Scarlet Gitelson – Hot Cocoa Cookies
I wrote this recipe in sixth grade—an easy, five-ingredient answer to the seemingly endless holiday parties that each required a delectable dessert. It quickly became an absolute winter staple. The marshmallows give the whole cookie a melt-in-your-mouth gooeyness, the base cookies are fall-apart soft, and the chocolate seals the deal with the perfect hot cocoa punch. No one has ever guessed the secret behind the shockingly simple recipe: cake mix. Follow the box’s directions, omitting the recommended water and one egg, and bake the dough as with a normal cookie. They take only a few minutes to whip up, but they’re absolutely delectable. Six years later, I’m still bringing them to every holiday party, and they’re almost always one of the first items gone.
Alexa Nasatir – Levain Peppermint Chocolate Cookie
When I think about the best holiday desserts, one easily takes first place: the dark chocolate peppermint cookie from Levain Bakery. Levain has some of the best cookies in the city—each decadent, chocolatey, and thick—yet their peppermint cookie somehow surpasses all of their other seasonal flavors. The perfect combination of fresh mint and rich chocolate creates a one-of-a-kind treat, guaranteed to leave you full and satisfied. Head to any of the three Chicago Levain stores to grab a delicious sweet treat and feel the joy of a Chicago holiday season.
Lucia Meno – Tiramisu Yule Log
For those who don’t mind spending a couple of hours in the kitchen, this twist on a French Christmas staple is worth every extra minute. As a New Year’s tradition, I often find myself shaping the Swiss roll and piping meringue button mushrooms, leading my family friends to claim this dessert is the only reason they come to our New Year’s party. The espresso-soaked sponge and mascarpone filling make for a decadent yet airy duo, and the meticulous decorations enhance the log’s flavor. As a certified tiramisu (and holiday) lover, I can proudly say this tiramisu yule log is my dream dessert—the bitterness of the chocolate, the silky mascarpone cream, and cloud-like sponge make this treat one of the highlights of my holiday season.
Cece Burt – Peanut Butter Blossoms
Every year when the holiday season rolls around, I break out my measuring cups and sheet pan to make my favorite Christmas dessert: peanut butter blossom cookies. This recipe, which I discovered in seventh grade, became my family’s favorite after I made it for our annual Christmas Eve party. Their sweet, sugar-coated peanut butter bases perfectly complement the creamy Hershey’s kisses, which stay melted for hours after you place them on the cookies. These soft, warm treats are the perfect remedy for the cold winter, and they are sure to win over anyone who tries them.
Edie Park – Apple Appetizer
When I need a quick appetizer that looks charming and tastes like a tiny celebration, I go for this no-bake apple bite recipe. It starts with crisp apple slices briefly soaked in lemon water to keep them bright. But the fun part is in the toppings. I love doing one red, one green, and one nut for color and crunch—strawberries or pomegranate seeds, green onions, and candied pecans are my favorite combination. A drizzle of honey ties everything together with a sweet and glossy finish.
Sloane Singerman – Peppermint Bark
This quick and easy treat has led me to Secret Santa success two years in a row, and it’s the perfect seasonal treat. I discovered this recipe in seventh grade while prepping for a gift exchange, and when I finally gave the bark to my friend, the whole friend group was breaking into her locker all day to steal bites. The secret behind a better bark? A couple drops of peppermint extract in the melted chocolate elevates the bark into a minty marvel. I also make sure my candy canes are extra crushed, so that nobody breaks a tooth while eating. This seasonal showstopper not only melts in your mouth, but looks incredible.
Dining and Cooking