Dunkaroos, Fruit Roll-Ups, And 22 Other Favorite Childhood Treats, Made At Home

We may have grown up and left recess behind, but that doesn't mean we can't relish in the nostalgia of some of our favorite childhood snacks. Take for instance the simple Dunkaroo cookie made irresistible with its chocolate frosting or the array of fruity flavors that chewy Fruit Roll-Ups came in, both snacks traded like currency on the playground. Luckily, we can relive childhood by making these tasty treats at home. 

Like Proust's encounter with a simple Madeline, your favorite childhood snacks can trigger memories. According to one study published in 2012, the emotions you are feeling while you eat are linked with memories formed through that taste. It's no wonder that these childhood foods hold a special place in our psyche.

While some of these treats, like Cadbury Snaps, are rare finds these days, you can still enjoy your favorite junk food snacks made at home, and in some cases reinvented for your more sophisticated adult tastes.

Whether you were a Rice Krispies Treats fiend or preferred savory Cheez-It crackers, we have a few recipes that will awaken your inner child so you can happily snack on.

The truth is, whether you enjoy them as the prepackaged, frozen mini versions, or a homemade version, pizza bagels often hit the spot when you are in the mood for pizza quickly but don't want to order a pie. Personalized and easily portion-regulated, this breakfast food's pizza makeover is also kid-friendly and can be made by even the clumsiest little hands. — Lauren Gordon

For the Pizza Bagel recipe, click here.

These pop-able cheesy crackers are the perfect thing to have on-hand for an easy afternoon snack or if unexpected guests stop by, and our version made with fresh herbs are even more delicious than the cellophane-wrapped, store-bought kind.

For the Cheez-It Crackers recipe, click here.

Puffed corn and powdered cheese, what's not to like? Now that we've grown up we can enjoy the same great tangy, cheesy taste of Cheetos in a slightly healthier package with our roasted chickpea Cheetos.

For the Cheesy Roasted Chickpeas (Chickpea Cheetos) recipe, click here.

When Burger King introduced Chicken Fries in 2005, we may have initially balked at the idea, but as soon as we came around to these French-fry-shaped chicken fingers, they became our favorite guilty pleasure. Now, you can make your own at home with our Parmesan Chicken Fries.

For the Parmesan Chicken Fries recipe, click here.

Cadbury Snaps may never have made it across the pond, but if you were lucky enough to try one of these chocolate-covered potato chips and you still have a craving for the often-elusive store-bought snack, you can try your hand at making your own with our chocolate-covered potato chips recipe.

For the Chocolate-Covered Potato Chips recipe, click here.

One of our favorite childhood cereals that resembled a bowl of mini-French toasts can be made at home.

For the Cinnamon Toast Crunch recipe, click here.

Cool, tangy ranch and crisp chips made these a snack we reached for often after a long day of learning. Now, try your hand at making your own — it's easier than you might think with our helpful guide.

For the Homemade Doritos recipe, click here.

Remember when you would go digging for the prize as soon as you ripped open the box? Now you can make your own salty, caramel-flavored Cracker Jacks at home. You'll have to make your own prize, too, though.

For the Cracker Jacks recipe, click here.

These kangaroo cookies dipped in chocolate, vanilla, or funfetti frosting will be a hit at your kid's party. Don't forget to sneak a few of these easy-to-make cookies. You can even get creative using non-kangaroo-shaped cookie cutters for a different design.

For how to Make Your Own Dunkaroos, click here.

These cookies consist of a sweet fig jam rolled up in a cake-like pastry — and they're easier to make at home than you think. — Patricia Stagich

For the Fig Newton recipe, click here.

These roll-ups are made with real fruit and vegetables. They make a fun and healthy snack for kids and adults alike! — Yuri Elkamin

For the 2-Ingredient Fruit and Veggie Roll-Ups recipe, click here.

If you love gummy bears, then you will love pâte de fruit. Sort of the original gummy bear, these classic French, jelly candies can be made with fresh or frozen fruit purées and spices for a customized taste.

For the Pâte de Fruit recipe, click here.

This "fruit juice" drink made of mostly sugar, water, and orange juice concentrate powered us through recess, and now you can make a similar tasting beverage at home for when the nostalgic need arises.

For the Hi-C Copycat recipe, click here.

For a sweet treat, try these mini moon pies, which can easily be made with Ritz Crackers. — Patricia Stagich

For the Mini Ritz Cracker Moon Pies recipe, click here.

Okay, so maybe we still really like Oreos, but these homemade Oreo cookies combine the chocolate cookie we all adore with a creamy, Coca-Cola filling, packing two favorites into one delicious homemade treat.

For the Homemade Oreo Cookies With Coca-Cola Cream Filling recipe, click here.

Chef Greg Ellis of Chicago's 2 Sparrows strikes a chord with this play on a childhood favorite, Pop-Tarts. It's great for breakfast or dessert, and he uses fresh blueberries to fill a crumbly, buttery crust. — Greg Ellis

For the Blueberry Pop Tart With Lemon Glaze recipe, click here.

Our favorite way to cool off in the summer as kids has been revamped for adult tastes. Try our Dark Chocolate Fudgy Pudding pops made with healthful avocado instead of dairy and be transported to more youthful days.

For the Dark Chocolate Fudgy Pudding Pops recipe, click here.

Who can forget making Rice Krispies Treats with marshmallow fluff from the back of the box? Improve upon your favorite childhood snack with our Pecan Ginger Thin Rice Krispies Treats.

For the Pecan Ginger Thin Rice Krispies Treat recipe, click here.

Homemade graham crackers, espresso marshmallows, and melted chocolate are just a few improvements that we can't wait to try from this grown-up take on a childhood, campfire classic.

For the Back Deck S'mores recipe, click here.

You can make your favorite Girl Scout cookies at home, including these chocolate and coconut shortbread cookies.

For the Samoas recipe, click here.

The combination of shortbread cookie, creamy caramel, and chocolate is what makes Twix bars so loveable today. This recipe takes extra measures to ensure that it replicates the timeless candy in its entirety. 

For the Homemade Twix Bars recipe, click here.

Luckily, if you are a waffle fry-fanatic, you can easily make these frites at home armed with only Idaho potatoes, peanut oil, a mandoline, a large pot, and some salt.

For our guide on How to Make Waffle Fries, click here.

We're certainly not the first to try to replicate this recipe, but we think we've come pretty close — and closer than others — to nailing it. — Anne Dolce

For the White Castle Sliders recipe,  click here.