Which Of These 5 Christmas Baking Recipes Will Be Your Holiday Favorite?

The holidays are here, and what better way to celebrate than by filling your home with the warm, sweet scents of freshly baked treats? These 5 Christmas baking recipes are easy to follow, incredibly delicious, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Let’s dive into the festive spirit!

1. Classic Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• ½ cup molasses

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg and molasses.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
5. Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness, cut into shapes, and place on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 8–10 minutes and let cool before decorating.

Helpful Note: Decorate with royal icing for a festive touch!

2. Peppermint Bark Brownies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• 1 cup crushed peppermint candies

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan.
2. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, mix sugar, butter, eggs, and peppermint extract.
4. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
5. Pour batter into the pan and sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes. Let cool before slicing.

Helpful Note: Substitute dark chocolate chips for extra richness.

3. Snowball Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans
• Extra powdered sugar for rolling

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cream butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
3. Gradually add flour and pecans. Mix until combined.
4. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 10–12 minutes.
6. Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar and let cool.

Helpful Note: Roll cookies in powdered sugar a second time for extra sweetness.

4. Festive Fruitcake Muffins

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup dried mixed fruits (raisins, cherries, cranberries)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with liners.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix butter, sugar, and eggs until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, then fold in dried fruits and nuts.
5. Spoon batter into muffin cups and bake for 18–20 minutes.

Helpful Note: Brush muffins with a little orange juice for added flavor.

5. Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Holiday sprinkles for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Spread dough evenly in the pan.
5. Sprinkle holiday sprinkles on top and bake for 20–25 minutes.
6. Cool before slicing into bars.

Helpful Note: Frost with vanilla icing for extra sweetness.