You love all things sweet during winter? So do we, and all of the best brands are delivering their seasonal goodies ahead of time, so we can enjoy the taste of the holidays while it’s still moderately warm outside. Coffee-Mate released their Christmas-inspired Dark Chocolate Peppermint creamer in late September to get ahead of the holiday rush, and Aldi just announced their lineup of Advent calendars. To top it all off, Hallmark is churning out Christmas movies as early as October 25 for those who are getting in the spirit early.
McDonald’s isn’t one to be left behind, and those golden arches are about to turn green and red for the winter. Just yesterday, we got a sneak peek at McDonald’s seasonal menu, which has a brand-new holiday latte—the first of its kind in over five years. And most importantly, Donut Sticks are back!
McDonald’s Is Bringing the Holiday Spirit with a Seasonal Menu
Christmas is the time for all things spicy and sweet, and nothing curbs that craving better than a mouthful of cinnamon cookies. Thanks to McDonald’s and courtesy of the McCafe, now you can enjoy your favorite flavors in the all-new Cinnamon Cookie Latte. The season’s best to-go cup treat comes topped with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon and can be served hot or cold. It’s available for a budget-friendly $2 if you order a small. Could it get any sweeter?
Fans of all breakfast-inspired dippers will be ecstatic to know Donut Sticks are making a comeback, too. But this time, you’ll receive a side of chocolate sauce with your order. McDonald’s Donut Sticks are crunchy and coated in cinnamon, but soft in the center, just the way doughnuts should be. You can get them by the dozen (or half dozen) during breakfast hours, though McDonald’s hasn’t established a price for these poppers just yet. We’re just happy to see our favorite breakfast item back on the menu.
Have you heard about the cinnamony Snickerdoodle McFlurry? It may be coming to a store near you.
This Menu Is Only Here for the Holidays
Sadly, Christmas doesn’t last forever, and these items will be swept away with the sleigh and reindeer before you know it. That’s why you should get into McDonald’s ASAP on November 6—the official launch date for these treats. They’re perfect for a cozy morning next to the fire while you rerun the Grinch, and we won’t blame you for going back time after time for a Cinnamon Cookie Latte and a double order of Donut Sticks. Be first in line on November 6, and don’t miss out on these specialty snacks!
Already Want to Bite into the Holidays? Try These Festive Recipes
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Candy Cane Shortbread Bars
I created these bars for my daughter, who loves peppermint. The buttery shortbread texture just melts in your mouth. It’s a hit wherever I take it. —Susan Ciuffreda, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Up next: Here's every Christmas cookie you'll ever need.
Snow Globe Keepsake Cookies
Make holiday magic! These extra-special ornaments are totally customizable—each filled with a little snowfall of edible sprinkles. Let it snow in your house with the prettiest of decorative cookie keepsakes. —Josh Rink, Food Stylist, Taste of Home magazine
These cookies are seriously incredible. Watch our video to see how they're made.
No-Bake Christmas Wreath Treats
Cornflakes take the place of traditional rice cereal in these sweet no-bake treats from our Test Kitchen. Dressed up with green food coloring and red candies, they're a fun addition to cookie platters and dessert buffets. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Christmas Morning Sweet Rolls
These make-ahead rolls have been a holiday tradition for years. The eggnog in the frosting makes them extra special on Christmas morning. —Kimberly Williams, Brownsburg, Indiana
Finnish Mulled Wine
I found this recipe stuck in the pages of my Finnish grandmother's Bible. It takes 24 hours to make. Store tightly bottled in the fridge for up to two weeks. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Touch-of-Gold Christmas Trees
You can decorate these pretty Christmas trees with other types of sprinkles if you don't have the gold dust. The filling alone makes the cookies special and so delicious! —Linda Sweet, Cornwall, New York
Spiced Rum Fruitcake
This fruitcake can be made weeks ahead and stored in the refrigerator until served. It tastes better if it sits for a while. You can substitute brazil nuts, pecans and hazelnuts if desired. —Jason Boor, Manchester, New York
My Christmas Fudge
This fudge is virtually foolproof and so creamy you won't believe it. I've searched for years for the richest fudge, and this one does it for me. You can add just about anything you like to customize it.—Barbara Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota
No-Churn Gingerbread Ice Cream
Thanksgiving or Christmas is gingerbread time! And this ice cream says it all. I've found that dark brown sugar works better than light. —Jacqueline, McComas, Paoli, Pennsylvania
Snowman Cookies
Wrap these chocolate-topped snowmen in colored tissue and place them inside holiday containers. Like real snowmen, they disappear fast! —Betty Tabb, Mifflintown, Pennsylvania
Melting Snowman
After an afternoon of sledding, kids will love to warm up with hot chocolate and these special snowman toppers. The snowmen will disappear as they sip and so will the chill on their fingers and toes! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Candy Cane Coffee Cakes
I make my festive-looking coffee cakes at Christmas and for breakfast company. My husband doesn't usually care for apricots, but he loves these. —Kelley Winship, West Rutland, Vermont
Daisy's Fruitcake
I added pecans and candied fruits to an apple cake recipe for my Texan take on traditional English fruitcake. —Daisy Corene McHorse, San Saba, Texas
Coconut Yule Trees
People say they love my coconut macaroon-like Christmas trees because they look so festive. Once decorated, these trees light up a room—just like the real thing. —Michelle Retterer, Marysville, Ohio
Chocolate, Peanut & Pretzel Toffee Crisps
My "crispers" are the ultimate combination of salty and sweet. They never last long because—trust me—they're addictive! Make the recipe the way it's written or sprinkle on any treats you like. —Jennifer Butka, Livonia, Michigan
Red Velvet Candy Cane Fudge
My favorite kind of cake, red velvet, inspired me to create this fudge. If you like, spoon the candy mixture into paper-lined mini-muffin cups instead of spreading it into a pan. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Molasses Cookies
Making these soft, chewy cookies with a rich flavor has been a family tradition since my children were small. At Christmastime, I shape the dough into gingerbread men with tasty raisin eyes and buttons. —Sue Bartlett, Berlin, Wisconsin
Peppermint Candy Cookies
Taking a cue from Star Mints, I created a buttery cookie with a holiday look. This one melts in your mouth faster than its candy cousin. —Gloria McKenzie, Panama City, Florida
Candied Fruit Cookies
These no-fuss candied fruit cookies are both nutty and fruity, so they're always a hit at holiday time. —Florence Monson, Denver, Colorado
Frosted Anise Sugar Cookies
These soft, cake-like cookies have a pleasant anise flavor that's distinct but not overpowering. I add red and green sprinkles for Christmas, but you could decorate them to suit any occasion.—Janice Eanni, Willowick, Ohio
Heavenly Drinking Chocolate
The name says it all—sipping this beverage is like drinking a heavenly blend of dark and milk chocolate. Top off each mug with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Upside-Down Fruitcake
I get tired of people bad-mouthing holiday fruitcakes. It's one of my favorite holiday flavors and I look forward to it every year. This year, I decided to combine it with everyone's favorite, upside-down cake. Try to say no to this fruitcake; I dare you! —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Christmas Gingerbread Trifle
Trifle desserts make eye-catching centerpieces. I garnish mine using candy canes and red and green M&M's. Think of the merry possibilities as a kid-friendly project. —Cheryl Tompkins, Kingsville, Missouri
Santa Claus Sugar Cookies
I've used this recipe for almost 40 years and love it because it's a little different than most. My mom always made Santa cookies, and we'd put them into little clear bags tied with ribbon to hang on the tree.—Ann Bush, Colorado City, Colorado
Very Cherry Crescent Ring
My mother used to prepare this pretty coffee cake on Christmas Eve for our family to enjoy the next morning after opening gifts. It's an easy way to add an elegant touch to a holiday breakfast or brunch. —Karen Sevensky, Hackettstown, New Jersey
Snow Angel Cookies
Get a little snow at the holidays, no matter where you are. Head to the kitchen and bake a batch of angel cookies swirled with heavenly frosting. —Carolyn Moseley, Dayton, Ohio
Chocolate-Dipped Meringue Sandwich Cookies
These light, airy morsels are twice as nice with two meringue cookies and velvety ganache in between. —Donna Pochoday-Stelmach, Morristown, New Jersey
Festive Holiday Punch
This refreshing holiday punch has a gorgeous raspberry color and tangy flavor. To complete the magic, we garnish the glasses with lime wedges. —Tahnia Fox, Trenton, Michigan
Festive Guacamole Appetizers
For ages, my brother's family and I have gotten together on Christmas Eve, and we always eat snacks while we open our presents. This Tex-Mex spin on classic appetizer pizza is one we have again and again. —Laurie Pester, Colstrip, Montana
Red Velvet Spritz Cookies
I had never come across a red velvet spritz recipe, so I decided to create one. The hint of cocoa makes these taste like red velvet cake. Add peppermint flavoring for a little extra kick. —Crystal Schlueter, Babbitt, Minnesota
Santa Deviled Eggs
I love creating special deviled eggs for parties. These little Santas are easier to make than they look, and everyone raves over them. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Gingerbread Snow Globe
I make a big batch of these gingerbreads every Christmas to give to co-workers and family. For a festive decoration, arrange cookies in a large clear jar to look like a snow globe. —Kelly Kirby, Westville, Nova Scotia
Meringue Snowballs In Custard
My family has passed down this elegant dessert generation by generation. It started with my Russian great-grandmother, who traveled to America more than 100 years ago. I love continuing the tradition with her recipe. —Tonya Burkhard, Palm Coast, Florida
Christmas Lights Cookies
What better way to brighten chilly winter days than with light-shaped cookies? My classic dough recipe has been a holiday tradition in our family for years. —Carolyn Moseley, Dayton, Ohio
Chocolate Cutout Cookies
I love gingerbread cookies, but my grandchildren don't like the ginger flavor. Now I use chocolate and watch them smile as they take that first bite. —Nancy Murphy, Oneonta, New York
Icy Holiday Punch
Pull out the punchbowl for this rosy thirst-quencher that dazzles at Christmas parties. This fun prep-ahead beverage makes any occasion a bit more special. It's delicious with apricot gelatin, too. —Margaret Matson, Metamora, Illinois
Holiday Danish Puffs
It's worth the extra effort to make this delightful candy cane-shaped dessert. Best of all, the recipe makes two pastries, so it's perfect for gift-giving. —Susan Garoutte, Georgetown, Texas
Reindeer Track Cookies
I loved finding deer tracks in snow when I was a kid. One day I was looking at coffee beans, and I realized they look like little hoof prints. That's how I came up with this fun recipe.—Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Candy Cane Chocolate Mini Loaves
Having a bunch of leftover candy canes after the holidays inspired me to use them up by adding them to a chocolate bread. Coffee and cocoa intensify the flavor. —Shelly Platten, Amherst, Wisconsin
Dipped Gingersnaps
I get tremendous satisfaction making and giving time-tested yuletide treats like these soft, chewy cookies. Dipping them in white chocolate makes much-loved gingersnaps even more special. —Laura Kimball, West Jordan, Utah
Peppermint Biscotti
Dipped in melted chocolate and rolled in crushed peppermint candy, this flavorful biscotti is a favorite. It's one of the many sweets I make for Christmas. —Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania
Gingerbread Sandwich Trees
Fun and festive, these cookie sandwich trees will be a huge hit with kids of all ages. They're a super-cute holiday treat! —Steve Foy, Kirkwood, Missouri
Eggnog Cutout Cookies
I created this cookie recipe because my sons liked eggnog so much. After frosting the cookies, you can add to their festive flair by sprinkling them with colored sugar. —Glenna Tooman, Boise, Idaho
Eggnog Cheesecake
I make good use of extra eggnog by creating this luscious cheesecake. A bit of rum extract adds a special taste. —Kristen Grula, Hazleton, Pennsylvania
Rudolph Treats
These adorable goodies are a fun treat for kids, neighbors and friends. Get the little ones involved and let them help you create a new holiday tradition. —Abigail Vandersaul, Saint Paul, Missouri
Italian Christmas Cookies
A single batch of these ricotta cheese cookies is never enough. I usually make one to give away and two more to keep at home. The ricotta cheese makes the morsels extra moist. —Doris Marshall, Strasburg, Pennsylvania
Santa Cupcakes
My kids leave out at least one cupcake for Santa on Christmas Eve. These seemed appropriate! —Sharon Skildum, Maple Grove, Minnesota
Gingerbread Men Cookies
No holiday treat platter would be complete without gingerbread man cookies! This is a tried-and-true recipe I'm happy to share with you. —Mitzi Sentiff, Annapolis, Maryland
Double Chocolate Walnut Fudge
Anyone who's fond of chocolate will like this smooth, nutty fudge twice as much. I enjoy making several batches when Christmas rolls around. It doesn't last long at our house during the December festivities! —Florence Hasty, Louisiana, Missouri
Santa Claus Cookies
Store-bought peanut butter sandwich cookies become jolly Santas with white chocolate, colored sugar, mini chips and red-hot candies. —Mary Kaufenberg, Shakopee, Minnesota
Homemade Eggnog
Once, I asked my mother how to make eggnog, and she showed me this recipe. After just one taste, folks will know this homemade holiday treat came from the kitchen, not from the store. —Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio
Triple-Chocolate Peppermint Treats
Santa is sure to stop by your house if you leave these minty chocolate cookies waiting for him. They're quick and easy for the whole family to make together. —Teresa Ralston, New Albany, Ohio
Snowman Treats
My daughter, Hannah, and I came up with this recipe on Christmas Eve when she wanted to make treats for Santa. Building a real snowman is fun, but we think coating one in candy is even cooler! —Lori Daniels, Beverly, West Virginia
Bacon Cheese Wreath
My grandmother makes this smoky bacon and Parmesan spread for parties and holiday get-togethers. For a pretty yuletide presentation, decorate you cream cheese wreath with parsley and pimientos. —Lisa Carter, Warren, Indiana
Christmas Cutouts
Making and decorating these tender sugar cookies left a lasting impression on our four children. Adults now, they've all asked for my Christmas cutouts recipe so they can bake them with their own children. —Shirley Kidd, New London, Minnesota
Holiday Eggnog Pie
I created this holiday pie one day when trying to use up a few things I had on hand. Everyone loved it! With pumpkin pie spice and eggnog, this creamy, dreamy pie has fantastic flavor. —Shirley Darger, Colorado City, Arizona
Homemade Christmas Jam
A few years ago, I hit upon the idea of presenting family and friends with baskets of homemade jam as gifts. With cherries, cinnamon and cloves, this smells and tastes like Christmas! —Marilyn Reineman, Stockton, California
Peanut Butter Christmas Mice
With their black licorice tails, candy noses and peanut ears, these chewy "mice" were always a hit at classroom parties. My children are in their teens now, but they still ask me to make these cookies for the holidays. —Nancy Rowse, Bella Vista, Arkansas
Roly-Poly Santas
I tuck one of these fanciful Santas into every gift cookie tray I make. They're a guaranteed hit with kids—young and old. And I like that they're not too difficult to assemble. —Andrew Syer, Oak Ridge, Missouri
Christmas Village Houses
Bring some holiday magic to your home with these cute gingerbread creations. The edible establishments are so easy to assemble and decorate with candies that your little elves can join in the fun. Serve them as a sweet snack or use to decorate a buffet table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Caramel Pecan Rolls
Soft and sweet, these rolls will get a lip-smacking smile from everyone. They rise nice and high, hold their shape and have a gooey caramel sauce that's scrumptious. There's no better way to start the day! —Carolyn Buschkamp, Emmetsburg, Iowa
Gingerbread Snowflakes
Cutting my favorite gingerbread cookie dough into snowflake shapes and decorating them with white icing was ideal for my theme get-together. I save these crunchy treats to enjoy on the way home from our Christmas tree outing. —Shelly Rynearson, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Holiday Snow Globe Cake
I can change up the decorations on this cake depending on the holiday—or birthday. My daughter loves this Christmas version. —Marie Louise Ludwig, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Mocha Yule Log
This eye-catching dessert is guaranteed to delight holiday dinner guests. Chocolate lovers will lick their lips over the yummy cocoa cake, mocha filling and frosting. For a festive touch, I garnish the log with marzipan holly leaves and berries. —Jenny Hughson, Mitchell, Nebraska
Maple Hot Chocolate
When I first developed this version of hot chocolate, my husband was quite skeptical. But after one taste, his doubts were erased. It really hits the spot on a chilly morning, especially when served with cinnamon rolls or doughnuts. —Darlene Miller, Linn, Missouri
Holiday Cornflake Cookies
I can't seem to make enough of these cornflake wreaths around the holidays. The cookies firm up quickly, so you'll need to place the Red Hots right away. —Kathleen Hedger, Fairview Heights, Illinois
White Christmas Cake
"Wow!" is the reaction from family and guests when they see and taste this lovely three-layer beauty. White chocolate, coconut and pecans make it so delicious. You can bake the cake layers in advance and freeze them. Then assemble and decorate the cake the day of the party. —Nancy Reichert, Thomasville, Georgia
Pecan Cutout Cookies
My husband's grandmother made these buttery cookies using a star cutter. I've never tasted a cookie quite like it, so nutty and flavorful. —Louise Reisler, Bonduel, Wisconsin
Double Whammy Eggnog Cookies
These cookies are an amazing way to use extra eggnog. They've become a new family classic. — Teresa Morris, Laurel, Delaware
Raspberry Red Bakewell Tart
I fell for the Bakewell tart, a British dessert, while stationed in Dubai with the Navy. Jam with almond filling is traditional, but red velvet makes this a holiday dazzler. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Holly Berry Cookies
What would Christmas be without overflowing tins of cookies? These festive filled cookies are the all time favorites of my family. Back when our children were small, we began baking them the day after Halloween and put them away in the freezer. —Audrey Thibodeau, Gilbert, Arizona
Eggnog Cranberry Pie
Here's an elegant pie that says “holiday” in every bite. The tart cranberries contrast nicely with the rich eggnog layer. It's a repeat dessert at our house. —Ruth White, Bedford, Ohio
Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Mix
We make batches of this minty, malted milk-flavored hot chocolate to give as gifts. Be prepared—friends will return the jars for refills! —Sara Tatham, Plymouth, New Hampshire
Carrot Fruitcake
Even those who don't care for fruitcake love this special holiday dessert. It's a fun way to "dress up" that old favorite, carrot cake. Try it—your friends and family will agree. —Ann Parden, Chunchula, Alabama
Holiday Sugar Cookies
Katie Koziolek of Hartland, Minnesota adds a hint of lemon to these delightful sugar cookies. For make-ahead convenience, freeze the dough up to three months, then thaw in the fridge before baking and decorating them. —Katie Koziolek, Hartland, Minnesota
Banana Nog
During my family's annual cookie exchange, we ran out of our beloved eggnog...much to everyone's horror! So into the kitchen I went to create this cool, creamy treat. —Jennae LeFebvre, Aurora, Illinois
White Chocolate Christmas Torte
Talk about a scene-stealer! This raspberry-filled cake, an exceptional dessert for any meal, is an especially lovely ending for a holiday feast. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Chocolate-Dipped Candy Canes
I couldn't resist combining my two loves—peppermint and chocolate—in this recipe. These are so easy, but if one breaks in the process, just pop it in your mouth. —Sandra Baumgarten, Vancouver, Washington
Lime Christmas Tea Cookies
Brighten your holiday cookie tray with these tangy frosted fir tree that are flecked with pistachios and flavored with lime juice and vanilla. The festive treats are almost too pretty to eat! —Mary Ann Taday, East Lyme, Connecticut
Calypso Cups
These cup-shaped cookies go over great at any occasion. I like to tint the frosting to coordinate with the event. —Lorraine Kaczmarek, Steubenville, Ohio
Hot Chocolate Cake Balls
Serve these chocolaty delights and everyone will know yours isn't an ordinary holiday party. The little cakes are festive, fun and yummy. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Holiday Cutout Cookies
The only limit to these fun cutouts is your cookie cutter collection and your imagination! If you prefer crisp cookies, sprinkle with colored sugar before baking and skip the frosting. My family loves these easy holiday cookies! —Anne Grisham, Henderson, Nevada
Snowman Christmas Cookies
Get the kids in on the action when you make these cheesecakey cookies—just roll away. The snowmen look adorable on a cookie tray. —Cathy Medley, Clyde, Ohio
Peppermint Crunch Christmas Cookies
Several years ago, I took a basic shortbread recipe and turned it into a much more festive Christmas cookie. These gems are now a family favorite and a must-have during the holidays. —Heather Carter, Wasilla, Alaska
Christmas Star Twisted Bread
Swirled with jam, this sweet beauty may look tricky, but it’s not. The best part is opening the oven to find this freshly baked star bread in all its glory. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Callahan Christmas Wreaths
When my family asked for good old Norwegian wreath cookies, I studied several recipes for ideas, then added my own special touches. — Cassidy Callahan, Fitchburg, Massachusetts
Meringue Santa Hats
My grandkids love it when I make meringues shaped like Santa hats. If they are here, they love to help—they like to put red glitter on the meringue and take such pride in knowing they have helped Grandma.—Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Snow Punch
As pretty as a fresh snowdrift, this frothy, fruity punch has been a Christmas tradition in our family for years - but it's a light and refreshing thirst-quencher in any season. —Eloise Neeley, Norton, Ohio
Snowman Cutouts
As the song goes, "Frosty the snowman was a jolly, happy soul," and you will be, too, when you whip up this easy recipe! Kids of all ages will love rolling out the dough and mixing and matching pieces to make their very own snowman. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Christmas Cranberry Punch
Every year, my grandma made her zingy punch for our Christmas Eve feast. —Helen Roland, Miami, Florida
Christmas Crunch Candy
Treat family and friends to a yummy brittle for the holidays. Made with cashews and Rice Krispies, it's loaded with crispy-crunchy goodness. —Amanda McLemore, Maryville, Tennessee
Gingerbread Cutout Christmas Cookies
Turn your cookie platter into a winter wonderland. One classic gingerbread boy cookie cutter can make a big batch of Christmas characters. —Donna Sasser Hinds, Milwaukie, Oregon
Triple Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
This dazzling cookie showcases one of my family's favorite flavors, peppermint. It's always one of the first to disappear from the cookie tray. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California
Christmas Jam
I have a passion for cooking, and it's probably my grandmother I can thank for it. She was a marvelous cook who could really stretch a food dollar. —Jo Talvacchia, Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey
Peppermint Twist Kisses
As rosy as Santa's cheeks, these merry morsels with chocolate kisses on top are a delightful yuletide favorite and one of my most-requested recipes. —Traci Wynne, Denver, Pennsylvania
The post McDonald’s Is Bringing Back Donut Sticks for the Holidays appeared first on Taste of Home.
Laurie Dixon