Tis the season for holiday baking and I am thrilled to be sharing these fabulous Eggnog Cookies with you today! There is just something about the cooler nights and shorter days that has me firing up the oven more often. We love these moist, flavourful cookies that are a perfect addition to any of your Christmas festivities.

These Eggnog Cookies are essentially a seasonal take on the classic sugar cookie. They have the rich flavours of nutmeg, cinnamon and eggnog which is one of my favorite combinations. I like to serve them with eggnog shakes for the kids and a chai tea latte for momma. Are you with me? Seriously delicious!

Egg Nog Cookies

 

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Author: Heather Painchaud

Recipe type: Dessert

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cup sugar
• ¾ cup margarine
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ½ cup eggnog
• 2 ¼ cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• For icing:
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup margarine
• 1 cup confectioners sugar
• 2 Tbsp eggnog

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350.
2. Cream together first five ingredients until smooth.
3. In a medium bowl combine dry ingredients and carefully add to the wet ingredients. Mix well.
4. Drop dough by the tablespoon (walnut sized amount) onto greased cookie sheets. I like to use my Pampered Chef cookie scoop for even portioning.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes until bottoms are just brown.
6. While baking combine ingredients for icing.
7. Allow cookies to cool before drizzling the cream cheese eggnog icing overtop.

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You may want to freeze these after baking or at the very least hide them in the pantry otherwise they will be gone all too soon. My kids like to wake up early and sneak a few from the cookie jar hoping that I won’t see the trail of cookie crumbs across the counter.

Be sure to visit Twin Dragonfly Designs for more holiday baking, Christmas craft projects and festive decor ideas!

The post Eggnog Cookies Recipe appeared first on U Create.

I’ve been making this for years and cannot remember why we even call it chocolate mud pie, but it is a hit among them and all of my other extended family members!

This is also going to be one of the simplest desserts you ever make! I use a refrigerated pie crust because not all of us have those “pro baker” skills in the kitchen. If you do have them, I admire you!

Basically, this is a layers dessert with a couple of fillings. You’ll start with the cream cheese filling…

…spread over the crust…

Next you’ll spread the pudding filling.

Then you’ll top it off with Cool Whip and a grated milk chocolate bar!

5.0 from 1 reviews

Chocolate Mud Pie Recipe

 

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Prep time

10 mins

Cook time

10 mins

Total time

20 mins

 

One of the easiest and yummiest desserts you will ever make!

Author: Kari - U Create

Recipe type: Dessert

Serves: 12

Ingredients

• ready to bake refridgerated pie crust
• 1 pkg 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 12oz container of original Cool Whip
• 1 large pkg (5.9 oz) chocolate instant Jello pudding (I use chocolate fudge)
• 1 small pkg (3.4 oz) vanilla instant Jello pudding
• 3 cups milk
• 1 milk chocolate bar (I use Hershey's)

Instructions

1. Bake pie crust (according to package) in casserole dish pan. I baked mine at 450 degrees for 10 minutes. Let cool.
2. Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 cup of Cool Whip together. Spread over crust.
3. Mix puddings together with 3 cups of milk and ½ c. of Cool Whip. Spread over cream cheese layer.
4. Spread the rest of the Cool Whip as top layer.
5. Grate the chocolate bar to garnish the top.
6. Chill for at least one hour. Serve.

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You’ll want to get ready to have the recipe available because if you take this to an event, everybody will ask you for it!

I hope your family enjoys it as much as mine does!

POST BY: Kari Sweeten

The post Chocolate Mud Pie Recipe appeared first on U Create.

BBQ TIP: My favorite party tip for a casual environment is to include the napkin, utensils and straw into a simple pint-sized mason jar that is used as their glass!

You’ll need the following for each guest:

• pint-sized mason jar
• decorative straw
• festive napkin
• fork, spoon, knife

Change up the napkins for any occassion, put a little surprise inside, add a tag with their name, or anything your heart desires! In case you are wondering where I purchased any of the supplies on this post, I found it all at my local Walmart.

SOMETHING FOR THE KIDS: Next? Have a little something for the kids to do. I created these printables to go along with two of the most popular kid-wanted items on the 4th of July – sparklers and glow sticks! My kids are so excited to light these up this weekend!

You’ll need the following for each child:

• 3-4 sparklers
• 2-3 glow sticks
• printables

Simply snip a slits and slide sparkler or glow sticks in place!

Find the FREE 4TH OF JULY PRINTABLES HERE.

SIMPLE, DELICIOUS FOOD: I went to my local Walmart and bought some King’s Hawaiian® rolls to make my Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with lemon cream cheese icing. While I was there, I saw that they made King’s Hawaiian® hotdog and hamburger buns, too. I really liked how the hotdog buns had a slit on the top instead of the side – a fun twist from the ordinary hot dog bun!

GRILL TIP: Do you see how I grilled the hotdogs in a spiral pictured above? All you do is put the hot dog on a skewer or kabob stick, slice the hotdog in a spiral, take off the skewer, and grill. Your BBQ guests will love this!

SOMETHING SWEET: Provide a sweet treat your guests will LOVE! No joke, this delicious recipe will only take you 15 minutes to make! Get ready to give out the recipe…cause they will ask!

Easy Strawberry Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Icing

 

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Prep time

10 mins

Cook time

15 mins

Total time

25 mins

 

Author: Kari Sweeten

Recipe type: Dessert

Serves: 12

Ingredients

• Pkg of King's Hawaiian® Original Sweet Rolls (12 count)
• 21 oz. Premium Strawberry Pie Filling (Duncan Hines)
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 4 oz. cream cheese (softened)
• 3 tablespoons butter (softened)
• ¼ cup half and half
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 teaspoons lemon juice

Instructions

1. Spray pan with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a mixing bowl combine strawberry filling, cinnamon, and sugar.
3. Cut Hawaiian rolls in half and spread filling inside. Spread the rest of the filling on top of the rolls.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
5. ICING: Mix the cream cheese, butter, half and half, powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice.
6. Spread generously on top and sides of the rolls while warm.

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Warning: you’ll want to make lots of these because they will disappear quickly!!

COUPON: Save $1 on TWO (2) KING’S HAWAIIAN® Hamburger, Deluxe Hamburger, Hot Dog Buns, Mini Sub Rolls, or 12pk Dinner Rolls for their 4th of July BBQ  (coupon here)

POST BY: Kari Sweeten

This post was sponsored by KING’S HAWAIIAN® and I was compensated to write it. Regardless, what I have written is my own opinion and experience, and I hope you find it of use.

The post DIY 4th of July BBQ ideas appeared first on U Create.

Basically they are cakes made up of cupcakes and decorated as one! Today you’ll find some of the cutest pull apart cakes out there!

This Unicorn Pull Apart Cake by Real Moms is so much fun because she uses rainbow colored cupcakes, too!

Cupcake Bouquet Cake by Living Locurto – what a beautiful idea to use real stems and a ribbon.

Lion Pull Apart Cake by Rada Cutlery

Pull Apart Rainbow Cupcakes at BHG – love the mini marshmallows to make fluffy clouds!

Cupcake Flowers by See Vanessa Craft – this is the perfect cake idea for a Mother, friend, someone who loves flowers!

Pull Apart Dress Cake at The Melba Cakes – use this template to make any princess dress with different colors and designs!

Balloon Cupcakes at Around the World in 80 Cakes – the best tasting birthday balloons!

Pull Apart Fish Cake by My Cake School – love this for a kid’s birthday party or an event at a preschool.

American Flag Pull Apart Cake at Cake Central – celebrate Independence Day with USA cupcakes!

Gum ball Pull Apart Cake – Use a rectangle cake and some cupcakes to make a fun gum ball machine!

The post Pull Apart Cake Ideas appeared first on U Create.

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I chose to attend a Cookie Decorating Basics class at my local Michael’s craft store because when it comes to fancy frosting and decorating tips I was clueless.

To sign up: Simply go online and pick a favorite class or call your local store. Super easy!

The instructor began with the basics of mixing colors to make the perfect color of frosting you desire.

This next step might seem simple to you, but I’ve never used those frosting bags and tips! Kate (the teacher) was very helpful and showed me how to screw on the tips and adjust the bag just right without making a mess!

The fun part? Practicing techniques using the decorating tips!

Kate showed me how to turn vanilla wafers into a fun, spring treat using the techniques she taught us to make flowers!

I brought them home and the family gobbled them right up! I can’t wait to use some of these techniques on cupcakes next!

I also plan on taking the other Wilton classes so I can become more advanced in my frosting techniques!

Did you know that Michaels offers free classes in their stores? You can try out a new craft skill for just the cost of supplies.

Another great way to explore your creativity is by trying out a craft kit. Michaels has everything from sewing kits to art kits and everything in between.

The post Learn Something New: Cookie Decorating Basics appeared first on U Create.

Football season is here and around our household that means Home Bowl party time! 

Today I’m sharing a delicious dessert and the perfect hostess gift idea with the help of Coca-Cola® and NABISCO!

HOSTESS GIFT: PERSONALIZED SHARE A COKE® BOTTLE

Who loves those personalized Share a Coke® bottles you see when you’re checking out in the grocery store line. Yes, I am guilty of digging through them endlessly to find my own name (which is difficult to find by the way). My sister surprised me one day and found a “Kari” bottle and I freaked out, saved it, and turned it into a little flower vase.

Well, did you know you can order any name you want?  

Show up to your next Home Bowl party with personalized bottle with the hostess names on them. Best gift ever.

Simply go to shareacoke.com to customize your Coca-Cola® bottles (just make sure you allow 2 weeks for delivery time)!

Now onto an amazing dessert idea for the OREO Cookie fan. Who doesn’t love OREO Cookie’s right?

OREO FOOTBALL REFRIGERATOR CAKE RECIPE

• 1 package (14.3 ounces) OREO Cookies, divided
• 1 package (8 ounces) brick cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup milk
• 1 package (4-serving size) white chocolate instant pudding
• 2 cups thawed frozen whipped topping, divided
• 1/3 cup chocolate sprinkles
• White decorating icing

DIRECTIONS

1. Use a serrated knife to cut 16 cookies in half. Arrange half the cookie pieces, cut sides out, in oval shape on platter to resemble football. Fill center with 10 whole cookies.
2. Beat cream cheese in large bowl with mixer until creamy. Gradually beat in milk. Add dry pudding mix; beat 2 minutes. Gently stir in 1 cup whipped topping.
3. Spread cream cheese mixture onto cookies on platter; top with remaining cookies. Cover with remaining whipped topping, then add sprinkles. Use icing to draw laces.
4. Refrigerate 12 hours.
5. ENJOY!

The party ideas don’t stop here.

Find many more Home Bowl ideas for an amazing party season!

OREO Cookie Football Cake Recipe

The “Home Bowl” is not associated with or authorized by the National

Football League. 1890717 ME. (C) “Coca-Cola” is a registered trademark of The Coca-Cola Company. (C) Mondelez International group.

The post OREO Football Refridgerator Cake Recipe appeared first on U Create.

8. Santa Hat Brownies at Daisy’s World

20. Santa’s Magic Sugar Cookies at Babble

The hardest part?
Choosing which ones to bring! Aren’t these amazing?!

The post 21 Cookie Exchange Recipes appeared first on U Create.

5.0 from 1 reviews

Heavenly Smore’s Bars Recipe

 

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Prep time

10 mins

Cook time

20 mins

Total time

30 mins

 

Ingredients

• for crust:
• 4 T. melted butter
• 1 c. crushed graham cracker crumbs
• for cookie bars:
• ½c. brown sugar
• ¾ c. granulated sugar
• ½ t. vanilla
• 1 egg
• ½ c. softened butter
• ½ t. salt
• ½ t. baking soda
• 1¼c. flour
• 1 c. mini marshmallows
• 1 c. semi sweet chocolate chips
• 1 Hershey’s Milk Chocolate candy bar (reg size)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray square baking pan (9×9) with non-stick butter spray.
2. Crush one cup of graham crackers and add melted butter – form crust in the bottom of the pan.
3. Mix together: sugars, vanilla, egg, and softened butter. In a separate bowl combine the salt, baking soda and flour, once mixed combine with other mixture.
4. Gently stir in the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. Place dough on top of graham cracker crust.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Place Hershey bar pieces on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Cool and cut.

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They are ooey-gooey so you might want to grab a fork!

So heavenly!

Post By…

Try these, too!

The post Smores Bars Recipe appeared first on U Create.

Melbas are my FAVORITE Christmas treat.

My mom always made them when I was growing up.  I have not had them for at least 10 years. I had it in my head that they were too hard to make. That is not the case at all! I am so excited to share this recipe with you.

I gave some to my neighbors and they called to tell me that they loved them! They were a hit!

Melbas Frozen Treat

 

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Author: Danielle Hansen

Recipe type: Dessert

Ingredients

• 4½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 can sweet and condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ½ pound of cold butter
• optional: favors of extract, dipping chocolate, or nuts

Instructions

1. In a mixer, beat together all the ingredients. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat again. Taste it! It is delicious. You can leave it or favor it. Separate the mixture into 1½ cups per flavor that you what.
2. Add a drop or two of the extract to the batter.
3. Taste it and decide if you want to add any more. I also like to add a drop or two of food coloring so I can keep track of the flavors. (My favorite flavor of extract is orange!)
4. Next use a small cookie dough scoop and scoop little balls onto wax paper on a pan. Freeze until solid.
5. At this point, you can roll your balls into dipping chocolates and nuts, or just leave them how they are. I like to do both!
6. Keep them frozen. I keep them in a freezer bag. When I need them I put them in a mini cupcake liner and a tin.

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Melbas make great gifts, but I would suggest you keep some for yourself!

The post Melbas Frozen Christmas Treat appeared first on U Create.