Mini Strawberry Santas A Jolly Good Treat
Looking for adorable Christmas Foods These Mini Strawberry Santas are easy healthyish so festive Get the recipe for kidfriendly Christmas treats now ... Desserts & Sweets
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a spot of Christmas Food fun? Ever thought strawberries could be Santa in disguise? These Mini Strawberry Santas are not just cute, they're a delicious and easy way to add some festive cheer, and even a bit of fruit, to your holiday spread.
Honestly, who can resist a little Santa made of strawberries?
Brief Overview
These adorable little guys are a modern twist on classic Christmas treats , originating from the desire to bring a bit of healthy and whimsy to the holiday season.
They're incredibly easy Christmas treats to make, taking only about 15 minutes. This recipe makes 12 Strawberry Santas , perfect for a Christmas Brunch or festive gathering.
Main Benefits
One of the best things about these Festive Strawberry Desserts is that they're a relatively Healthy Christmas Dessert option, especially compared to all the rich puddings.
These Kid-Friendly Christmas Recipes are perfect for getting the little ones involved in the kitchen, and they are great on any party, and will make your guest happy.
What makes these Cream Cheese Strawberry Santas so special? They’re just so darn cute and tasty.
Right then, let's get down to what you'll need for these jolly chaps.
Getting Started
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 24 mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: Sprinkles
Honestly, the fresher the strawberries, the better. And don’t skimp on that vanilla extract. It really elevates the flavor. You know?
Tools of the Trade
Equipment:
- Small mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Piping bag or zip-top bag
- Small knife or paring knife
- Cutting board
Right, gather your tools. No need for fancy gadgets here. A simple piping bag, or even a Ziploc with the corner snipped off, will do just fine.
You’ll be channelling your inner artist in no time. Honestly, it is so funny!
Mini Strawberry Santas A Jolly Good Treat Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Festive!
Right, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up these Mini Strawberry Santas . Don't worry, it’s all pretty straightforward.
I've made these for every Christmas since my little ones were toddlers, and honestly, it's easier than putting up the Christmas tree! Plus, it is one of those easy Christmas treats that even the most novice baker can't mess up.
Main Ingredients for our Strawberry Santa Recipe
Okay, here's what you'll need. Remember, quality matters, especially with the strawberries.
- Fresh Strawberries: 1 pound (about 450g ). Go for ripe, red ones.
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces ( 115g ), softened. Get the full-fat stuff for the best taste!
- Powdered Sugar: 2 tablespoons ( 25g ). Adds that touch of sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon . For that extra bit of warmth.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: 24 . For the cute little hats.
- Sprinkles (optional): Because, why not?
Look for strawberries that are bright red. Avoid any that look bruised or mushy. Good cream cheese should be smooth. If it has any water on top don't take it!
Spice Up Your Christmas Foods with Seasoning Notes
These seasonings will make your Cream Cheese Strawberry Santas sing!
- Vanilla & Cream Cheese: It is the perfect combo!
- Optional Peppermint: Add a drop of peppermint extract. It transforms them into Christmas brunch .
- Honey Substitution: Not keen on powdered sugar? Use honey for a natural sweetener.
Honestly, the vanilla is key. It rounds out the flavors perfectly. The peppermint idea? I tried that last year. It was a HIT!
Equipment: Keep It Simple for Xmas Food
You don't need a fancy kitchen to make these. It is important when you make kid-friendly Christmas recipes .
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Electric Mixer or Whisk
- Piping Bag: Or a zip-top bag.
- Small Knife
- Cutting Board
Don't have a piping bag? No worries! A zip-top bag with a corner snipped off works a treat. Now, get your festive hats on and let's get cooking!
I remember one year, I couldn't find my piping bag. I ended up using a sandwich bag. It wasn't pretty, but it got the job done!
This recipe can be also a healthy christmas dessert.
Making Mini Strawberry Santas: A Recipe That's Seriously Festive!
Oh my gosh, are you ready for some Christmas magic? Seriously, these Mini Strawberry Santas are the cutest thing you’ll make this holiday season.
And the best part? They're so easy, even the kids can get involved. Think of them as your secret weapon for a Healthy Christmas Dessert – a little bit of good with all the festive fun.
Are you looking for Easy Christmas Treats or Kid-Friendly Christmas Recipes ? This is for you.
Prep Steps: Getting Jolly Organized
First, let's get organised. It's all about that mise en place , you know? Wash and thoroughly dry about 450g of strawberries.
Seriously, dry is key! Then, soften 115g of cream cheese. Make sure the cream cheese is nice and soft before you start, it will make your life much easier.
Step-by-Step: Assembling Your Little Santas
- Cut the stem end off each strawberry so it can stand.
- Cut the pointy tip off – this is Santa's hat!
- Mix 115g softened cream cheese with 25g powdered sugar and ½ tsp vanilla.
- Pipe the cream cheese onto the flat base of each strawberry.
- Place the strawberry tip on top to make the hat.
- Put a mini chocolate chip on the hat – the bobble!
- Chill them in the fridge for around 10 minutes , this will help firm up the cream cheese
Pro Tips: Santa-Level Skills
Honestly, the biggest mistake people make is not drying the strawberries enough. Learn from my mistakes, right? The cream cheese will slip and slide if they are wet.
Also, you can totally make the cream cheese filling ahead of time. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble your Cream Cheese Strawberry Santas .
Get creative with the hats. Use sprinkles, mini marshmallows, or anything you fancy. And to wrap this Strawberry Santa Recipe up, what are you waiting for? Let's prepare these amazing Xmas Food and enjoy this Christmas Brunch .
Recipe Notes to Santa's Helpers
Right then, let's talk deets about these Mini Strawberry Santas . Honestly, they're so easy even my nan could whip 'em up! And she once set fire to toast! These Christmas Foods aren't just tasty, they're a proper laugh to make.
Serving Suggestions: Plating like a Pro
Want to make your Mini Strawberry Santas look smashing? Arrange them on a platter with some greenery, like holly leaves.
Think festive! Pop them next to some Christmas Brunch goodies. A glass of fizz always goes down a treat too.
Storage Tips: Keeping Santas Fresh
Right, these chaps are best served fresh, you know? But if you've got some leftovers, pop them in the fridge.
They'll be grand for up to 24 hours . Freezing isn't ideal – the cream cheese goes a bit funny. If you really need to, keep in the fridge for a day or two only!
Variations: A Little Twinkle in Your Eye!
Want to mix things up? Go ahead. For a healthy Christmas dessert adaptation, swap the powdered sugar for a touch of honey.
It is Christmas Afterall. Vegan? Use a vegan cream cheese alternative! These Xmas Food wonders are adaptable.
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
Each Mini Strawberry Santa is about 50 calories. They’ve got a bit of protein and a little bit of fat.
Plus, you're getting some vitamins from the strawberries – bonus points for Kid-Friendly Christmas Recipes !
So there you have it! Your complete guide to making the best ever Strawberry Santa Recipe . With these tips, your Easy Christmas Treats will be the talk of the town.
Go on, give those Cream Cheese Strawberry Santas a go. You'll feel like a superstar. I promise, the Festive Strawberry Dessert magic is real!
Frequently Asked Questions
Help! My Mini Strawberry Santas are toppling over. What am I doing wrong?
A wobbly Santa is a sad Santa! The most common culprit is moisture. Make absolutely sure your strawberries are bone dry after washing. Also, chilling them briefly after assembly will help the cream cheese firm up and act like edible glue, keeping those Santa hats firmly in place. Think of it as giving them a quick "tea break" in the fridge.
Can I make these Mini Strawberry Santas ahead of time?
You can, but with a slight caveat, mate. It's best to assemble them no more than a few hours before serving. The strawberries can get a little soggy if they sit for too long, and the cream cheese might lose its shape. If you must make them further in advance, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and gently pat the strawberries dry just before serving. Think of it like prepping your Christmas presents – do most of it early, but leave the final touches until the last minute!
I'm trying to be a bit healthier this Christmas. Are there any substitutions I can make to the Mini Strawberry Santas?
Absolutely! You can swap out the powdered sugar in the cream cheese filling for a touch of honey or maple syrup. Also, consider using a lighter cream cheese or even Greek yogurt for a tangier twist and a protein boost. For the "hat," you could use a tiny piece of a dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content for a richer flavor with less sugar. Every little bit helps in the festive season, eh?
What else can I use instead of cream cheese for the "beard" of these Mini Strawberry Santas?
If you're not a fan of cream cheese, or need a dairy-free option, there are plenty of alternatives. Mascarpone cheese offers a richer, slightly sweeter flavour. For a vegan option, try a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, or even whipped coconut cream (just be sure to chill it well first so it pipes nicely). You could even try a stabilized whipped cream for a lighter feel.
My kids are helping me make these. Any tips for making assembling the Mini Strawberry Santas easier for little hands?
Definitely! Pre-cut the strawberries for them (adults only for that part!). Instead of a piping bag, put the cream cheese filling in a zip-top bag and snip off a small corner – it's easier for little ones to control. Let them be in charge of adding the chocolate chip "bobbles" to the hats – that's always a hit! Remember, it's about the fun, not perfection. Embrace the wonkiness!
Can I freeze these Mini Strawberry Santas?
Sadly, freezing isn't recommended for these little guys. The strawberries will become mushy when thawed, and the cream cheese can change in texture. They're best enjoyed fresh. Think of them as a spur-of-the-moment festive treat rather than something to batch-prepare and freeze. Time to make another batch, eh?
