Holiday Scotcheroos are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of marshmallow, chocolate, and peanut butter, all dressed up for the festive season! These sweet snacks are not only delicious but also fun to make. With their festive designs, they are sure to impress your family and friends during the holidays.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Holiday Scotcheroos is a perfect way to add some fun to your holiday baking. They are simple to prepare and require no baking. Plus, you can get creative by decorating them to look like Christmas trees or reindeer. This recipe is not just tasty; it also brings joy to everyone who sees these adorable treats.
How to Make Holiday Scotcheroos
Making Holiday Scotcheroos is an exciting process that anyone can enjoy. Follow these steps to whip up these festive treats!
Ingredients
- 1 cup Light Corn Syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 drop green gel food coloring
- 5 1/2 cups corn flakes cereal
- 1/2 cup white chocolate (melted)
- 8 mini peanut butter cups
- 1/4 cup rainbow chips (or sprinkles)
- 8 star sprinkles (or red hots)
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels (melted)
- 8 cinnamon red hots
- 16 small twist pretzels
- 16 candy eyes
Directions
- Line two 8 or 9-inch round baking pans with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, combine the corn syrup and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and boil for 1 minute before removing from heat.
- Stir in the peanut butter and food coloring until smooth.
- Add the corn flakes cereal and fold gently until evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pans and pat gently with the back of a wooden spoon. Allow it to cool and set for about 30 minutes.
- Once cooled, lift the mixture out of the pans using the parchment paper and place it on a cutting board. Cut each circle into 8 triangles and slightly separate them.
- For the Christmas trees, add the melted white chocolate to a sandwich-sized plastic bag, snip off the corner, and drizzle over one pan of scotcheroos. Add rainbow chips and a star sprinkle to each tree. For the trunk, add a drop of melted white chocolate to the top of a mini peanut butter cup and press it into the bottom of the tree.
- For the reindeer, add melted chocolate to another sandwich-sized plastic bag, snip the corner, and drizzle generously over the second pan of scotcheroos. Break each pretzel and add them as antlers. Use a cinnamon red hot for the nose and add candy eyes.
- Allow the chocolate to set for about 10 minutes. Store in an airtight container for several days to keep them fresh.
How to Serve Holiday Scotcheroos
Serve these festive treats on a holiday platter or put them in individual bags to share with friends and family. They make great gifts, especially when wrapped in cellophane with a colorful bow.
How to Store Holiday Scotcheroos
To keep your Holiday Scotcheroos fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, but we bet they won’t last that long!
Tips to Make Holiday Scotcheroos
- Be sure to stir the corn syrup and sugar mixture constantly to prevent it from burning.
- Use a silicone spatula to help mix in the corn flakes gently without crushing them.
- Feel free to adjust the decorations based on your festive theme—get creative!
Variation
You can add your favorite candies or nuts to the mixture for an extra crunch or flavor twist. Try mixing in some crushed peppermint for a winter flavor!
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of cereal?
A: Yes! You can substitute corn flakes with other cereals like rice krispies for a different texture.
Q: How can I make these gluten-free?
A: To make gluten-free Holiday Scotcheroos, ensure that your cereal and any other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free.
Q: Can I freeze Holiday Scotcheroos?
A: Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure they are in an airtight container, and they should last well in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Holiday Scotcheroos
Ingredients
For the base
- 1 cup Light Corn Syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 drop green gel food coloring Optional for coloring
- 5.5 cups corn flakes cereal Can be substituted with other cereals
For decoration
- 1/2 cup white chocolate (melted)
- 8 pieces mini peanut butter cups For Christmas tree trunks
- 1/4 cup rainbow chips Or sprinkles
- 8 pieces star sprinkles Or red hots
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels (melted)
- 8 pieces cinnamon red hots For reindeer noses
- 16 pieces small twist pretzels For reindeer antlers
- 16 pieces candy eyes
Instructions
Preparation
- Line two 8 or 9-inch round baking pans with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, combine the corn syrup and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and boil for 1 minute before removing from heat.
- Stir in the peanut butter and food coloring until smooth.
- Add the corn flakes cereal and fold gently until evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pans and pat gently with the back of a wooden spoon. Allow it to cool and set for about 30 minutes.
Decoration
- Once cooled, lift the mixture out of the pans using the parchment paper and place it on a cutting board. Cut each circle into 8 triangles and slightly separate them.
- For the Christmas trees, add the melted white chocolate to a sandwich-sized plastic bag, snip off the corner, and drizzle over one pan of scotcheroos. Add rainbow chips and a star sprinkle to each tree. For the trunk, add a drop of melted white chocolate to the top of a mini peanut butter cup and press it into the bottom of the tree.
- For the reindeer, add melted chocolate to another sandwich-sized plastic bag, snip the corner, and drizzle generously over the second pan of scotcheroos. Break each pretzel and add them as antlers. Use a cinnamon red hot for the nose and add candy eyes.
- Allow the chocolate to set for about 10 minutes.
