Trolli Holiday Sour Candy Recipes: A Festive Twist on Sweet Treats

‘Tis the season for sugary delights, and this year, we’re taking a tangy detour with Trolli’s new Holiday Sour Candy! These festive, sour-then-sweet treats aren’t just for snacking straight from the bag; they’re the perfect ingredient to add a playful punch to your holiday baking and crafting. Get ready to pucker up and unleash your inner culinary artist with these creative and delicious Trolli-infused recipes.

## Why Trolli Holiday Sour Candy?

Trolli has always been known for its delightfully weird and intensely flavorful candies, and their Holiday Sour Candy is no exception. The festive shapes – think sour Santas, tangy trees, and mischievous elves – combined with their signature sour coating and gummy centers, make them a unique and versatile ingredient. They add a pop of color, a burst of flavor, and a touch of whimsy to any dish.

Here’s why we’re obsessed with using them in holiday recipes:

* **Flavor Contrast:** The sourness cuts through the richness of traditional holiday desserts, creating a balanced and exciting flavor profile.
* **Texture Variety:** The chewy gummy texture adds an unexpected element to cookies, cakes, and even savory dishes.
* **Festive Appearance:** The colorful and playful shapes instantly elevate the look of your creations, making them perfect for holiday parties and gift-giving.
* **Kid-Friendly Fun:** Kids (and adults!) will love helping to create and devour these Trolli-fied treats.

## Recipe 1: Trolli Sour Santa Cookies

These cookies are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, featuring a soft, buttery base topped with creamy frosting and festive Trolli Sour Santas.

**Ingredients:**

* **For the Cookies:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* ½ teaspoon salt
* **For the Frosting:**
* 4 cups powdered sugar
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* ¼ cup milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Food coloring (red, green, optional)
* **For Decoration:**
* 1 bag Trolli Holiday Sour Santas
* Sprinkles (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Make the Cookie Dough:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours.
4. **Preheat and Roll:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes (circles, stars, etc.).
6. **Bake:** Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. **Make the Frosting:** In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually add the milk and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy. Add food coloring, if desired.
9. **Frost and Decorate:** Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them with the prepared frosting. Immediately place a Trolli Sour Santa on top of each cookie. Add sprinkles, if desired.
10. Let the frosting set before serving.

**Tips and Variations:**

* For a tangier cookie, add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough.
* Use different cookie cutters to create a variety of festive shapes.
* Experiment with different food coloring to create unique frosting colors.
* Instead of frosting, use a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk.
* For a chocolate version, add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.

## Recipe 2: Trolli Tree Brownie Bites

These bite-sized brownies are rich, fudgy, and topped with a vibrant green frosting and a festive Trolli Christmas Tree. They’re perfect for holiday parties or a sweet treat for the family.

**Ingredients:**

* **For the Brownies:**
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 large eggs
* ½ cup all-purpose flour
* **For the Frosting:**
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 3 cups powdered sugar
* ¼ cup milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Green food coloring
* **For Decoration:**
* 1 bag Trolli Holiday Sour Trees
* Sprinkles (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Make the Brownies:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fill each muffin liner about ¾ full with the brownie batter.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
7. Let the brownies cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. **Make the Frosting:** In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually add the milk and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy. Add green food coloring, if desired.
9. **Frost and Decorate:** Once the brownies are completely cool, frost them with the prepared frosting. Immediately place a Trolli Sour Tree on top of each brownie. Add sprinkles, if desired.
10. Let the frosting set before serving.

**Tips and Variations:**

* Add ½ cup of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans) to the brownie batter for extra flavor and texture.
* Use a different flavor extract in the frosting, such as peppermint or almond.
* Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted brownies for a decadent touch.
* Add mini chocolate chips to the brownie batter.
* For a richer brownie, use dark chocolate cocoa powder.

## Recipe 3: Trolli Elf Popcorn Balls

These colorful and fun popcorn balls are a sweet and salty treat that’s perfect for holiday parties or movie nights. The addition of Trolli Sour Elves adds a tangy surprise that everyone will love.

**Ingredients:**

* 12 cups popped popcorn
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* ½ cup light corn syrup
* ¼ cup unsalted butter
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 bag Trolli Holiday Sour Elves, chopped
* Green food coloring (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Pop the Popcorn:** Pop the popcorn using your preferred method (air popper, stovetop, or microwave). Remove any unpopped kernels.
2. Place the popped popcorn in a large bowl.
3. **Make the Syrup:** In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil.
4. Continue to cook, without stirring, until the mixture reaches the hard-crack stage (300°F or 149°C on a candy thermometer). If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test the syrup by dropping a small amount into a bowl of cold water. If it forms hard, brittle threads, it’s ready.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and green food coloring (if using).
6. **Combine and Mold:** Pour the syrup over the popcorn and gently stir to coat evenly. Add the chopped Trolli Sour Elves and stir to distribute throughout the popcorn.
7. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then use your hands (coated with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking) to form the popcorn into balls.
8. Place the popcorn balls on a sheet of waxed paper to cool and set.
9. Wrap individually in plastic wrap for easy serving and storage.

**Tips and Variations:**

* Add other candies or nuts to the popcorn mixture, such as M&Ms, pretzels, or peanuts.
* Use different food coloring to create a variety of colorful popcorn balls.
* Drizzle melted chocolate over the popcorn balls for a decadent touch.
* Add sprinkles to the popcorn balls before they set.
* Instead of making balls, spread the popcorn mixture onto a baking sheet and cut into squares once it has cooled.

## Recipe 4: Trolli Holiday Bark

This easy-to-make holiday bark is a festive and flavorful treat that’s perfect for gift-giving. The combination of chocolate, pretzels, and Trolli Holiday Sour Candy creates a delightful mix of sweet, salty, and sour.

**Ingredients:**

* 12 ounces chocolate (milk, dark, or white), chopped
* 1 cup pretzels, broken into pieces
* 1 bag Trolli Holiday Sour Candy (Santas, Trees, Elves), roughly chopped
* Sprinkles (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Melt the Chocolate:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the chocolate using your preferred method (double boiler or microwave). If using the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is smooth and melted.
3. **Assemble the Bark:** Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even layer.
4. Immediately sprinkle the broken pretzels and chopped Trolli Holiday Sour Candy over the chocolate. Add sprinkles, if desired.
5. **Chill and Break:** Gently press the pretzels and candy into the chocolate.
6. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.
7. Once the bark is firm, break it into pieces.
8. Store in an airtight container in a cool place.

**Tips and Variations:**

* Use a combination of different types of chocolate (milk, dark, and white) for a layered effect.
* Add other candies or nuts to the bark, such as M&Ms, peanut butter cups, or almonds.
* Drizzle melted white chocolate over the bark for a decorative touch.
* Use crushed peppermint candies for a festive flavor.
* Add sea salt to the bark for a salty-sweet flavor.

## Recipe 5: Trolli Sour Candy Infused Vodka

**(Adults Only)** This playful vodka infusion is a fun way to add a festive kick to your holiday cocktails. The Trolli Holiday Sour Candy infuses the vodka with a sweet and sour flavor that’s perfect for mixing or sipping straight.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 bottle (750ml) vodka
* 1 bag Trolli Holiday Sour Candy (Santas, Trees, Elves)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Candy:** Sort the Trolli Holiday Sour Candy by shape and color, if desired. This is purely for aesthetic purposes.
2. **Infuse the Vodka:** Pour about half of the vodka from the bottle to make room for the candy. Alternatively, use a large mason jar.
3. Add the Trolli Holiday Sour Candy to the vodka bottle or mason jar. The amount of candy will depend on your desired level of flavor, but a good starting point is about half the bag.
4. Seal the bottle or jar tightly and shake well to combine.
5. **Wait Patiently:** Store the vodka in a cool, dark place for at least 24 hours, or up to 3 days. The longer the candy infuses, the stronger the flavor will be. Shake the bottle or jar occasionally to help the candy dissolve.
6. **Strain and Enjoy:** After the desired infusion time, strain the vodka through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any undissolved candy pieces.
7. Enjoy the Trolli Sour Candy Infused Vodka in your favorite cocktails or sip it straight (chilled, of course!).

**Tips and Variations:**

* Use a high-quality vodka for the best flavor.
* Experiment with different types of Trolli Sour Candy to create unique flavor combinations.
* Add citrus peels or other flavorings to the infusion, such as lemon, lime, or orange.
* Make a simple syrup with the infused vodka to use in cocktails.
* Use the infused vodka to make festive holiday cocktails, such as a Sour Santa Martini or a Trolli Tree Fizz.

## Creative Serving Suggestions:

* **Candy Charcuterie Board:** Arrange a variety of Trolli Holiday Sour Candy on a charcuterie board alongside cheeses, crackers, fruits, and nuts for a festive and playful appetizer.
* **Hot Chocolate Bar:** Set up a hot chocolate bar with toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, sprinkles, and, of course, Trolli Holiday Sour Candy.
* **Gingerbread House Decoration:** Use Trolli Holiday Sour Candy to decorate your gingerbread houses for a fun and colorful twist.
* **Edible Gift Tags:** Attach small bags of Trolli Holiday Sour Candy to your holiday gifts as edible gift tags.
* **Party Favors:** Fill small bags or jars with Trolli Holiday Sour Candy and give them out as party favors.

## Conclusion:

Trolli Holiday Sour Candy is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a versatile ingredient that can add a playful and delicious twist to your holiday baking and crafting. From cookies and brownies to popcorn balls and vodka infusions, the possibilities are endless. So, this holiday season, embrace your inner culinary artist and get creative with Trolli! Happy baking (and sipping)!