The holidays have always been my favorite time of year, even as a kid. It’s more than presents (although I do love to give gifts) the holidays are simply magical. Its a time of year when families come together no matter how busy or how far apart. I love walking into crowded stores and see people searching for the perfect gifts, Christmas music drifting through open shop doors.

In our family the Christmas traditions are numerous. The women in my family are “Deer Widows” in November and early December so we make an extra effort to get together. Thanksgiving Weekend Trips to Frankenmuth are made every year. The following day is reserved for wreath making and, my personal favorite, baking. We make all sorts of delicious cookies, candies and fudge. Even though it’s something we do every year, we don’t always bake the same things.

I’m always the apprehensive one in the group. I worry about trying new recipes that become complete flops! One of the best cooking tips I have been given was this “When trying a new recipe use classic brands and trusted ingredients to help ensure even new recipes come out great.”  I never realized how true that was. For instance my grandma swears by Crisco in her fruit pies, and we don’t buy anything but Jif peanut butter. It’s creamy taste simply can’t be beat. The holiday season is an endless inspiration for new recipes and it’s inevitable that one of us brings an exciting new recipe. Mix in a healthy Pinterest addiction and this year the possibilities are endless.

Get inspired  by season and share the love. 

What inspires you this holiday season? Is it the smell of cinnamon or the crunch of peanut butter cookies? Check out these holiday dessert recipes, like Peppermint Dipped Chocolate Cookies paired with Folgers Classic Roast, to get you in the holiday baking spirit.

Peppermint Dipped Chocolate Cookies

Recipe type: Dessert

Cuisine: Cookie

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Pair these delicious Peppermint Dipped Chocolate Cookies with Folgers Coffee for a special Holiday Treat.

Ingredients

• 1 (17.5 oz.) package Pillsbury Chocolate Cookie Mix with Crushed Peppermint Candy
• ½ cup butter softened*
• 1 large egg
• 1 (16 oz.) container Pillsbury Peppermint Frosting

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Reserve peppermint candy pouch for topping.
3. In a medium bowl combine the cookie mix, softened butter and egg.
4. Mix with a spoon until a soft dough is formed.
5. Drop rounded teaspons of dough about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake cookies 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are set.
7. Allow the cookies to cool on a cookie sheet for 2 minutes.
8. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.
9. Microwave the opened container of frosting on HIGH 20 seconds then stir. Microwave it for 10 seconds more and stir until it’s smooth.
10. Dip the cooled cookies half-way into frosting.
11. Scrape the excess from bottom of cookie on edge of container.
12. Place on wire rack and sprinkle with reserved peppermint pieces.
13. Allow frosting to set 30 minutes or until hardened.

3.1.09

Walmart has created a site dedicated to many delicious cookie and dessert recipes using brands I trust like Folgers, Hungry Jack, Jif, Eagle Brand, Smucker’s, Pillsbury, Crisco, and Martha White. Not only do they provide recipes but you can even create a Dessert board to save and share all your favorite recipes.

I filled mine with tasty recipes including new takes on classics like Sugar Cookies and Fudge. Plus some new recipes I have never heard of! In case you’re drooling over my board and want to know exactly which ones I pinned they are (from left to right, top to bottom):

1. Funfetti Holiday Wreath Sugar Cookies
2. Cinnamon Apple Crisp
3. Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies Pair with Folgers Classic Roast
4. Funfetti® Color Me Holiday Cupcakes
5. Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake Bars
6. Jam and Hazelnut Cookies Pair with Folgers Gourmet Selections Lively Colombian

You can even Pin the Dessert Board on Pinterest (come on, I know I’m not the only addict). Inspire your family with delicious recipes and they will want to create theirs. Who knows, maybe you will start a new Holiday tradition this year.