Cheese Curd In Paradise

Dessert

Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies

by 1 Comment


I received products from sponsor companies to aid in the creation of the Christmas Cookies Week recipes. All opinions are mine alone.

Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies are light and buttery. Filled with flavors and vanilla and toasted pecans make these cookies a perfect recipe for the holidays.

cookies on a cooling rack

It is likely becoming less and less obvious that I just love shortbread. I love to make it and I love eating it even more. Today is the last day of Christmas Cookie Week, and I wanted to end with one of my favorite simple shortbread cookie recipes.

These cookies are so buttery and delicious. Even though they are rich they are so light and flaky when you bite into one. I opted to stud these cookies with pecans from our sponsor Millican Pecan Company. I love to use the pecan pieces in this recipe. The size is perfect for the cookie, and only required a quick couple of chops from me before I mix them into the cookie dough.

These cookies will be a favorite on any cookie platter. They are also delicious dipped half way into chocolate! I opted to go sans chocolate this time, but will likely opt for a quick chocolate dip for a cookie exchange.

cookies on a cooling rack

What do you need to make Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies?

How do you make Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies?

{Printable recipe below}

1. Using a stand mixer, cream butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. 

2. Mixing on low speed, slowly, add flour until combined. Add chopped pecans and stir to mix.

3. Remove dough from mixer and place on parchment paper. Form into a 12- to 14-inch log. It is easier to get a uniform log is you start the dough at one side of the paper, form, and then roll it into a log.  freeze at least 30 minutes or until firm. Note: If you freeze the dough for longer than 30 minutes let it sit for 20-30 minutes so you are able to cut it and get even slices.  If your slices are not even rounds the cookies will not cook evenly.

4. When ready to bake the cookies, preheat oven to 350°F. Cut the shortbread dough into 1/3 -1/2-inch slices and bake for 12-13 minutes on parchment lined or slip-mat lined baking sheets. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool a few minutes in the pan and then on parchment paper on the counter.

cookies on a cooling rack

We are fortunate to be working with to sponsors, Adams Extract and Millican Pecan Company. I have worked with both of these companies before, and I can tell you that I was thrilled to use their products again! The products are high quality, and the flavors are wonderful! These two companies are also offering a giveaway for my readers! Check out the details at the bottom of this post.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am having a hard time cutting the cookies- any tips?

My sure that your dough is not too frozen. If it is it tends to give uneven slices and it hard to slice.

My cookies seem dry- should I be adding more butter or an egg?

No, shortbread is not a moist soft cookie. It is a bit crumbly and very buttery. You do not want to cookies to be too soft. When the cookies first come out of the oven they will be soft, but will set as they cool.

Can I use a different type of nut?

I have not experimented with this before so I can’t recommend anything but pecans, but I do think walnuts or almonds would work well.

Are you following me yet? What are you waiting for?

cookies on a cooling rack

Check out more delicious cookie recipes!

Grinch Shortbread Cookies

Hot Chocolate Chip Cookies

Peppermint Shortbread Cookies

Gingerbread Cookies Dipped in White Chocolate

Eggnog Snickerdoodle Cookies

cookies on a cooling rack

Are you following me yet? What are you waiting for?

Print
cookies on a cooling rack

Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies

Course Dessert
Keyword Appetizer
Servings 30 cookies

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb unsalted butter softened at room temperature (2 sticks)
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 1/3 cups flour
  • 2/3 cup chopped pecan pieces

Instructions

  1. Using a stand mixer, cream butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
  2. Mixing on low speed, slowly, add flour until combined. Add the pecans and mix.
  3. Remove dough from mixer and place on parchment paper. Form into a 12- to 14-inch log. It is easier to get a uniform log is you start the dough at one side of the paper, form, and then roll it into a log. freeze at least 30 minutes or until firm. Note: If you freeze the dough for longer than 30 minutes let it sit for 20-30 minutes so you are able to cut it and get even slices. If your slices are not even rounds the cookies will not cook evenly.
  4. When ready to bake the cookies, preheat oven to 350°F. Cut the shortbread dough into 1/3 -1/2-inch slices and bake for 12-13 minutes on parchment lined or slip-mat lined baking sheets.
  5. Remove from oven and cool a few minutes on the cookie sheet and then transfer to parchment paper.

Thank you to Ellen of Family Around the Table and Christie from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures for hosting #ChristmasCookies Week! And a huge thank you to our sponsors Adams Extract and Millican Pecan Company for supporting the bloggers and events like Christmas Cookies Week.

Check out today’s cookie recipes:

Brown Butter Thumbprint Cookies by Food Above Gold
Buttered Pecan Shortbread Cookies by Cheese Curd In Paradise
Candy Cane Whoopie Pies by Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Cherry Pecan Shortbread Rounds by Family Around the Table
Chocolate Cherry Cookies by Sweet Beginnings
Chocolate-Dipped Christmas Butter Cookies by Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice
Christmas Crinkle Cookies by Blogghetti
Christmas Pecan Bar Cookies by Intelligent Domestications
Cinnamon Roll Blondies by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Dark Chocolate Dipped Citrus Spice Shortbread by The Spiffy Cookie
Easy Italian Pizzelles by Frugal & Fit
Ginger Spice Cookies by Red Cottage Chronicles
Kahlua Hot Chocolate Cookies by Books n’ Cooks
Linzer Cookies by Palatable Pastime
Neiman Marcus Cookie Recipe by Everyday Eileen
Pecan Pie Cookies by Daily Dish Recipes
Pecan Pie Cut Out Cookies by Love and Confections


 

Flavors of Fall Millican Prize Package

Prize 1 – Millican Pecan Tower of Treats Gift Tins

Originally founded as the West Texas Pecan Nursery in the late 1800’s, Millican Pecan is now in 5th generation ownership. Located in San Saba, TX, the family continues the tradition of pecan farming while also branching the business into the online world. The family also enjoys educating people about pecans. One winner will receive The Tower of Treats Gift Tins. The tower includes 3 decorative gift tins stacked on top of each other. The bottom tin includes our 2 lb. Chocolate Pecan Sampler, the middle tin is our Flavored Pecan Sampler and the top tin is a 8 oz. tin of Milk Chocolate Caramillicans (similar to Turtles). An $80 value.

 

Adams Extract

Prize 2 – Adams Extract Prize Pack

Adams traces its beginnings back to Battle Creek, Michigan, when John A. Adams began making and selling his Green Plant Sarsaparilla extract, Adamur, in 1888. In 1905, he moved his family to Beeville, TX. At the time, most vanilla sold to pharmacies and was often labeled “Do not bake or freeze.” John A. Adams’ wife yearned for a flavoring that wouldn’t bake or freeze out. He announced that he could produce a better vanilla than the one his wife was currently using. Working with just $6.71 worth of materials on top of an old icebox, John A. Adams discovered the formula he wanted. To test this product, his wife whipped up a cake for the family to try. “John, this is the BEST flavoring I have ever used,” she announced. “Well, that’s old man Adams BEST,” he responded.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Two (2) winners will be selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. Bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Winners have 24 hours to respond once notified by email, or they forfeit the prize and an alternate winner will be chosen. The #ChristmasCookies bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members living in the household cannot enter or win the giveaway. Entries will be verified. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter giveaway and contest is open only to US residents. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter or any other social channel mentioned in the #ChristmasCookies posts or entry. Thank you to our sponsors Millican Pecan Company, and Adams Extracts and Flavorings for providing prizes.

Cheese Curd In Paradise uses affiliate links. These links are at no additional cost to the reader and/or user. However, Cheese Curd In Paradise will make commission is you click the link AND make a purchase.


Grinch Shortbread Cookies

by 2 Comments


I received products from sponsor companies to aid in the creation of the Christmas Cookies Week recipes. All opinions are mine alone.

“You’re a mean one Mr. Grinch….”. A favorite holiday character inspires a tasty Christmas cookie- Grinch Shortbread Cookies. A simple, sweet, and buttery recipe with a tinge of green and the Grinch’s growing heart.

cookies on a cooling rack

The Grinch Who Stole Christmas is my favorite holiday movie. I always find myself singing a lot and laughing at The Grinch and his sneaky ways. My boys love the movie as well and we end up watching it numerous times during the holidays. We have watched the different versions of the movie, and we are a strong vote for the original version.

To give a little nod to my favorite holiday movie character I am sharing my recipe for Grinch Shortbread Cookies. These cookies are delightfully easy, and so festive for a cookie exchange or a holiday cookie tray. I use my traditional shortbread base, a bit of green color, and a heart sprinkle for the Grinch’s heart when it was still “three sizes too small”.

I use my recipe for Peppermint Shortbread Cookies and omit the peppermint to get the base of these cookies. This recipe is so simple, and one of my all-time favorite cookies recipes.

cookies on a cooling rack

What do you need to make Grinch Shortbread Cookies?

How do you make Grinch Shortbread Cookies?

{Printable recipe below}

1. Using a stand mixer, cream butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. 

2. Mixing on low speed, slowly, add flour until combined. Add food coloring and mix to give a green color.

3. Remove dough from mixer and place on parchment paper. Form into a 12- to 14-inch log. It is easier to get a uniform log is you start the dough at one side of the paper, form, and then roll it into a log.  freeze at least 30 minutes or until firm. Note: If you freeze the dough for longer than 30 minutes let it sit for 20-30 minutes so you are able to cut it and get even slices.  If your slices are not even rounds the cookies will not cook evenly.

4. When ready to bake the cookies, preheat oven to 350°F. Cut the shortbread dough into 1/3 -1/2-inch slices and bake for 12-13 minutes on parchment lined or slip-mat lined baking sheets.

5. Immediately when cookies come out of the oven add a heart sprinkle to each cookie. Transfer to cooling rack.

cookies on a plate

Frequently Asked Questions

I do not have gel food coloring- can I use regular bottled?

Yes, but you might not get as vibrant green color. The gel tends to give a brighter color.

I am having a hard time cutting the cookies- any tips?

My sure that your dough is not too frozen. If it is it tends to give uneven slices and it hard to slice.

My cookies seem dry- should I be adding more butter or an egg?

No, shortbread is not a moist soft cookie. It is a bit crumbly and very buttery. You do not want to cookies to be too soft. When the cookies first come out of the oven they will be soft, but will set as they cool.

cookies on a plate

We are fortunate to be working with to sponsors, Adams Extract and Millican Pecan Company. I have worked with both of these companies before, and I can tell you that I was thrilled to use their products again! The products are high quality, and the flavors are wonderful! These two companies are also offering a giveaway for my readers! Check out the details at the bottom of this post.

Check out more delicious cookie recipes!

Hot Chocolate Chip Cookies

Peppermint Shortbread Cookies

Gingerbread Cookies Dipped in White Chocolate

Eggnog Snickerdoodle Cookies

cookies on a cooling rack

Are you following me yet? What are you waiting for?

Print
cookies on a cooling rack

Grinch Shortbread Cookies

Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword christmas, cookies
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Freezer Time 30 minutes
Servings 30 cookies

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb unsalted butter softened at room temperature (2 sticks)
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 1/3 cups flour
  • 3 drops green gel food coloring
  • 30 heart shaped sprinkles
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  1. Using a stand mixer, cream butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.

  2. Mixing on low speed, slowly, add flour until combined. Add food coloring and mix to make the dough green.

  3. Remove dough from mixer and place on parchment paper. Form into a 12- to 14-inch log. It is easier to get a uniform log is you start the dough at one side of the paper, form, and then roll it into a log. freeze at least 30 minutes or until firm. Note: If you freeze the dough for longer than 30 minutes let it sit for 20-30 minutes so you are able to cut it and get even slices. If your slices are not even rounds the cookies will not cook evenly.
  4. When ready to bake the cookies, preheat oven to 350°F. Cut the shortbread dough into 1/3 -1/2-inch slices and bake for 12-13 minutes on parchment lined or slip-mat lined baking sheets.

  5. Remove cookies from oven and immediately place one heart sprinkle on each cookie while they are soft. Cool on a cooling rack.

cookies on a cooling rack

Thank you to Ellen of Family Around the Table and Christie from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures for hosting #ChristmasCookies Week! And a huge thank you to our sponsors Adams Extract and Millican Pecan Company for supporting the bloggers and events like Christmas Cookies Week.

Check out today’s cookie recipes:

Christmas Funfetti Pecan Shortbread Bites by Family Around the Table
Grinch Shortbread Cookies by Cheese Curd In Paradise
Melody Cookies by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
Macadamia Nut Shortbread Cookies by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
Pecan Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies by Sweet Beginnings
Pecan Whiskey Cookies by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Soft Cinnamon Apple Pecan Cookies by Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice


 

Flavors of Fall Millican Prize Package

Prize 1 – Millican Pecan Tower of Treats Gift Tins

Originally founded as the West Texas Pecan Nursery in the late 1800’s, Millican Pecan is now in 5th generation ownership. Located in San Saba, TX, the family continues the tradition of pecan farming while also branching the business into the online world. The family also enjoys educating people about pecans. One winner will receive The Tower of Treats Gift Tins. The tower includes 3 decorative gift tins stacked on top of each other. The bottom tin includes our 2 lb. Chocolate Pecan Sampler, the middle tin is our Flavored Pecan Sampler and the top tin is a 8 oz. tin of Milk Chocolate Caramillicans (similar to Turtles). An $80 value.

 

Adams Extract

Prize 2 – Adams Extract Prize Pack

Adams traces its beginnings back to Battle Creek, Michigan, when John A. Adams began making and selling his Green Plant Sarsaparilla extract, Adamur, in 1888. In 1905, he moved his family to Beeville, TX. At the time, most vanilla sold to pharmacies and was often labeled “Do not bake or freeze.” John A. Adams’ wife yearned for a flavoring that wouldn’t bake or freeze out. He announced that he could produce a better vanilla than the one his wife was currently using. Working with just $6.71 worth of materials on top of an old icebox, John A. Adams discovered the formula he wanted. To test this product, his wife whipped up a cake for the family to try. “John, this is the BEST flavoring I have ever used,” she announced. “Well, that’s old man Adams BEST,” he responded.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Two (2) winners will be selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. Bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Winners have 24 hours to respond once notified by email, or they forfeit the prize and an alternate winner will be chosen. The #ChristmasCookies bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members living in the household cannot enter or win the giveaway. Entries will be verified. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter giveaway and contest is open only to US residents. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter or any other social channel mentioned in the #ChristmasCookies posts or entry. Thank you to our sponsors Millican Pecan Company, and Adams Extracts and Flavorings for providing prizes.

Cheese Curd In Paradise uses affiliate links. These links are at no additional cost to the reader and/or user. However, Cheese Curd In Paradise will make commission is you click the link AND make a purchase.


Hot Chocolate Chip Cookies

by 6 Comments


I received products from sponsor companies to aid in the creation of the Christmas Cookies Week recipes. All opinions are mine alone.

Hot Chocolate Chip Cookies are a holiday favorite. They have a rich chocolate flavor, chocolate chips, and marshmallows!

cookies on a plate

There is nothing like a cup of hot chocolate on a cold day. I have vivid memories of ice skating as a kid, and the happiness of that cup of hot cocoa after the skate. My kiddos love when I make hot chocolate after they play in the snow. Their cold little fingers grip the cup, and the drink every drop in their mugs. They typically want to head out to the snow again- play, come in, drink hot chocolate- repeat.

Enter Hot Chocolate Chip Cookies. All the flavors of winter’s favorite drink, but in cookie form- chocolaty, warm, and gooey out of the oven. I love how easy these cookies are to make, and they are perfect for a holiday cookie exchange! One of my favorite parts in the mini marshmallows in the cookies because they get soft after they bake. My kiddos love to devour these cookies with a tall glass of milk.

cookies on a plate

What do you need to make Hot Chocolate Chip Cookies?

How do you make Hot Chocolate Chip Cookies?

{Printable recipe below}

  • Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with standing mixer until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
  • In a different mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients. Slowly beat the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir in chocolate chips and Marshmallow Bits. Cover and chill for 30 minutes-2 hours.
  • When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F. Drop 2 tablespoons of dough, 2 inches apart, onto baking sheets lined with baking mats or parchment paper. Add 3-4 additional Marshmallow Bits to each cookie.
  • Bake 9 to 10 minutes.
  • Cool on baking sheets 3 minutes and then move to racks or parchment to finish cooling.
cookies on a plate

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes. Typically, I like to portion the dough and then thaw it when I bake. To portion, scoop 2 tablespoon amounts and freeze on a cookie sheet. Store in a freezer bag till you are ready to thaw and bake. The dough can also be frozen as one portion as well. Note: freezing might impact the integrity of the marshmallow bites and you might want to add extra to the top when thawed.

What type of hot chocolate mix should I use?

I use a basic milk chocolate mix. You can use dark chocolate or the rich flavoring. I do not recommend using sugar-free.

Can I use regular mini marshmallows?

No, they will melt and it will be very sticky.

How long can I keep the dough in the fridge?

4-5 days in an sealed container. If you are keeping it more than 48 hours you might want to add the marshmallow bits when you are ready to bake.

cookies on a plate

We are fortunate to be working with to sponsors, Adams Extract and Millican Pecan Company. I have worked with both of these companies before, and I can tell you that I was thrilled to use their products again! The products are high quality, and the flavors are wonderful! These two companies are also offering a giveaway for my readers! Check out the details at the bottom of this post.

Check out more delicious cookie recipes!

Peppermint Shortbread Cookies

Gingerbread Cookies Dipped in White Chocolate

Eggnog Snickerdoodle Cookies

cookies being broken in half

Are you following me yet? What are you waiting for?

Print
cookies on a plate

Hot Chocolate Chip Cookies

Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword chocolate, christmas, cookies
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Servings 18 cookies

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 packages hot cocoa mix
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup Mallow Bits
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  1. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with standing mixer until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
  2. In a different mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients. Slowly beat the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir in chocolate chips and Marshmallow Bits. Cover and chill for 30 minutes-2 hours.
  3. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F. Drop 2 tablespoons of dough, 2 inches apart, onto baking sheets lined with baking mats or parchment paper. Add 3-4 additional Marshmallow Bits to each cookie.
  4. Bake 9 to 10 minutes.
  5. Cool on baking sheets 3 minutes and then move to racks or parchment to finish cooling.

Recipe Notes

Adapted from Love from the Oven

Thank you to Ellen of Family Around the Table and Christie from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures for hosting #ChristmasCookies Week And a huge thank you to our sponsors Adams Extract and Millican Pecan Company for supporting the bloggers and events like Christmas Cookies Week.

Check out today’s cookie recipes:

Black Forest Stuffed Cookies by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
Bourbon Molasses Cookies by Cookaholic Wife
Cake Mix Chocolate Peppermint Cookies by Love and Confections
Candied Pecan Lace Cookies by Food Above Gold
Caramel Butter Pecan Cookies by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Chocolate Pecan Thumbprint Cookies by Intelligent Domestications
Coconut Grinchy Christmas Breakfast Cookies by Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice
Cinnamon Pecan Snickerdoodles by Blogghetti
Dark Chocolate Pecan Croissant Cookies by Daily Dish Recipes
Easy Snickerdoodle Cookie by Everyday Eileen
Fruit Cake Biscotti by Creative Southern Home
Fruitcake Cookies by Red Cottage Chronicles
Gluten Free Hungarian Rugelach by Frugal & Fit
Goat Cheese & Rosemary Thumbprints with Cherry Jam by The Spiffy Cookie
Hot Chocolate Chip Cookies by Cheese Curd In Paradise
No Bake Chocolate & Marshmallow Stained Glass Cookies by Hardly A Goddess
Pecan Butterscotch Shortbread Cookies by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
Pecan Sandies by Books n’ Cooks
Pecan Tassies by Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Peppermint Blossom Cookies by Family Around the Table
Speculaas Stars by Palatable Pastime
Triple Chocolate Mint Cookies by Sweet Beginnings


 

Flavors of Fall Millican Prize Package

Prize 1 – Millican Pecan Tower of Treats Gift Tins

Originally founded as the West Texas Pecan Nursery in the late 1800’s, Millican Pecan is now in 5th generation ownership. Located in San Saba, TX, the family continues the tradition of pecan farming while also branching the business into the online world. The family also enjoys educating people about pecans. One winner will receive The Tower of Treats Gift Tins. The tower includes 3 decorative gift tins stacked on top of each other. The bottom tin includes our 2 lb. Chocolate Pecan Sampler, the middle tin is our Flavored Pecan Sampler and the top tin is a 8 oz. tin of Milk Chocolate Caramillicans (similar to Turtles). An $80 value.

 

Adams Extract

Prize 2 – Adams Extract Prize Pack

Adams traces its beginnings back to Battle Creek, Michigan, when John A. Adams began making and selling his Green Plant Sarsaparilla extract, Adamur, in 1888. In 1905, he moved his family to Beeville, TX. At the time, most vanilla sold to pharmacies and was often labeled “Do not bake or freeze.” John A. Adams’ wife yearned for a flavoring that wouldn’t bake or freeze out. He announced that he could produce a better vanilla than the one his wife was currently using. Working with just $6.71 worth of materials on top of an old icebox, John A. Adams discovered the formula he wanted. To test this product, his wife whipped up a cake for the family to try. “John, this is the BEST flavoring I have ever used,” she announced. “Well, that’s old man Adams BEST,” he responded.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Two (2) winners will be selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. Bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Winners have 24 hours to respond once notified by email, or they forfeit the prize and an alternate winner will be chosen. The #ChristmasCookies bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members living in the household cannot enter or win the giveaway. Entries will be verified. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter giveaway and contest is open only to US residents. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter or any other social channel mentioned in the #ChristmasCookies posts or entry. Thank you to our sponsors Millican Pecan Company, and Adams Extracts and Flavorings for providing prizes.

Cheese Curd In Paradise uses affiliate links. These links are at no additional cost to the reader and/or user. However, Cheese Curd In Paradise will make commission is you click the link AND make a purchase.


Sugared Sparkling Cranberries

by 9 Comments


It is Cranberry Week! Sugared Sparkling Cranberries are a holiday treat everyone will love. Fresh cranberries, soaked in simple syrup, rolled in fine sugar, and dried create the perfect sweet and tart treat for any cranberry lover. They are also fantastic as a decoration on a cake.

sugared cranberries in a bowl

Cranberry Week is here! I am teaming with a few friends to bring you all things cranberry this week. The cranberry is so much more than sauce (don’t worry I will have a recipe for the later this week). They are awesome for baking, appetizers, and treats as well. I love the tart sweet flavor of cranberries paired with savory holiday food, but I also love them on their own in a drink, or in this case, as a bite-sized snack!

These Sugared Sparkling Cranberries are one of my favorite treats. They are soaked in a simple syrup, tossed in a fine sugar, and then allowed to dry so the sugar creates a crust around the sweetened tart cranberry. It is such a wonderful texture and the taste is like a cranberry juice cocktail. I love to make these for parties, or to use when decorating a cake.

sugared cranberries in a bowl
It’s Cranberry Week! See all the other delicious cranberry recipes being shared today (and follow #cranberryweek to see even more):
sugared cranberries in a bowl

What do you need to make Sugared Sparkling Cranberries?

sugared cranberries in a jar

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why is important for the simple syrup to be hot? Can I make it in advance for soaking?

The hot syrup causes cracks in the cranberries and allows them to better soak in the sweet syrup.

What is the difference between baker’s sugar and granulated? Can I just use granulated?

Baker’s sugar is very fine. I have tested this recipe using granulated for the rolling, and it does not have the result I wanted. The sugar is too course to stick to the cranberries like the baker’s sugar. Granulated is fine to make the syrup, but I do not recommend it for the rolling part of the recipe.

Can I make these in advance?

I recommend 1-2 days for in advance.

What can I use the syrup the cranberries soak in for?

I like to use it for drinks! I have also used it to soak or brush on top of baked goods.

How do I serve these cranberries?

I serve them in a bowl, or I like to use them as a garnish for baked goods- like a cake- like my Cranberry White Chocolate Layer Cake.

sugared cranberries in a bowl

Looking for more yummy cranberry recipes?!

Sparkling Wine, Cranberry, and White Chocolate Layer Cake

Cranberry Margarita

Cranberry Banana Muffins

Cabernet Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry Brie and Rosemary Bites

Cranberry Cupcakes with White Chocolate Buttercream

Cranberry Gingerbread Upsidedown Cake

Print
sugared cranberries in a bowl

Sugared Sparkling Cranberries

Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword Cranberry, snacks
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Soak and Dry Time 10 hours
Servings 5 people

Ingredients

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 cups water
  • 16 oz fresh cranberries
  • 3/4 cup superfine sugar or baker’s sugar
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  1. Wash cranberries, strain, place in a medium bowl, and set aside.

  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water and cook over medium heat, until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a simmer, and remove from heat.

  3. Pour the simple syrup (sugar water) over the cranberries. Stir to coat. Cover a refrigerate for 8 hours (a little longer is fine).

  4. Pour the fine sugar into a medium bowl. Remove cranberries from fridge and drain. Put cranberries into the bowl with the sugar and gently stir to evenly completely coat.

  5. Place cranberries on a cookie sheet. Place in fridge for 2 hours to allow sugar to harden and set. Store in the fridge in a covered container. The berries will store for about 2 days before the juices begin to dissolve the sugar.

sugared cranberries in a bowl

Michael Meyer’s Pumpkin Cupcakes #HalloweenTreatsWeek

by 4 Comments


I received products from sponsor companies to aid in the creation of the #HalloweenTreatsWeek recipes. All opinions are mine alone.

Pumpkins, trick or treat, and scary masks are the influence behind my Michael Meyer’s Pumpkin Cupcakes. A pumpkin spice cupcake, stuffed with caramel, topped with a vanilla butter, and Michael’s signature weapon. As Dr. Loomis said of the king of Halloween horror- “He came home”.

cupcake on a plate

This is my last post for Halloween Treats Week and I needed to end with the ultimate classic, Halloween. Michael Meyers is a fixture in Halloween horror, and these cupcakes are the perfect way to bring a little fear to dessert.

I remember the first time I saw Halloween, and I can still hear the creepy and catchy music. Halloween is my favorite spooky Halloween movie. I love the little details of it, and the little jumps that get us prepped for the grand finale. The mystery behind the man is what makes the movies so intriguing t me, and make me excited for a Halloween marathon in October.

cupcake on a plate

These cupcakes are delicious, as well as spooky. I use a simple shortcut with a boxed spice cake, but I add pumpkin to the mix for a seasonal treat- and who could forget that giant pumpkin in Halloween. After baking, I stuff these cupcakes with a little caramel from Lite House. I top with a vanilla butter cream- which I use Adam’s Vanilla Extract. Dixie Crystals sugar, sprinkle black jimmies from Sweets and Treats. I finally finish it with a Michael’s signature knife from Wilton!

  Check out the amazing #HalloweenTreatsWeek recipes from our bloggers today!
cupcake on a plate

What are your favorite Halloween traditions? Do you carve pumpkins? Horror movie bingefest? Trick or Treat? Pumpkin Patch? Haunted House? I love all of the different traditions and malarkey that Halloween brings!

cupcake on a plate

Looking for more delicious Halloween offerings?!

Camp Crystal Lake Punch

Zombie Dirt Cups

Hocus Pocus Spell Book Brownies

Pasta and Eyeballs

Pumpkin Ham and Cheese Pockets

French Bread Mummy Pizzas

Candy Corn Rice Krispie Treats

Meaty Bat Wing Pasta

Mummy Meatballs

Pumpkin Pie Milkshake

cupcake on a plate
Print
cupcake on a plate

Michael Meyer’s Pumpkin Cupcakes

Course Bakery
Cuisine American
Keyword cake, Halloween, Pumpkin
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Servings 24 cupcakes

Ingredients

For Cake

  • 15.25 oz box super moist spice cake mix
  • 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup caramel for dipping or topping
  • Sprinkles
  • Candy Knives

For Butter Cream

  • 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 6-7 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4-1/3 cup whole milk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

For Cake:

  1. Place 24 cupcake liners into a 24 dozen muffin tin. Pre-heat oven to 350°F.

  2. In a large bowl, mix cake mix, pumpkin, eggs, and oil till smooth.

  3. Spoon batter into prepared muffin tin so it is about 3/4 the way up the tin.

  4. Bake 15-17 minutes. Test with a toothpick. When inserted into the center the toothpick should only have a few crumbs.

  5. Cool completely before frosting.

For Butter Cream:

  1. While cakes cool, mix and confectioners' sugar together with a stand electric mixer. Mix in vanilla extract and beat until smooth. Add milk by the tablespoon, blending well after each addition, until it reaches spreading consistency. If you need to use more milk please add slowly.

For Assembly:

  1. Once cakes are cool, cut a small portion of cake in the middle. Place about a teaspoon of caramel in the center.

  2. Place frosting in a pipping bag and frost the cupcakes.

  3. Add black or red sprinkles and place candy knives on the cupcakes.

    Happy Halloween! It’s October which means it’s time for Spooky Season and this year’s #HalloweenTreatsWeek event! #HalloweenTreatsWeek is hosted by Angie from Big Bear’s Wife & its a creepy and haunting week-long event is filled with some amazingly wicked Halloween treats, recipes and some frightfully fun giveaways.

“When witches go riding, and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers ‘tis near Halloween.”

Halloween Treats Week LOGO For the 2nd annual #HalloweenTreatsWeek event we have 41 fantastically talented bloggers that are sharing their favorite Halloween recipes throughout the week! There are going to be over 160 Halloween themed recipes shared during this year’s #HalloweenTreatsWeek and we can’t wait for you to see them all! Follow the hashtag #HalloweenTreatsWeek on social media and look at the bottom of each post to see all of the Halloween recipes that we’re sharing!

Plus, don’t forget that we have 6 (six) great giveaways for you this week thanks to our amazing sponsors!

Scroll down to take a look!

Prize #1

Prize #1 — Dixie Crystals is giving away a “Dinner and Dessert Set” – ONE 6-Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker, a Pyrex mixing bowl set plus some fun Dixie Crystals items like a Dixie Crystal Apron and Cookbook!

 

Prize #2

 

Prize #2 — Adam’s Extract is giving away – 1 Gift Pack – including 4oz Adams Best, 1.5 oz Peppermint, 1.5oz Almond, 1 bottle vanilla cinnamon sugar, 1 bottle pumpkin pie spice

   

Prize #3

Prize #3 —Wilton is giving away a Texturra 7-Piece Bakeware Set

 

Prize #4

Prize #4 — Sweets and Treats Shop is giving away a large baking box of goodies! Sweets and Treats will send one lucky winner a large assortment of sprinkles and lines and other samples of their products!

 

Prize #5

 

Prize #5 — Treat Street USA is giving away a set of Holiday Treat Decorations (1 Gummy Assortment, 1 Marshmallow Snowman, 1 Toy Solider and 1 Gingerbread Men)

 

Prize #6

Prize # 6– Litehouseis giving away the following: 1 Litehouse® Honeycrisp Apple Cider, 1 Litehouse® Old Fashioned Caramel, 1 Litehouse® Pumpkin Spice Caramel, 1 Litehouse® Butterscotch Caramel & 1 Litehouse® Chocolate Dip, Snack Packs     a Rafflecopter giveaway    

Giveaway open to US Residents 18 years or older. All entries will be verified. No PO Boxes Please. Prizes will be sent directly from sponsors to winners, bloggers are not responsible for prizes. This giveaway runs from October 7th – October 13th at 11:59PM EST. Winners will be selected soon afterward and contacted by e-mail. Winners will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. There are a total of 6 (six) prizes and therefore we will have a total of 6 (six) winners. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law.

  Disclaimer: These posts and recipes are part of the week-long event, #HalloweenTreatsWeek but all opinions are 100% mine! We would like to Thank our amazing sponsors: Dixie Crystals, Adam’s Extract, Wilton, Sweets and Treats Shop, Treat Street USA and Litehouse! These wonderful sponsors provided the prize packs for our giveaways and also sent samples and products to the #HalloweenTreatsWeek bloggers to use in their recipes.

Jack Skellington Peanut Butter Cups #HalloweenTreatsWeek

by 8 Comments


I received products from sponsor companies to aid in the creation of the #HalloweenTreatsWeek recipes. All opinions are mine alone.

This is Halloween! This is Halloween! What would Halloween be without our favorite ghoul- Jack Skellington of The Nightmare Before Christmas? These white chocolate peanut butter cups adorned with Jack’s grin are filled with a yummy honey vanilla peanut butter filling.

peanut butter cups on a tray

The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of my favorite movies because it is Halloween AND Christmas. Jack is from Halloweentown and ventures to Christmastown where all sorts of big ideas transpire- for better and for worse. My family and I have always loved Jack and the movie. I am a big fan for Halloween horror movies, but it is good to have a little variety and something to enjoy with my boys.

peanut butter cups on a tray
  Check out the amazing #HalloweenTreatsWeek recipes from our bloggers today!
peanut butter cups on a tray

These peanut butter cups are made with a creamy white chocolate. For the filling I mix together creamy peanut butter, honey, and a little vanilla. The combination of the three keeps the peanut butter sweet and creamy- the honey flavor is delicious! I use Adam’s Vanilla Extract and it is delicious with the peanut butter!

peanut butter cups on a tray

For this recipe, I used my black glittery decorating gel from our sponsor, Wilton. This works perfect for the fine details for Jack’s face. A regular black icing will work as well, but it is important that it is a fine tip so you can get all the Skellington details.

peanut butter cups on a tray

What do you need to make Jack Skellington Peanut Butter Cups?

peanut butter cups on a tray
Print
peanut butter cups on a tray

Jack Skellington Peanut Butter Cups

Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword candy, Halloween, white chocolate
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Chilling Time 25 minutes
Servings 12 peanut butter cups

Ingredients

  • 12 oz white chocolate chips
  • 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 1/2 tsp honey
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Black decoration gel or icing
  • Muffin liners
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  1. Place 1/2 white chocolate chips into a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 15 second intervals to melt. Stir at each time interval till smooth.

  2. Arrange muffin liners on a cookies sheet. Spoon chocolate into the liners pushing it up on the sides. Place tray in fridge for 15 minutes to allow chocolate to harden

  3. In a bowl, mix the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla.

  4. Remove candy from the fridge and spoon a small bit of peanut butter into each one.

  5. Place the second 1/2 of white chocolate in the microwave safe bowl. Repeat the process to melt. Spoon chocolate over the peanut butter. Return to fridge to let them harden.

  6. Remove from fridge and use the black gel to make a Jack Skellington face on the cup.

peanut butter cup on a pumpkin
    Happy Halloween! It’s October which means it’s time for Spooky Season and this year’s #HalloweenTreatsWeek event! #HalloweenTreatsWeek is hosted by Angie from Big Bear’s Wife & its a creepy and haunting week-long event is filled with some amazingly wicked Halloween treats, recipes and some frightfully fun giveaways.

“When witches go riding, and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers ‘tis near Halloween.”

Halloween Treats Week LOGO For the 2nd annual #HalloweenTreatsWeek event we have 41 fantastically talented bloggers that are sharing their favorite Halloween recipes throughout the week! There are going to be over 160 Halloween themed recipes shared during this year’s #HalloweenTreatsWeek and we can’t wait for you to see them all! Follow the hashtag #HalloweenTreatsWeek on social media and look at the bottom of each post to see all of the Halloween recipes that we’re sharing!

Plus, don’t forget that we have 6 (six) great giveaways for you this week thanks to our amazing sponsors!

Scroll down to take a look!

Prize #1

Prize #1 — Dixie Crystals is giving away a “Dinner and Dessert Set” – ONE 6-Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker, a Pyrex mixing bowl set plus some fun Dixie Crystals items like a Dixie Crystal Apron and Cookbook!

 

Prize #2

 

Prize #2 — Adam’s Extract is giving away – 1 Gift Pack – including 4oz Adams Best, 1.5 oz Peppermint, 1.5oz Almond, 1 bottle vanilla cinnamon sugar, 1 bottle pumpkin pie spice

   

Prize #3

Prize #3 —Wilton is giving away a Texturra 7-Piece Bakeware Set

 

Prize #4

Prize #4 — Sweets and Treats Shop is giving away a large baking box of goodies! Sweets and Treats will send one lucky winner a large assortment of sprinkles and lines and other samples of their products!

 

Prize #5

 

Prize #5 — Treat Street USA is giving away a set of Holiday Treat Decorations (1 Gummy Assortment, 1 Marshmallow Snowman, 1 Toy Solider and 1 Gingerbread Men)

 

Prize #6

Prize # 6– Litehouseis giving away the following: 1 Litehouse® Honeycrisp Apple Cider, 1 Litehouse® Old Fashioned Caramel, 1 Litehouse® Pumpkin Spice Caramel, 1 Litehouse® Butterscotch Caramel & 1 Litehouse® Chocolate Dip, Snack Packs     a Rafflecopter giveaway    

Giveaway open to US Residents 18 years or older. All entries will be verified. No PO Boxes Please. Prizes will be sent directly from sponsors to winners, bloggers are not responsible for prizes. This giveaway runs from October 7th – October 13th at 11:59PM EST. Winners will be selected soon afterward and contacted by e-mail. Winners will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. There are a total of 6 (six) prizes and therefore we will have a total of 6 (six) winners. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law.

  Disclaimer: These posts and recipes are part of the week-long event, #HalloweenTreatsWeek but all opinions are 100% mine! We would like to Thank our amazing sponsors: Dixie Crystals, Adam’s Extract, Wilton, Sweets and Treats Shop, Treat Street USA and Litehouse! These wonderful sponsors provided the prize packs for our giveaways and also sent samples and products to the #HalloweenTreatsWeek bloggers to use in their recipes.

Cheese Curd In Paradise uses affiliate links. These links are at no additional cost to the reader and/or user. However, Cheese Curd In Paradise will make commission is you click the link AND make a purchase.


Zombie Dirt Cups #HalloweenTreatsWeek

by 4 Comments


I received products from sponsor companies to aid in the creation of the #HalloweenTreatsWeek recipes. All opinions are mine alone.

It does not need to be the night of the living dead to enjoy these yummy Zombie Dirt Cups. Chocolate pudding layered with crushed mint Oreos. Topped with old bones, fresh dirt, and a zombie hand make these a quick and fast Halloween favorite.

pudding cups with zombie hands

Anyone else a lover of zombie and apocalypse type movies?! I love them, and Halloween is the perfect time to give the undead a little love in the form of their own dessert.

These are Zombie Dirt cups- perfect for a quick dessert to enjoy anytime. This recipe uses chocolate pudding, crush mint Oreos- because zombies need a little green, sprinkles (bones and black), and gummy zombie hand. Perfect for any zombie lovers out there!

pudding cups with zombie hands

I am a big Walking Dead fun, and love to watch the show. My husband and I love watching the different zombie movies as well. The first scene in The Walking Dead with the little zombie girl walking in the parking lot still gives me the chills.

Do you have any favorite movies about the undead? As far as movies go, I love the 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later. I keep hoping for another installment, but no such luck.

pudding cups with zombie hands
Check out the amazing #HalloweenTreatsWeek recipes from our bloggers today!  
pudding cups with zombie hands

What do you need to make Zombie Dirt Cups?

pudding cups with zombie hands

Big thanks to our event sponsors! I used Sweets and Treats Shop bone sprinkles and black sprinkles and they are so cute and perfect! You can use what every creepy variety of sprinkles work best for our dirt cups!

I also used for the cute gummy zombie hand Treat Street USA! The are edible too!

pudding cups with zombie hands

Looking for more delicious Halloween offerings?!

Hocus Pocus Spell Book Brownies

Pasta and Eyeballs

Pumpkin Ham and Cheese Pockets

French Bread Mummy Pizzas

Candy Corn Rice Krispie Treats

Meaty Bat Wing Pasta

Mummy Meatballs

Pumpkin Pie Milkshake

Print
pudding cups with zombie hands

Zombie Dirt Cups

Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword chocolate, Halloween
Prep Time 20 minutes
Servings 6 cups

Ingredients

  • 10 cups Chocolate Pudding (2 5.9 boxes)
  • 14 Oreos- crushed
  • 3 tbsp bone sprinkles
  • 2 tbsp black sprinkles
  • 6 gummy zombie hands
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  1. Place 1/4 cup of pudding in the bottom of the cups.

  2. Place a tablespoon of oreos and bone sprinklrd top the putting. Repeat this process once more.

  3. Top the pudding with a little more Oreo, sprinkle, and zombie hands.

  4. Place in fridge till ready to serve.

pudding cups with zombie hand
    Happy Halloween! It’s October which means it’s time for Spooky Season and this year’s #HalloweenTreatsWeek event! #HalloweenTreatsWeek is hosted by Angie from Big Bear’s Wife & its a creepy and haunting week-long event is filled with some amazingly wicked Halloween treats, recipes and some frightfully fun giveaways.

“When witches go riding, and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers ‘tis near Halloween.”

Halloween Treats Week LOGO For the 2nd annual #HalloweenTreatsWeek event we have 41 fantastically talented bloggers that are sharing their favorite Halloween recipes throughout the week! There are going to be over 160 Halloween themed recipes shared during this year’s #HalloweenTreatsWeek and we can’t wait for you to see them all! Follow the hashtag #HalloweenTreatsWeek on social media and look at the bottom of each post to see all of the Halloween recipes that we’re sharing!

Plus, don’t forget that we have 6 (six) great giveaways for you this week thanks to our amazing sponsors!

Scroll down to take a look!

Prize #1

Prize #1 — Dixie Crystals is giving away a “Dinner and Dessert Set” – ONE 6-Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker, a Pyrex mixing bowl set plus some fun Dixie Crystals items like a Dixie Crystal Apron and Cookbook!

 

Prize #2

 

Prize #2 — Adam’s Extract is giving away – 1 Gift Pack – including 4oz Adams Best, 1.5 oz Peppermint, 1.5oz Almond, 1 bottle vanilla cinnamon sugar, 1 bottle pumpkin pie spice

   

Prize #3

Prize #3 —Wilton is giving away a Texturra 7-Piece Bakeware Set

 

Prize #4

Prize #4 — Sweets and Treats Shop is giving away a large baking box of goodies! Sweets and Treats will send one lucky winner a large assortment of sprinkles and lines and other samples of their products!

 

Prize #5

 

Prize #5 — Treat Street USA is giving away a set of Holiday Treat Decorations (1 Gummy Assortment, 1 Marshmallow Snowman, 1 Toy Solider and 1 Gingerbread Men)

 

Prize #6

Prize # 6– Litehouseis giving away the following: 1 Litehouse® Honeycrisp Apple Cider, 1 Litehouse® Old Fashioned Caramel, 1 Litehouse® Pumpkin Spice Caramel, 1 Litehouse® Butterscotch Caramel & 1 Litehouse® Chocolate Dip, Snack Packs     a Rafflecopter giveaway    

Giveaway open to US Residents 18 years or older. All entries will be verified. No PO Boxes Please. Prizes will be sent directly from sponsors to winners, bloggers are not responsible for prizes. This giveaway runs from October 7th – October 13th at 11:59PM EST. Winners will be selected soon afterward and contacted by e-mail. Winners will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. There are a total of 6 (six) prizes and therefore we will have a total of 6 (six) winners. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law.

  Disclaimer: These posts and recipes are part of the week-long event, #HalloweenTreatsWeek but all opinions are 100% mine! We would like to Thank our amazing sponsors: Dixie Crystals, Adam’s Extract, Wilton, Sweets and Treats Shop, Treat Street USA and Litehouse! These wonderful sponsors provided the prize packs for our giveaways and also sent samples and products to the #HalloweenTreatsWeek bloggers to use in their recipes.

Hocus Pocus Spell Book Brownies #HalloweenTreatsWeek

by 13 Comments


I received products from sponsor companies to aid in the creation of the #HalloweenTreatsWeek recipes. All opinions are mine alone.

It is just a little Hocus Pocus!!! These Hocus Pocus Spell Book Brownies are the perfect sweet treat for a Halloween party, or to enjoy at home with your favorite Sanderson “sistaaahhhhs”.

brownies on a platter

Oh my you guys….. this is it. This is Halloween Treats Week. This week is devoted to Halloween themed creations from over 40 different recipe creators and bloggers. I can say to you with certainly that you will not find a better selection of Halloween goodies that this week-long event with me a my fellow Halloween enthusiasts.

I am starting this week with my Hocus Pocus Spell Book Brownies. These brownies are homemade and packed with chunks of yummy chocolate. They are rich, fudgey, and a little spooky. They will have you calling “Boooooooooooooooook”to your kitchen hoping one will come flying to you.

brownies on a platter

To make these beauties I used a few products from Halloween Treats Week sponsor, Wilton. I have worked with Wilton a few times, and they are so generous, and their seasonal goodies hit it out of the park every time! If you follow me on Instagram (CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW) you know I did an unboxing to show off all the goodies. Well, for this recipe I put them to good use and used the black decorating icing with a piping tip, and the candy eyes. The eyes are so fun because they come in a little case with 3 different sizes. For the brownies I alternated between the large ans medium size for Winifred’s Spell Book’s glaring eye.

I love how these turned out, and they are a perfect for a little Halloween nostalgia. I don’t know about you, but Hocus Pocus was the movie for me and my friends during Halloween. It came out when I was 10, and I loved it. AND I still love it. I get excited every fall when it is on t.v. and I get to watch my favorite witchy “sistaaaaahhhhs”. I still laugh at the part when they set off the sprinklers in the museum, and the sisters eventually realize that they are being sprayed with water and not the “burning rain of death”.

brownies on a platter
Check out the amazing #HalloweenTreatsWeek recipes from our bloggers today!

Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake

by 8 Comments


I received product samples from sponsor companies to aid in the creation of the #FallFlavors recipes. All opinions are mine alone.

This cake has uses fresh apples and creamy caramel as a base, and then topped with a cinnamon spiced applesauce cake. Baked together to create the a delicious gooey cake that any caramel apple lover will adore.

cake on a plate

I know this cake may look simple, but it is so delicious, easy to make, and a crowd pleaser.

I start this cake with a layer of fresh peeled apples. I like to use a tart apple because this cake is pretty sweet due to the caramel. The next step is a layer of creamy caramel. I finish this cake with a super simple cinnamon applesauce cake. The cake bakes for about 30-40 minutes and when it is done it is so hard to wait to dig in!

The caramel and the apples make an ooey gooey layer on top of the cake. The cake is fluffy, ad filled with cinnamon flavors- perfect with the apple and caramel. I like to serve this cake with a little whipped cream on top- or a little vanilla ice cream if you are serving it warm.

cake on a plate
Welcome to Flavors of Fall where we celebrate all things associated with fall like squash, apples, pecans, sweaters, football; you get the idea!  Ellen from Family Around the Table and Christie from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures have gathered 24 bloggers who have over 100 recipes they’re sharing this week in celebration of cool weather and sweatshirts.  We hope you find many must make recipes so get your pinning, tweeting, and sharing fingers ready!

Here’s what we made for Thursday:

Beverage
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Creamer by Tip Garden
Plum Spice Bubble Tea by Daily Dish Recipes

Breakfast
Cinnamon Pecan Muffins by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Coffee Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Praline Pumpkin Spice Mini Muffins by Family Around the Table

Savory
Butternut, Kale, Butterbean & Pesto Salad by Sweet Beginnings
Coffee Rubbed Pork with Autumn Spices by A Day in the Life on the Farm
Eggplant Parmesan Boats by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Potato Rosemary Bread with Roasted Garlic by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
Savoury Pecan Granola by Crumb Top Baking

Dessert
Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake by Cheese Curd In Paradise
Caramel Pear Galette by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
Easy Cinnamon Roll Apple Cobbler by Palatable Pastime
Vegan Chocolate Pecan Hand Pies by The Baking Fairy

Make sure you like Fall Flavors on Facebook and follow the Fall Flavors on Pinterest, too!
apples in a pan
apples in a pan with caramel
cake being served

Looking for more fall favorites?!

Apple Cider Old Fahsion

Instant Pot Cinnamon Apples

Instant Pot Pumpkin Cinnamon Applesauce

bite of cake
Print
cake being served

Caramel Apple Upsidedown Cake

Course Bakery
Cuisine American
Keyword Apples, cake, caramel
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Servings 8 people

Ingredients

  • 3 large apples, peeled and cut into slices
  • 11 oz caramel bits
  • 2 tbsp whole milk
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweeted applesauce
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350° F. Line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper and set aside.

  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.

  3. In a stand mixer or large bowl and hand mixer, cream the butter, applesauce, and sugar will smooth fluffy. Add the apple sauce and the vanilla. Slowly add the eggs one by one.

  4. Place caramels in a microwave safe bowl. Add milk and melt caramel in microwave. Arrange apples in the baking pan. Pour caramel evenly over the apples.

  5. Add the cake on top of the caramel and apples. Smooth with a spatula.

  6. Bake for 35-40 minutes.

  7. Allow cake to to cool. Place a plate on top of the cake and flip to allow the cake to release from the pan. Enjoy!

apple cake on a plate
Flavors of Fall Door County Prize Package  

Prize 1 – Door County Coffee and Tea Company

Founded in 1993 in Door County, WI, Door County Coffee and Tea Company is a small family owned business. Roasting a variety of flavors for 26 years, one winner will receive three full pot bags of all of their fall flavors. 21 bags in all! Their mission through the years has been to produce high quality, best-tasting coffee using only Specialty Class 1 Arabica coffee beans. Combine that with superior roasting technology and you get a wonderfully even and perfect roast every time and that means the perfect pot of coffee. A $40 value.  

Flavors of Fall Millican Prize Package

Prize 2 – Millican Pecan Tower of Treats Gift Tins

Originally founded as the West Texas Pecan Nursery in the late 1800’s, Millican Pecan is now in 5th generation ownership. Located in San Saba, TX, the family continues the tradition of pecan farming while also branching the business into the online world. The family also enjoys educating people about pecans. One winner will receive The Tower of Treats Gift Tins. The tower includes 3 decorative gift tins stacked on top of each other. The bottom tin includes our 2 lb. Chocolate Pecan Sampler, the middle tin is our Flavored Pecan Sampler and the top tin is a 8 oz. tin of Milk Chocolate Caramillicans (similar to Turtles). An $80 value. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Two (2) winners will be selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. Bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Winners have 24 hours to respond once notified by email, or they forfeit the prize and an alternate winner will be chosen. The #FallFlavors bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members living in the household cannot enter or win the giveaway. Entries will be verified. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter giveaway. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter or any other social channel mentioned in the #FallFlavors posts or entry. Thank you to our sponsors Millican Pecan and Door County Coffee and Tea for providing prizes.


White Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies #PumpkinWeek

by 8 Comments


I received product samples from sponsor companies to aid in the creation of the #PumpkinWeek recipes. All opinions are mine alone.

White Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies are a fall baking must. Chewy cookies with flavors of brown sugar, pumpkin, cinnamon, and white chocolate. These make the house smell incredible, and are a perfectly portable fall treat!

pumpkin cookies on a plate with milk

There is only one day after this one left for #PumpkinWeek. This is one of my favorite times of year, and I love sharing all of these delicious pumpkin goodies with you. Today, certainly does not skimp when it comes to delicious goodies! I am sharing my recipe for White Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies. I am a big fan of white chocolate, and love the combination with pumpkin.

These cookies are super easy, and they combo of the white chocolate ad pumpkin will keep everyone asking you for the recipe. I love to bring these as a treat to work, or they are a easy treat to bring for a fall or Halloween party! Another perk is that the dough and/or the cookies can be frozen if you are prepping and want to enjoy them a later date.

I love to use our sponsor Dixie Crystals because I love their sugar! Dixie Crystals also allowed us to choose a few things for this event, and I have showcased them earlier this week!

pumpkin cookies on a plate with milk
Enjoy these #PumpkinWeek recipes from our bloggers:

Pumpkin Drinks:
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pumpkin Smoothie from It Bakes Me Happy
Falling for Orange: Pumpkin Amaro Cocktail from Caroline’s Cooking
Pumpkin Hazelnut Latte from The Beard and The Baker
Pumpkin Latte from Everyday Eileen
Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate with Butterscotch Whipped Cream from Family Around the Table
Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate from Blogghetti
The Best (and Easiest) Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte from The Baking Fairy

Pumpkin Breakfasts & Baked Goods:
Cinnamon Pumpkin Donuts from Daily Dish Recipes
Pumpkin Cheese Biscuits from Shockingly Delicious
Pumpkin Pop Tarts from Jen Around the World

Savory & Snack Pumpkin Recipes:
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta from The Bitter Side of Sweet
Easy Pumpkin Turnovers from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
Pumpkin & Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes from Sweet Beginnings
Pumpkin Coriander Soup from Frugal & Fit
Pumpkin Cornbread from 4 Sons R Us
Pumpkin Pasta with Brie from Food Above Gold
Pumpkin Sausage Cheese Ball Balls from Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Pumpkin Spice Pretzels from Jen Around the World

Pumpkin Desserts:
Chai Pumpkin Cupcakes from The Crumby Kitchen
Harvest Pumpkin Layer Cake from Palatable Pastime
Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Bars from Our Good Life
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip from The Mandatory Mooch
Pumpkin Pie Bars from Everyday Eileen
Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Cookie Cups from Big Bear’s Wife
Pumpkin Pie Cut-Out Cookies from Love & Confections
Pumpkin Pie Pudding from Creative Southern Home
Pumpkin Pudding Cookies from For the Love of Food
Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats from Kelly Lynns Sweets and Treats
Pumpkin Spice Fault Line Cake from Love & Confections
Salted Caramel Pumpkin Ice Cream from My Sweet Zepol
White Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies from Cheese Curd In Paradise
Vegan Pumpkin Cupcakes from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
pumpkin cookies on a plate with milk

What do you need to make White Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies?

pumpkin cookies held in hand

Frequently Asked Questions

I do not like white chocolate- Can I use chocolate chips?

Sure! Sub it on a 1:1 ratio.

My cookies are puffy- why did that happen?

Typically if there is too much flour that can happen or too little baking soda. Whipping the batter can also result in puffy cookies.

My cookies are getting too brown on the bottom- what can I do?

Make sure that you are baking on the center rack of your oven. All ovens are slightly different, and sometimes baking on the bottom rack can cause some burning.

How to I freeze the dough?

Scoop the dough on a cookie sheet, lined with parchment, and freeze. Once frozen the dough can bet stored in a sealable bag in the freezer. Black directly on the cookie sheet to bake. Thawing in the bag will be a big mess.

How should I store to cookies?

Store in an airtight container or bag. They can also be stored in the freezer and thawed when read to serve.

pumpkin cookies held in hand

Check out more delicious pumpkin recipes!

Looking for more delicious pumpkin treats?

The Best Easy Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin Chocolate Layer Cake

Instant Pot Pumpkin Cinnamon Applesauce

Pumpkin Banana Muffins

Pumpkin French Toast

Pumpkin Pie Milkshake

Pumpkin Parmesan Risotto with Bacon

pumpkin cookies on a plate with milk
Print
pumpkin cookies on a plate with milk

White Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword chocolate, cookies, Pumpkin
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Servings 24 Cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1/3 cup granulated white sugar
  • 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup quick cook oats
  • 3/4 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

  2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.

  3. In a mixing bowl, add butter, sugars, pumpkin, and egg. Beat together with a hand mixer till smooth.

  4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet until just mixed.

  5. Gently, fold in the oats and the white chocolate.

  6. Spoon 2 1/2 tbsp sized mounds of cookie dough on the baking sheet. Make you you leave about 2 inches in between the cookies.

  7. Bake cookies for 12-14 minutes. The cookies should be golden, but centers still soft. Remove from oven and cool.

cookies held in hand
Fall is in the air, and we are celebrating our love of pumpkin with #PumpkinWeek hosted by Terri from Love and Confections and Christie from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures. All week-long 34 bloggers will be sharing 140+ fantastic recipes for all your Autumn celebrations, including breakfasts, baked goods, savory pumpkin recipes, desserts, and drinks. Thank you sponsors for providing the prize packages. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway below!   Pumpkinweek 2019 logo

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

PRIZE #1 DIXIE CRYSTALS

Dixie Crystals is giving one winner a Marble Rolling Pin and Board Set.

Since 1917, Dixie Crystals® has been the South’s choice for high-quality sugar and sweeteners. For generations, Dixie Crystals has been at the heart of family traditions and celebrations. Our pure cane, non-GMO sugar products guarantee that treasured family recipes will turn out right every time. Bake with love and Dixie Crystals.

Dixie Crystals PumpkinWeek Prize  

PRIZE#2 SWEETS & TREATS

Sweets & Treats is giving one winner the Year of Sprinkles that contains holiday mixes, classic sprinkles, and some of their most popular sprinkles.
Sweets & Treats, a party and baking supplies manufacturer and wholesaler, started out of a baking industry need for truly grease-proof cupcake liners. From there, the company expanded into a handful of specialized categories including the latest, Sweet Sprinkles, their one of a kind sprinkles and sprinkle mix line. With hundreds of truly unique products, they are a one stop shop for your next party!
Sweets & Treats prize package

PRIZE#3 TORANI

Torani is giving one winner a year supply of Torani: 12-750ml glass bottles, flavors will be winner’s choice, plus pumps for each bottle.

We believe in flavor for all and opportunity for all. In the beginning, Rinaldo and Ezilda Torre visited family in Lucca, Italy. They returned home to San Francisco with handwritten recipes, which they used to create authentic flavored syrups. Needless to say, the syrups we’re a hit. A lot has happened since then, but our belief has remained the same: Flavor for All, Opportunity for All. It means that not only are the products we make inclusive and approachable, but so is our success. We believe everything starts with people, and the only way to truly succeed is to succeed together. Today, you can use more than 100 of our naturally flavored syrups, sauces and beverage bases in coffees, sodas, teas, smoothies, cocktails and more.

Torani Prize
 

PRIZE#4 CABOT CREAMERY CO-OPERATIVE

Cabot is giving one winner a gift box of assorted Cabot cheeses.

The farm families that own Cabot Creamery Co-operative love what they do. And they’ve been doing it for a long time—every single day since 1919. Almost 100 years later, we’re proud of our thriving farms, strong communities, and happy, healthy cows that produce the rich, buttery milk that we use to make Cabot’s award-winning cheese and dairy products. We like to think those awards mean we’re doing something right. Of course, you’re a big part of this too. If you love eating our cheese as much as we love making it, then we’ll get to keep doing what we do for generations to come.

Cabot Cheese prize package
 
Thank you to #PumpkinWeek Sponsors: Dixie Crystals, Sweets & Treats, Torani, and Cabot Creamery Co-operative for providing the prizes free of charge. These companies also provided the bloggers with samples and product to use for #PumpkinWeek recipes. All opinions are my own. The #PumpkinWeek giveaway is open to U.S. residents, age 18 & up. All entries for the winner will be checked and verified. By entering you give the right to use your name and likeness. The number of entries received determines the odds of winning. Four (4) winners will be selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. Winners have 48 hours to respond once chosen, or they forfeit the prize and alternate winner(s) will be chosen. The #PumpkinWeek Bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members in their household cannot enter or win the giveaway. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter or any other social channel mentioned in the #PumpkinWeek posts or entry.

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