4 TikTok Holiday Dessert Hacks You Need to Try at Home

Hot Chocolate Bombs

Give your classic hot chocolate a makeover with these hot cocoa bombs. They melt away in a cup of warm milk, infusing the drink with chocolatey goodness. To make things even more festive, garnish your finished hot chocolate bombs with an extra drizzle of melted white chocolate, crushed peppermint candy, or colorful sprinkles.

Pack them up in a holiday-inspired box to send a homemade gift to friends. You can also drop these treats inside a loved one's stocking for a sweet surprise. If you find yourself lacking the inspiration to make these cocoa balls at home, maybe watching the hot cocoa bomb TikTok video will change your mind.

Christmas Crack

If you're in the mood for something foolproof, festive, and fun to make, look no further than this viral Christmas crack recipe. Honestly, the recipe couldn't be easier and more satisfying.

Here's how to make Christmas crack:

1. Line a baking pan with aluminum foil and grease with butter. Line the pan with a single layer of saltine crackers or graham crackers, depending on your personal preference.
2. In a small saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter and 1 cup of brown sugar over medium heat. Once combined, boil the mixture for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Pour the butter and sugar mixture over the crackers on the baking sheet. Using a spatula, smooth out the mixture so that it covers all of the edges.
4. Place in a 400°F oven for 5 minutes. Carefully remove from the oven and add 2 cups of chocolate chips. Spread with a spatula until fully melted and coat the top of the saltine cracker surface.
5. Add your favorite toppings, like sprinkles and crushed peppermint. Freeze until fully set and enjoy.

Meringue Christmas Trees

If you're looking to put your baking skills to the test, these meringue Christmas trees are impressive and very easy to make once you get the hang of it.

Here's how to make the meringue:

1. Place 4 room-temperature egg whites in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat on low speed until small bubbles begin to form. Then, add a pinch of salt and ¼ teaspoon of cream of tartar and beat on high speed until the mixture forms stiff peaks. For best results, use exactly double the weight of the egg whites to measure the amount of caster sugar needed (this is about a 1 egg to 1 tablespoon of sugar ratio).
2. Slowly add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, and continue to whisk until fluffy and glossy.
3. At this point, flavor the meringue with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and add a few drops of green coloring paste.
4. Using a small brush, paint lines that extend from the tip of the bag to the opening using the green coloring paste to create dimension. Then, secure a large, star-piping tip and carefully add the meringue mixture into the bag.
5. On a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, hold the piping bag directly perpendicular to the pan. Press the mixture out to form the base of the tree, slightly pull the bag away from the pan and squeeze a smaller glob to form the middle layer of the tree. Lastly, squeeze the smallest glob to form the top of the tree, pulling away at the end to form the icon Christmas tree point.
6. Decorate the individual trees with sprinkles of your choice. Bake the meringue at 190°F for 30 minutes. Once the trees lift from the baking sheet without difficulty, turn off the heat, and allow them to cool in the oven.

Reindeer Crack

Now, if you tried the Christmas Crack and are still craving something even more sugary and elaborate, Reindeer Crack should get the job done. If trail mix and your entire snack drawer had a child, this treat would be it.

Here's what you need to do:

1. Combine all of your favorite munchies (like M&M's, pretzels, Corn Chex Cereal, marshmallows, and Rolos) in a large bowl, three-quarters of the way full.
2. Melt 2 ½ cups of white chocolate chips until pourable. Drizzle into the bowl and combine.
3. On a parchment paper-covered sheet pan, spread the mixture in an even layer. Generously dust with sifted powdered sugar.
4. Individually portion in treat bags and finish off with a festive bow for a lovely, last-minute gift.