It is that time of year!

Time for the holiday baking to begin.

Although I truly try to limit my sweet and treat intake, I absolutely love baking for others!  For me, this time of year means a little forgiveness is needed in the sweet department, as the baking bug tends to hit me hard!

Growing up, my mom would make TONS of Christmas cookies, arrange them on platters, and give them away as gifts.  Because I don’t want to make too many cookies I have tried to limit myself to four kinds of cookies.  I plan on making one batch each weekend.  I then purchased some cute little plastic containers to fill with the cookies to give away to people at work.  One of the perks of having an office job is having people to give treats to!

The first kind of treat that I made this year are little holiday pretzel buttons.  These are so simple to make, do not take up too much time, and look really cute when they are finished.

Step One:

The first step is to arrange round pretzels on a baking sheet.  I have found that these work best when placed on a parchment lined baking sheet.  Preheat the oven to 250.

Step two:

Place a Hershey’s kiss inside each pretzel.  (My grandma has used a Rolo in place of a kiss and the end result is delicious!)  Place the pretzels and chocolate in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, until the chocolate gets soft.

When the chocolates are soft, remove from the oven and place an M&M on the top.  Make sure to smash down the chocolate and flatten it so that it clings to the sides of the pretzels.  (My grandma has used a nut in place of the M&M and that tastes great too!!)

Place the candies in the freezer for 20 minutes or until the chocolate has hardened.

One thing that I love about these goodies is that having a couple kills that holiday treat craving, and doesn’t make you feel as if you have completely indulged in something too decadent to ever eat a sweet again.  It is just enough sweetness combined with just the right saltiness for a perfect and festive holiday treat.

What are some of your favorite holiday treats to either eat/make?

Of Possible Interest:

• DIY Mason Jar Cocktail Shaker:  Real Simple
• Healthy Evening Snacks:  Fit Sugar