With the  holidays approaching there is sure   to be more baking around the house. Mini Santas are a great way to get in the spirit of the season because they’re easy to make, fun to eat and simply delicious. Since holidays are about spending time with family and friends, try this original recipe that is quick, simple, and delicious.

According to Huffington Post, baking reduces stress and one of its surveys even found winter as the season people are likely to bake as a way of reducing their worries. With finals starting Dec.11, making these Mini Santas snacks may even help students reduce stress levels while simultaneously embracing the holiday spirit. Since these Mini Santas only take about 10 minutes to make, it makes a perfect study break snack for everyone. So grab your eggnog and Mini Santas and have a cheerful finals week and holiday season.

Ingredients:

Makes about four servings

• ¼ cup decorative icing or canned • whipped cream

(or as much as your heart desires)

• 12 large strawberries with clean tops

• 24 small candy pieces,

either M&Ms or Reeses Pieces

Equipment needed:

• Cutting board

• Paring knife, be careful and safe

• Paper towel to dry off the tops

Directions:

1. Wash and dry the strawberries
2. Using a cutting board and paring knife, cut the leaf-end off of the strawberry to create a flat surface
3. Next, cut about ½ or ¾ of an inch off of the pointed end of the strawberry, then reserve tops to the side, these will be used as hats
4. Put the strawberries, wider side down, on a work surface
5. Using decorative cupcake icing, squeeze about a ¾-inch of frosting onto the top of the strawberry
6. Place the hats on top of the frosting
7. For added Santa effect, use icing again and create a small ball on the top to resemble Santa’s hat
8. Press 2 candy pieces into the frosting to make eyes