The holidays are my favorite time of year for so many reasons—twinkling lights, cozy evenings, and, of course, baking! There’s something magical about turning simple ingredients into treats that bring people together. I love spending time in the kitchen, whipping up goodies to share with family, friends, and even as thoughtful gifts.

One of my go-to holiday treats is cookies, especially ones like these Chunky Chocolate Chip S’mores Cookies. What I love most about them is that they’re worry-free—they’re free from the top 14 allergens, which means you can serve them at parties without stressing about accommodating everyone’s dietary needs. They’re the perfect mix of delicious, inclusive, and fun to make. Plus, nothing beats the joy of giving a homemade treat that you know will be enjoyed by everyone!

Chunky Chocolate Chip S’mores Cookies: Allergen-Friendly Treats

Looking for a dessert that works for all allergies and intolerances? These Chunky Chocolate Chip S’mores Cookies are the perfect solution! Featuring Enjoy Life Semi-Sweet Mini Chips and Semi-Sweet Mega Chunks, they’re free from the top 14 allergens, making them a safe and delicious treat for school, playdates, or holiday gatherings. Plus, they’re a fun baking activity to keep the kids entertained during the holiday season and a thoughtful allergen-friendly hostess gift!

Ingredients:

  • 1 ¾ cups gluten-free flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup organic granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup organic brown sugar
  • ½ cup vegan butter, softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 6 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
  • ½ cup Enjoy Life Semi-Sweet Mini Chips
  • ½ cup Enjoy Life Semi-Sweet Mega Chunks
  • 6 vegan marshmallows, cut in half

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the dry ingredients:
    • In a bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Cream the sugars and butter:
    • In a separate bowl, beat the granulated sugar and brown sugar with the softened vegan butter until well combined.
  3. Combine wet and dry ingredients:
    • Mix in the vanilla and applesauce with the creamed sugar mixture. Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula until just combined.
    • Fold in the Semi-Sweet Mini Chips and Semi-Sweet Mega Chunks.
  4. Chill the dough:
    • Refrigerate the dough for 1 hour.
  5. Preheat the oven:
    • While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Shape the cookies:
    • Remove the dough from the fridge and use an ice cream scoop to create 12 evenly-sized cookies.
    • Make a small indentation in the center of each cookie and insert half a vegan marshmallow. Slightly cover the marshmallow with dough to reshape the cookie into a round.
    • Place the cookies on a lined baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Add a few Semi-Sweet Mega Chunks on top for extra gooeyness.
  7. Bake:
    • Bake for 15 minutes. The cookies will continue to cook as they cool. If needed, bake in two batches to ensure even spacing.
  8. Cool and enjoy:
    • Let the cookies cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the gooey chocolate and marshmallow goodness!

These cookies are not only delicious but also safe for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re baking with the family or sharing them as a gift, they’re sure to bring smiles all around.

DIY Hot Chocolate Sticks: A Festive Winter Treat

Looking for a fun and festive way to cozy up with hot chocolate this winter? These DIY Hot Chocolate Sticks are the perfect solution! Featuring Enjoy Life Semi-Sweet Mega Chunks, they’re allergen-friendly (free from gluten, dairy, and 14 common allergens), making them a delightful gift for everyone, including teachers, family, and friends.

Ingredients:

  • 2 bags of Enjoy Life Semi-Sweet Mega Chunks
  • A variety of toppings:
    • Sprinkles
    • Crushed candy canes
    • Enjoy Life White Mini Chips
  • Popsicle sticks
  • A silicone baking mold (not plastic!)

Instructions:

  1. Melt the chocolate chunks:
    • Use the microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring after each session, or
    • Melt over a double boiler on the stovetop until smooth.
  2. Pour into molds:
    • Spoon the melted chocolate into your silicone mold, filling each section about ¾ full.
  3. Add toppings:
    • Sprinkle your favorite toppings (sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or mini chips) on top of the melted chocolate.
  4. Refrigerate briefly:
    • Place the mold in the fridge for 10 minutes. Once slightly set, insert a popsicle stick into the center of each chocolate mold.
  5. Set completely:
    • Refrigerate the sticks for at least 30 minutes until fully hardened.
  6. Enjoy or gift:
    • To use, swirl a chocolate stick into a cup of warmed dairy-free milk for rich, creamy hot chocolate, or snack on it straight off the stick.
    • Wrap them in festive cellophane or gift bags for a thoughtful holiday present!

These Hot Chocolate Sticks are not only simple to make but also bring a lot of joy to the holiday season. Perfect for a cozy night in or sharing a little sweetness with loved ones!