Intro: The treats and desserts we eat during the holidays are arguably one of the most important things we remember year after year. Relatives await their favorite desserts at the family gathering. Kids can’t wait to ingest copious amounts of sugar. I’ve made a list of candy and desserts that are essential to my holiday season.

Wafer Rolls

They are a delight to eat. Perfectly crispy with a light crunch, they have delicious chocolate frosting on the inside. I remember buying these at the store with my dad and being so excited to pick the flavor. They would come in a tin can, adding to the novelty of these treats.

Melting Moments- Melting moments are one of the best Christmas cookies. They truly melt in your mouth with their sweet dough and delectable frosting. Pearl sprinkles are not necessary but only enhance the experience. These are a cookie you will never want to stop eating. My grandmother typically makes these and sends them out in early December- and my family anxiously awaits them each year.

Peanut Butter Balls

These are, perhaps, the one snack that my family remembers every year. We anticipate the creation and devouring of these treats like nothing else. This treat is the perfect mix of chocolate and peanut butter, far superior to Reese’s pieces. We typically take a weekend to make these together. Making an assembly line of sorts, we roll the peanut butter batter, dip them into the chocolate with spoons, and place them in rows on the wax paper to harden.

Peppermint Fudge Stripes

Peppermint candy, chocolate, and other foods are a favorite of mine. Perhaps ironically, I don’t have a huge liking for peppermint candy canes themselves. However, these peppermint fudge stripes are a worthy addition to any Christmas party.

The Lofthouse frosted sugar cookies have been my favorite store cookies for my entire life. They are very similar to melting moments with their melty soft sugar base and delicious smooth frosting.

Royal Dansk Danish Butter Cookies

These cookies were and are a Christmas staple in my family. We only buy them near Christmas so they have a special holiday association for me. They are perfectly plain flavored without being bland and doughy. Some even have sugar sprinkles which make everything better. They all have a great crumbly but firm bite, ensuring minimal crumbs and maximum taste.

Hershey’s Kisses

Hershey’s kisses are a classic for any kid. They can be eaten as-is or enjoyed in other treats, like peanut butter blossoms. They also come in different flavors, like peppermint, white chocolate, dark chocolate, and even custard-filled flavors. They are the perfect snack size and always come individually wrapped. 

Eggnog

Eggnog is a classic and timeless drink to me. I remember having it watered down when I was younger, and not allowed to have more than a small glass. I still love it. The consistency and flavor are thick and comforting like a cool blanket. 

Hot Chocolate

Hot Chocolate is essential after a good time playing outside in the snow and sledding. In our family, we warm up water- and milk just doesn’t taste the same. Us kids always like to add marshmallows, but our parents usually abstain the additional sugar. It’s the perfect drink to cozy up with on the couch watching TV to warm up cold fingers, toes, and noses.