Fall is the perfect time for ministry groups to recharge from a summer filled with camps and activities by booking an off-site retreat. The colorful leaves are starting to cover the ground, and the cooler weather is a refreshing change from the hot seasonal temperatures. As an event planner ready to embark on a fall retreat, you have finalized your agenda and made sure your group’s amenities are all squared away at the host property. If you have also been given the task to bring treats for your group, we have some excellent ideas to get everyone in the autumn spirit.
Pumpkin Toffee Cookies
These delicious treats are sure to be a hit at your upcoming fall retreat. Here is a list of ingredients you will need: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, butter, sugar, an egg, canned pumpkin puree, vanilla, toffee bits, and white chocolate. To prepare, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl. Next, you will want to mix the butter and sugar together and then add in the egg, pumpkin, and vanilla, followed by the flour mixture. To finish, drop the cookies onto a lined baking sheet and place in the oven for ten minutes. Before eating, let the cookies cool and drizzle on white chocolate!
Apple Spice Muffins
Be your own Betty Crocker with apple spice muffins. In a large bowl, you will want to combine milk, oil, vanilla, and an egg until they are well mixed. Stir in flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until the flour is moistened and then mix in one finely chopped apple. Next, grease 12 muffin cups and fill them ¾ full. Bake your ingredients at 400 degrees for 30 minutes and allow five minutes to cool. These warm muffins will definitely be a snack your guests will love.
Pumpkin Pie Pudding
Who doesn’t love pumpkin pie? Switch things up a little bit by making your group pudding! Taste of Home says you’ll need a few important ingredients, a slow cooker, and a some extra time. Combine together one can of solid-pack pumpkin, evaporated milk, sugar, baking mix, eggs, butter, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Cover and cook your fall goodness on low for six to seven hours and then serve to your guests with whipped cream.
S’mores Cinnamon Rolls
Fall isn’t complete without s’mores. Try making these creative cinnamon rolls for a great breakfast snack, especially before your group’s early meeting. To get the morning started, preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Individually, begin unrolling each cinnamon roll carefully and then spread marshmallow fluff over the dough and sprinkle on chocolate chips. Re-roll your cinnamon rolls and put them on a baking sheet. Bake until golden. Finally, drizzle melted chocolate over the cinnamon rolls and sprinkle mini marshmallows on top. Broil for two minutes and add a dash of graham cracker crumbs. Feel free to change up the ingredients as you see fit, but Delish has some tips to get you going.
Sweet Potato Scones
Taste of Home knows that coffee and scones are the perfect combination for your fall retreat. Dish up this autumn snack by combining flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking soda together in a large bowl. Add butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. In a smaller dish, mix the egg, sweet potatoes, and buttermilk. You’ll want to add this to your dry ingredients until they become moist. Next, lightly put flour on your hands and turn the dough on top of a floured surface. Kneed your dough about 10 times before patting it into a circle that is roughly eight inches. Finally, cut the dough into eight sections and place each piece on a baking sheet. Bake your scones at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes and allow five minutes for cool down.
No matter what snacks you choose to serve, these ideas will not only make your group happy and full but also more excited for the remaining fall days ahead. So, get ready for your upcoming event by grabbing your apron and baking away!