Holiday dips. When you hear this phrase, what comes to mind? You're probably imagining savory recipes, like hot crab dip, spinach artichoke dip and onion dip. While you can't go wrong with these iconic options, there's no need to stop at savory selections this season. As our trio of recipes proves, holiday dips can also be delightfully sweet.
Our collection of dessert dips features three festive flavors: hot cocoa, eggnog and candy cane. Each one takes just 10 minutes to prepare and can be stored in the refrigerator for about three days. (In other words, you can make a dip recipe in advance!) As if that weren't enough, all three recipes contain cream cheese, so they're essentially delicious variations on cheesecake dip.
Video of the Day
Video of the Day
It's worth noting that unlike most savory recipes, sweet Christmas party dips are often no-bake recipes. This makes them perfect for freeing up space in the oven while ensuring everyone's sweet tooth is satisfied. Serve them as Christmas appetizers, desserts, snacks or all of the above.
We'll show you how to make decadent dessert holiday dips along with plenty of tips for finger-food pairings.
Recipe 1: Hot Cocoa Dip
Things You'll Need
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
8 oz. whipped topping, thawed
1/2 cup hot chocolate powder
1 cup powdered sugar
Mini marshmallows, for topping
Chocolate chips, for topping
Tip
If you don’t have hot chocolate mix, you can use cocoa powder. Also, if your hot chocolate mix has dehydrated marshmallows, be sure to take them out. They likely won't rehydrate in this recipe.
How to make hot cocoa dip:
1. Prepare the cream cheese
Place the cream cheese in a large bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat it until it's fluffy. You'll know it's ready when it doesn't easily clump up in the beater's attachments.
Tip
To make this recipe even easier, use 8 oz. of store-bought whipped cream cheese.
Add the hot chocolate powder, vanilla extract and powdered sugar. Beat until combined.
2. Fold in the whipped topping
Transfer the whipped topping to the bowl. Fold it into the cream cheese until the mixture develops a uniform color. Avoid overmixing.
Tip
Don’t forget to scrape the bottom of the bowl to thoroughly mix the ingredients.
3. Chill and serve
You can serve the dip immediately. However, chilling it in the refrigerator will give it a fluffy, mousselike consistency, so we recommend trying this if you have time—one hour should do the trick.
When you're ready to serve your hot cocoa dip, scoop it into an oversized mug or large bowl. Top with mini marshmallows and chocolate chips and serve with graham crackers, strawberries, pretzels or your favorite crunchy finger food.
Recipe 2: Eggnog Dip
Things You'll Need
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
8 oz. whipped topping, thawed
1/4 to 1/3 cup eggnog
1 tsp. rum extract
1/2 to 1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. ground cinnamon plus more for topping
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar
Crushed nuts, for topping
Tip
If you’re short on time, use store-bought whipped cream cheese.
How to make eggnog dip:
1. Whip up the cream cheese
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer. Continue until it develops a fluffy texture.
Add the eggnog, rum extract, vanilla extract and cinnamon. Beat until combined and then add the powdered sugar. Beat once more until the sugar is fully incorporated.
Tip
The eggnog will make this dip denser and creamier than our other holiday dips, which don’t have liquid ingredients. This means you’ll need to use a bit more powdered sugar to fluff things up. If you enjoy the creamy consistency, feel free to use 1/3 cup of eggnog or even a bit more.
2. Mix in the whipped topping
Add the whipped topping to the bowl and then fold it in with a spatula.
To serve your eggnog holiday dip, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top and pair with gingerbread cookies. For a tasty crunch, top with crushed nuts, like pecans or walnuts.
This dip probably won't last long at a party, but if you have leftovers, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Recipe 3: Candy Cane Dip
Things You'll Need
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
8 oz. whipped topping, thawed
1 tsp. peppermint extract
1 cup powdered sugar
2 to 4 Tbsp. crushed candy canes plus more for topping
Tip
Feel free to use pre-whipped, store-bought cream cheese as a shortcut.
How to make candy cane dip:
1. Whip and flavor the cream cheese
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer. Continue beating until fluffy.
Add the peppermint extract and powdered sugar. Beat until combined. Fold in the crushed candy canes.
Tip
If you like stronger minty flavors, feel free to add another 1/2 tsp. of peppermint extract.
2. Add the whipped topping
Fold in the whipped topping, taking care to avoid overmixing.
3. Serve your sweet holiday dip
This Christmas recipe can be served immediately, but chilling it for at least one hour will give it a fluffier texture.
When you're ready to serve your dip, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. Pair it with pretzels, strawberries and cookies, including chocolate chip or sugar cookies. While you're at it, you might want to leave some near the Christmas tree for Santa.
Here's to a sweet holiday season!