As we approach Thanksgiving this week and holiday parties around the corner, I have put together a list of my favorites that will surely be a hit at your next party.

If there’s anything I love, it is sweets. My sweet tooth does get a little out of control this time of year, which I why I love the some of the alternative recipes below.  Each of these have been tried, tested, and were crowd pleasers at holiday parties.

1-Orange Candied Cranberries

Click here for the recipe from Cooking on the Front Burner

This recipe was introduced to me by a coworker. It’s a slightly healthy holiday treat and looks nice added to a glass of champagne.  There are a couple of couple important things to remember about this recipe. First, do not over boil the cranberries. They should not pop open. Also, the longer you soak the cranberries in the orange extract concoction, the more tart will go away.  I usually soak them for two days, then drain, and roll into sugar. You should also allow them to dry fully after rolling in sugar before placing in a container.  Lastly, keep them refrigerated when possible.

2-Sugar Cookies

Click here for the recipe from In Katrina’s Kitchen

This simple sugar cookie recipe does not require the dough to sit in the fridge overnight. It does require adding a little extra sugar and icing on top of the cookies after they cool, if you like cookies as sweet and sugary as I do. For quick and easy icing, I recommend using vanilla butter cream icing, whether homemade or store-bought.

3-Blueberry Crumb Bars

Click here for the recipe by A Homemade Living

This is my favorite year-round treat and is so easy to prepare. It can be used as a dessert or an addition to breakfast or brunch. I searched for this on Pinterest after going blueberry picking.

For the filling, I would recommend 2 teaspoons of flour in place of the cornstarch, only use 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and add a few extra tablespoons of sugar into the recommended ¼ cup. Also, my last addition to this recipe is sprinkling powdered sugar on top of the bars after they have cooled thoroughly. It not only looks festive, but also adds a little extra flavor and sweetness.

4-Peanut Butter Cups

Click here for the recipe from Living on a Dime

This is a classic favorite. If you like Reece’s, you’ll love this recipe and it’s so simple to make.  Peanut Butter Cups are great to make for parties or for gifts.

5-Fudge Crinkles (Also known as Devil’s Food Cake Cookies)

Click here for the recipe from Genius Kitchen

This recipe was introduced to me over ten years ago by a sweet woman I once worked with named Martha.  Although the recipe does not officially belong to her, I call it Martha’s cookies because it reminds me of this precious lady.

These cookies will melt in your mouth.  They are so light and fluffy, you barely feel like you have eaten one.  This could be dangerous, so beware.

© Strength 4 Spouses LLC, 2018.

Do you have a favorite sweet treat that you make for parties? Please feel free to share it in the comments.