon back and forth over frosting. Cut into 2-inch squares. Refrigerate 15 to 20 minutes until chocolate is firm.

NUTCRACKER COOKIES



Nutcracker Cookies image

The Nutcracker is a gingerbread cookie handsomely clad in royal icing.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cookie Recipes

Yield Makes 18

Number Of Ingredients 16

6 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 cup packed dark-brown sugar
4 teaspoons ground ginger
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
1 1/2 teaspoons table salt
1 teaspoon finely ground pepper
2 large eggs
1 cup unsulfured molasses
Gel-paste food coloring
2 recipes Royal Icing for Nutcracker Cookies
Sanding sugar
Dragees

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, sift flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and brown sugar on medium speed until fluffy. Add ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and pepper; beat to combine. Add eggs and molasses; beat to combine. Reduce speed to low; add flour mixture; beat until incorporated. Divide dough into thirds; shape into flat disks. Wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a floured work surface, roll out dough to an 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out shapes using nutcracker cutter; transfer to baking sheets lined with Silpat baking mats. Refrigerate until firm, at least 15 minutes. Bake until crisp but not darkened, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on racks. Tint each batch of icing as described in royal icing recipe. Decorate cookies with icing, sanding sugar, and dragees.

NUTCRACKER SWEETS



Nutcracker Sweets image

Another holiday recipe (or anytime) that I picked up from somewhere a few years ago. This mixture also makes a nice gift.

Provided by Trisha W

Categories     Dessert

Time 15m

Yield 8 cups

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 cups popped popcorn
2/3 cup pecan halves
1/3 cup unblanched whole almonds
1 -2 tablespoon butter, melted
1/8 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Steps:

  • Lightly butter a shallow baking pan (15"x10") with 1" sides.
  • Stir together the popcorn, nuts and melted butter and sprinkle lightly with the salt.
  • Spread this mixture in the buttered pan.
  • Combine the sugar, butter and corn syrup bringing to a boil, stirring constantly, over a medium-high heat for 5-10 minutes until it turns a light caramel color.
  • Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
  • Pour over the popcorn and nuts and toss to coat.
  • Spread the mixture out to cool and harden.
  • Break apart after hardened and store in loosely covered container.
  • Eat at home for a snack and/or give some to a friend as a holiday treat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 316.8, Fat 22.1, SaturatedFat 9, Cholesterol 34.3, Sodium 135.3, Carbohydrate 30.3, Fiber 2.1, Sugar 20.2, Protein 2.7

THE NUTCRACKER "SWEET"



The Nutcracker

In Two Parts: A slice of caramel nut pie with a "cup of joe"

Provided by Food Network

Categories     dessert

Time 2h30m

Yield 16 pie slices and 100 bonbons

Number Of Ingredients 31

Pate sucree, recipe follows
About 4 1/2 ounces granulated sugar
1 tablespoon glucose
75 ml heavy cream
75 ml milk
Pinch salt
About 4 1/2 ounces walnuts, chopped
About 7 ounces grams creme d'amandes, recipe follows
Chocolate Espresso Bonbons (aka "cup of joe")
About 21 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
About 10 1/2 ounces milk chocolate, chopped
About 9 ounces espresso beans
946 ml heavy cream
100 ml coffee liqueur
Pinch salt
About 1 1/2 ounces butter, softened, en pomade
Mascarpone Cream "Froth", recipe follows
Cocoa, for garnish
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 large egg, lightly beaten
About 9 ounces butter
About 18 ounces almond paste (50 percent almond 50 percent sugar)
3 eggs
About 1-ounce pastry cream powder or cornstarch
30 ml rum or brandy
8 ounces mascarpone cheese
2 ounces softened butter
Powdered sugar, to sweeten

Steps:

  • For the caramel nut pies: Roll dough to 1/4-inch and fit into 4 small flan rings and chill. Combine sugar with enough water to cover in saucepan and place over high heat. Cook sugar to caramel stage (a maple syrup color). Carefully add glucose, cream, milk, salt and walnuts to caramel mixture. Cook the mixture, while stirring, until it is thick like pancake batter. Let the mixture cool. Spread the cooled mixture into the bottom of chilled tartlet shells. Pipe or spread creme d'amandes over the caramel. Bake tarts in a preheated 350 degrees F oven until evenly browned on top. Allow tarts to cool, cut into 4-inch slices and finish with sweetened whipped cream before service.
  • For the Chocolate Espresso Bonbons: Put the chocolate into a work bowl. Dry roast the espresso beans in a saute pan over a medium flame until a strong coffee aroma is present. Coarsely crush the beans on a cutting board with the bottom of a pan. Make an infusion with the hot espresso beans and cream. Allow the mixture to steep for at least 30 minutes. Strain the cream into a clean pan. Bring the infused cream to a boil and pour over the chocolate. Gently stir the ganache until the chocolate is incorporated. Let cool slightly. Stir in the coffee liqueur, salt and softened butter. Set aside to cool, stirring occasionally. Line coffee cup bonbon molds with tempered chocolate, tapping to make sure molds are lined and have no air bubbles. Once chocolate is set, fill molds with espresso ganache leaving room to seal molds. Seal molds with tempered chocolate, allow to set and remove from molds. Finish bonbon cups with a swirl of mascarpone cream "froth" and dust with cocoa.
  • Sift flour and salt together and set aside. Place the butter in a mixer and beat until softened. Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Gradually add the beaten egg, beating until just incorporated. Add flour mixture all at once until it forms a ball. Fatten dough into a disk and chill.
  • In a mixer with paddle attachment, cream butter and almond paste until light and fluffy and smooth. Add eggs 1 at a time, incorporating fully. Add pastry cream powder or cornstarch and mix to combine. Add rum and brandy.
  • Blend ingredients together and fit into pastry bag for easy piping.

YUMMY CRACKER SNACKS



Yummy Cracker Snacks image

These treats are my family's favorite, and it seems no matter how many I make, they always disappear too soon. -D. Weaver, Ephrata, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h

Yield 4 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 5

96 Ritz crackers
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup marshmallow creme
2 pounds milk chocolate candy coating, melted
Holiday sprinkles, optional

Steps:

  • Spread half of the crackers with peanut butter. Spread remaining crackers with marshmallow creme; place creme side down over peanut butter crackers, forming a sandwich. Place on waxed paper-lined pans; freeze for 15 minutes or until firm., Dip sandwiches in melted candy coating, allowing excess to drip off. If desired, drizzle with additional candy coating and decorate with sprinkles. Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 170 calories, Fat 10g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 89mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (14g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.

NUTCRACKER SWEET PIE



Nutcracker Sweet Pie image

This wonderful pie comes from a Celestial Seasonings tea box. I make this with all almonds and it is a great addition to a holiday table.

Provided by Tmom2001

Categories     Pie

Time 1h5m

Yield 1 pie, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 nutcracker sweet tea bags (Celestial Seasonings)
1 cup boiling water
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1/3 cup butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted nuts, chopped
2 eggs
1 refrigerated pie crust (Pillsbury)

Steps:

  • In a saucepan, steep two Nutcracker Sweet tea bags in boiling water for 4 minutes.
  • Remove and discard tea bags, and lower the heat to simmer.
  • Add chocolate and butter, stirring until melted.
  • Remove saucepan from heat; cool for 10 minutes.
  • Add sugar, salt, nuts, eggs, and mix well.
  • Pour mixture into unbaked pie shell.
  • Bake in preheated oven at 375° for 45 minutes.
  • Serve warm or cold, alone or with whipped cream.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 364.1, Fat 18.1, SaturatedFat 9.3, Cholesterol 66.8, Sodium 323.4, Carbohydrate 50.5, Fiber 1.8, Sugar 38.4, Protein 3.8

Tips:

  • Prep Ahead: For sugar cookies, make and chill the dough a day ahead for easier rolling and baking.
  • Keep it Cool: For candy, work in a cool and dry environment to prevent the sugar from becoming too sticky.
  • Be Patient: With hard candy, the cooking process takes time. Use a candy thermometer to ensure it reaches the correct temperature.
  • Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients make a big difference in the taste of your treats.
  • Follow the Recipes: While you can make substitutions, following the recipes closely will ensure the best results.
  • Have Fun! Baking and candy making should be enjoyable. Don't stress over perfection, and have fun creating delicious treats.

Conclusion:

With careful preparation, attention to detail, and a sprinkle of creativity, you can create an unforgettable spread of Nutcracker sweets. From delicate sugar cookies to vibrant hard candy, these recipes offer a delightful variety of festive treats. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or simply want to indulge in a taste of the holidays, these recipes are sure to bring joy and sweetness to your celebrations.

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