I am a huge fan of eating while I watch something. Whether it be Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, or HBOMax, you’ll probably always catch me munching on a snack. And if you’re anything like me, there’s nothing I enjoy more than taking advantage of the current season’s flavors. Traditionally in December, we indulge on chocolate, peppermint, gingerbread, cookies, and much more. So what’s a better way to mix the two best things in the world (watching movies and eating) than to come up with the most festive Christmas movie and food pairings out there!
I’ve picked my TOP 8 favorite Christmas movies (in no particular order) and have found a sweet treat that compliments either the plot or the mood perfectly… Get your baking supplies ready and your tv remote out; your home will soon be filled with holiday cheer!
Let the pairings begin!
The Grinch & Grinch Popcorn
This sweet and salty mix will have your heart growing three sizes by the time you reach the bottom of the bowl. This simple recipe just requires popcorn, butter, marshmallows, red candies, and of course food coloring. Check out this deliciously green recipe by @twinsisterscrafting here.
Santa Paws & Reindeer Chow
Presenting you with a festive twist on the all-time favorite puppy chow: reindeer chow! It’s made with the familiar ingredients of Chex cereal, chocolate chips, peanut butter, butter, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and seasonal M&Ms. This chow is easy to make in big batches, and thank goodness because it will always leave you wanting more. Use this recipe to recreate @suburban_simplicity’s wonderful snack!
Elf & Buddy’s Cupcakes
Melanie from @clementinecounty knows best when it comes to a dessert fit for Buddy the Elf. She says that these cupcakes are the perfect spin-off of an elf’s four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup. These beautifully crafted cupcakes have the perfect finishing touch of spaghetti frosting on top. What more can you ask for? Well, if you are an elf at heart you can substitute some of the toppings to hit even more of the “food groups”. Grab your favorite vanilla cake mix and canned frosting if you’re in a rush, and some fun sprinkles, marshmallows, and M&Ms to top off this mouthwatering treat. For exact instructions, check out the recipe here!
The Nutcracker & Sugarplum Cake
*Cue Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy music* This classic combination is for all those who are looking to find an oldie-but-a-goodie pair. 2020 has made the Christmas season look a lot different, but just because you can’t see the Nutcracker Ballet performed live, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the experience completely. Sit down to watch either the Disney movie or a recorded live performance and don’t forget to try this iconic sugarplum cake that the fairies would definitely approve of. This recipe is for the advanced baker; it was created by lazycatkitchen and recreated above by @veggie_goodness_ but you can access the recipe here!
Love Actually & Peppermint Bark
Love Actually is by far my favorite because of the laughs, smiles, and tears from start to finish. This movie is comprised of multilayered stories that when put together, makes for one sweet ending. Just like peppermint bark, which requires many layers of chocolate and yields the perfect flavor combination. Typically, all this recipe requires is the three different kinds of chocolate and crushed peppermint, but feel free to add any topping that you feel represents your story. Here is a classic recipe from Food Network. When you sit down to take your first bite of this mouthwatering dessert with your loved one, just remember, “love actually is all around”.
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer & Cake Pops
These cute little cake pops are a whimsical recreation of the old-time classic movie. If your creative abilities aren’t up to the level of @bakerella’s, no need to worry you can make simple substitutions such as using halved pretzels for antlers. However you choose to customize though, you can’t forget the red nose! Look at the recipe here!
Polar Express & Hot Chocolate Bomb
Hot chocolate bombs are the current craze and what better way to jump into the iconic train scene than by creating your very own drink! @sugarspun_sam gives them a polished look with a white chocolate drizzle, colored sprinkles, and LOTS of marshmallows hiding inside. The beauty of these bombs is that there’s so much flavor flexibility, so you can add as much powder and toppings as your sphere allows. This recipe will make you want to yell “hot, hot, oh you got it, hot chocolate!”
Home Alone & Mini Gingerbread Houses
A house this small would never be fit for Kevin’s crazy pranks and traps, but @indecisionandcake sure knows how to make a bite-sized delicacy. Constructing a mini gingerbread house could be easier (or harder) than the big thing, you’ll never know if you don’t try. Decorate it however you or Kevin would like, and make sure to secure it with extra frosting to prevent any break-ins… See how to make your own here, oh and “Merry Christmas ya filthy animals!”
Enjoying every last bite?
These pairings are sure to elevate your movie watching experience, and these recipes can be enjoyed alone, with a loved one, or with the whole neighborhood. Christmas always comes and goes quickly, so feel free to save this article to spice up your life with Christmas cheer at any time of year!
Want even MORE Christmas movies and food? Check out these articles: 12 Days of Christmas Movies, Holiday Food Quiz, and Cookie Recipes for Freeform’s 25 Days of Christmas Movie Marathon!