4 Sweet Treats You Need to Make This Holiday
The holiday season is finally here, and this year, we need the Christmas spirit more than ever.
We know that this Christmas will likely look a little different than last. That being said, to get you feeling more jolly, why not plan a day of Christmas baking with your family, your roommate, or even solo?
Today I have four sweet recipes for you, all equally delicious. Besides tasting great, these recipes are simple, so they are perfect for those with little baking experience so everyone can participate.
We start with a ball of sugar cookies coated in chocolate, a real treat that can be eaten in just one bite.
Then we prepare delicious candy cane and white chocolate cookies. Super soft inside with crunchy pieces of candy cane. These cookies will delight all, young and old.
We continue with gingerbread Christmas bars. These tastes the same as gingerbread men with cream cheese frosting. A divine combination! We finish with my favorite recipe, Christmas light cupcakes. They are so adorable and delicious you should make several batches to give as gifts.
Let’s get to it!
How to Make White Chocolate & Christmas Candy Cane Cookies
Preparation: 20 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, room temperature.
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup of sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup of white chocolate chips
- ½ cup of crushed candy canes
Preparation & Baking
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Step 2
Mix the butter and sugars until you get an even texture.
Step 3
Add the egg to the mixture.
Step 4
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 5
Gradually add the dry ingredients mixture to the wet mixture.
Step 6
Add the crushed candy canes and the white chocolate chips. Stir lightly.
Step 7
Shape into balls with a spoon and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 8
Cook 8-10 minutes. Top with extra crushed candy cane if desired, and let cool on a rack.
Get even more holiday baking inspiration: 3 Must-Bake Holiday Cookies
How to Make Sugar Cookie Bites
Preparation: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 bites
Ingredients
- 12 sugar cookies
- 4 tbsp cream cheese, room temperature.
- 2 cups of chocolate (to melt).
- Sprinkles (for decoration).
Preparation
Step 1
Add your sugar cookies into a food processor. Process the cookies until you obtain fine crumbs.
Add cream cheese and process again until you can press the mixture into a ball.
Step 2
Shape the dough into balls about 1-inch in diameter. Place the balls on a large plate and freeze for 30 minutes.
Step 3
Melt the chocolate in your microwave for one minute.
Step 4
Remove the balls from the freezer and place one ball at a time into the melted chocolate. Place the balls into a plate and immediately top with sprinkles.
Repeat these steps with the rest of your sugar cookie balls.
How to Make Gingerbread Bars
Preparation: 30 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature.
- 1 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed.
- 3/4 cup molasses
- 2 large eggs, room temperature.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- Icing sugar for dusting
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 250 g cream cheese, softened.
- 1/3 cup butter, softened.
- 1 ½ cup icing sugar
- 1 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Preparation & Baking
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 23 x 33 cm cake pan.
Step 2
Beat butter and brown sugar until a light texture is obtained. Still beating, add the molasses, then the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Continue beating, adding the lemon juice and ginger.
Step 3
In another bowl, sift the flour, spices, and salt. Add this to the butter mixture and stir to combine well.
Step 4
In another bowl, combine the boiling water and baking soda, then add them quickly to the dough, stirring vigorously.
Step 5
Pour the batter into the greased pan and bake for 45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6
Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Cut into squares, sprinkle with icing sugar and place a little whipped cream on top to serve!
Cream Cheese Frosting Creation
Combine all the ingredients and mix well until you get a smooth, creamy mixture.
How to Make Christmas Lights Cupcakes
Preparation: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1/3 cups flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1/4 cup dark rum (or milk for alcohol-free cupcakes).
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1 tbsp cider vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
Icing
- 1 1/4 cups butter, room temperature.
- 2 1/2 cups icing sugar
- 1 pinch of ground nutmeg
- 3 tbsp eggnog
- Tube of black icing
- M&Ms
Preparation & Baking
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare a muffin pan by lining it with 12 paper cups.
Step 2
In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
Step 3
In another bowl, combine the eggnog, rum, oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla.
Step 4
Combine the two separate mixtures, mixing gently with a spatula.
Step 5
Divide the dough into the paper cups and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6
Let cool in the pan for five minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack and leave there until completely cooled.
Icing Creation
Step 1
Beat the butter with an electric mixer, then add the icing sugar and eggnog. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
Step 2
Add the icing into a pastry bag fitted with a fluted tip, and ice your cupcakes.
Step 3
Add the black icing in a circle, so it looks like a wire, and add the M&Ms to complete your light display!
Happy Holiday Baking
We hope that you can use these recipes to spark a bit of joy this holiday season. Happy baking!
Create some more holiday treats: How to Make No-Bake Cheesecake
