The end of the year always seems to fly by in lighting speed. Just when we're finally succumbing to fall temperatures and dusting off our pumpkin decor, big box stores are putting up their Christmas tree displays and blasting holiday music. While the forced rush to the winter season is definitely annoying, it also means that our favorite festive dishes, drinks, and desserts will soon be making their way to our kitchen tables.
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Let's be honest: no one can be mad when they've got a glass of eggnog in one hand and a Santa Claus-shaped cookie in the other.
Be it your Grandma's infamous cranberry sauce or a hot toddy on the balcony with friends, there are just some flavors we can't help but associate with the holiday season. While there's no hard-and-fast rule that you have to wait until after Thanksgiving to enjoy a gingerbread cookie, saving these flavors until the temperatures drop and Christmas lights are twinkling makes it all even more special—and even more delicious.
Whether you're planning an all-out holiday feast for your family and friends or just curling up on the couch with a cozy snack, here are 11 festive flavors that will warm your heart (and your belly) this winter.
Peppermint
Easily one of the most obvious winter flavors, peppermint is synonymous with the season. With its fresh and invigorating taste, it's no wonder why this festive flavor is constant in both desserts and drinks.
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Eggnog
Not everyone loves eggnog enough to drink it straight from the carton (BTW, you can DIY your own version if you want to avoid the store-bought stuff). But there are plenty of ways to enjoy this winter classic—even at breakfast.
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Nutmeg
The ultimate winter flavor, this nutty and slightly sweet spice is a holiday must. You can bake it into some seriously scrumptious treats and even add it to some dinner dishes for an unexpectedly delicious result.
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Roasted Chestnuts
For centuries, people have been roasting chestnuts on an open fire as a way to celebrate the season. Why? Well, roasting these nuts removes their typically bitter flavor profile and turns them into a buttery-sweet bite of holiday goodness.
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Cranberry
You'll find cranberry in just about anything during the months of November and December. The tart and bright taste of these little red berries can liven up more dishes than many at-home chefs realize.
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Toffee
Many people get the taste of toffee confused with butterscotch and caramel. But don't be fooled—this flavor has its own unique characteristics. A mix of butter and brown sugar, toffee will be an ingredient you reach for over and over this season.
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Cocoa
Is there anything that feels more like wintertime than sipping on a mug of hot cocoa? We think not. But this flavoring can be used for so much more than a marshmallow-filled dessert drink.
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Gingerbread
You can't go through winter without making at least one batch of gingerbread-flavored treats. A combination of spices like nutmeg, cloves, and allspice make this flavor a favorite for all.
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Hazelnut
Hazelnuts are one of those flavors that can go either way. You can make it sweet—like the classic Nutella spread—or you can give it more of a savory twist. Either way, this flavor adds a velvety richness to dishes and drinks.
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Pomegranate
Pomegranates are a winter favorite that not everyone takes advantage of. With its tart and sweet flavor, this exotic fruit can make cocktails and desserts even more special.
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Oranges
You might think that these citrusy fruits are limited to summer recipes, but oranges can also add a lot of flavor to your winter dishes. Whether you go for the juice, zest, or even just the whole fruit, orange has a way of making everything brighter and more festive.
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