Ward off cravings with these spot-on homemade junk food snacks.
40 Junk Food Snacks to Indulge In
Puppy Chow
This easy puppy chow recipe uses a whole package of cereal, so there’s less messy measuring. And it makes enough to feed a hungry crowd. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Bonus: Here’s how you can make puppy chow without peanut butter.
Homemade Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tarts
I love this classic treat from childhood! Homemade Pop-Tarts are, of course, awesome for breakfast, but they are also a satisfying desserts since they are really similar to hand pies. These pastries are worth the extra effort. —Andrea Potischman, Menlo Park, CaliforniaNeed breakfast on the go? We tried off-brand Pop-Tarts to find out how well these morning treats stacked up against the original.
Fried Mozzarella Sticks
Golden, gooey and perfectly seasoned, you’ll fall in love with this fail-proof recipe for homemade mozzarella sticks. —Lauren Habermehl, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Cosmic Brownies
These moist and fudgy squares are bursting with such rich chocolate flavor, you’d never know they’re low in fat. They’re ideal for taking to bake sales and family gatherings. —Deb Anderson, Joplin, Missouri
Check out these healthy snacks when your cravings hit.
Corn Dogs
Prepare corn dogs at home just like you’d get at the fair. Both kids and grown-ups will love this hearty corn dog batter. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, LouisianaCopycat Lofthouse Cookies
It’s easy to buy a package of cookies at the grocery store, but I think this Lofthouse cookie recipe might be even better than store-bought!
Homemade Honey Grahams
The way my boys eat them, I would spend a fortune on honey graham crackers at the grocery store. So I decided to make a homemade version that is less processed—and less expensive. These are wonderful, although they still don’t last long. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, ColoradoBear Claw
This bear claw pastry recipe is absolutely melt-in-your-mouth delicious! It’s impossible to resist the delicate dough, rich almond filling and pretty fanned tops sprinkled with sugar and almonds. I made yummy treats like this when I worked in a bakery years ago. —Aneta Kish, La Crosse, WisconsinOatmeal Cream Pie Recipe
We love foods that remind us of childhood, like the chewy oatmeal cream pies stashed in our lunch boxes on lucky days.Giant Pretzels
My husband and our friends and family love these soft, chewy pretzels. Let the bread machine mix the dough, then all you have to do is shape and bake these fun snacks. —Sherry Peterson, Fort Collins, ColoradoJalapeno Popper Dip
Here’s a fantastic way to deliver all that blazing jalapeno popper taste without the work. Whenever I bring this jalapeno popper dip to a party, I’m always asked for the recipe. Serve with corn chips, tortilla chips or butter crackers. —Jennifer Wilke, Collinsville, IllinoisChewy Honey Granola Bars
There’s sweetness from the honey, chewiness from the raisins, hints of chocolate and cinnamon, and a bit of crunch. To save a few for later, wrap individual bars and place in a resealable freezer container. When you want a satisfying treat on short notice, just grab one and let it thaw for a few minutes. —Tasha Lehman, Williston, VermontPizza Egg Rolls
If you love pizza rolls and often wished they were a little bigger, this recipe for pizza eggrolls is for you. A filling based on your favorite pizza topping is wrapped in an eggroll wrapper and fried; make a large batch of these to store in the freezer for later.Krispy Kreme Doughnut Copycat
Learn how to re-create the magic of your favorite glazed doughnuts in your very own kitchen with this simple copycat Krispy Kreme doughnut recipe. —Lauren Habermehl, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Teriyaki Beef Jerky
Jerky is a fun and portable snack. The meat has a savory flavor and just a bit of heat. —Taste of Home Test KitchenSweet & Spicy Peanuts
With a caramel-like coating and a touch of heat from the hot sauce, these crunchy peanuts make a tasty anytime snack. —Taste of Home Test KitchenGarlic-Chive Baked Fries
Yes, you do want fries with that—especially these crispy, golden fries, full of garlic flavor and just a little bit of heat. —Steve Westphal, Wind Lake, WisconsinHomemade french fries are so much better than the bags in the frozen section at the grocery store!
Chewy Soft Pretzels
These homemade pretzels never last long around our house. My kids love to make them…and eat them! I serve them to company with a variety of dips, such as pizza sauce, ranch dressing, spinach dip or hot mustard. —Elvira Martens, Aldergrove, British ColumbiaAir-Fryer Corn Dogs
It’s not hard to find corn dogs at the state fair or on the boardwalk. But making corn dogs at home is easy, too, thanks to air fryers and frozen corn dogs.
Almost It's-It Ice Cream Sandwiches
You'll discover why this treat is so popular in San Francisco. It's snack heaven—ice cream, delicious oatmeal cookies and a touch of chocolate. Swap the vanilla ice cream for your favorite flavor. —Jacyn Siebert, San Francisco, CaliforniaCaramelized Onion Dip
Upgrade your caramelized onion dip from store-bought to (easy) homemade with this creamy, savory-sweet offering, the ideal vehicle for salty chips and fresh veggies.White Chocolate Cereal Bars
A friend shared with me this fresh take on traditional crispy treats. My husband loves them, and I feel so efficient with their quick prep time. —Anne Powers, Munford, AlabamaMini Bagelizzas
Garlic powder gives these speedy mini pizzas extra pizzazz. Not only are they a snap to put together, but best of all, the ingredient list is easy on your pocketbook. My husband loves them. And my toddler will soon enjoy them as an after-school treat. -Stephanie Klos-Kohr, Moline, IllinoisPeanut Butter Cups
You don't have to own any fancy or expensive equipment to make irresistible peanut butter cups at home. In fact, it only takes a microwave and some mini muffin liners.Baked Crab Rangoon
Recreate your favorite takeout dish at home with this baked crab rangoon: so crispy and creamy, we understand if there aren't leftovers.Poutine
The ultimate in French-Canadian junk food, poutine commonly features warm fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. This side dish is quick to fix with frozen potatoes and packaged gravy but has all the traditional greasy spoon comfort. —Shelisa Terry, Henderson, NevadaEasy Mint Thins
My friends often try to guess the ingredients, but I never tell them how simple they are to make. They taste just like the Girl Scout cookie, and they're perfect for Christmas and bake sales. —Jennifer Setser, Morgantown, IndianaCaramel Corn
Learning how to make a caramel corn recipe is surprisingly easy! Follow our step-by-step guide for perfect kernels.Dill Pickle Dip
My love for pickles led me to create this dill pickle dip. It’s so easy to whip together. But be warned…it’s addicting! —April Anderson, Forest Lake, MinnesotaChocolate Sandwich Cookies
My soft, not-too-sweet chocolate cookies are filled with a heavenly cream filling. Kids of all ages devour them! Whenever my family comes to visit, these are the treats they always request. —Salvatore Bertolino, Indiana, PennsylvaniaSlow Cooker Party Mix
This mildly seasoned snack mix is always a party favorite. Served warm from a slow cooker, the munchable mixture is very satisfying. —Dana Hughes, Gresham, OregonKettle Corn
If you go to a fair looking to satisfy your craving for popcorn, you’ll get the same wonderful salty-sweet taste at home with my kettle corn recipe. Now you can indulge whenever the mood strikes you. —Jenn Martin, Sebago, MaineAir-Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Deep-fried mozzarella sticks are one of our favorite appetizers. I figured out how to make them at home without having to haul out the deep fryer. Make sure to double-bread each one so these air-fryer mozzarella sticks get nice and crunchy, and to keep the cheese from oozing out as they get warm. —Mary Merchant, Barre, VermontNacho Dip
This zesty nacho dip is great for any get-together and allows me to spend more time with my guests. I always have requests to bring it when my husband and I attend parties. —Sally Hull, Homestead, FloridaChocolate Eclair
You will feel like a French baker when you make our classic chocolate eclair.Confetti Snack Mix
I’ve made this party mix for many years, and I usually double the recipe. It makes a delightful gift, and everyone always asks how I make it. —Jane Bray, Temple Terrace, FloridaPecan Sandies
Pecan lovers won't want to miss these buttery, tender pecan sandies. Our six-ingredient recipe is oh-so simple.Chocolate-Dipped Phyllo Sticks
Looking for a little something special to share with friends or family? Try these crunchy treats. They’re wonderful with coffee or a glass of milk. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, WisconsinHostess Cupcake Recipe
We love this copycat Hostess Cupcake recipe because of its short ingredient list and simple method.