Holiday Baking with Bakers: Festive Recipes for Every Occasion

The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and of course, indulgent treats. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or simply want to fill your home with the comforting aromas of freshly baked goods, holiday baking is a cherished tradition. In this blog, we'll explore a variety of festive recipes perfect for every occasion, from Christmas to New Year's and everything in between.

Classic Christmas Cookies

No holiday season is complete without a batch of classic Christmas cookies. These timeless treats are perfect for gift-giving, leaving out for Santa, or enjoying a cup of hot cocoa.

1. Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

These versatile cookies can be cut into various holiday shapes and decorated with colorful royal icing. The key to perfect sugar cookies is chilling the dough before rolling and cutting.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups Bakers all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Bakers baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp Bakers vanilla extract

For the royal icing:

• 3 cups Bakers powdered sugar
• 2 egg whites
• 1/2 tsp Bakers vanilla extract
•  Food coloring

Mix the dry ingredients, cream the butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla, then combine with dry ingredients. Chill, roll, cut, and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Once cooled, decorate with royal icing.

2. Gingerbread Men

These spicy-sweet cookies are a holiday staple. The rich molasses flavor and warm spices make them irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups Bakers all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Bakers baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp Bakers vanilla extract

Mix dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, add molasses, egg, and vanilla. Combine with dry ingredients, chill, roll, cut, and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.

Festive Cakes and Pies

For larger gatherings or as a show-stopping centerpiece, holiday cakes and pies are the way to go.

3. Yule Log (Bûche de Noël)

This traditional French Christmas dessert is as beautiful as it is delicious. A chocolate sponge cake is rolled with cream filling and decorated to resemble a log.

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup Bakers unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup Bakers all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup Bakers powdered sugar
• 1 tsp Bakers vanilla extract

For the ganache:

• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream

Beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Fold in cocoa, flour, and salt. Bake in a jelly roll pan at 350°F for 12-15 minutes. Roll cake while warm, then unroll and fill with whipped cream. Re-roll and cover with chocolate ganache. Decorate to resemble a log.

4. Peppermint Cheesecake

This festive twist on classic cheesecake combines the richness of cream cheese with the cool flavor of peppermint.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• Crushed candy canes for topping

Mix cookie crumbs and butter for the crust. Beat cream cheese and sugar, add eggs, peppermint extract, and sour cream. Pour into crust and bake at 325°F for 1 hour. Cool and top with crushed candy canes.

Holiday Breads and Pastries 

Warm, freshly baked bread and pastries are perfect for holiday brunches or as a special breakfast treat.

5. Cranberry Orange Bread

This quick bread combines tart cranberries with zesty orange for a bright, festive flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Bakers all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp Bakers baking powder
• 1/2 tsp Bakers baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 cup fresh cranberries

Mix dry ingredients. Combine wet ingredients, then mix with dry ingredients. Fold in cranberries. Bake in a loaf pan at 350°F for 60-70 minutes.

6. Cinnamon Roll Wreath

This impressive pastry is perfect for Christmas morning or a holiday brunch.

 

Ingredients:

• 4 cups Bakers all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp Bakers  instant yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs

For the filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

Make the dough, let rise, then roll out and spread with filling. Roll up, cut into 12 pieces, and arrange in a wreath shape. Let rise again, then bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.

New Year's Eve Treats

Ring in the New Year with these festive and fun desserts.

 

7. Champagne Cupcakes

These elegant cupcakes are infused with champagne for a touch of sophistication.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups Bakers all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp Bakers baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tspBakers vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup champagne

For the frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups Bakers powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup champagne

Mix dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla. Alternate adding dry ingredients and champagne. Bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes. Frost with champagne buttercream.

8. Chocolate Truffles

These rich, decadent truffles are perfect for a New Year's Eve party or as a gift.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Bakers vanilla extract
• Bakers Cocoa powder, for coating

Heat cream and pour over chocolate. Let stand, then stir until smooth. Add vanilla. Chill, then roll into balls and coat with cocoa powder.

Tips for Successful Holiday Baking

1. Plan ahead: Make a list of ingredients and equipment needed for your recipes.
2. Prep ingredients: Measure and prepare ingredients before starting to bake.
3. Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures better mixing and consistent results.
4. Invest in quality bakeware: Good quality pans and tools can make a big difference in your baking.
5. Don't overmix: This can lead to tough baked goods. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
6. Rotate pans: For even baking, rotate pans halfway through baking time.
7. Cool completely: Allow baked goods to cool completely before decorating or storing.

 

Holiday baking is a wonderful way to create memories and share love with friends and family. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, these recipes offer something for everyone. From classic cookies to show-stopping cakes, your holiday season is sure to be filled with delicious treats. Happy baking!