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Rocket Fuel New Years Eve

Featured in: Sweet Golden Treats

These bite-sized treats combine a crunchy base with a smooth, sweetened cheese layer topped with roasted pecans, dried cranberries, and a hint of jalapeño heat. A smoky paprika and fresh herbs enhance every bite, with optional hot honey drizzles adding extra warmth and sweetness. Quick to prepare and perfect for holiday celebrations, these savory bites balance flavors and textures to delight any gathering.

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Updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 13:10:00 GMT
Rocket Fuel New Years Eve Treats topped with pecans and jalapeño, a delicious New Year's appetizer. Save
Rocket Fuel New Years Eve Treats topped with pecans and jalapeño, a delicious New Year's appetizer. | amberladle.com

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

This recipe brings a great balance of flavors that my friends and family enjoy every New Years Eve.

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.
Perfectly plated Rocket Fuel New Years Eve Treats, showcasing the sweet and spicy flavors for the celebration. Save
Perfectly plated Rocket Fuel New Years Eve Treats, showcasing the sweet and spicy flavors for the celebration. | amberladle.com

This recipe has become a favorite moment as we prepare to celebrate the New Year together.

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

Close-up of savory Rocket Fuel New Years Eve Treats, garnished with chives, ready to serve as a snack. Save
Close-up of savory Rocket Fuel New Years Eve Treats, garnished with chives, ready to serve as a snack. | amberladle.com

These treats take just minutes to assemble yet deliver bold festive flavors sure to impress.

Recipe FAQs

→ What is the base for these treats?

Salted pretzel rounds or mini crackers provide a crunchy foundation for the toppings.

→ Can the heat level be adjusted?

Yes, by removing jalapeño seeds or reducing the amount used, you can control spiciness to suit your taste.

→ Are there nut-free alternatives?

Roasted chickpeas or crunchy pumpkin seeds can replace pecans for a nut-free option.

→ What enhances the flavor profile?

Smoked paprika, fresh chives, and optional hot honey drizzle add smoky, herbal, and sweet-spicy notes.

→ How should these treats be served?

Serve immediately or chill briefly; they pair well with sparkling wine or festive beverages.

Rocket Fuel New Years Eve

Sweet, salty, and spicy snacks featuring creamy cheese, pecans, and jalapeño for festive occasions.

Prep time
20 min
Cook time
10 min
Overall time
30 min
Created by Rachel Hayes


Skill required Easy

Cuisine American Fusion

Makes 24 Serving size

Diet preferences Meat-free

What you 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, finely diced, seeds removed
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

How to make it

Step 01

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

Step 02

Arrange base: Place pretzel rounds or crackers evenly on a serving platter.

Step 03

Add cream cheese topping: Spread approximately one teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture onto each base.

Step 04

Apply toppings: Top each with one roasted pecan half, a sprinkle of chopped cranberries, and a pinch of diced jalapeño.

Step 05

Season: Sprinkle smoked paprika, chopped chives, and a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over each piece.

Step 06

Optional finishing touch: Lightly drizzle hot honey over the treats for added heat and shine if desired.

Step 07

Garnish and serve: Top with microgreens or parsley if preferred and serve immediately or chill briefly before serving.

Equipment needed

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

Allergy info

Always review ingredients for allergens. Talk to your healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese) and nuts (pecans).
  • May contain gluten (pretzels/crackers).
  • Check all packaged ingredients for allergens.

Nutrition details (each serving)

Nutritional details are for reference and aren't a substitute for healthcare guidance.
  • Calorie Count: 65
  • Fat content: 3.5 g
  • Carbohydrate: 7 g
  • Protein amount: 1.5 g