The pros: Trader Joe's Tea Party is a somewhat different variety pack of teas than last year's Tasting of Ten Teas.
The cons: This does not come with its own infuser, you'll want to have one ready. This is cheaper than last year's tea gift set. Trader Joe's does not currently sell the flavors individually. Directions are a bit unclear as to how much tea to water you should be adding.
The verdict:
...The pros:Â Trader Joe's Ugly Sweater Cookie Kit make some fantastically ugly cookies. Mine are far uglier than the box (a fact I am proud of). This is fun for both kids and adults. I'm happy to see this return this season.
The cons: This is a returning seasonal find and when they are gone, they are gone for the season. Also, there was no mention of how long these would take to fully dry. There are no notes about how to contain the mess. My suggestion is to put a cookie sheet under anyone working on these to keep the sprinkles contained.
The verdict: Â ...
The holiday season is all about peppermint, and Trader Joe's knows how to embrace the festive flavors we crave. Their Peppermint Hold The Cone Mini Ice Cream Cones are a fun, bite-sized treat that brings together cool peppermint ice cream, a crunchy chocolate cone, and a festive white chocolate coating with candy cane sprinkles. These little cones are perfect for satisfying your peppermint cravings without overindulging, and they're sure to bring some holiday cheer to your dessert plate.
At $3.79 for a box of eight mini cones, these peppermint-flavored treats are a great addition to any holiday celebration or simply a cozy night at home.
Trader Joe's Peppermint Hold The Cone Mini Ice Cream Cones feature a creamy peppermint ice cream center inside a mini chocolate cone. The cone is dipped in a chocolate coating. Each bite offers a combination of cool minty ice cream, a crunchy chocolate cone, and a bit of extra sweetness from the chocolate coating.
These mini cones are perfectly portioned for a quick treat and pack plenty of holiday flavor without being overly rich. They're an easy dessert to pull out when you want something special but not too heavy.
Flavor: The peppermint ice cream is refreshing and cool, with just the right amount of mint to make it feel festive without being overpowering. The chocolate cone adds a nice richness, while the dark chocolate coating and dark chocolate cones provide extra sweetness and a little crunch. The balance of mint, chocolate, and sweetness is well-executed, making these cones a delightful holiday treat.
Texture: One of the best things about these cones is the combination of textures. The smooth and creamy peppermint ice cream contrasts beautifully with the crisp chocolate cone. The dark chocolate shell adds a satisfying snap when you bite into it, and the candy cane sprinkles bring a bit of crunch. Overall, the texture is fun and playful, making each bite a joy.
Overall: These mini cones are perfect for when you want a festive dessert that's easy to serve. They hold up well in the freezer and maintain their texture, so you can always have them on hand for a quick treat. Plus, their small size makes them ideal for portion control, and they're great for sharing at holiday gatherings.
Key ingredients include:
Peppermint Ice Cream: The cool, minty ice cream is the star of this treat, delivering that classic holiday flavor.
Chocolate Cone: Adds a nice contrast to the peppermint with its rich, slightly bitter taste.
Peppermint Cone Milkshake: Blend a couple of mini cones with milk and vanilla ice cream for a festive peppermint milkshake.
Peppermint Cone Sundae: Serve a few mini cones with a scoop of chocolate or vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a decadent holiday sundae.
Mini Cone Hot Chocolate Float: Drop a mini cone into a mug of hot chocolate and let it melt into a minty, chocolatey treat.
The following are commonly asked questions about this product:
Each box contains eight mini cones, perfect for sharing or enjoying as individual treats over a few days.
Store the cones in the freezer to keep them fresh and ready for whenever you need a quick dessert.
No, these cones contain dairy in the ice cream and white chocolate coating, making them unsuitable for a vegan diet.
And showing off the pink inside:
Trader Joe's Peppermint Hold The Cone Mini Ice Cream Cones are a fun and festive treat that brings together cool peppermint ice cream, rich chocolate cones, and crunchy candy cane sprinkles. These mini cones are perfect for the holiday season, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures in every bite. At $3.79 for a box of eight, they're an affordable way to enjoy a little holiday cheer without overindulging. Whether you're serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying one as a quick dessert, these cones are sure to bring a smile to your face. Just remember-they're only available during the holiday season, so grab a box (or two) before they're gone!
Don't forget to share your thoughts by going to the "user review" at the bottom of the box (click on the number of stars you believe this product deserves) and leave a comment below.
The pros:Â Trader Joe's Uncured Extra Thick Cut Maple and Brown Sugar Glazed Bacon is new to store shelves and did not appear to be marked as "HOL" on my receipt which might indicate this might be sticking around.
The cons:Â It's bacon and sugar. Just don't look at the nutritional info. Just don't do it. This is also just a spin on candied bacon.
The verdict: Â ...
Got a holiday sweet tooth that wants something dark and minty but still easy to snack on? Say hello to Trader Joe's Mini Dark Chocolate Mint Stars. These little festive bites promise glossy dark chocolate covering a refreshing mint filling, all sized perfectly for bite-and-bite-again snacking.
Trader Joe's Mini Dark Chocolate Mint Stars come in a festive box that practically begs you to put it out at your holiday party. Each star-shaped cookie is coated in a glossy layer of dark chocolate, then dusted with white sprinkles for that perfect snowy effect. Inside, the cookie is crisp with a hint of peppermint, making these little treats a delightful seasonal snack.
First things first: these stars are cute. Really cute. They're the perfect size for snacking. Tiny enough to pop a couple without guilt, but flavorful enough to satisfy that chocolate-mint craving.
Biting into one, you get that satisfying crunch from the cookie, followed by a rush of smooth, dark chocolate and a cool mint finish that's both refreshing and comforting. The dark chocolate is nicely balanced but not too bitter and just sweet enough to keep you reaching for another.
The sprinkle of white nonpareils on top is a fun touch, adding a tiny bit of extra texture and holiday flair. It's like they wanted to make sure these cookies looked good on a dessert table, and guess what? They nailed it.
Now, let's talk flavor. The mint is definitely present but doesn't overpower the chocolate, which I appreciate. It's a classic combo that feels familiar yet festive. Think Thin Mints but with a darker, more grown-up vibe like the cookie equivalent of putting on a holiday sweater and instantly feeling cozy.
One thing to note is that these are definitely a seasonal item, so if you fall in love, you'll need to stock up before they vanish. I've been known to stash a box or two in the freezer just in case that craving hits in July.
The following are commonly asked questions about this product:
No-they're made with wheat flour.
Yes-chocolate contains milk, so they're not dairy-free.
Nope! The dark chocolate balances the sweetness nicely.
Nope! These are only around for the holiday season, so if you love them, stock up when you see them. Or you can find them through third-party sellers on Amazon.
Trader Joe's Mini Dark Chocolate Mint Stars are the kind of holiday treat that makes you wish they sold them year-round. With their crisp cookie base, smooth dark chocolate coating, and just the right amount of mint, they're a must-buy for anyone who loves the chocolate-mint combo. Whether you're sharing them at a party or hoarding them for yourself, these stars definitely deserve a place in your shopping cart-and maybe a hidden stash in the back of the freezer.
Don't forget to share your thoughts by going to the "user review" at the bottom of the box (click on the number of stars you believe this product deserves) and leave a comment below.
