Cozy Hot Drinks & Winter Treats for Your Snow-Day Reading Escape

Your ultimate guide to warm mugs, buttery bakes, and the kind of comfort snacks that make you want to ignore the outside world entirely.

We’re doing something a little different on the blog this week. Instead of talking tropes, spicy breakdowns, or BookTok obsessions, we’re focusing on one of the best parts of a cozy reading day: the snacks. The warm drinks, the buttery pastries, the little winter treats that turn a normal afternoon into a snow-day reading escape.

There is something magical—borderline necessary—about choosing to stay indoors on a snowy winter day, piling up blankets, cracking open a fresh romance novel, and sipping something warm enough to thaw even the iciest BookTok villain. Winter reading just hits different. Maybe it's the hush after snowfall. Maybe it's the excuse to slow down. Or maybe it’s that every hot drink tastes better when there’s a storm raging outside and you’re inside doing exactly nothing but reading.

Having a sledding hill in my own backyard makes it even better. My kids get their snowy adventure, and I get to stay cozy inside, watching from the window with a mug in hand… and maybe sneaking in a chapter (or five) while they live their best frozen lives.

Whatever it is, I’m leaning in.

Today’s post is your full winter reading menu: warm drinks, cozy bakes, and the perfect book pairings. So, grab a blanket. Grab your current read. Let’s turn staying inside into an art form.

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Creating Your Perfect Snow-Day Reading Ritual

Here’s how to build your ultimate cozy reading sanctuary:

• Pick one drink that warms your hands.

• Grab one freshly baked snack (because you deserve it).

• Light a candle that smells like a winter cabin.

• Choose a book that pairs with the vibes (I can help with that!).

• Wrap up in a blanket that makes you consider never leaving the couch again.

• Play gentle background music—acoustic, piano, or the sound of snowfall.

Then let the world outside freeze while you are warm, fed, caffeinated, and deep in your fictional world of choice.

HOT DRINKS FOR A COZY WINTER READING DAY

Most of these are alcohol-free, family-friendly, and mom-approved—but I’ve included one grown-up drink if you want to turn your reading hour into a romance-novel-worthy indulgence.

Fireside Vanilla Chai Latte

The cozy hug of drinks. This is a great go-to winter reading sip because it feels warm and indulgent without being overly sweet. It’s perfect for curling up with small-town romances, holiday stories, or anything featuring crackling fireplaces and flannel-wearing heroes.

Book Pairing

Holiday Fling by Lindsey Kelk

Because a Vanilla Chai Latte is warm, cozy, and comfortingly sweet—just like Laura and Callum’s fake-dating holiday escape, where soft spices, snowy sparks, and unexpected feelings blend into the perfect festive treat.

Ingredients

• 1 chai tea bag (or 1 tbsp loose-leaf chai)

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup milk (any kind)

• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• Cinnamon for dusting

Instructions

1. Brew chai tea in the water for 3–5 minutes.

2. Heat the milk in a small pot until steaming, then whisk or froth until foamy.

3. Combine tea + milk in your coziest mug.

4. Add honey and vanilla, stir, then top with cinnamon.

White Hot Chocolate with Toasted Marshmallows

Snow day in a cup. Rich, creamy, and decadent—this is for the readers who want their winter afternoons to feel like a Hallmark movie. White hot chocolate with toasted marshmallows is the dreamy, dessert-like treat your holiday romance deserves—creamy, sweet, and just a little bit magical. The velvety white chocolate gives off pure sugar-cookie energy, while the toasted marshmallows add that campfire-cozy vibe that makes every sip feel like a warm hug. It’s indulgent in the best possible way, perfect for curling up with a swoony story full of twinkle lights, meet-cutes, and happily-ever-afters waiting just a few pages ahead.

This recipe is adapted from the white hot chocolate by Sally’s Baking Addiction.

Book Pairing

A Cozy Holiday by Kels & Denise Stone

Cozy cabins, reindeer sanctuaries, and soft winter romance match this sweet, snowy treat beautifully.

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk

• ½ cup white chocolate chips

• ½ tsp vanilla

• Pinch of salt

• Mini marshmallows

Instructions

1. Heat milk until steaming.

2. Whisk in white chocolate chips until melted and smooth.

3. Add vanilla + salt.

4. Top with marshmallows and toast them with a kitchen torch or (my trick!) stick the whole mug under the broiler for 1–2 minutes.

Cozy London Fog Latte

Soft, dreamy, and lightly floral. A cozy London Fog latte is like wrapping yourself in a soft blanket of calm while your holiday romance sweeps you away. The blend of Earl Grey, vanilla, and steamed milk creates this dreamy, misty warmth that feels both comforting and a little bit elegant—perfect for stories filled with quiet pining, soft glances, and wintery charm. It’s soothing enough for slow-paced, tender scenes and cozy enough to turn your reading corner into your own personal bookish hideaway.

Book Pairing

A Little Holiday Fling by Farah Heron

Because a London Fog Latte is warm, cozy, and quietly romantic—just like Ruby and Rashid’s grumpy/sunshine holiday fling, where soft sweetness meets British steadiness and something tender begins to steep beneath all that Christmas sparkle.

Ingredients

• 1 Earl Grey tea bag

• 1 cup hot water

• ½ cup steamed milk

• 1 tsp honey

• ¼ tsp vanilla

• Optional: lavender sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Brew tea for 3–5 minutes.

2. Add honey + vanilla.

3. Top with steamed milk.

4. Sprinkle lavender sugar for main-character energy.

Maple Cinnamon Steamer

Your new favorite non-coffee treat. A maple cinnamon steamer is pure, gentle comfort—the kind of cozy sweetness that feels like a warm hug while you’re curled up with a holiday romance. The maple adds that buttery, winter-in-the-woods vibe, while the cinnamon brings just enough spice to make every sip feel like a soft exhale at the end of a long day. It’s soothing, simple, and perfectly indulgent without being fussy, making it an ideal companion for tender moments, quiet confessions, and all the heart–fluttery scenes your holiday read has in store.

Book Pairing

Holiday Ever After by Hannah Grace

Because a Maple Cinnamon Steamer is sweet, soothing, and quietly magical—the perfect match for a small-town holiday romance where warmth, humility, and second chances simmer into something truly irresistible.

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk

• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup

• ⅛ tsp cinnamon

• ⅛ tsp nutmeg

• Optional: whipped cream

Instructions

1. Heat milk gently.

2. Whisk in maple syrup + spices.

3. Top with whipped cream if the day requires extra comfort.

Spiced Apple Cider Toddy (With or Without Alcohol)

The grown-up moment of your snow day. Apple cider is a winter staple, and this version feels fancy without requiring more energy than a tired mom can muster. This drink is traditionally alcoholic, but I’ve noted a non-alcoholic option. And truly, it’s the perfect companion to a cozy holiday romance—warm, soothing, and just spiced enough to make your whole reading nook smell like comfort. Whether you’re diving into a slow-burn love story or a snowed-in second-chance romance, a cider toddy adds that soft, toasty glow that makes every chapter feel like a well-earned exhale.

Book Pairing

I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Jenny Bayliss

Perfect for the small-town nostalgia, family chaos, and heartfelt holiday warmth.

Ingredients

• 1 cup apple cider

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 2 cloves

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• Optional:

  • 1 oz bourbon or

  • 1 oz alcohol-free bourbon alternative

Instructions

1. Heat cider with cinnamon + cloves until steaming.

2. Remove spices, add lemon juice.

3. Add bourbon or alcohol-free alternative if using.

Peppermint Hot Cocoa

Festive, refreshing, and chocolatey. Peppermint hot cocoa is the ultimate holiday reading companion—cool, creamy, and cheerfully indulgent. The swirl of mint cuts through the rich chocolate like a burst of fresh winter air, keeping you cozy without getting too heavy as you settle into your favorite holiday romance. It’s festive without trying too hard, nostalgic in all the right ways, and guaranteed to make any snowy meet-cute or mistletoe moment feel just a little more magical.

This recipe is adapted from the classic hot cocoa from Allrecipes.

Book Pairing

Good Spirits by B.K. Borison

Because peppermint hot chocolate is sweet, cozy, and a little bit magical—just like a romance where a warmhearted heroine and the ghost assigned to haunt her discover that love can break rules, bend timelines, and glow brighter than Christmas lights.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp cocoa powder

• 2 tbsp sugar

• Pinch of salt

• 1 cup milk

• ¼ tsp peppermint extract

• Optional: crushed candy cane

Instructions

1. Mix cocoa, sugar, and salt in a mug.

2. Warm milk and pour over the cocoa mixture, whisking until smooth.

3. Add peppermint extract.

4. Top with crushed candy cane for crunch.

Mexican Hot Chocolate

Rich, warmly spiced, and deeply cozy—the perfect cinnamon-forward winter drink. Peppermint is fun, but cinnamon? Cinnamon is winter’s love language. This Mexican-inspired hot chocolate is thick, creamy, and layered with gentle heat. It’s the kind of drink that makes you want to curl up under a blanket and refuse to move until spring.

Book Pairing

Confessions of a Christmasholic by Joss Wood

Because Mexican hot chocolate brings the same rich warmth, spice, and unexpected kick as Sutton and Gus’s chaotic, chemistry-filled journey from Christmas enemies to something a whole lot sweeter.

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole milk (or milk of choice)

• 2 tbsp cocoa powder

• 2 tbsp sugar or piloncillo (to taste)

• 1 oz chopped dark chocolate (70% recommended)

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of cayenne or chili powder (optional but recommended!)

• Pinch of salt

• Optional toppings: whipped cream, cinnamon stick, chocolate shavings

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

2. Add about 2 tbsp of milk to form a paste—this keeps lumps away.

3. Slowly whisk in the rest of the milk and heat over medium until steaming.

4. Add the dark chocolate and stir until melted and silky.

5. Turn off the heat and stir in the vanilla + optional cayenne.

6. Serve in your coziest mug with toppings of choice.

Flavor Notes

• The cinnamon makes this feel like the snuggly cousin of classic hot chocolate.

• The tiny pinch of cayenne doesn’t make it “spicy”—it just wakes up the chocolate.

• If you want it thicker, simmer for 2–3 minutes longer.

Gingerbread Latte

All the comfort of gingerbread cookies, but drinkable. This one smells like you’re baking, even when you’re not. It is is basically holiday coziness in a cup—warm, spicy, a little sweet, and perfect for sinking into a festive romance. The blend of molasses, ginger, and cinnamon feels like stepping into a Christmas bakery, wrapping you in that “soft lights and snowy nights” energy every good holiday love story deserves. It’s the kind of drink that makes your reading nook feel instantly magical, turning every page into a little moment of seasonal bliss.

Book Pairing

Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal by Meghan Quinn

Spice, sass, and a little chaos = gingerbread latte energy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup strong coffee or espresso

• 1 cup milk

• 1 tbsp molasses

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• ¼ tsp ginger

• ¼ tsp cinnamon

• ⅛ tsp nutmeg

• Optional: whipped cream

Instructions

1. Warm milk with molasses and maple syrup.

2. Add spices and whisk until smooth.

3. Pour over coffee.

4. Top with whipped cream.

Parisienne Hot Chocolate (Chocolat Chaud à la Parisienne)

Rich, velvety, drinkable chocolate that feels like a luxury winter escape. When I was sixteen, my mom took us to Paris—a trip I still think about every winter. It was the most magical, romantic place I had ever seen. The architecture, the language, the feeling that every street corner had a love story attached to it… I was absolutely enchanted.

But the food? Life-changing.

And of everything I tasted, it was the chocolat chaud that stayed with me the most. Thick, velvety, unapologetically rich—more like melted chocolate than anything I’d ever been served in the U.S. I’ve never forgotten how decadent and comforting that tiny cup of Parisian hot chocolate was.

So yes, this recipe comes from a place of deep nostalgia and even deeper appreciation for chocolate in its dreamiest form.

Paris-style hot chocolate is nothing like the thin, sweet cocoa most of us grew up with. It’s lush, dark, and almost fondue-thick, meant to be sipped slowly in tiny moments of indulgence—preferably while reading something romantic and atmospheric.

This version hits all the right notes: deep chocolate flavor, glossy texture, and a gorgeous sheen that makes every sip feel special.

Book Pairing

Merry Little Kissmas by Lauren Blakely

Romantic, atmospheric, and indulgent—just like Parisian chocolat chaud.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

• 1 cup whole milk

• ¾ cup heavy cream

• 4 oz high-quality dark chocolate (60–70%), chopped finely

• 2 tsp sugar (optional; adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Optional toppings:

• Lightly whipped cream

• Dark chocolate curls

• A dusting of cocoa or cinnamon

Instructions

1. Warm the dairy.
   In a small saucepan, heat the milk and heavy cream over medium-low heat until steaming—but not boiling. Gentle heat prevents scorching and keeps the texture silky.

2. Add chocolate.
   Reduce heat to low. Add the chopped chocolate and whisk continuously until fully melted and smooth.

3. Sweeten and season.
   Add sugar (if using), a pinch of salt, and vanilla. Continue whisking for 2–3 minutes.

   • The mixture should begin to thicken slightly.

   • For ultra-thick Paris style, let it simmer very gently for another 2–3 minutes.

4. Serve luxuriously.
   Pour into small mugs or demitasse cups. Top with lightly whipped cream or chocolate curls if you're feeling extra Parisian.

Flavor Variations (Optional)

• Mocha Parisienne: Add 1–2 tbsp strong brewed espresso.

• Orange Chocolate: Add 1 strip of orange peel while warming the milk; remove before serving.

• Cinnamon Dream: Add ¼ tsp cinnamon into the pot with the chocolate.

• Spicy Parisienne: Add a pinch of cayenne for a subtle heat.

Texture Tip

Authentic Parisian hot chocolate is velvety, like a ganache or fondue. If you want it even thicker, whisk in 1–2 teaspoons of finely sifted cornstarch with the dairy at the beginning.

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THE BEST WINTER SNACKS FOR READING

Winter reading snacks are all about striking that perfect balance between comforting and practical. You want something warm, satisfying, and flavorful—but not so messy that it threatens your book’s pages. The best options are handheld, not too crumbly, and easy to nibble between chapters, letting you focus on the story instead of the cleanup. Whether you reach for something lightly sweet, a little savory, or perfectly spiced, these snacks are designed to complement your favorite winter drinks and make every cozy reading moment feel just a little more special.

Let’s start with the queen of cozy: scones. They’re handheld, they’re not too messy, they stay good for days, and they are endlessly customizable.

Cinnamon Sugar Scones

Cinnamon sugar scones make the perfect wintery reading snack because they deliver all the cozy, comforting vibes you want while you’re curled up with a good book. The warm cinnamon melts into little pockets of sweetness, creating that fresh-from-the-oven aroma that instantly makes any reading nook feel like a retreat. They’re sturdy enough to nibble one-handed while you turn pages, and the subtle spice pairs beautifully with tea, coffee, or even hot chocolate. It’s basically edible coziness—no crackling fireplace required.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ⅓ cup sugar

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ½ cup cold butter, cubed

• ¾ cup heavy cream

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp vanilla

Cinnamon topping:

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients.

2. Cut in butter until crumbly.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk cream, egg, vanilla.

4. Combine wet + dry until a soft dough forms.

5. Shape into a circle, slice into 8 wedges, and place on a baking sheet.

6. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

7. Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes.

White Chocolate Cranberry Scones

White chocolate cranberry scones are basically the cozy, festive energy of the holidays baked into a handheld treat—perfect for nibbling between chapters. The tart pop of cranberry keeps things bright, the creamy sweetness of white chocolate feels indulgent, and the soft, buttery crumb is exactly what you want when you’re curled up with a winter romance. They’re just the right amount of fancy without any effort, making your reading session feel like a little seasonal celebration.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ⅓ cup sugar

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup cold butter, cubed

• ¾ cup heavy cream

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp vanilla

• ½ cup dried cranberries

• ½ cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients.

2. Cut in butter until crumbly.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk cream, egg, vanilla.

4. Combine wet + dry until a soft dough forms.

5. Fold in the cranberries + chocolate before forming the dough.

6. Shape into a circle, slice into 8 wedges, and place on a baking sheet.

7. Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes.

Chocolate Chip Espresso Scones

Chocolate Chip Espresso Scones are the kind of treat that turn any reading session into a cozy little café moment. They’re sturdy enough to nibble one-handed while you flip pages, but tender enough to feel indulgent—like you’re treating yourself to something special. The espresso powder gives them that subtle coffeehouse aroma, the chocolate chips add just the right sweetness, and the crumbly texture pairs perfectly with a warm drink and a good plot twist.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ⅓ cup sugar

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tbsp espresso powder

• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

• ¾ cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp vanilla

• ¾ cup chocolate chips

• Optional: turbinado sugar for topping

Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, espresso powder.

2. Cut in butter using fingers or pastry cutter until crumbly.

3. Whisk cream, egg, vanilla in a separate bowl.

4. Combine wet + dry just until a dough forms.

5. Fold in chocolate chips.

6. Turn dough onto a floured surface, pat into an 8-inch circle, and cut into 8 wedges.

7. Place on a baking sheet, brush with extra cream, and sprinkle with coarse sugar.

8. Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes.

Serve with your Parisienne hot chocolate and pretend you’re journaling in a Montmartre café.

Classic Almond Biscotti

Biscotti = scones’ crunchy, sophisticated cousin. They last forever (up to 2 weeks!), great for dunking, and feel fancy without much effort. Classic almond biscotti are the ultimate companion to a cozy holiday drink during your reading session—they’re crisp, lightly sweet, and made for dunking. The warm almond flavor feels timeless and comforting, and their sturdy crunch means they hold up beautifully in everything from hot cocoa to a spiced latte. They’re the kind of treat that slows you down in the best way: sip, dunk, read, repeat. Perfect for turning any winter afternoon into a quiet little ritual.

This recipe is adapted from King Arthur Baking.

Ingredients

• 6 tbsp butter

• ⅔ cup sugar

• ¼ tsp salt

• 2 tsp vanilla

• 1 tsp almond extract

• 1½ tsp baking powder

• 2 large eggs

• 2 cups flour

• 1 cup sliced almonds

Instructions

1. Cream butter + sugar.

2. Add eggs + extracts.

3. Mix in dry ingredients, then almonds.

4. Shape into two logs.

5. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.

6. Cool 10 minutes. Slice into biscotti.

7. Bake again for 10–12 minutes per side.

Perfect for dunking in chai or London fog.

Honey-Ginger Biscotti

Honey-Ginger Biscotti are the kind of slow, steady snack that feels designed for reading sessions. They’re sturdy enough to dunk without crumbling all over your pages, lightly sweet without being distracting, and infused with that warm winter spice that makes curling up with a book feel even cozier. The honey adds a soft sweetness that lingers, while the ginger brings just enough heat to keep you awake through one more chapter (or five). It’s the perfect companion for a steaming mug, a thick blanket, and a story you don’t want to put down.

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp ginger

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• ¼ cup butter, melted

• ½ cup honey

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients.

2. Mix wet ingredients separately.

3. Combine, form into a log.

4. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.

5. Slice and bake an additional 10 minutes per side.

Lemon Blueberry Muffins

There’s just something about a warm muffin that feels like a tiny act of self-care—especially when you’re deep into a good book. These lemon blueberry muffins strike that perfect balance of bright, zesty flavor and cozy, soft crumb, making them an ideal reading snack. They’re handheld (no sticky fingers turning pages), sturdy enough to nibble slowly through a long chapter, and just sweet enough to feel like a treat without being too heavy. The burst of blueberries and hint of lemon zest adds a little sunshine to your reading nook, and if you pair them with a London Fog? Chef’s kiss. It’s the kind of snack that turns an ordinary reading break into a whole vibe.

This recipe is adapted from Natasha’s Kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup butter

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla

• Zest of 1 lemon

• ⅓ cup milk

• 1½ cups blueberries

Instructions

1. Mix wet ingredients and sugar.

2. Mix dry ingredients.

3. Combine, fold in blueberries.

4. Bake at 425°F for 5 minutes, then 350°F for 15 minutes.

Chocolate Swirl Muffins

Chocolate Swirl Muffins are the perfect reading companion because they deliver that deep, cozy chocolate fix without stealing focus from your book. Soft, tender, and marbled with rich cocoa, they’re easy to snack on one-handed—ideal for staying lost in a chapter without crumbs everywhere. And there’s something about that warm swirl of chocolate that makes twisty plots feel even twistier and slow-burn romances even sweeter. It’s the kind of treat that quietly upgrades your entire reading vibe.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups flour

• ½ cup cocoa powder

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup milk

• ⅓ cup melted butter

• 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions

1. Mix dry.

2. Mix wet.

3. Combine until just mixed. Don't overmix!

4. Bake at 375°F for 16–18 minutes.

Savory Winter Reading Snacks

Savory winter reading snacks bring a cozy, satisfying balance to all those sweet seasonal drinks. Think warm, buttery, lightly herb-kissed bites that feel comforting without being heavy or greasy. Cheddar scones, soft pretzel bites, herbed crackers, or a few slices of sharp cheese can deliver that perfect salty contrast to a spiced latte or apple cider. They’re easy to eat one-handed, won’t crumble all over your pages, and add just the right amount of cozy depth to your winter reading ritual.

Cheddar & Herb Mini Scones

Perfect with a maple steamer or spiced cider. Cheddar & herb mini scones are the savory twist your cozy reading session didn’t know it needed. Warm, buttery, and studded with sharp cheddar and fragrant herbs, they bring that comforting “fresh-from-the-oven” vibe without overwhelming your mug of tea or cider. Their bite-size shape makes them easy to snack on one-handed—no crumbs, no fuss, just pure cozy satisfaction. It’s the perfect balance to all the sweet holiday treats and an ideal companion for a long winter chapter binge.

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup cold butter

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar

• 1 tbsp chopped rosemary (or herbs of choice)

• ¾ cup cream

• 1 egg (for optional wash)

Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients.

2. Cut in butter until crumbly.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk cream, egg, vanilla.

4. Combine wet + dry until a soft dough forms.

5. Fold in the cheese and herbs.

6. Shape the dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat into a rectangle about ½ inch thick.

7. Cut mini scones: Use a small round biscuit cutter (or knife) to cut into mini rounds or wedges. Gather scraps and reshape as needed—avoid overworking.

8. Prepare for baking: Place scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Optional: brush tops with a little cream or beaten egg for a golden finish.

9. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until lightly golden on top.

10. Let cool for a few minutes on a wire rack, then enjoy warm alongside your favorite cozy drink.

Savory Herb & Gruyère Mini Tartlets

Buttery, flaky, and packed with the cozy richness of French cheese. These little tartlets taste like something you’d find in a tucked-away Paris café—warm, melty, delicate, and absolutely perfect next to a decadent cup of chocolat chaud. They’re simple enough for a weekday baking moment yet elegant enough for holiday hosting or a charming reading-day snack.

Ingredients (Makes 12 mini tartlets)

Crust:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed but still cold)

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Filling:

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 small shallot, finely minced

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 egg

• ½ cup grated Gruyère cheese

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)

• ½ tsp Dijon mustard

• Pinch of salt & black pepper

Instructions

1. Prep the pastry.

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Cut the puff pastry into 12 squares and press each into a mini muffin tin.

• Prick the bottoms with a fork.

• Brush the pastry lightly with egg wash.

• Bake for 8 minutes, just until lightly puffed.

2. Make the savory filling.

In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté the shallot for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more. Remove from heat.

In a bowl, whisk together:

• cream

• egg

• Gruyère

• Dijon

• thyme

• salt & pepper

Stir in the cooked shallot and garlic.

3. Fill & bake.

• Scoop about 1 tablespoon of filling into each pastry cup.

• Bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden and slightly puffed.

4. Serve warm & melty.

Top with an extra sprinkle of thyme. Serve warm alongside your Parisienne Hot Chocolate for the ultimate sweet-savory balance.

Cozy Up & Make It Your Own

Snow days are made for this—hot drinks warming your hands, a freshly baked treat nearby, and a story that pulls you in until the world outside fades to white. Whether you’re sipping a maple cinnamon steamer while nibbling a cinnamon scone, indulging in white hot chocolate with cranberry scones, or diving into a Parisienne hot chocolate with chocolate chip espresso scones, the goal is simple: comfort, coziness, and joy in every bite and sip.

Take a moment for yourself. Light a candle that smells like winter, wrap up in your favorite blanket, and let these recipes and pairings make your reading time feel like a small, magical holiday escape.

For More Holiday Book Ideas

If you loved curating your snow-day reading menu, you’ll definitely want to check out my Holiday Romance Book Recommendations. From playful enemies-to-lovers Christmas stories to heartwarming small-town holiday tales, that post has all the festive romance vibes you could want to keep your winter reading list fully stocked.

Pair those books with your new favorite drinks and snacks from today’s post, and you’ll have a holiday reading ritual that’s equal parts indulgent and cozy.