Category: Sweet Treats

Sweet Treats

Recipe—Peanut Butter Cookies

Diva di Cucina

With the holidays taking up so much of our time I love having a quick and easy cookie recipe that I can whip up in no time. Plus, these are inexpensive to make. You can probably even find all of the ingredients in your pantry at home. This is a classic peanut butter cookie that goes fantastic with a big cup of milk. These cookies turn out soft but still have a slight crumble. The fork marks add a nice decorative touch, but aren’t necessary. I hope you and your families enjoy these melt in your mouth cookies!

Note: For a little extra something try adding in peanut butter chips, M&Ms, or topping each cookie with a Hershey’s kiss. 

INGREDIENTS
1/2 c softened butter
1/2 c peanut butter
1/2 c sugar
1/2 c brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 c flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
Sugar for sprinkling on top

STEPS

  • Preheat oven to 375º.
  • Mix together the first six ingredients.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
  • Roll into balls and place at least an inch and a half apart on a greased cookie sheet.
  • Press down with a fork leaving hatch marks on top.
  • Sprinkle cookies with sugar.
  • Bake for 8–10 minutes.
Sweet Treats

Recipe—Apple Pie Bites

Diva di Cucina

One of my favorite things about the holiday season is the sweet aroma of fresh baked pies wafting through the house. These apple pie bites are so delicious and easy that you will be making them year round. You know the saying “easy as pie,” well these are easier than pie. They take about 10–15 minutes to assemble and 14–18 minutes to bake. Serve up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and oh my goodness! They are delish! I baked them for my son’s fall harvest festival at school and they were much less cumbersome to serve and eat than an actual pie.

Note: Allow pie crusts to sit for 10 minutes before using. They will be much easier to work with. I use parchment paper on my cookie sheet to help with easy clean up. The melted sugar can caramelize and get messy.

INGREDIENTS
1/2 c sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
1 package refrigerated pie crusts (15 oz)
3 tbsp melted butter
2 apples, each cut into 8 wedges

STEPS

  • Preheat oven to 425º.
  • In a small bowl mix sugar and cinnamon, set aside 2 tbsp.
  • Unroll both sheets of pie crust on a large cutting board.
  • Brush the pie crusts with 2 tbsp of the melted butter, leaving some to brush over the top.
  • Evenly sprinkle the pie crusts with the sugar mixture.
  • Cut each sheet into 8 triangular strips approximately 8 inches long.
  • Wrap a strip around each apple wedge with the sugar side of the crust against the apple starting with the wide end.
  • Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper as you finish each one.
  • Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with the remaining 2 tbsp of sugar mixture.
  • Bake at 425º for 14–18 minutes or until golden brown on top.
  • Serve warm and enjoy!
Sweet Treats

Recipe—Cheesecake

Diva di Cucina

With the holidays quickly approaching I thought what better recipe to post than one for cheesecake. Everyone needs a straightforward cheesecake recipe and this is mine.

Note: I recommend using a 10″ spring form pan but you can also use a 9″ x 13″ pyrex or two 9″ pie dishes. 

STEP 1: CRUST
2 c graham crackers or chocolate wafers crumbled
1/2 c butter, melted
2/3 c sugar

  • Mix ingredients together.
  • Press into bottom of pan (and up sides if using a pyrex or pie dishes) using the back side of a large spoon or rubber spatula.

STEP 2: FILLING
2 lbs cream cheese
1 c sugar
6 eggs
2 tsp vanilla

  • Preheat oven to 350º.
  • Mix well and carefully pour over graham cracker crust. (Be sure you leave plenty of room for your topping if using pie dishes. I usually fill a pie dish about 2/3 of the way.)
  • Bake in oven for 30–40 minutes.
  • Allow to cool and do not cover.

STEP 3: TOPPING
2 pints sour cream
½ c sugar
2 tsp vanilla

  • Preheat oven to 375º.
  • Mix ingredients well and pour over cooled cake.
  • Bake at 375º for 10–15 minutes.
  • Allow cheesecake to cool completely and then place in refrigerator.

 Note: This is also great with scrumptious toppings. Cherry pie filling, fresh strawberries, or shaved Ghiradelli chocolate are my favorite.