Christmas 2024 is just around the corner and you know what that means – parties, gatherings and lots of sweet treats! But why settle for the same cookies or cupcakes when you can bring something festive and a little boozy? If you’re tired of the usual bottle of wine and want to impress your friends with something truly memorable, we’ve got you covered. These three boozy desserts will not only satisfy your sweet tooth, but they’ll also bring a little cheer (and maybe a tipple) to your holidays.
Bourbon Brownie Bites
These bourbon bites are your new best friend. With the richness of chocolate and the crunch of crushed pecans, these little treats pack a punch of flavor (and bourbon!) in every bite. Make a double batch—trust us, you’ll want leftovers.
Ingredients: You will need 1/2 cup butter (softened), 1/2 cup packaged brown sugar, 1/4 cup bourbon, 1 cup, 3 tablespoons baking cocoa, 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips, and 1 cup chopped pecans.
recipe: Begin by beating the butter and brown sugar in a small bowl until light and fluffy (about 5-7 minutes). Then beat in the bourbon. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and cocoa and gradually add them to the creamed mixture, beating until smooth. Stir in the chocolate chips, then cover the dough and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. After chilling, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and cover them with crushed pecans. Place balls 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets and bake at 175°C for 8-10 minutes or until set. Cool and store in an airtight container.
Caramel Whiskey Cookies
While most Christmas desserts are limited to pies, there is one cookie recipe that is sure to ring the bell. These Whiskey Caramel Cookies are a game changer! The addition of whiskey to both the cookie dough and the caramel filling gives these boozy sweet treats an unexpected and totally irresistible twist.
Ingredients: For this recipe, you will need 1/2 cup butter (softened), 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup packaged brown sugar, 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 Tbsp. rapeseed oil, 1 tsp. vanilla extract, 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon bourbon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. For the filling, take 24 caramels, 1 teaspoon whiskey, 3 ounces chocolate (melted), and 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional).
recipe: Preheat the oven to 176°C. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy, then stir in the yogurt, canola oil, vanilla extract and bourbon. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt, then gradually add to the wet ingredients. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Flatten them with the bottom of a glass dipped in flour and bake for 7-9 minutes or until the edges are light brown. Let the cookies cool, then transfer them to a wire rack.
For the filling, melt the caramel and whiskey together in the microwave until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled cookies. Finish with a drizzle of melted chocolate and salt if desired. Allow them to harden before storing.
Frozen Mousse Margarita
Who doesn’t love a margarita, especially at a holiday party? This Frozen Margarita Mousse is a fun, creamy dessert that’s as refreshing as it is festive. It combines the taste of lime with a hint of tequila, creating the perfect holiday treat that can be made ahead.
Ingredients: For this mousse, you will need 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup ready-made margarita mix, 2 tbsp. orange liqueur, 3 tbsp. tequila, 1 tbsp. sugar, 1 and 1/2 tsp. grated lime peel, 1 tablespoon of lime juice. You will also need 1 box (200g) of whipped cream. For filling, take 1/3 cup coarsely crushed shortbread of your choice, 4 teaspoons butter (melted), 1 tablespoon sugar, and lime wedges for garnish.
recipe: Begin by mixing the sweetened condensed milk, margarita, sugar, lime zest, lime juice, and alcohol in a bowl. Then add the whipped topping until well combined. For the pretzel mix the crushed pretzels, melted butter and sugar. Spoon the lime mixture into six glasses, then add about 1 tablespoon of the pretzel mixture to each. Freeze for 4-6 hours or until firm. Garnish with lime wedges before serving and enjoy this cool, boozy treat!
These three alcoholic desserts are guaranteed to liven up your holiday gatherings and leave everyone wanting more. So, skip the simple rum and plum cakes and surprise your guests with some extra flair this Christmas!
