Holiday Bliss Bites Recipe

Sweet Holiday Bliss Bites Recipe: Joyful Treats in Every Bite

Sweet holiday bliss bites capture the essence of seasonal joy in every delectable morsel.

Imagine tiny morsels packed with festive flavors that dance across your taste buds.

These irresistible treats blend rich ingredients into compact, elegant nibbles perfect for celebrations.

Delightful combinations create miniature culinary experiences that spark warmth and connection.

Compact yet complex, these bliss bites promise delicious memories with minimal preparation effort.

Playful textures and unexpected flavor profiles make each bite a delightful surprise.

We promise these irresistible morsels will become an instant favorite at your next gathering.

Ideas to Personalize Your Bites

  • Nutty Festive Frolic: Swap walnuts with macadamia nuts and add toasted coconut flakes for a tropical-inspired holiday treat that brings warm memories of sunny destinations.
  • Berry Merry Medley: Replace dried cherries and cranberries with mixed frozen berries, creating a vibrant and tangy version that bursts with fresh fruit flavors.
  • Spiced Winter Comfort: Enhance the cinnamon profile by adding ground nutmeg and cardamom, transforming the bites into a cozy, aromatic experience that feels like a warm holiday hug.
  • Chocolate Holiday Charm: Fold in dark chocolate chips and drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled bites, introducing a decadent layer that elevates the original recipe's sweetness.

All the FAQs You’re Thinking About

  • Can I substitute the nuts in the recipe?

Yes, you can replace walnuts, almonds, and pecans with similar nuts like cashews or macadamia nuts. Just ensure they’re processed to a similar pea-sized consistency.

  • How do I store these Holiday Bliss Bites?

Store the cooled bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to a month.

  • Are these cookies gluten-free?

No, this recipe contains flour. To make them gluten-free, you’ll need to substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free alternative like almond or coconut flour.

  • Can I make these bites smaller or larger?

While the recipe suggests one-ounce drops, you can adjust the size. Just remember to modify baking time accordingly – smaller bites will need less time, larger ones more time in the oven.

Holiday Bliss Bites You Can’t Stop Eating

  • Dive into a symphony of nuts and fruits that dance with warm cinnamon, creating a festive taste explosion in every bite.
  • Whip up these delightful treats using simple food processor techniques and basic mixing methods, making baking a breeze for everyone from novice to expert.
  • Experience a delightful crunch from finely chopped nuts balanced with soft, chewy fruit pieces that melt perfectly in your mouth, delivering a satisfying multi-textured experience.
  • Prepare 48 cookies in under an hour, perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or spontaneous sweet cravings with minimal kitchen cleanup.

What You’ll Need for Blissful Bites

Nut Group:
  • Walnuts, Almonds, Pecans: Crunchy base that adds texture and nutty flavor. Choose fresh, unsalted nuts for best taste. Provides natural richness and protein.
Dried Fruit Group:
  • Dates, Cherries, Pineapple, Cranberries: Sweet and tangy fruit mix that brings natural sweetness. Select soft, moist dried fruits without added sugar. Adds depth and moisture to the bites.
Baking Base Group:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Structural foundation for the bites. Use fresh, sifted flour for smooth texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and helps with moisture. Prefer dark brown sugar for richer flavor.
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps bind ingredients. Select unsalted, high-quality butter for best results.
Flavor and Binding Enhancers:
  • Egg: Helps bind ingredients and adds structure. Use fresh, room temperature egg.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements nuts and fruits. Choose fresh, fragrant ground cinnamon.
  • Baking Soda: Helps with rising and texture. Ensure it's fresh and not expired.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out flavors. Use pure vanilla extract for best taste.
Preparation Extras:
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
  • Non-Stick Pan Spray: Helps with easy release and prevents burning.

Quick Steps to Make Holiday Treats

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350 Fahrenheit. Position the rack in the upper third of the oven. Cover four cookie sheets with parchment paper and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Crush Nutty Goodness

Use a food processor to chop each type of nut separately until they reach a small, pebble-like texture:
  • Walnuts
  • Almonds
  • Pecans

Transfer the processed nuts into a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Chop Fruity Delights

Pulse the following fruits in the food processor to match the nut size:
  • Dates
  • Cherries
  • Pineapple
  • Cranberries

Mix the chopped fruits into the nut bowl.

Step 4: Dust with Flour

Sprinkle flour into the fruit and nut mixture. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Set the bowl aside.

Step 5: Create Creamy Base

In a separate bowl, whip softened butter and brown sugar together until smooth and fluffy. You can use a stand mixer or mix by hand.

Step 6: Build Flavor Foundation

Add an egg to the butter mixture. Blend thoroughly. Stir in remaining ingredients:
  • Flour
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Baking soda
  • Vanilla extract

Step 7: Merge Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture over the fruit and nut blend. Mix everything by hand until well combined.

Step 8: Shape Delightful Bites

Use a small scoop to create 48 one-ounce drops. Place 12 drops on each prepared cookie sheet.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide two sheets into the oven at a time. Bake for 20 minutes. Rotate sheets halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Transfer cookies to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely before serving.

Tips for Balanced Sweetness and Texture

  • Measure Nuts Precisely: Use a food processor with pulse function to ensure uniform, pea-sized nut pieces without over-grinding.
  • Prevent Fruit Sticking: Lightly coat fruit pieces with flour before mixing to help distribute evenly and prevent clumping.
  • Balance Moisture Carefully: Mix wet and dry ingredients gently to maintain the right texture without overworking the dough.
  • Watch Baking Closely: Rotate cookie sheets halfway through baking to ensure even browning and consistent color across all bites.
  • Cool Completely: Allow bites to cool entirely on a wire rack to set their texture and enhance flavor development.

Keeping Holiday Bites Fresh Longer

  • Refrigerate: Place Holiday Bliss Bites in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual bites in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
  • Reheat: Warm chilled or frozen bites in a preheated 300F oven for 5-7 minutes until slightly crisp and heated through. Allow to cool for 2 minutes before serving.

Snacks and Drinks That Match the Mood

  • Pair with Creamy Eggnog: The warm, spicy notes of cinnamon in these Holiday Bliss Bites perfectly complement the rich, velvety texture of traditional eggnog, creating a festive taste explosion that screams holiday cheer.
  • Match with Spiced Mulled Wine: The nutty and fruity elements of the bites blend beautifully with the deep, warming spices of mulled wine, offering a cozy winter treat that warms you from the inside out.
  • Serve alongside Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The cool, smooth vanilla provides a delightful contrast to the dense, chewy texture of these holiday cookies, balancing the warmth of the cinnamon and nuts with a refreshing sweetness.
  • Enjoy with Chai Latte: The complex spice profile of a chai latte mirrors the intricate flavor combinations in these bites, creating a harmonious pairing that elevates both the drink and the cookie.
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Holiday Bliss Bites Recipe

Holiday Bliss Bites Recipe


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4.6 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Festive holiday bliss bites deliver pure Christmas magic in one delectable morsel. Sweet chocolate and peppermint combine with smooth cream cheese to create irresistible seasonal joy you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Nuts:

  • 1 cup walnuts
  • 1 cup almonds
  • 1 cup pecans

Dried Fruits:

  • 1 cup pitted dates
  • 1 cup candied cherries
  • 2 cups candied pineapple
  • 1 cup dried cranberries

Baking Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • 1 whole egg
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Non-stick pan spray

Instructions

  1. Meticulously chop walnuts, almonds, and pecans in a food processor until they resemble coarse pebbles, ensuring uniform texture.
  2. Process dates, cherries, pineapple, and cranberries to match the nut consistency, creating a vibrant, textured mixture.
  3. Gently fold one cup of flour into the fruit and nut medley, ensuring even distribution without compressing the delicate blend.
  4. Whip softened butter and brown sugar in a separate vessel until the mixture transforms into a creamy, pale landscape.
  5. Introduce the egg into the butter mixture, whisking until fully integrated and smooth.
  6. Incorporate remaining flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and vanilla extract, stirring until a harmonious batter emerges.
  7. Pour the aromatic wet ingredients over the fruit and nut base, carefully folding to create a cohesive mixture.
  8. Preheat the oven to 350F, positioning the rack in the upper third of the oven.
  9. Line four cookie sheets with parchment paper and lightly mist with non-stick spray.
  10. Utilize a small scoop to portion the mixture into 48 uniform droplets, arranging 12 on each prepared sheet.
  11. Slide two sheets into the oven simultaneously, baking for approximately 20 minutes and rotating midway to ensure even browning.
  12. Transfer the golden bites to a cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature and develop their full flavor profile.

Notes

  • Nutty Texture Matters: Pulse nuts and fruits to pea-sized consistency for even distribution and consistent bite texture.
  • Precise Portioning Tip: Use a small scoop to create uniform one-ounce drops, ensuring consistent baking and appearance.
  • Rotation is Key: Halfway through baking, rotate cookie sheets to promote even browning and prevent uneven cooking.
  • Storage Secret: Once completely cooled, store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and soft texture.
  • Ingredient Flexibility: Feel free to swap dried fruits or nuts based on personal preference or seasonal availability.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking, perfect for holiday prep.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes (per batch)
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 118
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 60 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

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