Rocket Fuel New Years Treats

Featured in: All-American Desserts

These bite-sized treats combine the crunch of salted pretzels with a creamy blend of cream cheese and honey. Topped with pecans, dried cranberries, and a touch of jalapeño for a balanced sweet, salty, and spicy flavor, they're garnished with smoked paprika, chives, and optional hot honey drizzle. Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, they make a festive and delicious addition to any New Year's Eve spread. Variations include nut-free options by substituting pecans with pumpkin seeds or chickpeas.

Updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 13:39:00 GMT
Rocket Fuel New Years Eve Treats: bite-sized snacks, topped with jalapeño and pecans, ready for your celebration. Save
Rocket Fuel New Years Eve Treats: bite-sized snacks, topped with jalapeño and pecans, ready for your celebration. | dashofstates.com

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

I enjoy making these treats every New Years Eve because they bring a festive spark to our celebrations.

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.
Get ready for these savory Rocket Fuel New Years Eve Treats, drizzled with hot honey, and perfect for sharing. Save
Get ready for these savory Rocket Fuel New Years Eve Treats, drizzled with hot honey, and perfect for sharing. | dashofstates.com

These treats have become a family favorite especially enjoyed while toasting the New Year.

Notes

Adjust spice by varying the amount of jalapeño or using a milder pepper. 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.

Festive Rocket Fuel New Years Eve Treats showcase crunchy pretzels topped with spicy jalapeños; a delicious appetizer. Save
Festive Rocket Fuel New Years Eve Treats showcase crunchy pretzels topped with spicy jalapeños; a delicious appetizer. | dashofstates.com

Serve these treats fresh to maintain their perfect crunch and flavor balance.

Rocket Fuel New Years Treats

Delightful sweet, salty, and spicy snacks ideal for lively New Year's gatherings.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
10 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Jordan Miller


Complexity Easy

Heritage American Fusion

Output 24 Portions

Nutritional considerations Meat-free

Components

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)

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Arrange bases: Lay out pretzel rounds or crackers on a serving platter.

Phase 03

Spread cream cheese: Spread a generous teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture onto each base.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Optional drizzle: For additional heat and shine, lightly drizzle with hot honey.

Phase 07

Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh microgreens or parsley as desired and serve immediately or chill briefly before serving.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese) and nuts (pecans).
  • May contain gluten (pretzels or crackers).

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

These figures are approximate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Energy: 65
  • Fats: 3.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Proteins: 1.5 g