We like to kick off the new school year with a sweet and special treat for the teachers and staff to say welcome back, we missed you! This Dark Chocolate Fudgy Brownie recipe will surely score points galore making you the number one mom at school, plus it tastes great with a morning cup of coffee. (Doesn’t everyone eat chocolate for breakfast?)

See also: Dark Chocolate Toasted Marshmallow S’more Ice Cream Recipe

Brownies are inexpensive and easy to make, and are the perfect gift idea for individuals and groups alike. You can serve a batch of brownies to a large group on a colorful serving platter from your favorite discount store, or wrap individual brownies in a plastic candy bag with a personalized gift tag created a homemade gift everyone will love.

Dark Chocolate Fudgy Brownie Recipe

This smooth and fudgy brownie recipe is quick and easy to make. To enhance the deep, rich flavor or dark chocolate, add a touch of instant espresso powder and taste what a difference it makes – your chocolate will sing!

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 12 Tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Butter a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder and salt and set aside.
3. Place butter and chopped chocolate in a double broiler over simmering water. Stir until chocolate and butter are completely melted. Lets mixture sit for a few minutes.
4. In a medium sized bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and optional instant espresso powder until combined.
5. Pour the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and whisk until completely incorporated.
6. Add the flour mixture and whisk to incorporate.
7. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

The post Recipe: Dark Chocolate Fudgy Brownie appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Have you noticed that Dollar Tree often carries the little single-serving packets of Hawaiian Punch and other drink mixes?  While I’m not a fan of drinking the sugary results, I do enjoy a good, sugary cookie – so I imagine that this Hawaiian Punch cookie recipe from Kelly at Smart School House would be a much more favorable way for me to consume those packets!  They would make a fun addition to a party spread, as well as a great way to add a little color to everyday occasions.  [how to make Hawaiian Punch cookies]

Project estimate: 

• Hawaiian punch packets, $1
• Sugar, on hand
• Eggs, on hand
• Vanilla extract, on hand
• Flour, on hand
• Butter, on hand
• Food coloring (optional), on hand

Total:  $1 and up

The post Make Hawaiian Punch Cookies appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

We are pleased to have Stacy from Fancy Shanty with us today to share this delectable recipe and display stand!  If you enjoy this project, be sure to stop by her blog and see what else she has been up to!

Looking for a quick and easy centerpiece decoration for your patriotic party this year? This sinfully moist Dark Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe will have the chocolate lovers in your life screaming for more. Pair this cupcake recipe with my easy hack on how to make store bought frosting better, along with my quick and easy Dollar Store Patriotic Cupcake Stand, and you’ll have a fun and festive patriotic centerpiece in no time.

Quick and Easy Patriotic Dark Chocolate Cupcakes

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons unsweetened dark chocolate cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup strong black coffee
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Patriotic cupcake wrapper and decorating kit

For the Frosting

• canned vanilla frosting (Not the whipped variety)
• 1 tbsp Pure Vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup confectioners sugar

Directions:

For the Cupcakes

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Line two 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners; set aside.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or in a large bowl with an electric mixer, combine the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Mix on low until dry ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3. Add eggs, buttermilk, coffee, oil and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for about two minutes; the batter will be thin.
4. Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups. Transfer muffin tin to oven and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center cupcake comes out clean, 22 to 25 minutes.
5. Transfer muffin tins to a wire rack and let cupcakes cool completely.

For the Frosting

1. Place the store-bought frosting in a bowl and begin whipping with an electric mixer or stand mixer.
2. Add 1 tbsp Pure Vanilla extract.
3. Slowly add about 1/2 cup confectioners sugar and continue whipping until a spatula will stand upright when placed in the middle of the frosting. If the spatula falls to one side, continue adding more confectioners sugar in small increments until the spatula will stand upright. For a stronger key lime flavor, continue slowly adding 1 tbsp + 1/2 cup confectioners sugar to frosting then taste & check consistency.
4. Add one patriotic flag to each cupcake.
5. Display on Patriotic Cupcake Stand. (Instructions below)

Patriotic Cupcake Stand

Project estimate:

• Plastic goblet, $1
• Plastic veggie tray, $1
• Plastic plate, $1
• Glue, on hand

Total:  $3

Using a strong adhesive (I used E6000), adhere a Dollar Store blue plastic goblet upside down in the center of a red flower-shaped veggie dip tray. Let dry.

Once dry, adhere a red plastic plate to the top of the upside down blue plastic goblet. Let dry.

The post Make Patriotic Dark Chocolate Cupcakes appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Fall is a very sensory time of year, which is evident in the array of colors and scents and flavors that we associate with the season.  Give your children a seasonal sensory boost with some homemade play dough in fall colors and scents!  Cathy at Nurture Store made these using washable paints for a pop of color and scented them with common spices; it’s an inexpensive project that will bring hours of fun.  And you probably already have most of what you need to make it stashed away in your kitchen cupboards!  [how to make fall scented play dough]

Project estimate:

• Flour, on hand or $1
• Salt, on hand or $1
• Cream of tartar, on hand or $1 and up
• Vegetable oil, on hand or $1 and up
• Spices, on hand or $1 and up
• Poster paint, on hand or $1

Total:  Free and up!

The post Make Fall Scented Play Dough appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

There are lots of great deals at the dollar store for every part of your house – even the pantry! If you’ve ever been wary of eating dollar store food, one bite of these insanely good cookie bars will make you a true believer. I tried this recipe out on friends and family and the response all around was that they are unbelievably good. These might even be the best cookie bars on the planet. Seriously.

With the exception of the butter and the sweetened condensed milk, every ingredient came off the shelves at Dollar Tree!

Make sure you also check out the list of over 50 holiday treats at the end of this post. It’s the most delicious list of sweets you’ll see this season!

Ingredients:

• 1 pkg. (10 oz.) Coconut Bar cookies, crumbled (about 2 cups), $1
• 3/4 c. butter, melted, on hand
• 1 c. quick oats, on hand or $1
• 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk, on hand or about $2 and up
• 3 pkg. (3 oz.) mini caramel cups (about 1 2/3 cups), $3
• 2 cans (3.5 oz.) cashew pieces, coarsely chopped (about 1 1/2 cups), $2

Total cost: $6 and up

Makes about 24 to 36 bars, depending on how large you cut them.

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking pan and set aside.

Crush the whole package of coconut bar cookies into crumbs. The easiest way is to toss them in a food processor, but if you don’t have one, my favorite method involves putting the cookies in a Ziplock and pummeling them with my rolling pin. If you don’t like the flavor of coconut, you can substitute an equal amount of vanilla wafers.

Stir together cookie crumbs and melted butter until crumbs are well-coated. Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan.

Mix together a cup of oats and a can of sweetened condensed milk until the oats are thoroughly coated.

Carefully spread the mixture in an even layer over the cookie crust.

The cashews come in pieces, but they’re still a little big. Coarsely chop them into more manageable bits. (This is another point where I found myself wishing that I had a food processor.)

Here’s my favorite part of the recipe: the mini caramel cups! Oh my goodness they are delicious!

Sprinkle the nuts and candies evenly across the surface of the oatmeal mixture. Gently press down to embed the nuts and candies into the layer below. Bake for about 22 minutes. Watch carefully for the last couple minutes of cooking time; when the candies around the edges of the pan start to cave in on themselves, it’s time to take them out!

Cool bars to room temperature, then refrigerate for an hour before cutting.

If you enjoyed this recipe, we have good news! It’s part of a series of over 50 holiday treat recipes!

Consider all of your holiday dessert needs fulfilled! Check out this list of over 50 delicious recipes:

The post Dollar Store Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Cashew Cookie Bars (and 50+ more treats!) appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Crafts

Felt Rainbow Shamrock Garland by Make and Takes
This adorable felt garland won’t take long to make, and you can keep it up all March long!

Simple St. Patrick’s Day Banner by Simple As That
The photos of this banner are absolutely gorgeous and the banner really is simple to make!

3-D St. Patrick’s Day Banner by Lilluna
A 3-D version of the Simple St. Patrick’s Day Banner using maps.

Faux Tie-Dye Shamrocks by Mom to 2 Posh Little Divas
Another great use for coffee filters.

Felt Shamrock Barrette by Paper & Ink
This could also be used as a pin or an addition to a package!

Recipes

Lucky Lunch by Meet the Dubiens
Turn your child’s lunch into a St. Patrick’s Day scene complete with a sandwich leprechaun.

Thin Mint Truffles by Cooking Cowgirl
Although this post was from Christmas, they’re perfect for St. Patrick’s Day since the cookies are for sale now.

Green Velvet Cupcakes by Love From the Oven
If red velvet cupcakes are tasty, these must be too!

Mini Mint Cheesecakes {Shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day} by Created by Diane
Cute idea using four heart cheesecakes for a clover!

Printables

St. Patrick’s Day Free Party Printables by Living Locurto
Rebekah at A Blissful Nest shares a complete set of party printables including cupcake wrappers, bottle labels and cupcake toppers.

Irish Friendship Blessing Printable by DECOR8Rgirl
A framed version of this would make a great gift for a friend this St. Patrick’s Day.

Irish Luck Printable by Words by Lauren Barge
Traditional Irish quote subway art printable.

10 free St. Patrick’s Day Printables by The New Home Ec on Babble
A roundup of 10 great free St. Patrick’s Day printables.

St. Patrick’s Day Paper Doll by Tricia-Rennea on Tip Junkie
A paper doll your daughter will love to play with!

Lucky You Cupcake Topper by TomKat Studio
A cute cupcake topper for St. Patrick’s Day cupcakes.

St. Patrick’s Day Gift Tags by Teachers Pay Teachers
These would be great to add to little gift bags for your child’s classmates.

Keep Calm and Pinch On Sign by The Hands-On Housewife
You’ll want to make sure you’re wearing green around this sign to keep from getting pinched!

Irish Quote Printable by Carolyn’s Homework
Traditional Irish quote subway art printable.

Roundups

St. Patrick’s Day Category by Martha Stewart
This category has recipes, decorations, crafts and templates in one spot, making this a great go-to for everything St. Patrick’s Day!

TipJunkie’s St. Patrick’s Day Site by TipJunkie
Find pages of St. Patrick’s Day crafts, recipes and printables here.

St. Patrick’s Day Ideas by NoBiggie
A round-up of all the projects shared on the site.

Past DSC Posts and Roundups

Make Leprechaun Elixir Bottles

Make a Four Leaf Clover Headband

50+ More St. Patrick’s Day Crafts

Make Leprechaun Hat Favor Boxes

Make a Lucky Shamrock Wreath

Make a 3D Paper Shamrock

20+ Free St. Patrick’s Day Printables

40 Crafts for St. Patrick’s Day

View these and more on Melinda’s St. Patrick’s Day Pinterest board!

The post 18+ Lucky Ideas for St. Patrick’s Day appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

If you love Peeps, but want to make your own version at home, Brenda at A Farmgirl’s Dabbles shares a great recipe for Homemade Marshmallow Conversation Hearts. It may sound scary, but she assures us that they’re easier than you’d think. The best part is that you can use this technique with other shapes for any occasion. She has recipes and instructions for multiple types! [How to Make Homemade Marshmallow Conversation Hearts]

Project estimate:

• Powdered sugar, on hand or $1 and up
• Water, on hand
• Envelopes of unflavored gelatin, $1 and up
• Granulated sugar, on hand or $1
• Salt, on hand or $1
• Vanilla flavoring, on hand or $1
• 2 bags of white Wilton candy melts, $2
• Candy coloring, on hand or about $4
• Milk, on hand
• Light corn syrup, on hand or $1 and up
• Lemon Juice, on hand or $1 and up

Total:  $3 and up

The post Make Homemade Marshmallow Conversation Hearts appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Candy is my favorite of all the classic Valentine’s Day gifts, hands down.  I have such a huge sweet tooth!  If you want to give something a little more special than a box of assorted Russell Stover whatnots, try making your own candy.  This strawberry fudge by Shelly at Cookies and Cups is the easiest recipe you’ll ever see, requiring just two ingredients!  Just looking at the pictures is making me want to hoard a whole batch all to myself…  [how to make two-ingredient strawberry fudge]

Project estimate:

• Strawberry frosting, $1 and up
• White chocolate chips, about $2.50 and up

Total:  about $3.50 and up

The post Make Two-Ingredient Strawberry Fudge appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

This is absolutely freakin’ ingenious!  Love the reusability of mason jars but wish that you could pour dry ingredients from them easier?  Rena from The Cheese Thief added a pour spout to a jar, which she then filled with Thai fried garlic.  (She also shares her mother’s recipe for the garlic, and I want to make some and put it on everything!)  It would also be great for holding sugar at your coffee station, or even in the craft room for things like small beads.  [how to add a pour spout to a mason jar]

Project estimate:

• Mason jar, on hand
• Empty salt container, on hand
• Paper, on hand

Total:  Free

The post Add a Pour Spout to a Mason Jar appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Looking for a unique focal point for a dessert table at your next gathering?  Try out this project; everyone will be buzzing about the results!  Lisa from The Enchanted Oven had a hankering to make something out of rice krispie treats and decided that a beehive would be a fairly foolproof idea.  Don’t worry if you don’t fancy yourself to be much of a sculptor; Lisa’s construction method is super easy.  (If anyone out there is planning a Winnie the Pooh themed party, this absolutely must go on your to-do list!)  [how to make a rice krispie treat beehive]

Project estimate:

• Rice cereal, $1 and up
• Marshmallows, $1 and up
• Frosting, $1 and up
• Fondant, $1 and up
• Bamboo skewer, on hand

Total:  $4 and up

The post Make a Rice Krispie Treat Beehive appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.