Salma Khattab 
Most new year's eve gatherings happen to be at night where everyone has already had lunch or dinner. But come on, who doesn't like to have sweet bites during any occasion! Because we know you've already consumed a lot of energy preparing many things for Christmas celebrations, we're bringing you 3 piece-of-cake, time saving and effortless dessert bites recipes that will sweeten up your night!
1. Jam-Topped Mini Cheesecakes
Total time: Prep. 20 min; Bake: 15 min. + chilling
Makes: 9 servings
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons of assorted warm jams
Steps:
1. Mix graham cracker crumbs and butter in a small bowl.
2. Press the mixture gently onto the bottom of nine paper-lined muffin cups.
3. In another small bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth.
4. Add the egg; beat on low speed just until combined. Then, spoon over crusts.
5. Bake at 350° for 15-16 minutes or until centers are set.
6. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, then add your favorite jam flavor!
PS: You can add your favorite biscuit crumbs, nuts or sprinkles on top of your bite!
2. Walnuts Pie Mini Muffins
Total time: Prep. 10 min; Bake: 25 min.
Makes: About 2 1/2 dozen
Ingredients:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 2/3 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
Steps:
1. In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour and walnuts.
2. Mix the butter and eggs, then, stir into brown sugar mixture.
3. Fill greased and floured miniature muffin cups two-thirds full.
4. Bake at 350° for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Immediately remove from pans to wire racks to cool.
PS: You can replace the walnuts with pecans, hazelnuts, almonds or any other nuts of a personal preference.
3. Caramel Apple Bites
Total time: Prep. 25 min + standing; Bake: 15 mins + cooling
Makes: About 3 dozen
Ingredients:
Filling:
- 1/3 cup finely chopped unpeeled apple
- 1/3 cup evaporated milk
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
Dough:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tea spoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping:
- 1 package (14 ounces) caramels
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- Green toothpicks (The color is optional)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Steps:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the filling ingredients.
2. Cook and stir over medium heat until the mix is thickened, then set aside to cool.
3. In a large bowl, mix the butter and sugar until they become light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg, then beat in the vanilla.
5. Combine the flour and salt, and gradually add this mixture to the creamed mixture and mix well.
6. Shape dough into 2 centimeters-wide balls.
7. Flatten the dough pieces and place 1/4 teaspoon filling in center of each.
8. Fold the dough over filling and reshape into balls again.
9. Place them 2 centimeters apart on greased baking sheets.
10. Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes or until they are lightly browned. Then, remove to wire racks to cool.
11. In a small saucepan over low heat, heat the caramels and the evaporated milk until the caramel melts; stir until it becomes smooth.
12. Insert a toothpick into each cookie and dip into caramel until they become completely coated; allow any excess to drip off.
13. Finally, dip the bottoms into the nuts, then, place on wire racks to set.
Recipes credits: www.tasteofhome.com
Main Image Credits: Instagram cravingsjournal.com
