3 Delicious Honey-Sweetened Recipes for a Cozy Christmas

Here are three honey-sweetened recipes that bring all the holiday cheer without relying on refined sugar. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing!

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🧀 1. Savory Honey–Cheddar Holiday Scones

These tender, flaky scones combine Vermont sharp cheddar with a hint of honey for a sweet-savory balance that pairs perfectly with soups, holiday brunch boards, or a warm mug of mulled cider.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1 cup grated Sugarbush Farm sharp sharp cheddar cheese

• 2 tbsp Champlain Valley honey

• ¾ cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)

• Optional: 1–2 tbsp finely chopped rosemary or thyme

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. Cut butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Stir in grated cheddar (and herbs if using).

5. In a separate bowl, whisk honey into the cream until dissolved.

6. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix just until a soft dough forms.

7. Turn dough onto a floured surface, pat into a circle about 1 inch thick, and cut into 8 wedges.

8. Transfer to baking sheet, brush tops with a bit of cream, and bake 14–16 minutes until golden.

Serve warm with a drizzle of honey for a beautiful holiday table centerpiece.

⭐ 2. Honey–Maple Roasted Holiday Nuts (Vermont Style)

Sweet, glossy, and perfectly spiced, these nuts combine honey and pure Vermont maple syrup for an irresistible holiday snack or homemade gift. Pack it in jars with ribbons for the most delicious DIY holiday gift!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts, cashews)

• 3 tbsp Champlain Valley honey

• 3 tbsp Breadloaf Farm maple syrup

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp sea salt

• Optional: pinch of cayenne for a warm, festive kick

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.

2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the honey and maple syrup until smooth and blended.

3. Add cinnamon, sea salt, and cayenne if you want a little heat.

4. Pour the mixture over the nuts in a large bowl and toss until everything is evenly coated.

5. Spread nuts in a single layer on the baking sheet.

6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until shiny and fragrant.

7. Let the nuts cool completely so the coating can set into a sweet, crunchy glaze.

Package in jars or tins for a beautiful Vermont-inspired holiday gift — or keep them for snacking by the fire!

🎄 3. Honey-Ginger Christmas Cookies

These soft, warmly spiced cookies are a wholesome twist on classic gingerbread. Honey gives them a tender texture and rich, caramel-like sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 ½ tsp ground ginger

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp nutmeg

• ½ cup butter, softened

• ½ cup Champlain Valley honey

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.

3. In a separate bowl, beat butter and honey until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla.

4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.

5. Roll into balls, place on a baking sheet, and gently flatten. Or, roll out flat and get creative with cookie cutters!

6. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until lightly golden around the edges.

7. Let cool and enjoy with a hot cup of spiced tea or cocoa.

These cookies make excellent edible gifts wrapped in parchment and twine!

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