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Trader Joe's Mini Cheesecake Cones Review: No Forks Required

Dessert dreams come in small packages. Trader Joe's Mini Cheesecake Cones bring together creamy cheesecake filling and crunchy cone in a fun handheld treat. They somehow look like they're ready for a party, and they practically taste like they should be. But do they deliver dessert-worthy deliciousness or just sweet bites that leave you wanting more.

An unopened box of Trader Joe's Mini Cheesecake Cones
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Review

These mini cones come in a frozen box of 10. Each one features a crunchy wafer cone filled with a smooth tangy cheesecake center. They thaw on the counter for about 15 minutes before they're ready for snacking. They're freezer friendly and perfect for everyday dessert, little celebrations, or sharing (or not).

First the good news. They are adorable. Tiny cones stuffed with cheesecake stand for that perfect mix of presentation and portion control.

The cone stays crisp even after thawing which is a big win. It gives that satisfying crunch before your tongue hits the dreamy cheesecake filling.

This three bite snack strikes a nice balance between creamy tangy cheesecake vibes and a sweet, sturdy cone. The flavor is reminiscent of a light lemon cream cheese with just the right zip to feel indulgent without overdoing it.

I didn't miss nuts or chocolate chunks. These are purist cheesecake bites made to enjoy plain or jazzed up however you like.

I only wish the filling could have been piped with a little more flair. It's smooth and creamy but straightforward: no swirl or dollop. Not a deal breaker but worth noting.

Overall I was pleasantly surprised. For under five bucks you get ten individually sized treats that feel fresh from a bakery window. Ideal for those times you want dessert but not a fork.

Nutritional facts, calories, and ingredients in Trader Joe's Mini Cheesecake Cones

How to Serve

  1. Thaw on the counter for about 15 minutes
  2. Serve on a pretty plate for instant dessert presentation
  3. Pair with berries or a drizzle of caramel for extra flair

Creative Uses

  • Garnish with fresh mint or a raspberry to dress them up
  • Crumble one over vanilla ice cream for bonus texture
  • Top with chocolate sauce or cookie crumbles for DIY cheesecake bars
An open box of Trader Joe's Mini Cheesecake Cones showing what one cone looks like

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe's Mini Cheesecake Cones are snackable dessert perfection, but you'll have to like sweet. Creamy cheesecake meets crunchy cone in a cute handheld treat that feels bakery-worthy but is freezer-ready. Small presentation, no fuss, and delicious results. This is a freezer aisle gem worth keeping on hand for those moments you crave dessert without complication.

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Trader Joe's Italian Strawberries in Syrup

Back in the holiday season of 2017, Trader Joe's hit us with a sleeper hit: Pitted Amarena Cherries. It didn't make waves, but you can bet it made everything from Manhattans to ice cream sundaes better. Now Trader Joe's has snuck another little treat onto shelves: Trader Joe's Italian Strawberries in Syrup.

An unopened jar of Trader Joe's Italian Strawberries in Syrup

Taste

Now, if you are used to the huge and mostly tasteless run-of-the-mill strawberries we have here in the states, then you'll want to check your expectations of these strawberries when you pop open this jar. You are going to be staring at some of the smallest but most intense berries you'll experience short of making a trip overseas.

When my sister visited Europe, she always commented on how different the food tastes there, especially the produce. I always thought it was the high of being on vacation where everything just happens to taste better because of being away.

Pop open this jar and you will have the most intense strawberry experience possible. But these are some teeny tiny strawberries. I opened the jar expecting them to be cherry-sized, but in reality, they were closer to wild blueberry size.

Now if you are concerned about them having some type of gross texture, these are not at all mushy. However because they are so small, they do have a bit of a chewy texture to them.

Pairing suggestions

So what can you use this for? Well, the possibilities here are pretty endless. But ice cream, pound cake, or the most intense strawberry milk you can make at home are all starting points. They would probably be fabulous in baked goods provided you drained them (and don't discard that syrup) first.

Overall

For $4.99 these are marked as a seasonal item on my receipt. So if you find you love them, it is time to stock up. Because once the season is over, who knows when or if we will ever see these again.

Did you try it?  Let me know what you think in the comments section!

Visual rundown

The jar of Trader Joe's Italian Strawberries in Syrup:

An unopened jar of Trader Joe's Italian Strawberries in Syrup

Calories and ingredients

Nutritional facts and ingredients

How Trader Joe's describes this:

How Trader Joe's Italian Strawberries in Syrup is described on the packaging

Out of the package you get:

Trader Joe's Italian Strawberries in Syrup with a bowl of vanilla ice cream

Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.

The Bottom Line

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.

You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest to see what I'm up to.

Candy Cane Martini

If you are looking to get into the holiday spirit with some spirits, then try my Candy Cane Martini recipe. It's smooth and delicious. Perfect for the holidays as a treat to bring some cheer.

Two finished candy cane martinis next to chopped up peppermint pieces

I love a festive drink. There is something so awesome about the holidays that makes me believe it is the best food and dishes around.

This cocktail is perfect to enjoy by yourself or as part of a holiday party or Christmas party. Or if you are feeling like peppermint in the middle of summer like celebrating Christmas in July. Totally up to you.

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Tips for Making This

Here are my best tips for making this recipe:

  • Always use high-quality ice to make any cocktail
  • If you don't have vanilla vodka, then plain or flavored vodka like whipped or peppermint will work.
  • If you use peppermint vodka, then cut back on the peppermint schnapps.
  • Creme de menthe will work in place of peppermint schnapps, but it will be green. I'd eliminate the grenadine in order to keep the color pretty.

Watch Me Make This (41 Seconds)

Variations of this Cocktail

You can modify this recipe in the following ways:

  • If you are looking for mocktail, then use half and half, a scoop of ice cream, and a drop of peppermint extract
  • You can use clear creme de cacao or white chocolate liqueur for a slight flavor variation.
  • If you only have green creme de menthe then skip the grenadine as it will become an unpleasant color
  • You can also skip the grenadine if you find it too sweet.
  • A candy cane hanging off the rim makes for a great garnish or you could rim this in crushed peppermint.

How to Make a Candy Cane Martini

Step 1: Add vanilla vodka, creme de cacao, and peppermint schnapps to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake.

Collage showing the addition of vanilla vodka, creme de cacao, and peppermint schnapps to a cocktail shaker

Step 2: Add half and half and swirl in.

A collage showing the mixing of the half and half into the alcoholic mixture

Step 3: Add grenadine to the bottom of a martini glass as a swirl to give this a candy cane vibe. The thicker the grenadine the more impressive this looks.

Step 4: Strain and pour into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with crushed candy cane bits on top. Serve immediately and enjoy responsibly.

Two finished Candy Cane Martinis

Other Holiday Recipes You Might Enjoy

Grasshopper Cocktail

Holly Jolly Peppermint Martini

I hope you enjoy this Candy Cane Martini recipe!

If you try this, would you mind hitting the "Rate" button? I'd love to know what you thought of it. If you modified the original recipe here, please let me know how it turned out. I love comments!

If you've tried this recipe or any other recipe on the blog, I'd love the hear what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest to see what I'm up to.

Two finished Candy Cane Martinis
Print Recipe
5 from 3 votes

Candy Cane Martini

If you are looking to get into the holiday spirit with some spirits, then try my Candy Cane Martini recipe. It's smooth and delicious. Perfect for the holidays as a treat to bring some cheer.
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Dessert, Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: candy cane martini
Servings: 1
Calories: 324kcal
Author: Brenda

Equipment

  • Martini Glasses
  • Boston Shaker
  • Cocktail Strainer

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce Vanilla Vodka
  • 1 ounce Creme de Cacao
  • 1 ounce Peppermint Schnapps
  • 1 ounce half and half
  • .25 ounce grenadine
  • crushed candy cane optional garnish

Instructions

  • In a cocktail shaker filled with ice add vanilla vodka, creme de cacao, and peppermint schnapps. Shake until very cold. About 20-30 seconds.
  • Add half and half. Swirl to combine.
  • In a chilled martini glass pour grenadine into the bottom and swirl around the edges.
  • Strain and pour Candy Cane Martini into glass.
  • Sip and enjoy responsibly.

Video

Notes

Here are my best tips for making this recipe:
  • Always use high quality ice to make any cocktail
  • If you don't have vanilla vodka, then plain, whipped vodka or peppermint vodka will work.
  • If you use peppermint vodka, then cut back on the peppermint schnapps.
  • Creme de menthe will work in place of peppermint schnapps, but it will be green. I'd eliminate the grenadine in order to keep the color pretty.

Nutrition

Calories: 324kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 14mg | Potassium: 37mg | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 100IU | Calcium: 30mg

Trader Joe's Hot Cocoa Snowman

There is more than meets the eye if you buy Trader Joe's Hot Cocoa Snowman. There is the initial "what a cute idea." But in reality, this is actually a pretty nice copy of an item that made Oprah's Favorite Things list in 2018.

Trader Joe's Hot Cocoa Snowman

Review & taste

The item I am referring to is Kate Weiser Chocolate Carl the Drinking Chocolate Snowman. It's a product that I haven't tried and will likely not try.

It is absolutely stunning to look at. It is the work of a true chocolatier. Now granted that snowman weighs in at 7 ounces, while this one from Trader Joe's is well under half the size at just 2.65 ounces.

It doesn't quite share the same craftmanship and artistry either.

One is meant to be drinking chocolate, while this is hot cocoa.

But this Trader Joe's Snowman won't lighten your wallet of $38.

You read that correctly. That's not a typo. That's how much that Favorite Things Snowman Goes For.

So consider this a steal at just $1.99. I just wish there were the option for a peppermint-flavored snowman as well.

So while there will be absolutely no taste comparisons between the two, I just wanted the concept to be noted as a very similar item minus the price tag.

And what this will save you in your wallet, it will also add to your waistline. Without milk, this itty bitty snowman is over 400 calories. So, if you are working on your winter bod, then consider this a treat.

But if you are like me and watching certain things melt does bring some joy to your heart then you'll have fun if nothing else with this item.

The premise is very simple here. Hot milk (of your choice), add the snowman and watch him melt into your pool of hot chocolate.

In case you were wondering what it was like to watch a snowman's demise, here is what mine was like, then here you go:

The taste of the hot chocolate was pretty much everything I expected, it was quite sweet, so I'd almost say split this with someone. And consider maybe adding some more hot milk to make it more balanced. I only drank about half of it before stopping.

But it is more chocolatey than  Swiss Miss, but I was wishing for a more dark chocolate flavor. I'm also wishing for a peppermint one for next year. But know if you buy this, it is all about the experience. These are adorable and a blast to watch.

But I have to admit, it was as fun as anything to watch it melt. The fact that this snowman blew bubbles into his pool of milk made me giggle.

Overall

Would I buy this again? I think kids would get a kick out of Trader Joe's Hot Cocoa Snowman, but as an adult, the end result was very sweet. But for $1.99 this is really fun to try.

Did you try it?  Let me know what you think in the comments section!

Product Photos

The box of Trader Joe's Hot Cocoa Snowman:

An unopened package of Trader Joe's Hot Cocoa Snowman

Calories

Nutritional facts and calories in Trader Joe's Hot Cocoa Snowman

Ingredients

Ingredient list in Trader Joe's Hot Cocoa Snowman

How Trader Joe's describes this product:

Description of Trader Joe's Hot Cocoa Snowman

Instructions

Directions for using Trader Joe's Hot Cocoa Snowman

After being melted in some warm milk you get (yes I bought an extra one):

Trader Joe's Hot Cocoa Snowman in box and melted into hot chocolate

Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.

The Bottom Line

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.

You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest to see what I'm up to.

Trader Joe's Cookie Trio Set

'Twas a day or two before Thanksgiving and all through my house, was a lady scrambling to make a lot of stuff. Maybe you felt the same way too. Tuesday night was filled with making goodies for potlucks at work. Wednesday night was filled with making things for Thanksgiving.

The three tins of Trader Joe's Cookie Mix Trio

Early observations about the directions

To make my life easier, I picked up this brand new cookie set from Trader Joe's. Three separate tins, three separate flavors of cookies. Now, by no means does this mean you need to make all three in one sitting. But I figured with a class of hungry teenagers, the cookies will either sit there or be demolished within minutes.

I'm happy to report, that there were no leftover cookies from this set. And yes, I made all three in one evening.

Now, there is one minor problem with making all three of these: all three recipes require the oven to be at 3 different temperatures. So, I started with the triple chocolate cookies which required the oven to be at 325F and went in order until I reached the cinnadoodle cookies which required the oven to be at 375F.

But truth be told, by the time the next batch went into the oven, the oven had adjusted in time. So no deal-breaker on that point.

Review

So here is a quick guide on each of these flavors:

These were my favorite out of the bunch. However, the dough seemed more crumbly than tacky. And using a cookie scoop I only got about 12 cookies rather than the 18. Nonetheless, they came out really well,

Toffee Oat Cookies

These were a pretty solid oatmeal cookies with little toffee chips in them. This mix I was able to get the 18 cookies out of the mix. The time in the oven led to soft cookies, but if you prefer crispy cookies, I'd leave them in a bit longer.

Cinnadoodle Cookies

Yes, there are basically just snickerdoodle cookies. I'm not sure why they deviated from the name. But regardless, I only got 12 cookies out of this mix as well. These spread a lot more than expected. These need time to cool on the cookie sheet before being moved to a cooling rack as they were very soft.

Overall

But overall, this was a solid set. They are well packaged making them a great gift idea. The set is priced at $8.99. Not cheap, like the way you'd get a boxed mix or three on sale. But as a nice gift set or something to make in a pre-holiday panic, it is a pretty solid set.

Now, if you looking at this and saying "Oh look three separate tins. I'll give those as three separate gifts." You are out of luck. There is one single lid here.

Would I buy this again? I would consider buying Trader Joe's Cookie Trio Set again next season as well.

Did you try it?  Let me know what you think in the comments section!

Product Photos

The container of Trader Joe's Cookie Mix Trio:

The three tins of Trader Joe's Cookie Mix Trio

Calories and ingredients

Nutritional facts, calories, and ingredients in each of the Trader Joe's Cookie Mix Trio

Directions

Directions and ingredients need to make each of the Trader Joe's Cookie Mix Trio

After being baked, you get (sorry about the cell phone picture. I was tired when this all was done):

Three of Trader Joe's Cookie Trio Set fully baked and with comments on each.

Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.

The Bottom Line

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.

You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest to see what I'm up to.