Winter weather is here, Hillers! It’s time to curl up on the couch with a cozy blanket, a cup of hot cocoa and most importantly, a sweet treat!
Seasonal treats are a highlight of the colder months, bringing warmth and joy to homes. But the question is, which treats are the best? Here are some treats to try out this winter, approved by Trinity teachers!
Candy Cane Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 sticks unsalted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 teaspoon red food coloring
Instructions:
Step one: Beat butter flour and powdered sugar together.
Step two: Mix egg into the previous mixture.
Step three: Separate the dough into two halves and dye one half red.
Step four: Chill the dough until set.
Step five: Shape dough into candy canes by twisting the different colored doughs and giving it the little ‘hook’ at the end.
Step six: Chill the shaped cookies.
Step seven: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes at 350 degrees F.
“It’s a good, classic cookie. You can’t go wrong with it,” says Science teacher Mr. Powell.
Hot Chocolate Cupcakes
Ingredients:
Batter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
-more-
– 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
Frosting
- store-bought Hershey chocolate frosting
- cocoa powder for dusting
- mini marshmallows
Instructions:
Step one: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Step two: Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
Step three: Add milk, oil, eggs and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
Step four: Divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes.
Step five: Spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes. Dust with cocoa powder and top with mini marshmallows.
Science teacher Ms. Finley comments “I liked the size of the cupcake because when the cupcakes are too big, there is usually too much icing on it, but this chocolate icing was perfect!”
Peppermint Bark
Ingredients:
- 20 oz white chocolate melting wafers or candy melts
- 20 oz milk chocolate melting wafers or candy melts.
- 3 oz crushed peppermint
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt flakes
Instructions:
Step one: In a double boiler, melt milk chocolate stirring continuously.
Step two: Pour the milk chocolate onto a parchment paper-covered cookie sheet.
Step three: In a double boiler, melt white chocolate, stirring continuously.
Step four: Spread white chocolate onto the partially set milk chocolate.
Step five: Sprinkle with peppermint pieces and sea salt flakes.
Step six: Let cool and cut into pieces.
“I love the look of this, so Christmas-y! I had never tried peppermint bark before and was pleasantly surprised. I really liked it!” states English teacher Mrs. Shuba.
Chocolate-covered pretzel rods
Ingredients:
- 24 oz white chocolate melting wafers or candy melts
- Tub of pretzel rods
- Blue sprinkles
Instructions:
Step one: In a double boiler or microwave, melt white chocolate while stirring continuously.
Step two: Dip pretzel rods into melted chocolate.
Step three: Let sit. Drizzle on extra melted chocolate and decorate with sprinkles.
Sociology teacher Mr. Poletti commented on the pretzels, stating, “The white chocolate on there adds a different flavor than milk chocolate. White chocolate is milder in flavor and doesn’t have the distinct richness of a normal milk chocolate. The salty and sweet combination of the pretzel is desirable and as I mentioned, the white chocolate gives you a different flavor. It is nice when you eat something and all of the “crunches” don’t taste the same. It allows the taste buds to be surprised and I was pleasantly surprised munching away on the pretzel.”
These recipes and plenty more can be a source of a delicious indoor activity, as well as an easy way to make gifts for loved ones of all ages.
