Even though Christmas is almost two months away, it doesn’t hurt to get started on your Christmas baking list and begin buying any special supplies you may need. Do yourself a favour and take note of these holiday baking must-haves.
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Keep an eye out for baking supplies on sale in your local flyers. Baking (at least doing it well) isn’t always cheap, so every dollar you can save is an added bonus. Be sure to check out bulk food stores as well for unique and special ingredients.
Sugar Cookies
Okay, kind of a no brainer! But, these cookies are so fun to make! I’ve been making these with my daughter for the last couple of years for both Halloween and Christmas. This recipe for the sugar cookies is so easy to follow and doesn’t require refrigeration. Also, check out this amazing no-fail recipe for royal icing!
Cheesecake Bites
In my household, cheesecake is a huge hit! But making a huge traditional cheesecake (that weighs a tonne) can be a little overwhelming – both to bake and to eat in it’s entirety. In comes cheesecake bites! A much easier (but still the traditional flavour) cake to bake, BUT cut into squares and covered in chocolate! Be a real rebel and add some nuts, cranberries, coconut, or sprinkle to fancy up these luscious beauties.
Peanut Clusters
Super easy to make. Check it out!
Peanut Cluster
Ingredients
- 1 package Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 package Butterscotch chips
- Peanuts Shelled & Roasted
Instructions
- Add both bags of chips to a large pot and melt slowly over low to medium heat.
- Once all the chips are melted, begin adding peanuts. Add enough allow a little "soupiness" to the consistency.
- Prepare a few sheet pans by lining them with parchment or silicone liners.
- Spoon the chocolatey-peanut mixture onto the sheet pans by the tablespoon. Be sure to spread them out a little so they cool into a flatter form.
- Now just refrigerate!
- Once they're cooled and set, transfer to an airtight container and keep cool. Otherwise you'll have a big melty mess!
- Extras! If you're feeling adventurous, you can change up the ingredients. Try peanut butter chips instead of butterscotch. Add coconut, raisins, chow mein noodles, pretzels, or almonds. Anything goes here!
Gingerbread
Or anything with molasses, really! Gingerbread isn’t a huge hit in my house, but gingersnaps or molasses cookies go over a little better. The fun part of gingerbread is the fact that you can do cut-outs and then fancy them up with icing! Maybe try a small batch to see if the family likes them or not. But rest assured – your house will smell effing amazing!
Shortbread
In the past, I’ve done whipped shortbread. These are all well and fine, but can get a little boring after a few years. A couple of years ago, I tried my hand at a more traditional Scottish shortbread. I will never go back to the whipped variety. Scottish shortbread, in my opinion, is a richer and has a better butter taste! Browse Pinterest a little and I’m sure you’ll find a suitable recipe.
Peanut Butter Balls
Ask your mom or grandma for a recipe because I’m sure they’ll have one! Peanut Butter Balls are the simplest recipe to make – any time of the year! We often whip up a batch for a quick snack after a long and busy day at work or school. Just crispy rice cereal, powdered sugar, butter (or margarine), and peanut butter (creamy or smooth). Simply mix, roll into balls, and coat in powdered sugar or coconut. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, dip these crunchy beauties in some melted chocolate (with a little added shortening) and allow to cool in the fridge.
Something with Cranberry (White Chocolate Cranberry Bars)
Cranberry is the quintessential flavour of Christmas. And I agree! Though cranberries are an acquired taste, in the right dessert, they can be amazing! White chocolate pairs really nicely with cranberries. I found a recipe in a magazine a number of years ago and I finally made it one year. Totally loved it! This recipe had a puff pastry bottom and was surprisingly light! Give cranberry a go this holiday season and bring something new to the dessert table!
Pies & Tarts
Another no brainer. Any holiday is a terrific time for pie – or pastry of any kind! Everybody loves pie, tarts, tortes, and the like! But, what kind of filling? That’s the fun part – whatever you want! Chocolate, coconut cream, pumpkin, apple, cherry, lemon, sour cream – the possibilities are endless! Get baking!
Confetti Bars
Remember these? The chocolate or peanut butter bars coating multi-coloured marshmallows!! Only the peanut butter variety gets made in my house. Easy, made on the stovetop, and cooled until set! P.S. My daughter asked me to add these to this post because she loves them soooo much!
Get a head start on holiday shopping this year!
Bits & Bites (Party Mix)
Given, these are not something that is typically “baked”. However, party mix is a huge hit during the holidays. What do visitors do while they wait for Christmas dinner to be prepared – they snack! What better food to nibble on than a customized snack mix? Loaded with all your favourites: cheerios, chex, shreddies, pretzels, mixed nuts, chow mein noodles, etc.
Simply melt a cup of butter with whatever seasonings you like (garlic, onion). Once melted, begin added your goodies. Roast in the oven at about 300 degrees for however long it takes to coat the ingredients and create the flavour you desire. Try adding Frank’s Red Hot and Worcestershire sauce for a little kick!
What are your holiday baking must-haves?
Were any of your favourites on this list? Leave a comment with your go-to Christmas dessert or treat!
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