This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at KCL chapter.
You know those rainy, miserable days, when everything around you and in the world just seems to be falling apart? And you’re just so in need of some nice pick-me-up foods to warm you up inside? Especially if you live in the UK, you know how bad the weather gets here… :/
Well, you’re in luck! Here are 10 comfort foods, snacks and beverages ideas that are PERFECT for those cold Winter days!
WARNING: By the end of this article, you will be very, very hungry! So treat yourself, and feed your cravings!
1. Puff Pastries & Pies
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
Whether it’s apple, shepherd’s or pumpkin, there’s something just sublime about having a warm crust pastry pie for dinner on a cold, Winter’s night! Having strudel with warm custard is another alternative, if you’re looking to bake a delicious dessert!
2. Churros
Amy Cho / Spoon
Making churros at home is such a fun idea and makes for such a tasty treat! They’re also surprisingly a lot easier to make than you think. Here is an excellent recipe for them. You can pair them with chocolate, ice cream, and whatever you please!
3. Cinnamon Hot Chocolate
Ok so I may have been inspired by Henry from ‘Once Upon A Time’ with the addition of a sprinkle of Cinnamon sugar, but honestly I think it’s a really nice touch! Having hot chocolate with some whipped cream is the epitome of cold weather vibes. You can experiment with different hot chocolate flavours too! Check out Whittard’s hot chocolate collection to see all of the different flavours you can get hold of. I personally really enjoy the ‘luxury white chocolate’ one because I have a big sweet tooth!
4. Caramel Candy Apples
Photo by Natalie Grainger on Unsplash
Caramel/Candy/Chocolate covered apples are such a classic. Add some sprinkles if you’d like! Not only do they look so appetising when they’re done, but they also taste super great too! It’s also a (relatively) healthier option compared to some of the other snacks on this list!
5. Homemade Cakes & Bread
There’s nothing like the smell of a freshly home baked bread/cake that’s come straight out of the oven! Baking is such a lovely way to spend your time in lockdown and I’m sure it’ll put a smile on your family and friends’ faces. There’s so many cake and bread variations you could have a go at baking. Why not try a cherry loaf, walnut or fruit sponge, carrot cake or banana bread? If you don’t have an oven, worry not; you can make some amazing mug cakes and full sized cakes in the microwave! Check out the ‘Bigger Bolder Baking‘ YouTube Channel for lots of recipes and tutorials on how to do this!
Mmmmm….Gooey chocolate brownies with a sprinkle of icing sugar! Add milk or white choc chips for double the chocolate!
7. Cookies/Cookie Dough
Brook Buchan / Spoon
Just thinking about biting into a warm homemade cookie with a soft and chewy centre is making my mouth water! I could devour these straight off the tray. Cookies & Milk and you’re back to childhood again! And if you don’t feel like putting in all the effort to bake them, cookie dough is yum too (although be careful of Salmonella!).
8. Herbal Teas
Photo by Carolyn V from Unsplash
Channel your inner Uncle Iroh and drink some herbal teas! I personally enjoy Green and Jasmine tea the most but there are lots of herbal and fruity teas out there to try! There’s plenty of health benefits to drinking them too! And on those days when you are particularly low on energy or are feeling extra sluggish and in need of some caffeine, wrapping your hands around a strong cup of chai can be one of the best feelings in the entire world!
9. Soups & Ramen Noodles
Shun Matsuhashi / Spoon
Sometimes all your body is craving is some quality soup or ramen noodles. There’s nothing better than when you’re freezing or ill and you have some nice, steaming soup/noodles to warm your bones.
10. Smores
Last but not least, we have smores’ – another classic treat! I feel like they’re a very American snack that we don’t often embrace here in the UK, but honestly the thought of roasting marshmallows and sandwiching them between biscuits and chocolate sounds like a match made in heaven!
And there you have it; 10 comfort foods and snacks for Winter! I hope you enjoy making these delicious treats for yourself, family and friends!
British Muslimah. Intersectional feminist. Cynical Hufflepuff. Professional cat-lover.
Shaheena is an English Literature student with a passion for social activism. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, reading and watching cartoons/animes. Her top fandoms include: Avatar (atla), Ghibli, Disney, Harry Potter, Marvel, Doctor Who & Sherlock.
