It's Back-To-School Season & I'm So Nostalgic For These 13 Lunch Box Treats
You know that scene in Pulp Fiction when they open the briefcase and a brilliant gold light pours out? Well that is exactly how it used to feel to open your lunch box after several long hours of school and see any of these treats inside. We all know that the contents of your packed lunch defined your social standing each lunch period, and these sweet & savory snacks guaranteed that you were on top.
I’ve compiled a list of 10 snacks—from copycat Cosmic Brownies to homemade pizza bagels—that remind me of the glory of that 30 minute window in between classes, where all that mattered was sharing jokes and sharing snacks.
Copycat Milano Cookies
Crisp and sweet, and sometimes minty, Milano cookies enjoy their perch atop the list of sophisticated cookies from our childhood. Turns out they are surprisingly easy to make and customize.
Get the Copycat Milano Cookies recipe.
Chex Mix
When it comes to crunchy packaged snacks, Chex Mix is the crème de la crème. Unlike a plain old bag of chips, Chex Mix offers variety: the crisp cereal, toasty pretzels, the unique crunch of the bagel chips. I have long been convinced that it’s the best snack ever. Until I tried a homemade version.
Get the Chex Mix recipe.
Copycat Kudos Bars
If you were a kid in the '90s, the thought of a Kudos Bar likely brings back memories of a chocolatey, peanut buttery, crisp yet chewy treat (and maybe some lunchtime bartering). Kudos were always marketed as granola bars, but to me they tasted more like a candy bar.
Get the Copycat Kudos Bars recipe.
Caramel Popcorn
Making from-scratch caramel corn couldn't be easier, but don't be hesitated to rush it—baking at a low temperature for about an hour is key to popcorn with that irresistible sweet crunch. Hot tip: toss in some peanuts for some Cracker Jack-inspired crunch.
Get the Caramel Popcorn recipe.
Funfetti Dip
If you loved funfetti-inspired Dunkaroos as much as I did, you've gotta try this dip. Pack this up alongside your favorite cookies, it's time to act like a kid again!
Get the Funfetti Dip recipe.
Auntie Anne’s Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Nuggets
Never find yourself waiting in a sluggish line for Auntie Anne’s pretzels again. These cinnamon-sugar soft pretzel bites are plush, buttery, and very sweet with a hint of salt. For extra sweetness serve them alongside side of frosting.
Get the Auntie Anne’s Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Nuggets recipe.
Copycat Cosmic Brownies
The classic Little Debbie Cosmic Brownie is an extra chewy brownie with a simple ganache on top and those iconic chocolate chip candies. Our version is a little fudgier than a Cosmic Brownie, but is still just as chewy, and we're obsessed. Once the chocolate candies go on, you'll really feel like you're eating the real deal.
Get the Copycat Cosmic Brownies recipe.
Homemade Kettle Corn
Now you don’t have to wait for the carnival to come back to town! Kettle corn is an addictively sweet treat that’s perfect for a midday pick-me-up. This snack is the perfect combination of crunchy, salty, and sweet, and is so easy to make—the hardest part is keeping your friends away from your bowl!
Get the Homemade Kettle Corn recipe.
Rice Krispies Treats
This easy dessert is so simple and classic. Who doesn't have memories of the crinkle of the blue plastic packaging, followed by sticky, marshmallowy fingers. Our recipe is still just as simple to make but includes our foolproof tips for the softest, chewiest, and most marshmallow-filled Rice Krispie treats every time.
Get the Rice Krispies Treats recipe.
Copycat Pirouette Cookies
These dainty cylindrical cookies might trigger nostalgia. Perhaps you munched on the vanilla- or chocolate-filled wafers at lunchtime or after school, but whenever you snacked, they always seemed so fancy. The cookies are delicate and crisp, a vessel for hazelnut cream, chocolate, whipped cream, or whatever you want to fill them with. And whatever you do decide, you will just love them.
Get the Copycat Pirouette Cookies recipe.
Homemade Fig Bar
I’m a big fan of “grandma” cookies like Fig Newtons. There’s an undeniable allure to the dark figgy jam filling surrounded by a soft, oatey cake. While I love the store-bought version, my recipe uses oat and whole wheat flours alongside a bit of almond flour, butter, and coconut oil to bump up the richness and take it up just that extra notch.
Get the Homemade Fig Bar recipe.
Girl Scout Tagalongs
If you, like me, wait for Girl Scout Cookie season all year, then these cookies are for you. Tagalongs are definitely my top ranked cookie, and this copycat recipe is spot on. They're pretty simple to make for being a layered cookie. A quick shortbread base is topped with a mound of peanut butter and dipped in chocolate—that’s it!
Get the Girl Scout Tagalongs recipe.
Pizza Bagels
I was obsessed with pizza bagels growing up. There is something strangely enchanting about turning something that isn't pizza into pizza. Almost like anything is possible. These bagel bites are basically mini personal-pan pizzas that are the perfect size for a midday snack.
Get the Pizza Bagels recipe.
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