Well before the holiday season begins, those annual cravings for certain flavors are sure to set in. Plenty of people are pumpkin spice fans, while others gravitate to gingerbread or absolutely adore anything peppermint cocoa. It's not uncommon to want to stick with the basic beloved sweets and treats of the season, too. Think apple cider, pumpkin pie, or good old chocolate. But as fall drifts into winter and the merry and bright time is in full swing, it may be fun to take traditional dessert recipes to the next level, giving them a twist inspired by current baking trends. And one of the most delicious and popular trends in the food world is any dish that offering up the winning flavor combo of salty and sweet.
Although salted caramel has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, showing up everywhere from high-end bakeries and restaurant dessert menus to mainstream, drugstore candies, and national chain coffee drinks, the thought of pairing salt and sugar is far from a new concept.
The Independent notes that salted caramel was first created by a chocolatier named Henri Le Roux more than three decades ago. And in that time, it has pretty much taken over the dessert world. So much so that scientists are trying to figure out why people are wild for it. Last year, researchers from the University of Florida concluded that eating sweet, salty, and fatty foods causes the brain to release chemicals called endogenous opioids. That effect is amplified with a food like salted caramel, which is of course fatty, salty, and sweet — and marketing analysts Dr. Cammy Crolic and Professor Chris Janiszewski say it leads to an experience they call "hedonic escalation."
Well, if there was ever a time of year to experience "hedonic escalation," it's the holiday season, right? Here are 20 salty and sweet desserts that gift recipients and holiday guests are guaranteed to go wild for.
Sweet & Salty Potato Chip Cookies
While these sweet and salty potato chip cookies from Tastes of Lizzy aren't necessarily holiday-inspired, but the mix of crunchy salty potato chips and chocolate chips makes for a deliciously festive combo.
Ruffles Krispy Treats
Sub out crispy rice cereal for Ruffles in these salty, sweet treats from Heather Likes Food.
Salted Caramel Cookie Bars
These salted caramel cookie bars from Handle the Heat are sure to be a hit at any holiday party.
Salty, Sweet Candy in a Crock-Pot
Yep, you can make festive colored candy for everyone on Santa's list — in your slow cooker!
Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark
This salty, sweet hybrid of bark and chocolate-covered pretzels, plus a twist of salted caramel, from Bake. Eat. Repeat. would make a perfectly sweet gift to pass out to colleagues or friends.
Salty Sweet Cookies
Dried cranberries and white chocolate chips are just two of the insanely yummy treats mixed into these festive cookies.
Sweet n’ Salty Rocky Road Bars
Rocky road pairs perfectly with pretzels for these crunchy, salty and sweet bars from Together as Family.
Three-Ingredient Sea Salted Chocolate Pretzel Bark
The simplicity of this delicious recipe is key. Talk about a time-saver.
Salted Caramel Glazed Donut Holes
Salted caramel glazed donut holes from Brown Sugar have a dash of festive nutmeg — and pack a whole lot of sweet, salty flavor.
Sweet, Salty, Cinnamony Pretzel Mix
This sweet, salty, cinnamony pretzel mix from Chocolate, Chocolate & More is so perfectly seasonal.
Frozen Peanut Salted Caramel Mousse Bars
Homemade candy is always sure to be popular with loved ones and friends. So is ice cream. These frozen peanut salted caramel mousse bars from Feasting on Fruit take both types of goodies to a whole new level.
Salted Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Snickerdoodle
The name alone. Need we say more?
Chocolate Chip M&Ms Pretzel Bars
Who doesn't love M&Ms? (Especially the festive red and green ones you can get during the holiday season.) Add them to pretzels and chocolate chips, shimmery sprinkles or glittery sugar, and you've got a dessert that will make any holiday party.
Chocolate Donuts with Salted Caramel Icing
Donuts are so on-trend, and so is salted caramel, so why not combine the two with this insanely yummy recipe for chocolate donuts with salted caramel icing from Table for Two?
Pumpkin Donut Holes
This recipe for decadent, deep-fried pumpkin donut holes from Everyday Dishes could be perfect for a Hanukkah party.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake
Please a crowd with this wow-worthy layer cake.
Kettle Corn
Simple, homemade kettle corn — courtesy of Martha Stewart — makes for the perfect salty, sweet treat to snack on while watching your favorite holiday flicks.
Salted Butter Caramel Cake
Food Network UK shows you how to make a memorably indulgent cake that's covered in chocolate ganache. Yum.
Salted Chocolate Brownie Cookies
With crackle tops and rich, fudgy centers, these salted chocolate brownie cookies from Tutti Dolci are sure to get all the love from party-goers.
Salted Caramel-Chocolate Bourbon Cupcakes
Better Homes & Gardens shows you how to make cupcakes that are sure to win the hearts of your guests based on their name alone.
