Not-So-Ordinary Holiday Dips to Sweeten Up the Season

Who says holiday dips have to be savory? We'll introduce you to three mouthwatering dips that are loaded with sweetness and holiday cheer.

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Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

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.

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Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

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.

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Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

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.

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Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

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.

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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.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

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

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

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.

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Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

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.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

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.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

3. Serve with Christmas cookies

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.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

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

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

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.

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Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Add the peppermint extract and powdered sugar. Beat until combined. Fold in the crushed candy canes.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

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.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

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.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

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!

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