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Rocket Fuel New Years Eve

Featured in: Soft & Sweet Bakes

These bite-sized treats combine salted pretzel rounds with a creamy honey-infused cheese base, topped with roasted pecans, chopped cranberries, and diced jalapeño for a vibrant mix of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. A sprinkle of smoked paprika and fresh chives adds depth, while an optional drizzle of hot honey and fresh microgreens bring a festive spark. Quick to prepare, these appetizers offer a balanced contrast of textures and tastes ideal for holiday gatherings or casual snacking.

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Updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:32:00 GMT
Rocket Fuel New Year's Eve Treats: sweet cream cheese base topped with pecans and spicy jalapeño. Save
Rocket Fuel New Year's Eve Treats: sweet cream cheese base topped with pecans and spicy jalapeño. | ivorycrumb.com

Irresistible bite-sized treats with a sweet, salty, and spicy kick—perfect for ringing in the New Year with a festive spark.

These treats quickly became a party favorite at our New Year gathering and vanished within minutes.

Ingredients

  • Base: 24 salted pretzel rounds or mini crackers, 120 g (4 oz) cream cheese softened, 2 tbsp honey
  • Topping: 24 roasted pecan halves, 2 tbsp dried cranberries finely chopped, 1 small jalapeño finely diced (seeds removed for less heat), 1 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, Flaky sea salt to taste
  • Garnish: 1 tbsp hot honey optional for drizzling, Fresh microgreens or parsley optional

Instructions

Step 1:
In a small bowl blend cream cheese and honey until smooth and fluffy.
Step 2:
Lay out pretzel rounds or crackers on a serving platter.
Step 3:
Spread a generous teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture onto each base.
Step 4:
Top each with a roasted pecan half a sprinkle of chopped cranberries and a pinch of diced jalapeño.
Step 5:
Sprinkle with smoked paprika chives and a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt.
Step 6:
For extra heat and shine lightly drizzle with hot honey.
Step 7:
Garnish with microgreens or parsley if desired.
Step 8:
Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving.
Festive Rocket Fuel New Year's Eve Treats gleaming with drizzled hot honey and fresh herbs for the celebration. Save
Festive Rocket Fuel New Year's Eve Treats gleaming with drizzled hot honey and fresh herbs for the celebration. | ivorycrumb.com

My family loves sharing these treats during our holiday parties it always brings joy and a festive mood.

Notes

Pairs well with sparkling wine or festive punch.

Required Tools

Mixing bowl Spatula or spoon Small knife and cutting board Serving platter

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (cream cheese) and nuts (pecans). May contain gluten (pretzels crackers). Check all packaged ingredients for allergens.

Savory and sweet Rocket Fuel New Year's Eve Treats—each bite a burst of holiday flavors and textures. Save
Savory and sweet Rocket Fuel New Year's Eve Treats—each bite a burst of holiday flavors and textures. | ivorycrumb.com

Enjoy these festive treats perfect for any celebration or snack time.

Recipe FAQs

→ What can I substitute for pecans?

Roasted chickpeas or crunchy pumpkin seeds make great nut-free alternatives without sacrificing texture.

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

Remove jalapeño seeds for milder heat or reduce the amount of diced jalapeño used.

→ Can these treats be prepared in advance?

Yes, they can be assembled and chilled briefly before serving for optimal freshness.

→ What pairs well with these snacks?

Sparking wine or a festive punch complements the sweet, salty, and spicy flavors beautifully.

→ Is hot honey necessary for serving?

Drizzling hot honey is optional but adds extra heat and a glossy finish to the treats.

→ Are these suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes, these contain dairy and nuts but no meat, fitting vegetarian preferences.

Rocket Fuel New Years Eve

Sweet and spicy bite-sized snacks with pretzels, pecans, cream cheese, and a festive touch.

Prep time
20 min
Cook time
10 min
Total duration
30 min
Created by Nora Ellington


Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American Fusion

Makes 24 Serves

Diet details Meat-free

What You'll Need

Base

01 24 salted pretzel rounds or mini crackers
02 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
03 2 tablespoons honey

Topping

01 24 roasted pecan halves
02 2 tablespoons dried cranberries, finely chopped
03 1 small jalapeño, seeds removed and finely diced
04 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
05 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 Flaky sea salt, to taste

Garnish

01 1 tablespoon hot honey, optional for drizzling
02 Fresh microgreens or parsley, optional

Directions

Step 01

Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, blend cream cheese and honey until smooth and fluffy.

Step 02

Arrange Base: Lay salted pretzel rounds or mini crackers evenly on a serving platter.

Step 03

Spread Mixture: Apply approximately one teaspoon of cream cheese mixture onto each pretzel or cracker base.

Step 04

Add Toppings: Top each with a roasted pecan half, a sprinkling of chopped dried cranberries, and a pinch of diced jalapeño.

Step 05

Season: Sprinkle smoked paprika, fresh chives, and a light pinch of flaky sea salt over each assembled bite.

Step 06

Enhance Flavor: Optionally, drizzle hot honey over the treats to add heat and gloss.

Step 07

Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing with fresh microgreens or parsley if preferred. Serve immediately or chill briefly before presentation.

Tools needed

  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula or spoon
  • Small knife and cutting board
  • Serving platter

Allergen details

Be sure to review the ingredients for possible allergens and speak to a healthcare provider when uncertain.
  • Contains dairy and nuts; may also contain gluten depending on base used.

Nutrition info per dish

Details here are just for reference. They don't replace health or nutrition advice.
  • Calories: 65
  • Fats: 3.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Proteins: 1.5 g