The holiday season is a magical time but also a busy one, especially for working mothers juggling professional responsibilities and family festivities. Finding time to bake or create holiday treats for coworkers might seem like a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be.
With a few simple ingredients and minimal time, you can whip up a crowd-pleasing treat that will bring holiday cheer to the office without adding stress to your schedule.
1. Peppermint Bark: The No-Bake Holiday Classic
Ingredients:
- White chocolate chips (1 bag)
- Dark chocolate chips (1 bag)
- Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
Instructions:
Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds to avoid burning. Spread a thin layer of the melted dark chocolate onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the fridge for 5-10 minutes to let the chocolate set. Meanwhile, melt the white chocolate chips. Once the dark chocolate layer is firm, spread the melted white chocolate on top, and immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the top. Let it chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes before breaking it into pieces. Peppermint bark looks impressive, tastes festive, and takes just a few minutes to prepare.
2. Holiday Pretzel Hugs: Sweet, Salty, and Simple
Ingredients:
- Mini pretzels (bonus if you find holiday shapes!)
- Hershey’s Hugs or Kisses
- Holiday-colored M&M’s
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Arrange mini pretzels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place a Hershey’s Hug or Kiss on each pretzel, and bake for 4-5 minutes, just until the chocolate is soft but not fully melted. Carefully press an M&M into the center of each softened chocolate, then allow them to cool. These treats are deliciously sweet and salty, and the festive M&Ms add a perfect pop of holiday color.
3. Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats: A Festive Twist on a Classic
Ingredients:
- Rice Krispies cereal (6 cups)
- Mini marshmallows (1 bag)
- Butter (3 tbsp)
- Pretzel twists (for antlers)
- Red and brown M&M’s (for noses and eyes)
Instructions:
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat, add the marshmallows, and stir until melted. Remove from heat and add the Rice Krispies, mixing well. Press the mixture into a buttered pan and let cool. Cut into rectangles and place on a tray. Insert two pretzels at the top of each rectangle as antlers, add a brown or red M&M for the nose, and use additional brown M&M’s for eyes. These reindeer treats are adorable, easy to make, and fun to share with coworkers.
4. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Rods: Customizable and Crunchy
Ingredients:
- Pretzel rods
- Chocolate chips (milk or dark chocolate)
- White chocolate chips
- Assorted sprinkles or crushed peppermint
Instructions:
Melt chocolate chips and white chocolate chips in separate bowls. Dip each pretzel rod halfway into the melted chocolate, then decorate with sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or other toppings. Let them cool on parchment paper. The result is a crunchy, chocolatey treat that’s both customizable and festive, with minimal prep time required.
5. Mini Hot Cocoa Jars: A Cozy, Edible Gift
Ingredients:
- Small mason jars or clear plastic bags
- Hot cocoa powder
- Mini marshmallows
- Crushed candy canes (optional)
- Chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
Layer hot cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows in a small mason jar or clear bag. Tie it with a ribbon and attach a small note with instructions for making hot cocoa. These hot cocoa jars are a fun treat to leave on coworkers’ desks, allowing them to enjoy a cozy, chocolatey drink in minutes.
Being a working mother means balancing multiple roles and responsibilities, so finding shortcuts to spread holiday cheer is essential. These easy, no-fuss treats are not only delicious but also quick to make, leaving you more time to focus on family and self-care. Added bonus, they’re all kid-friendly recipes, so if you’re not afraid to get a little messy, involve the kids in the process! Whether you go for the classic Peppermint Bark or the adorable Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats, these goodies will add a festive touch to your workplace and bring smiles to your coworkers’ faces.
So, enjoy the holiday season without the stress—because spreading joy doesn’t have to take all day. With these simple treats, you can add a little sweetness to your workday and celebrate the season with your team!
