Looking for an easy weeknight meal that’s big on flavor but light on effort? This Cajun Alfredo Sauce is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when time is tight but taste still matters.
Made with simple ingredients and healthy fats, it’s a delicious recipe the whole family will love. Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, drizzling it over roasted veggies, or using it as a creamy dip, this sauce adds bold, spicy flavor to any meal.
Ditch the jarred sauce and embrace the rich, savory taste of this homemade cajun alfredo sauce recipe.
Why I love This Recipe
Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy or hard-to-find ingredients, this recipe uses pantry staples and fresh produce you likely already have on hand.
Healthy Alternative: Made with plant-based ingredients and healthy fats, it’s a lighter, dairy-free twist on traditional Alfredo that doesn’t compromise on creaminess.
Versatile Usage: Serve it as a pasta sauce, a creamy dip, a casserole base, or a drizzle over veggies or grain bowls, it’s as versatile as it is delicious.
Easy Dinner Recipe: This recipe is easy to make for no-fuss easy weeknight meals.
Meal Prep Friendly: The sauce stores well, making it perfect for meal prep. Whip up a batch and use it throughout the week for quick and easy dinner recipes.
Ingredients For Cajun Alfredo Sauce
Raw Cashews (3/4 cup): Soaked overnight or in hot water for at least 30 minutes to soften, ensuring a smooth, creamy base.
Unsweetened Soy Milk (1 1/2 cups): Adds a velvety texture while keeping the sauce dairy-free and protein-packed.
Nutritional Yeast (3 tablespoons): Provides a cheesy, umami flavor that’s essential for a classic Alfredo taste.
Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons): Adds brightness and a subtle tang that balances the rich, creamy elements of the sauce.
Onion (1 medium, finely chopped): Adds depth and sweetness to the sauce. It’s cooked with olive oil and Cajun seasoning to build a robust flavor base.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with bold, savory notes. Fresh garlic works best for maximum flavor. Option to use 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon, plus extra for sautéing): Used to sauté the onion and garlic, adding richness to the sauce.
Carrots (1/2 cup, finely chopped): Adds natural sweetness and a hint of color to the sauce, enhancing both flavor and appearance.
Celery (1/2 cup, finely chopped): Provides a subtle savory note and helps build the flavor base of the sauce.
Homemade Cajun Seasoning (2 teaspoons): Added while sautéing the carrots and celery to toast, it’s the star of the dish, bringing heat, smokiness, and bold flavor. Find my Favorite Cajun Seasoning recipe here.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors in the sauce. Adjust to taste.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick and balances the overall flavor profile.
Nutmeg (Pinch, optional): A classic addition for Alfredo sauce that adds warmth and subtle sweetness.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Soak the Cashews: If you haven’t already, soak the raw cashews overnight or in hot water for at least 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Remove from heat.
Blend the Cashew Sauce: In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked cashews, unsweetened soy milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, sautéed onion and garlic, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Blend on high until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Sauté the Carrots and Celery: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped carrots and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and stir well to coat the vegetables.
Combine and Heat the Sauce: Pour the blended cashew sauce into the pan with the sautéed carrots, celery, and toasted Cajun spices. Stir well to combine. Cook over low to medium heat, stirring continuously to prevent sticking. If the sauce is too thick, add water or reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time to reach the desired consistency. Cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and serve the Cajun Alfredo sauce over pasta, vegetables, or your favorite dish. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Substitutions and Add Ins
Substitutions and Add-Ins
Substitutions:
Cashews: Use raw sunflower seeds or blanched almonds if cashews are not available.
Unsweetened Soy Milk: Substitute with almond milk, oat milk, or unsweetened coconut milk.
Nutritional Yeast: Replace with grated vegan parmesan or omit for a milder flavor.
Onion: Use shallots or leeks as an alternative for a different flavor twist.
Olive Oil: Replace with avocado oil or grapeseed oil for a neutral-tasting option.
Add-Ins:
Protein: Add chicken, andouille sausage, shrimp, sautéed tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for extra protein.
Vegetables: Include sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, zucchini noodles, or kale for additional nutrition.
Spices: Increase the Cajun heat by adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Herbs: Add fresh thyme or oregano for an extra herbal boost.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this Creamy Cajun Alfredo Sauce many ways!
Pasta: Toss the Cajun Alfredo sauce with your favorite pasta (like fettuccine, penne, spaghetti, or linguine pasta) for a creamy, spicy main dish. Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed. Add chicken or shrimp the the dish for more protein! Check out my Cajun Shrimp Alfredo recipe here!
Vegetable Bowl: Drizzle the sauce over steamed, roasted, or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or zucchini for a hearty veggie-forward meal.
Grain Bowl: Pour the sauce over quinoa, rice, or farro and top with fresh veggies, crispy tofu, or chickpeas for a filling, protein-packed bowl.
Dipping Sauce: Use the sauce as a dip for breadsticks, garlic bread, or crispy roasted potatoes.
Casserole: Layer the Cajun Alfredo sauce into a baked pasta or vegetable casserole for a creamy, flavorful twist.
Storage Suggestions
Store the Cajun Alfredo sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk, water or plant-based milk to restore its creamy texture.
Freezer Recipe: For longer storage, freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Soak the Cashews: If you haven’t already, soak the raw cashews overnight or in hot water for at least 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Remove from heat.
Blend the Cashew Sauce: In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked cashews, unsweetened soy milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, sautéed onion and garlic, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Blend on high until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Sauté Carrot & Celery: Sauté carrot and celery for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
Toast Cajun Spices: Toast Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder in the pan for 30-60 seconds.
Add Cashew Alfredo Sauce: Pour blended sauce into pan, stir with veggies and spices, and cook for 2-3 minutes until warmed.Pour it over pasta, shrimp, or veggies for a creamy, spicy kick.
Notes
Thinner Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add small amounts of water, broth, or soy milk to thin it out to your desired consistency.Extra heat: Add a splash of hot sauce, more cayenne pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for more heat.
Skip the store-bought blend and make your own bold, zesty Cajun seasoning at home in under 5 minutes!
This DIY recipe is quick, has great flavor, and customizable to adjust the salt level to your liking. Packed with smoky paprika, garlic, herbs, and just the right amount of heat, it’s the perfect way to add big flavor to chicken, seafood, veggies, and more.
Whether you’re watching your sodium intake or just want to control the spice level, this homemade Cajun blend has you covered.
Why You Will Love This Flexitarian Recipe
This Cajun spice blend is a fantastic addition to a flexitarian diet because it’s versatile, plant-based, and works with a variety of ingredients.
Plant-Based Flavor Boost: The blend is entirely plant-based, adding bold flavor to meat, seafood, tofu, or roasted vegetables without relying on animal products.
Customizable for Any Dish: Use it to season shrimp, chicken, roasted chickpeas, or even hearty mushrooms for a delicious Cajun twist on your favorite meals.
Encourages Variety: A flexitarian diet thrives on creativity and variety, and this seasoning makes it easy to explore new flavors and recipes across different protein sources.
This spice blend supports the balance and flexibility the keys to the flexitarian approach to eating.
Ingredients For Homemade Cajun Seasoning
Paprika (2 tbsp) – Adds a rich, smoky depth of flavor (use smoked or sweet, depending on your preference).
Garlic powder (1 tsp) – A classic, savory base note that enhances every dish.
Onion powder (1 tsp) – Complements the garlic for a well-rounded, flavorful blend.
Dried oregano (1 tsp) – Brings a hint of earthy, herbal freshness.
Dried thyme (1 tsp) – Adds subtle floral notes that pair perfectly with Cajun flavors.
Cayenne pepper (1 tsp) – Brings the heat! Adjust up or down to suit your spice preference.
Ground black pepper (1/2 tsp) – Adds a sharp, peppery bite.
Salt (1 tsp, optional) – Season to taste or leave it out for a salt-free version.
Want to make this seasoning your own? Our Add-Ins & Substitutions section has all the tips you need to customize your Cajun seasoning blend with flavors you love!
Step By Step Instructions
Combine all the spices in a small bowl.
Mix well until fully combined.
Store in an airtight container or spice jar in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Substitutions and Add Ins To Making it Your Own Blend
Substitutions
Cayenne Pepper: Reduce or omit it for a milder seasoning, or swap for chipotle powder for a smoky heat.
Thyme and Oregano: If you have Italian seasoning, it likely contains thyme along with oregano and thyme. Its great in Italian recipes but also this cajun blend.
Red Pepper Flakes: For less heat, omit or replace with ground Aleppo pepper for a milder spice.
Garlic & Onion Powder: These are essential, but if you’re out of one, just increase the other slightly.
Black Pepper: Use White Pepper if you want a smooth peppery punch. It also blends into recipes without the black specks of pepper.
Add-Ins
Salt: Add 1-2 teaspoons if you want a classic, ready-to-use Cajun seasoning.
Sugar: Add 1 teaspoon of coconut sugar or brown sugar for a subtle hint of sweetness.
Celery Seed: Brings a fresh, earthy flavor that complements Cajun dishes.
Dietitian Approved Seasoning Blend
As a registered dietitian, I love a homemade spice blend that puts you in control of the ingredients.
Unlike store-bought versions of Cajun seasoning, which can be loaded with excess salt, artificial flavors, or preservatives, this blend is made with simple, whole spices straight from your spice cabinet.
By offering a salt-free and lower salt options, this recipe is a great choice for those managing blood pressure or reducing sodium intake, all while keeping big, bold flavors intact.
Plus, making your own seasoning blend allows you to customize the heat and flavors for a healthier but also more personalized spice blend.
How To Use This Recipe
This is an all purpose seasoning not limited to cajun food! I like to make a big batch and use it in many of my favorite dishes.
Spice Up Veggies – Toss it with roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes, bell pepper, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower for bold flavors.
Add to Soups & Stews – Boost the flavor of gumbo, jambalaya, or vegetable soups with a few teaspoons of this seasoning.
Sprinkle on Snacks – Shake it over popcorn, french fries, roasted chickpeas, or homemade crackers for a delicious savory snack.
Season Proteins – Rub it on chicken, shrimp, fish, or tofu before grilling, baking, or pan-searing for great cajun flavor.
Mix into Dips – Add it to hummus, Greek yogurt dip, or sour cream for a Cajun-inspired dipping sauce.
Kick Up Breakfast – Sprinkle on scrambled eggs, omelets, or breakfast potatoes for a flavorful start to your day.
DIY Gift Idea: Package this homemade Cajun seasoning in a small glass jar with a handwritten label for a thoughtful, edible gift. Pair it with a recipe card for Cajun shrimp or spiced roasted nuts for a complete gift set.
There’s something magical about the rich, bold flavor of coffee combined with the velvety sweetness of chocolate and that is why I love this Mocha Protein Shake! Inspired by the beloved Mocha Madness, this homemade version is even better. It’s made with whole, nourishing ingredients, naturally sweetened with a frozen banana and a date, and packed with plant-based protein for lasting energy, all without the excess sugar and additives of the original.
It’s a creamy, energizing blend that feels indulgent but fuels your body with goodness. Packed with plant-based protein, natural sweetness from a frozen banana and a date, plus a little caffeine boost from cold brew, this shake does it all. It’s the perfect way to kick-start your morning, power through a busy afternoon, or refuel after a workout.
Whether you’re a coffee lover, a chocoholic, or just looking for a delicious way to hit your protein goals, this Mocha Protein Shake is calling your name. One sip, and you’ll see why it’s a go-to favorite for busy mornings, pre-workout fuel, or a post-dinner treat. Let’s dive into the recipe and sip on something that tastes like dessert but fuels you like breakfast.
Mocha Shake Ingredients
This Mocha Shake is packed with simple, wholesome ingredients, and with the addition of protein powder, it easily doubles as a protein-packed treat. Here’s everything you need:
Soy Milk: I use soy milk for a creamy, plant-based option, but you can swap it with almond, oat, or coconut milk—whatever you prefer!
Cold Brew: Chilled Drip coffee or espresso also works!
Frozen Banana: For that perfectly creamy texture, I like to use frozen ripe banana chunks. They also add natural sweetness.
Dates: A couple of dates bring just the right touch of sweetness. If you don’t have dates on hand, maple syrup is a great substitute.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This adds a deep, rich chocolate flavor without any added sugar.
Mocha Protein Powder: I love using Earth Fed Muscle’s Magic Beans for an extra boost of protein and that delicious mocha flavor. Don’t have mocha protein powder? Chocolate works fine!
Optional Ingredients:
Non-fat yogurt (for even more protein and creaminess)
Vanilla extract
Chia seeds (for added fiber and healthy fats)
Chocolate shavings or chocolate chips (for a little indulgence)
Want more of a coffee kick? You can swap out half of the soy milk for brewed coffee or stir in a spoonful of espresso powder or instant coffee to take it to the next level!
Optional Add Ins
If you’re looking to increase your calorie intake for weight gain or maintenance, it’s easy to transform this Mocha Shake into a decadent, high-calorie treat.
Here are a few simple ingredients to bump up the calories while still keeping it delicious:
Ice Cream: Add a couple of scoops of your favorite ice cream, such as coffee, or even vanilla for extra richness and calories. My favorite is Tiallamook Chocolate Ice Cream!
Chocolate Syrup: Drizzle in some chocolate syrup for added sweetness and a boost of flavor.
Leftover Coffee or Cold Brew Coffee: Swap out some or all of the milk for leftover coffee or cold brew to enhance the mocha flavor.
Milk: Instead of soy milk, use whole milk or regular milk for a higher calorie base. You can even add a splash of cream for extra richness.
Almond Butter: Stir in a spoonful of almond butter for healthy fats and a nutty flavor.
Whipped Cream: Top it off with a generous dollop of whipped cream to make this shake extra indulgent.
How to Make a Mocha Shake
Making a Mocha Shake is super simple and easy!
Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Add Ingredients
Start by adding your ingredients to a high-speed blender. Begin with the liquids, such as soy milk (or whole milk, regular milk, or any milk of your choice). Next, add your frozen banana chunks, dates (or maple syrup), unsweetened cocoa powder, mocha protein powder, and any optional ingredients like non-fat yogurt, chia seeds, or almond butter.
Step 2: Blend
Blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. For an extra indulgent twist, you can drizzle in some chocolate sauce while blending for a richer, chocolatey flavor.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Pour your Mocha Shake into a glass and enjoy! If you’re feeling fancy, top it with a swirl of chocolate sauce, a sprinkle of chocolate chips, or even a dollop of whipped cream for a café-style treat.
Quick Cleanup Tip
Rinse your blender immediately after making your smoothie. This simple step prevents the smoothie residue from drying and sticking, making cleanup so much easier and quicker for your next use!
What to Do With Leftovers
Got leftover Mocha Shake? Don’t let it go to waste!
Here’s a fun and easy way to make the most of it:
Freeze It: Pour the leftovers into an ice cube tray and freeze. Once frozen, you can pop those smoothie cubes into your next coffee smoothie for a thicker, frostier texture. Or, blend them up with a bit of milk for an easy homemade ice cream treat! It’s a great way to avoid waste and keep your smoothie game strong.
Dietitian Approved Recipe & Why I Drink Protein Smoothies Daily
This High-Protein Mocha Madness Shake delivers over 30g of protein, at least 6g of fiber, and under 300 calories, making it a filling, energizing option for breakfast, post-workout recovery, or a healthy treat any time of day.
As a flexitarian dietitian with a passion for running, weightlifting, and staying active, protein smoothies have become a vital part of my daily routine. During my training for endurance races and strength-building workouts, I realized just how important proper nutrition is for performance and recovery. Whether I’m logging miles on the trail or focusing on strength at the gym, protein smoothies keep me fueled and help support my fitness goals.
Here are four reasons why protein smoothies are a vital part of my training and nutrition regimen:
Energy
Endurance exercise, such as long distance running, requires significant energy, with long runs often burning 800 to 1,200 calories or more, depending on factors like body weight, pace, and duration. Protein smoothies provide a quick and efficient way to refuel with carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein, helping me maintain energy levels and improve performance, whether I’m logging miles or lifting weights.
Recovery
Proper recovery is essential to repair muscles and tissues after intense training sessions. Protein is especially important for muscle recovery and tissue repair. I rely on protein smoothies to meet my daily protein needs and help with muscle recovery after a run or workout, ensuring my body is ready for the next session.
Injury Prevention
Nutrition plays a huge role in injury prevention, especially when it comes to keeping bones, joints, and connective tissues healthy. My protein smoothies are packed with nutrients that help support bone health and tissue strength, reducing the risk of overuse injuries, which are common with both running and weightlifting.
Hydration
Staying hydrated is just as important as getting enough protein and calories. Smoothies are full of hydrating ingredients like frozen fruits, almond milk, and even coconut water, helping to keep my body properly hydrated. This helps prevent cramping, maintain fluid balance, and support overall health during long workouts.
Incorporating protein smoothies into my routine helps me hit my nutrition targets, stay strong, and perform at my best—whether on the trails, at the gym, or anywhere in between!
Like This Recipe? Try These Other Delicious Smoothie Recipes?
Below are a few other smoothie recipes you may enjoy!
rubber spatula for scraping down the sides of the blender
smoothie glass
Ingredients
½cupunflavored soy milk
½cupcold brew
1frozen Banana
4tbspmocha protein powderor chocolate
1tbspcocoa powder
optional dates
Glass Garnish
toasted coconut flakes, almonds and melted chocolate
Instructions
Blend
Add the cold brew, soy milk, frozen banana, mocha protein powder, cocoa powder, and date to a blender.
Blend Until Smooth
Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no chunks of date remaining.
Serve
Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Nutrition information will vary based on ingredients used. This is especially significant with the brand and type of protein powder used. Want more of a coffee kick? You can swap out half of the soy milk for brewed coffee or stir in a spoonful of espresso powder or instant coffee to take it to the next level!
The holiday season is all about indulgence, warmth, and a little extra magic and what better way to capture that spirit than with a Christmas Cookie Cocktail?
Imagine the flavors of your favorite festive cookie, wrapped in a creamy, spiced, and slightly sweet cocktail that’s as cozy as a Holiday sweater. If there is one thing I enjoy more than a good cookie, it might be a delicious martini.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just looking to sip on something special by the fire, this must-have Christmas cocktail is guaranteed to bring joy to your festivities.
So, let’s talk about this Christmas Cocktail, A Snickerdoodle Martini!
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Why You Will Love Making This Christmas Cocktail
As you may already know, I love to cook but did you know I also have a soft spot for festive holiday cocktails? Whether it’s a Peppermint White Russian, a Spiced Eggnog Martini, or this delightful Christmas Cookie Martini, I can’t resist the sweet, cozy flavors of the season served in an elegant glass.
Some cocktail recipes call for advanced mixology skills, but this Christmas Cookie Martini is delightfully simple. With just three main ingredients and a handful of festive garnishes, you’ll have a holiday treat that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Shake everything up with ice, pour it into a gorgeous glass, and add a little seasonal flair, no stress, just holiday cheer.
Now, let’s walk through the tools, ingredients, and steps to whip up this crowd-pleasing holiday cocktail!
RumChata: RumChata is a creamy cinnamon vanilla rum liquor. This is the base for this cinnamon sugar-based cookie.
White Chocolate Liquor: White Chocolate Liquor is the secret ingredient. This is what gives the martini that decadence and dessert flavor that will make your taste buds smile. I like to use Godiva white chocolate liquor.
Vanilla Vodka: Adding Vanilla Vodka is akin to adding vanilla extract to a recipe. It adds that little umph the martini needs.
Ice: Ice for shaking or stirring, we are not picky here! Let’s cool it all down while also thinning with some of that icy cool water.
Garnishes
Whipped Cream: the perfect topper for this decadence.
Cinnamon Sugar: A pop of browns on the whipped cream gives the martini that classic snickerdoodle look. I used date sugar, which happens to be the perfect color!
Snickerdoodle Cookies
How to Make this Snickerdoodle Martini
Step 1: Prepare the Martini
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and the martini ingredients.
Step 2: Shake
Close the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds to chill and mix the ingredients.
Step 3: Strain & Serve
Strain the mixture into martini glasses.
Serve with a Snickerdoodle cookie garnish, whipped cream, a cinnamon stick, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
Pro Tip:
Chill your martini glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving to keep your drink extra frosty and delicious.
Sharper Nutrition Fix: Rum Chata History
Did you know the iconic RumChata Liquor has been manufactured in Wisconsin since 2009? This liquor was created to taste like a mixture of rum and horchata. So, here are several trivia facts about the lovely RumChata.
Per Thrillist, RumChata was the world’s first rum-based cream liquor!
RumChata does not need to be refrigerated and a 1.5oz serving has 140 calories.
Another famous RumChata creation is the Cinnamon Toast Crunch shot. Mix RumChata and fireball whisky.
Horchata: a milky beverage made from ground almonds, tiger nuts, or rice.
Have a Snickerdoodle Martini! This martini is sweet, creamy and absolutely scrumptious. Be sure to garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon sugar to give the martini an extra special touch.
Must-Have Recipes and Tips for Your Holiday Cookie Exchange
The holiday season is the perfect time of year to gather with friends and family, and what better way to celebrate than with a holiday cookie exchange?
Besides classic gingerbread cookies and sugar cookies, this fun tradition is a delicious way to share homemade cookies and discover new favorite recipes. Whether it’s your first exchange or an annual cookie exchange you’ve hosted for years, having an assortment of easy cookie recipes is key to making the event a success.
Below are my 10 Must-Have Holiday Cookies for a Cookie Exchange, guaranteed to bring joy and sweetness to your Christmas season.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hosting a Holiday Cookie Exchange
Planning a cookie exchange is as much fun as the event itself! Start with the first things: setting a date and venue. Once you’ve got those details, focus on building the guest listand sharing the details to make your gathering a success.
Here’s how to get started:
Pick a Date and Venue: Choose a time that works for most guests. You can host it at home for a cozy feel, at a community center for more space, or even virtually for those who can’t meet in person.
Invite Guests: Share the concept and create an inclusive atmosphere by asking about dietary preferences or restrictions, such as vegan, gluten-free, or nut allergies.
Decide on Quantities: Set a designated number of cookies for each participant to bring. A dozen cookies per attendee is a good rule of thumb to ensure there’s plenty to share.
Encourage Recipe Sharing: Ask guests to bring printed or digital copies of their recipes so everyone can recreate their favorite treats at home.
Creating a Cozy Atmosphere for Your Cookie Exchange
Along with the cookies, don’t forget that hosting is part of the fun! Set the tone for a warm and festive gathering by creating a cozy atmosphere that invites guests to relax and enjoy themselves.
Drink Station: Set up a self-serve drink station featuring hot cocoa, coffee, and tea. Include fun toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, and candy canes to make the drinks extra special.
Light Snacks: Offer a few savory options like cheese and crackers, a veggie platter, or spiced nuts to balance out all the sweets.
Decor and Ambiance: Add seasonal touches like string lights, candles, or holiday-themed napkins and plates to elevate the vibe.
Music: Play a cheerful playlist in the background to keep the energy lively and festive.
The Rules for a Smooth Cookie Exchange
Establishing clear rules ahead of time ensures your cookie exchange runs smoothly and everyone knows what to expect. With a little planning, you can create a fun and organized event where all participants can share and enjoy treats stress-free. These three simple guidelines will help set the stage for a successful and delicious gathering!
Bring Enough Cookies:
Everyone should bring enough to share and trade (e.g., one dozen per participant).
Label Your Cookies:
Include ingredient lists for transparency, especially for dietary restrictions.
Pack for Portability:
Use eco-friendly packaging for easy transportation and gifting.
Must-Try Recipes for Your Holiday Cookie Exchange
Of course consider your favorite cookie recipes to bring, but if you are feeling stuck here are some of my favorites!
Classic Christmas Cookies
These timeless recipes are perfect for any cookie exchange party and are sure to be crowd-pleasers.
Snowballs
These buttery cookies are a family favorite and a staple of our holiday celebrations. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate powdered sugar coating, they’re as festive as they are delicious.
Perfect for a cookie exchange or enjoying at home, these timeless treats always bring a touch of nostalgia to the season.
Sweet and simple, these cookies are a favorite of mine for all holidays. Rolled into inch-sized balls and filled with jam or chocolate, they’re versatile enough to match any festive theme.
Their buttery texture and vibrant fillings make them as beautiful as they are delicious, perfect for any cookie exchange or dessert table.
Super Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Marshmallows
These semi-homemade cookies are a blog favorite for their gooey marshmallow centers and quick prep time. Perfect for busy holiday schedules, they’re a crowd-pleaser that never sacrifices flavor for simplicity.
These bars take all the flavors you love from classic peanut butter blossoms and transform them into a fun, shareable format.
With their rich peanut butter base and signature chocolate topping, they’re an easy way to recreate a favorite holiday cookie in a crowd-friendly style.
A healthy “cookie” made with minimal ingredients, super easy to make, and packed with flavor. Stuffed with nut butter and drizzled with chocolate, they taste like a Snickers bar but with a wholesome twist.
This creamy, cookie-inspired cocktail is the perfect festive drink to add to your holiday celebrations. Sweet, indulgent, and made for adults, it’s a fun way to complement your cookie exchange.
From simple ingredient swaps to boosting the nutritional value of your cookies, here’s how to make your creations shine, without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Ingredient Swaps:
Use flax eggs or aquafaba as egg substitutes, and coconut oil or vegan butter in place of dairy butter.
Sweetener Choices:
Opt for coconut sugar, maple syrup, or dates instead of refined sugar.
Nutritional Boosts:
Add chia seeds, hemp hearts, or fortified plant-based milk for extra nutrients.
Batch Testing:
Test your recipe in advance to ensure it meets taste and dietary goals.
Wrapping Up
Whether you’re hosting or participating, these tips will help you plan the perfect event that’s delicious, memorable, and enjoyable for everyone.
So, grab your favorite recipe, invite your friends, and get ready to make your next cookie swap a holiday tradition that’s as sweet as it is meaningful.
Who doesn’t love an easy, comforting bowl of instant ramen? Exactly, no one. That’s why I’ve come up with these 5 game-changing Shin Ramen hacks to elevate your favorite noodles.
These simple tweaks make Shin Ramen not only more filling but also tailored to meet your nutritional needs. In this post, I’ll walk you through five easy ways to transform instant ramen into a truly satisfying meal.
Here’s the lineup:
Veggies
Protein
Aromatic Oils
Fresh Flavors
Ramen Broth Upgrades
Each hack is simple yet delivers incredible flavor. Before we dive in, let me share a quick note on why Shin Ramen (Ramyun) is my go-to instant noodle of choice.
Shin Ramyun
Shin Ramyun is a soft and chewy noodle combined with a spicy broth creating the perfect instant ramen. Fair warning, it is a spicy broth, be warned!
The spicy flavor has beef, mushrooms, carrots, and peppers. A Nongshim product, this ramen is increasing in popularity in the US but Korea is one of the largest consumers of Shin Ramyun.
For more about my favorite ramen noodle check out Nongshim’s page all about Shin Ramyun.
Bump Up The Veggies
My favorite shin ramen hack is simple – add vegetables!
Whether it’s a scoop of kimchi, a 1/4 cup of frozen veggies, or a handful of leafy greens, veggies bring beautiful colors and flavors.
In my Vegan Kimchi Instant Ramen recipe, I add both frozen veggies and spicy kimchi. These veggies add green, red, and golden hues to my steaming bowl of noodles and broth. I love how the kimchi adds spicy-sour flavors, while the frozen veggies (peas, corn, and edamame) add buttery and sweet pops to every bite.
Pack in the Protein
Adding protein to your shin ramen bowl is a scientifically proven way to increase that feeling of satiety (or fullness). Getting sufficient protein is also critical if you do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week or are just being an active human.
Some of my favorite protein additions include:
Roasted Chicken
Baked or Stir-fried Tempeh
Baked, Stir-fried, or Silken Tofu
High-protein veggies such as edamame, peas, and beans
Another protein option you probably didn’t think of is A protein-packed noodle!
Feeding multiple people with your instant ramen recipe? Add Shin ramen and some other protein-packed noodles all in the same pot! Who says you can’t use 2 different noodles?
If you are on a high-protein diet, it does not get much easier than making instant ramen that starts with 20+ of protein per package. Immi Instant Ramen is 100% plant-based and packed with protein.
They have yummy flavors such as Black Garlic “Chicken”, Tom Yum “Shrimp”, and Spicy “Beef”. My favorite flavor is the Tom Yum (Shrimp).
Add Aromatic Oils
Aromatic oil is the finishing oil one might drizzle over hot broth and ramen noodles. The definition of Aromatic oil is an oil that has been cooked with other ingredients and thus takes on those flavors.
Examples of aromatic oils:
Garlic oil
Chili oil
I also like to use toasted sesame oil. While this technically is not an “aromatic oil” it is loaded with a lovely and nutty sesame flavor and is an easy addition to any instant ramen bowl.
Include Fresh Flavors
Now that you have added your aromatic oils, it is time to think about some other aromatics and flavors.
Try adding the following fresh flavors to your instant noodles:
Fresh herbs & scallions
Nori
Soy sauce & fish sauce
Rice wine vinegar
Peanut butter
Ginger
Citrus
Kimchi & pickled vegetables
Follow your taste buds and you can’t go wrong.
Bonus flavors: Add a little Kewpie mayo or cheese to your ramen bowl. This shin ramen hack makes super creamy ramen bowls.
The Last Shin Ramen Hack – Ditch the Seasoning Packet
I saved this upgrade for last because, in all honestly, sometimes I do opt for the seasoning packet added to the water. Hey, it’s tasty! Usually, I’ll only use a portion of it and add some other little additions of my own.
Below are some examples of broths you might make for your quick and easy at-home ramen.
Veggie scraps broth – boiling then straining veggie scraps from your freezer or another meal/dish
Homemade Chicken broth – using the carcass of a rotisserie chicken with some veggies such as onions, carrots and celery
And to doctor up store-bought veggie or chicken broth I might:
Add some miso paste to your instant ramen.
You can use broth from a box or bouillon, and some grocers even have ramen soup broth ready to go in a box, like this Organic Ramen Broth from Imagine.
Drop in some peanut and fish sauce for some Thai-inspired slurping.
Plop some curry paste and coconut milk for a coconut curry broth.
More on Ramen Broth
You can even make a Traditional Japanese Cuisine Ramen Broth. Note that this is a time-consuming process but also a work of art. There are different classifications of broth, Shio (salt) Shoyu (soy sauce), miso (fermented bean paste), and tonkotsu (pork).
For a basic (not traditional) yet quick broth, you can use some chicken or vegetable stock with some garlic, onion, and ginger powder, perhaps a little soy sauce, maybe some peanut butter, or even some chili peppers or hot sauce. You can get creative here.
