Santa’s Sweet Stop: Delicious Recipes to Celebrate the Nestlé Toll House Santa Cookie Launch
Christmas is a time for joy, celebration, and, of course, delicious cookies! And what better way to kick off the holiday season than with the launch of Nestlé Toll House Santa Cookies? These festive, ready-to-bake cookies are a holiday staple, and they inspire creativity in the kitchen. In this blog post, we’ll explore several delightful recipes that incorporate Nestlé Toll House Santa Cookies, transforming them into unforgettable holiday treats. From classic variations to innovative desserts, get ready to bake your way into the hearts of your loved ones this Christmas.
The Magic of Nestlé Toll House Santa Cookies
Nestlé Toll House Santa Cookies are more than just a convenient baking option; they’re a symbol of Christmas cheer. Their pre-cut shapes and festive sprinkles make them perfect for quick and easy baking, especially when you’re short on time but still want to create a memorable holiday experience. These cookies are also fantastic for involving children in the baking process, fostering a sense of togetherness and creating cherished memories.
Recipe 1: Classic Santa Cookie Delight
Let’s start with a simple yet satisfying recipe that enhances the classic Nestlé Toll House Santa Cookie experience.
Ingredients:
* 1 package (14 oz) Nestlé Toll House Santa Cookies
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Dough Enhancement:** In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a softer, more flavorful cookie.
2. **Add Wet Ingredients:** Beat in the vanilla extract until well combined. The vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookie.
3. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and prevents clumps.
4. **Combine Wet and Dry:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
5. **Incorporate Nuts (Optional):** If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans. Nuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the cookies.
6. **Chill the Dough:** Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
7. **Prepare Santa Cookies:** Separate Nestlé Toll House Santa Cookies and set aside.
8. **Combine the Doughs:** Gently flatten the chilled dough into a disk. Place one Santa cookie on top of dough disk and form the chilled dough to the back of the Santa cookie.
9. **Bake:** Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Watch them carefully to prevent burning.
10. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cookies to set properly and prevents them from breaking.
Recipe 2: Santa Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Take your Santa Cookies to the next level by turning them into irresistible ice cream sandwiches. This recipe is perfect for a festive dessert or a fun holiday treat.
Ingredients:
* 1 package (14 oz) Nestlé Toll House Santa Cookies
* 1 pint of your favorite ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, or peppermint recommended)
* Holiday sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
1. **Bake the Cookies:** Bake the Nestlé Toll House Santa Cookies according to the package instructions. Ensure they are fully cooled before proceeding.
2. **Soften the Ice Cream:** Let the ice cream soften slightly at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes. This will make it easier to spread.
3. **Assemble the Sandwiches:** Take two cookies of similar size. Spread a generous scoop of softened ice cream onto the bottom of one cookie.
4. **Top with Another Cookie:** Place the second cookie on top of the ice cream, pressing gently to create a sandwich.
5. **Add Sprinkles (Optional):** If desired, roll the edges of the ice cream sandwiches in holiday sprinkles for a festive touch.
6. **Freeze:** Wrap the ice cream sandwiches individually in plastic wrap and freeze for at least 30 minutes to allow the ice cream to firm up.
7. **Serve:** Remove the ice cream sandwiches from the freezer a few minutes before serving. Enjoy immediately!
Recipe 3: Santa Cookie Bark
Santa Cookie Bark is a delightful, easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for gifting or sharing during the holidays. The combination of chocolate, cookies, and festive sprinkles creates a visually appealing and delicious treat.
Ingredients:
* 1 package (14 oz) Nestlé Toll House Santa Cookies
* 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
* 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
* Holiday sprinkles
* Optional: chopped pretzels, peppermint candies, or other toppings
Instructions:
1. **Prepare Baking Sheet:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the bark from sticking and make it easy to remove.
2. **Melt Semi-Sweet Chocolate:** In a heat-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Alternatively, melt the chocolate in a double boiler over simmering water.
3. **Spread Chocolate:** Pour the melted semi-sweet chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly into a thin layer.
4. **Arrange Santa Cookies:** Place the Nestlé Toll House Santa Cookies randomly on top of the melted chocolate, pressing them lightly into the chocolate.
5. **Add Optional Toppings:** Sprinkle chopped pretzels, crushed peppermint candies, or any other desired toppings over the cookies and chocolate.
6. **Melt White Chocolate:** Melt the white chocolate chips in a separate heat-safe bowl using the same method as the semi-sweet chocolate.
7. **Drizzle White Chocolate:** Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cookies and toppings. This adds a decorative touch and a layer of sweetness.
8. **Add Sprinkles:** Immediately sprinkle holiday sprinkles over the entire bark while the chocolate is still melted. The sprinkles will adhere better to the melted chocolate.
9. **Chill:** Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.
10. **Break into Pieces:** Once the bark is firm, break it into irregular pieces. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe 4: Santa Cookie Milkshakes
For a fun and festive beverage, try Santa Cookie Milkshakes! This recipe is a creative way to enjoy Santa Cookies and is perfect for both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
* 1 package (14 oz) Nestlé Toll House Santa Cookies
* 2 cups vanilla ice cream
* 1 cup milk
* Whipped cream (optional)
* Holiday sprinkles (optional)
* Cherry (optional)
Instructions:
1. **Bake the Cookies:** Bake a handful of Nestlé Toll House Santa Cookies according to the package instructions. Let them cool completely.
2. **Blend Ingredients:** In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, milk, and half of the baked Santa Cookies. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. **Add Cookie Pieces:** Add the remaining Santa Cookies and pulse the blender a few times, leaving small cookie pieces for texture.
4. **Pour and Garnish:** Pour the milkshake into glasses. Top with whipped cream, holiday sprinkles, and a cherry, if desired.
5. **Serve:** Serve immediately and enjoy!
Recipe 5: Santa Cookie Cheesecake Bars
These Santa Cookie Cheesecake Bars are a decadent and festive dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the delightful crunch of Santa Cookies.
Ingredients:
* 1 package (14 oz) Nestlé Toll House Santa Cookies
* 8 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 egg
* 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions:
1. **Prepare Crust:** Crush half of the Nestlé Toll House Santa Cookies into fine crumbs. You can use a food processor or place the cookies in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
2. **Combine Crust Ingredients:** In a bowl, mix the cookie crumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper.
3. **Bake Crust:** Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
4. **Prepare Cheesecake Filling:** In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. This ensures a lump-free cheesecake filling.
5. **Add Wet Ingredients:** Beat in the vanilla extract, egg, and sour cream until well combined. The sour cream adds a tanginess and helps to keep the cheesecake moist.
6. **Pour Filling:** Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled cookie crust, spreading it evenly.
7. **Arrange Cookies:** Arrange the remaining Santa Cookies on top of the cheesecake filling, pressing them lightly into the filling.
8. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for an hour. This helps prevent cracking.
9. **Chill:** Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then, cover it and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
10. **Cut and Serve:** Cut the cheesecake into bars and serve. Enjoy!
Recipe 6: Santa Cookie Parfaits
These Santa Cookie Parfaits are a visually stunning and delicious dessert that’s perfect for a festive gathering. The layers of cookies, cream, and fruit create a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
* 1 package (14 oz) Nestlé Toll House Santa Cookies
* 2 cups heavy cream
* 1/4 cup powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
* Optional: chocolate shavings, mint leaves
Instructions:
1. **Prepare Cookies:** Bake the Nestlé Toll House Santa Cookies according to the package instructions. Let them cool completely.
2. **Make Whipped Cream:** In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.
3. **Assemble Parfaits:** In individual glasses or parfait dishes, layer the ingredients as follows: Start with a layer of crushed Santa Cookies at the bottom. Then, add a layer of whipped cream, followed by a layer of fresh berries. Repeat the layers until the glasses are full, ending with a layer of whipped cream.
4. **Garnish:** Garnish the parfaits with chocolate shavings and mint leaves, if desired.
5. **Chill:** Chill the parfaits in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
6. **Serve:** Serve the Santa Cookie Parfaits chilled and enjoy!
Recipe 7: Santa Cookie Truffles
These Santa Cookie Truffles are a decadent and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for gifting or serving at holiday parties. The combination of creamy filling and chocolate coating is simply irresistible.
Ingredients:
* 1 package (14 oz) Nestlé Toll House Santa Cookies
* 8 oz cream cheese, softened
* 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
* 1 tablespoon shortening (optional, for smoother chocolate)
* Holiday sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
1. **Crush Cookies:** Crush the Nestlé Toll House Santa Cookies into fine crumbs. You can use a food processor or place the cookies in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
2. **Combine with Cream Cheese:** In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the crushed cookie crumbs and mix until well combined.
3. **Chill Mixture:** Cover the bowl and chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
4. **Shape Truffles:** Roll the chilled mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the truffles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. **Chill Again:** Place the baking sheet with the truffles in the refrigerator and chill for another 30 minutes to allow them to firm up further.
6. **Melt Chocolate:** In a heat-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. If desired, add 1 tablespoon of shortening to the melted chocolate for a smoother consistency.
7. **Dip Truffles:** Dip each truffle into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Use a fork or dipping tool to remove the truffle from the chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip off.
8. **Add Sprinkles (Optional):** Immediately sprinkle holiday sprinkles over the chocolate-coated truffles before the chocolate sets.
9. **Chill to Set:** Place the truffles back on the baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator until the chocolate is firm.
10. **Serve:** Serve the Santa Cookie Truffles chilled and enjoy!
Recipe 8: Santa Cookie S’mores Dip
Take the classic s’mores to a festive new level with this Santa Cookie S’mores Dip. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a fun family night, this warm and gooey treat is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
* 1 package (14 oz) Nestlé Toll House Santa Cookies
* 10 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
* 1 ½ cups miniature marshmallows
* Graham crackers, for dipping
Instructions:
1. **Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch cast iron skillet or oven-safe dish.
2. **Arrange Santa Cookies:** Place a layer of Nestlé Toll House Santa Cookies evenly across the bottom of the prepared skillet or dish.
3. **Add Chocolate Chips:** Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the Santa Cookies.
4. **Top with Marshmallows:** Cover the chocolate chips with a generous layer of miniature marshmallows.
5. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and puffy, and the chocolate is melted.
6. **Let Cool Slightly:** Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The dip will be very hot!
7. **Serve with Graham Crackers:** Serve the Santa Cookie S’mores Dip immediately with graham crackers for dipping. Enjoy the warm, gooey, and festive treat!
Recipe 9: Santa Cookie Pizza
A dessert pizza that is sure to bring smiles, this recipe uses Santa cookies as the base for a sugary, delightful dish. This is great for kid’s parties or a fun family night.
Ingredients:
* 1 package (14 oz) Nestlé Toll House Santa Cookies
* 8 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1/4 cup powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Assorted fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges, etc.)
* Optional: Chocolate shavings, shredded coconut, or other toppings
Instructions:
1. **Bake the Cookies:** Arrange the Nestlé Toll House Santa Cookies on a baking sheet and bake according to the package directions. Allow the cookies to cool completely.
2. **Prepare the Cream Cheese Spread:** While the cookies are cooling, in a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
3. **Spread on Cookies:** Once the cookies are cool, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of each cookie, creating a smooth base for the fruit.
4. **Arrange Fruit:** Arrange the assorted fresh fruit decoratively over the cream cheese spread. Get creative with your design!
5. **Add Optional Toppings:** If desired, sprinkle chocolate shavings, shredded coconut, or other toppings over the fruit.
6. **Chill:** Place the Santa Cookie Pizzas in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the cream cheese to set and the flavors to meld.
7. **Serve:** Serve the chilled Santa Cookie Pizzas immediately. Enjoy the sweet and colorful treat!
Recipe 10: Santa Cookie Popcorn Balls
Add a touch of Santa’s magic to a classic snack! These popcorn balls are festive, fun to make, and perfect for gifting during the holiday season. They’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
* 8 cups popped popcorn
* 1 package (14 oz) Nestlé Toll House Santa Cookies, crushed
* 1/2 cup butter
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup light corn syrup
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* Red and green sprinkles, for decoration
Instructions:
1. **Prepare Popcorn and Crushed Cookies:** Pop the popcorn and set aside. Crush the Nestlé Toll House Santa Cookies into small pieces and set aside.
2. **Make Caramel:** In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved. Continue boiling, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reaches 245°F (118°C), or the mixture forms a firm ball when dropped into cold water (firm-ball stage).
3. **Combine Ingredients:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the caramel over the popped popcorn and crushed Santa Cookies in a large bowl. Gently toss to coat everything evenly.
4. **Form Popcorn Balls:** Let the mixture cool slightly so it’s easier to handle. Grease your hands with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Scoop up about 1 cup of the popcorn mixture and gently form it into a ball, pressing firmly to help it hold its shape.
5. **Add Sprinkles:** While the popcorn balls are still warm, roll them in red and green sprinkles to decorate.
6. **Cool and Set:** Place the popcorn balls on a sheet of parchment paper and let them cool completely until firm.
7. **Wrap and Serve:** Wrap the Santa Cookie Popcorn Balls individually in cellophane bags and tie with ribbon for gifting, or arrange them on a platter to serve. Enjoy the festive and delicious treat!
Tips for Baking with Nestlé Toll House Santa Cookies
* **Don’t Overbake:** These cookies tend to dry out if overbaked. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven when the edges are golden brown.
* **Use Parchment Paper:** Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper ensures that the cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
* **Get Creative with Decorations:** Feel free to add your own personal touch to the cookies with additional sprinkles, frosting, or other decorations.
* **Store Properly:** Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.
* **Involve the Kids:** Baking with Santa Cookies is a great way to get children involved in the kitchen and create lasting holiday memories.
Conclusion
The launch of Nestlé Toll House Santa Cookies marks the beginning of the most wonderful time of the year. With these versatile cookies, you can create a wide range of festive and delicious treats that are sure to delight your family and friends. From classic cookies to innovative desserts, the possibilities are endless. So, grab a package of Nestlé Toll House Santa Cookies and start baking your way into the holiday spirit! Happy baking and Merry Christmas!