Festive Fun: Delicious Holiday Recipes Using Blue Bunny Holiday Cones
Blue Bunny Holiday Cones are a delightful seasonal treat, perfect for enjoying on their own. But did you know they can also be the star ingredient in a variety of fun and festive holiday desserts? Get ready to unleash your inner pastry chef and transform these iconic cones into unforgettable creations that will wow your family and friends. From simple shortcuts to show-stopping centerpieces, here are some delicious holiday recipes featuring Blue Bunny Holiday Cones.
## Why Blue Bunny Holiday Cones?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about why Blue Bunny Holiday Cones are so perfect for holiday baking:
* **Convenience:** They’re readily available at most grocery stores, making them a convenient choice for busy holiday schedules.
* **Variety:** With different flavors like Peppermint Stick and Salted Caramel Brownie, there’s a cone for every palate.
* **Festive Flavors:** The holiday-themed flavors add a touch of seasonal cheer to any dessert.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Kids love ice cream cones, making these recipes a hit with the whole family.
* **Built-in Portion Control:** The individual cones help keep portions in check during the often indulgent holiday season.
## Recipe 1: Holiday Cone Parfaits
This recipe is incredibly easy, quick, and customizable. It’s a great way to use leftover holiday cookies, candies, and fruits. Plus, it’s perfect for individual servings, making it ideal for parties or a simple weeknight treat.
**Ingredients:**
* Blue Bunny Holiday Cones (Peppermint Stick, Salted Caramel Brownie, or any flavor you like)
* Your favorite holiday cookies (gingerbread, sugar cookies, peppermint bark, etc.), crumbled
* Fresh or frozen berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries)
* Whipped cream or Cool Whip
* Chocolate shavings or sprinkles (for garnish)
* Optional: Caramel sauce, hot fudge sauce, chopped nuts
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the cones:** Gently remove the ice cream from the Blue Bunny Holiday Cones, trying to keep the cone intact. You can eat the ice cream as you go (chef’s treat!) or save it for another use.
2. **Layer the ingredients:** In each empty cone, start by layering a spoonful of crumbled cookies at the bottom.
3. **Add berries:** Next, add a layer of fresh or frozen berries. If using frozen berries, thaw them slightly first.
4. **Top with whipped cream:** Add a generous dollop of whipped cream or Cool Whip on top of the berries.
5. **Repeat layers:** Repeat the layers of cookies, berries, and whipped cream until the cone is filled to the top.
6. **Garnish:** Finish with a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or sprinkles. If desired, drizzle with caramel sauce or hot fudge sauce and top with chopped nuts.
7. **Serve immediately:** These parfaits are best served immediately, before the cone gets soggy. If you need to prepare them in advance, consider assembling the parfaits in glasses instead of the cones.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Use different flavors:** Experiment with different flavors of Blue Bunny Holiday Cones to create unique parfaits.
* **Add other toppings:** Get creative with your toppings! Consider adding chopped candy canes, mini marshmallows, toffee bits, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
* **Make it a trifle:** Assemble the parfait in a larger trifle dish for a festive centerpiece.
* **Boozy version:** For an adult version, add a splash of your favorite liqueur, such as Kahlua or Baileys, to the whipped cream.
## Recipe 2: Holiday Cone Cake Pops
Cake pops are always a crowd-pleaser, and these Holiday Cone Cake Pops are no exception. They’re fun to make and even more fun to eat, making them a perfect activity for kids and adults alike.
**Ingredients:**
* Blue Bunny Holiday Cones (Salted Caramel Brownie flavor works well)
* 1 box of your favorite cake mix (chocolate, vanilla, or red velvet)
* Ingredients required for the cake mix (usually eggs, oil, and water)
* 1 container of frosting (vanilla or chocolate)
* Candy melts (red, green, or white)
* Sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or other decorations
* Lollipop sticks
**Instructions:**
1. **Bake the cake:** Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions. Bake the cake in a 9×13 inch pan.
2. **Crumble the cake:** Let the cake cool completely. Once cooled, crumble the cake into a large bowl.
3. **Mix with frosting:** Add the frosting to the crumbled cake and mix well until the mixture is moist and holds together when pressed.
4. **Shape into balls:** Roll the cake mixture into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter. Place the cake balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. **Chill the cake balls:** Refrigerate the cake balls for at least 30 minutes to firm them up.
6. **Melt the candy melts:** Melt the candy melts according to the package directions. You can melt them in the microwave or in a double boiler.
7. **Dip the lollipop sticks:** Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into the melted candy and then insert it into a cake ball. This will help the stick stay in place.
8. **Dip the cake pops:** Dip each cake pop into the melted candy, making sure to coat it completely. Gently tap off any excess candy.
9. **Decorate:** Immediately decorate the cake pops with sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or other decorations.
10. **Attach the cone:** Carefully remove the ice cream from a Blue Bunny Holiday Cone. Place the dipped and decorated cake pop on top of the cone, securing it with a little extra melted candy if needed.
11. **Let them set:** Place the cake pops on a piece of styrofoam or in a cake pop stand to allow the candy coating to set completely.
12. **Enjoy!** These cake pops can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Use different cake flavors:** Experiment with different cake flavors to find your favorite combination.
* **Add food coloring:** Add food coloring to the candy melts to create different colors.
* **Drizzle with chocolate:** Drizzle the cake pops with melted chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness.
* **Use different toppings:** Get creative with your toppings! Consider using chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or edible glitter.
## Recipe 3: Holiday Cone S’mores Dip
This recipe takes the classic s’mores to a whole new level. It’s warm, gooey, and incredibly addictive. The Blue Bunny Holiday Cones add a touch of festive flavor and make it even more fun to eat.
**Ingredients:**
* Blue Bunny Holiday Cones (Peppermint Stick or Salted Caramel Brownie)
* 1 bag of milk chocolate chips
* 1 bag of mini marshmallows
* Graham crackers, for dipping
* Optional: Caramel sauce, sea salt
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Prepare the baking dish:** Spread a layer of chocolate chips evenly in the bottom of an oven-safe skillet or baking dish.
3. **Top with marshmallows:** Cover the chocolate chips with a layer of mini marshmallows.
4. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and puffy.
5. **Let cool slightly:** Let the dip cool slightly before serving. The marshmallows will be very hot!
6. **Prepare the cones:** Carefully remove the ice cream from the Blue Bunny Holiday Cones. Break the cones into pieces for dipping.
7. **Serve and enjoy:** Serve the s’mores dip warm with graham crackers and pieces of Blue Bunny Holiday Cones for dipping. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt, if desired.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Use different chocolate:** Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate.
* **Add peanut butter:** Add a layer of peanut butter chips for a peanut butter s’mores dip.
* **Use a broiler:** For a quicker version, you can broil the s’mores dip for a few minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
* **Make it in a cast iron skillet:** A cast iron skillet will keep the dip warm for longer.
## Recipe 4: Holiday Cone Ice Cream Sandwiches
Upgrade your classic ice cream sandwich with Blue Bunny Holiday Cones! This recipe is super simple and requires minimal effort, making it a perfect last-minute dessert.
**Ingredients:**
* Blue Bunny Holiday Cones (any flavor)
* Your favorite ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, peppermint, etc.)
* Optional: Sprinkles, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or other toppings
**Instructions:**
1. **Soften the ice cream:** Let your favorite ice cream soften slightly, so it’s easier to spread.
2. **Cut the cones:** Carefully cut the Blue Bunny Holiday Cones in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. This can be a bit tricky, so go slowly and carefully.
3. **Spread the ice cream:** Spread a generous layer of softened ice cream on one half of the cone.
4. **Top with the other half:** Top with the other half of the cone, creating an ice cream sandwich.
5. **Decorate (optional):** Roll the edges of the ice cream sandwich in sprinkles, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or other toppings.
6. **Freeze:** Wrap the ice cream sandwiches in plastic wrap and freeze for at least 30 minutes to firm them up.
7. **Serve and enjoy!** These ice cream sandwiches are best enjoyed straight from the freezer.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Use different ice cream flavors:** Experiment with different ice cream flavors to find your favorite combination.
* **Add a sauce:** Drizzle the ice cream sandwich with chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or hot fudge sauce.
* **Use different cones:** Try using different flavors of Blue Bunny Holiday Cones for a variety of flavors.
* **Make mini sandwiches:** Use mini ice cream cones to make bite-sized ice cream sandwiches.
## Recipe 5: Holiday Cone Cookie Bark
Cookie bark is a holiday staple, and this version incorporates the delicious flavor and texture of Blue Bunny Holiday Cones. It’s a perfect treat to give as gifts or to enjoy yourself.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package of chocolate bark coating (or melting chocolate)
* Blue Bunny Holiday Cones (Peppermint Stick or Salted Caramel Brownie), crushed
* Your favorite holiday cookies (gingerbread, sugar cookies, peppermint bark), crushed
* Sprinkles, mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, or other decorations
**Instructions:**
1. **Melt the chocolate:** Melt the chocolate bark coating according to the package directions. You can melt it in the microwave or in a double boiler.
2. **Spread the chocolate:** Spread the melted chocolate evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. **Add toppings:** Immediately sprinkle the crushed Blue Bunny Holiday Cones, crushed cookies, sprinkles, mini marshmallows, and other decorations over the melted chocolate.
4. **Press gently:** Gently press the toppings into the chocolate to help them adhere.
5. **Chill:** Refrigerate the cookie bark for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.
6. **Break into pieces:** Once the chocolate is firm, break it into pieces.
7. **Serve and enjoy!** Store the cookie bark in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Use different types of chocolate:** Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate.
* **Add peppermint extract:** Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the melted chocolate for an extra peppermint flavor.
* **Use different cookies:** Get creative with your cookies! Consider using Oreos, shortbread cookies, or even pretzels.
* **Add dried fruit:** Add dried cranberries, cherries, or apricots for a festive touch.
## Recipe 6: Holiday Cone Trifle
This stunning trifle showcases the festive flavors of Blue Bunny Holiday Cones in a layered dessert perfect for impressing guests. It’s surprisingly easy to assemble and can be customized to your liking.
**Ingredients:**
* Blue Bunny Holiday Cones (Peppermint Stick and Salted Caramel Brownie, or your favorites)
* 1 box (15 ounces) angel food cake mix
* Ingredients called for on the cake mix box
* 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
* 3 cups milk
* 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed
* Fresh strawberries and raspberries
* Chocolate shavings, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Bake the cake:** Prepare and bake the angel food cake according to package directions. Let cool completely and then cut into 1-inch cubes.
2. **Prepare the pudding:** In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth. Let stand for 5 minutes to thicken.
3. **Assemble the trifle:** In a large trifle bowl or glass serving bowl, layer half of the angel food cake cubes, half of the pudding, half of the whipped topping, and half of the strawberries and raspberries. Crush a few Blue Bunny Holiday Cones and sprinkle some of the crushed cones over the fruit.
4. **Repeat layers:** Repeat the layers with the remaining angel food cake, pudding, whipped topping, and berries. Crush the remaining Blue Bunny Holiday Cones and sprinkle them over the top layer.
5. **Garnish:** Garnish with chocolate shavings.
6. **Chill:** Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Use store-bought angel food cake:** To save time, use a store-bought angel food cake instead of making your own.
* **Use different pudding flavors:** Experiment with different pudding flavors, such as chocolate or butterscotch.
* **Add a liqueur:** For an adult version, drizzle the cake cubes with a liqueur, such as amaretto or Grand Marnier.
* **Use different fruits:** Try using other seasonal fruits, such as cranberries or mandarin oranges.
## Conclusion
Blue Bunny Holiday Cones are more than just a frozen treat; they are a versatile ingredient that can add a festive touch to a variety of desserts. These recipes are just a starting point, so get creative and experiment with your own variations. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy snack or a show-stopping centerpiece, Blue Bunny Holiday Cones can help you create unforgettable holiday memories. Enjoy the season and happy baking!