I was recently asked (along with a few others) to make some goodies for the church’s youth group New Year’s Eve party. Typically, I would make some form of cookie or brownies. I once made these Nutella brownies that had requests and paid offers for months after. Always something with chocolate. I loved chocolate as a teenager! Still do as an adult…

This year, I decided to raid the pantry/freezer for inspiration, challenge, and frugality. One is always getting edible goodies during the holidays. Always. We were recently gifted with a stash of of delicious toffee pretzels from World Market, all manner of candies, and mixed nuts. In my freezer, I still had a handful of gingerbread cookie dough balls. I rolled the cookies in vanilla sugar prior to baking and in the platter they went!

I brainstormed what to do with the pretzels and candies and nuts. I remembered seeing on Pinterest, a recipe for simple “turtle” treats. I made a batch of the simple turtles, but the second batch I switched out the pecans for M&Ms! In all, I think it took me about 20min start-to-finish per batch.

First, preheat your oven to 250° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Silicone baking mats are amazing because they not only save your baking sheets, but save you money from constantly buy parchment paper or foil to line your baking sheets. Sur La Table makes a good one for under $20! They’re pretty handy!

Next, you’ll lay down pretzels (plain is fine if you don’t have toffee) in rows. I managed to get 7 rows of 5 on mine. Top each pretzel with one naked Rolo candy. Place the pan carefully in the oven and bake for 4min. As soon as you pull the pan out, nestle a pecan half or M&M in the center and gently push to fill the pretzel crannies with the gooey chocolate. Pop the pan in the freezer for 10min to firm up. I cradled the cookies with the “turtles” and that’s it!

All of the goodies look and taste indulgent. I really hope the teenagers not only have a great time, but enjoy them as much as I enjoyed making them! What are some of your favorite treats you remember enjoying as a teenager?