Easy Everyday Snacks to Enjoy During the Holidays

The holidays have a way of turning all of us into ambitious home cooks—but sometimes, all you really want is something delicious without the stress. The secret? Some of the best holiday treats don’t require fancy ingredients at all. In fact, they’re probably already hiding in your snack stash.

With a little imagination (and your favorite Jack ‘n Jill snacks), you can magically turn everyday merienda into festive, feel-good dishes. These easy, clever recipes are perfect for Noche Buena spreads, barkada parties, potluck moments, or those sweet holiday surprises you throw together at the last minute—but pretend you planned the whole thing.

Check out these easy recipes you can try, featuring your favorite Jack ‘n Jillsnacks:

Piattos Nacho Bake

This quick, flavor-packed party tray transforms Piattos chips into a warm, cheesy, crowd-pleasing nacho bake. The crispy chips serve as a savory base that pairs perfectly with gooey melted cheese, salsa, and your favorite toppings—ideal for barkada movie nights or last-minute holiday entertaining.

Ingredients:

• 3–4 packs Piattos (Nacho Pizza recommended)
  
  
• 1–2 cups grated cheese (quick melt or cheddar)
  
  
• ½ cup salsa
  
  
• Optional toppings: cooked ground meat or beans, jalapeños, olives, onions, sour cream
  
  

Directions:

1. Arrange Piattos chips on a baking tray or oven-safe dish.
   
   
2. Sprinkle generously with cheese.
   
   
3. Add salsa and any optional toppings you prefer.
   
   
4. Bake for 5–7 minutes or until the cheese melts.
   
   
5. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.
   
   

Nova Snack Mix

This colorful and crunchy snack mix brings together the best textures from Nova, Vcut, and Knots, combined with nuts and chocolates for a sweet–savory blend. It’s the perfect grab-and-go treat for holiday road trips, game nights, or family gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 pack Nova
  
  
• 1 pack Vcut
  
  
• 1 pack Jack ’n Jill Knots
  
  
• ½ cup nuts (peanuts, cashews, or mixed nuts)
  
  
• ½ cup chocolates, marshmallows, or other mix-ins
  
  

Directions:

1. Combine Nova, Vcut, and Knots in a large bowl.
   
   
2. Add nuts and sweet add-ins of your choice.
   
   
3. Toss until everything is evenly mixed.
   
   
4. Serve in a bowl and enjoy

Cream-O Cake

This no-bake Cream-O cake turns a classic cookie snack into a soft, layered dessert you can whip up with minimal effort. With its creamy center and steamed cookie base, it tastes like a cross between a refrigerator cake and a moist pudding—perfect for holiday potlucks.

Ingredients:

• 10 packets Cream-O Vanilla
  
  
• 1 ½ cups evaporated milk
  
  

Directions:

1. Separate the Cream-O Vanilla filling from the cookies. Crush the cookies finely.
   
   
2. Mix crushed cookies with evaporated milk until fully combined. Divide mixture into two parts.
   
   
3. Line a pan with parchment paper and pour in the first half. Spread evenly.
   
   
4. Steam for 5 minutes and cool for another 5 minutes.
   
   
5. Spread the Cream-O filling over the cooled layer.
   
   
6. Pour in the second half of the cookie mixture, spread evenly, and tap to remove bubbles.
   
   
7. Steam for 10 minutes. Let cool completely before serving.

Wafrets Chocolate Milkshake

This rich and creamy milkshake blends the chocolatey goodness of Wafrets with ice cream and milk to create a dessert drink kids (and adults) will love. It’s a sweet, refreshing treat that works as a fun recess drink, after-school snack, or holiday merienda.

Ingredients:

• 2–3 sticks Jack ’n Jill Wafrets (plus 1 extra for garnish)
  
  
• 1 cup milk
  
  
• 2 scoops chocolate or vanilla ice cream
  
  
• 1 cup ice (optional, for thickness)
  
  

Directions:

1. Chop Wafrets into small pieces.
   
   
2. Add Wafrets, milk, ice cream, sugar, and ice (if using) into a blender.
   
   
3. Blend until smooth and creamy.
   
   
4. Pour into a glass and garnish with a whole Wafrets stick.
   
   
5. Serve immediately.

Hello Vanilla Wafer Balls

These bite-sized wafer balls are a fun, customizable holiday treat you can coat in chocolate, peanuts, powdered milk, or even coffee. They’re easy to make, delightful to eat, and perfect for gifting—each piece delivers a creamy, crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth bite.

Ingredients:

• 4 Hello! Vanilla Wafers, crushed
  
  
• 1 tbsp chilled all-purpose cream
  
  
• 1 tsp condensed milk
  
  
• 2 tbsp coating of your choice (crushed Hello! Chocolate Wafers, crushed peanuts, powdered milk, or instant coffee)
  
  

Directions:

1. Mix together crushed Hello! Vanilla Wafers, all-purpose cream, and condensed milk.
   
   
2. Divide the mixture into six portions.
   
   
3. Roll each portion into a small ball.
   
   
4. Coat each ball in your preferred topping.
   
   
5. Refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving or gifting.
   
   

Tip: Crush the wafers using a hand blender, stand blender, food processor, knife, or rolling pin.

Holiday Snacking Made Creative

This season, let your favorite Jack ‘n Jill snacks shine beyond everyday merienda. With these easy and versatile recipes, you can turn simple pantry staples into delightful holiday creations perfect for sharing, and celebrating all month long.

Universal Robina Corporation (URC) produces iconic brands such as Jack ‘n Jill Piattos, Cloud 9, Maxx candy, Cream-O, Payless, C2 Cool and Clean, and Great Taste coffee, which have been part of Filipinos’ lives for decades. To learn more about URC, visit its website (www.urc.com.ph), Facebook page (@URCPhilippines) and TikTok account (@URCPhilippines).