Welcome back to Blogmas 2023! Continuing through Christmas Day, expect to find some fun and informative holiday themed blog posts here at The Confusing Middle. For Day 5, it’s time for some festive and delightful baking. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice in the world of holiday baking, there’s something truly magical about whipping up delectable treats that spread joy and warmth during this special time of the year.

In this blog post, I’m going to share some of my all-time favorite Christmas baking recipes, along with some tried-and-true tips that will help you make the most out of your holiday baking adventures. So, grab your apron, preheat the oven, and let’s get started!

1. Classic Sugar Cookies:

Let’s kick things off with a classic – sugar cookies. These sweet, buttery delights are not only delicious but also incredibly fun to decorate. Here’s my go-to recipe:

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
• Beat in the eggs and vanilla.
• In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
• Divide the dough in half, shape it into discs, and refrigerate for at least an hour.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out your favorite shapes.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Once your cookies have cooled, get creative with your decorations. Royal icing, colored sugars, and sprinkles are your best friends for turning these cookies into festive masterpieces!

2. Gingerbread House:

Building a gingerbread house is a beloved holiday tradition that can be a little daunting, but it’s worth every second. Here’s my recipe for gingerbread and royal icing:

Ingredients for Gingerbread:

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

Ingredients for Royal Icing:

• 3 large egg whites
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp cream of tartar

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
• In another bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the egg and molasses.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
• Divide the dough in half and shape it into discs. Refrigerate for at least an hour.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Roll out the dough and cut out the pieces needed for your gingerbread house.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes or until firm.
• While your gingerbread pieces cool, prepare the royal icing by beating the egg whites until frothy, then gradually adding powdered sugar and cream of tartar.

Construct and decorate your gingerbread house with all your favorite candies, sprinkles, and icing details.

3. Peppermint Bark:

For those who prefer a no-bake option, peppermint bark is a fantastic choice. It’s a delightful blend of white and dark chocolate, sprinkled with crushed candy canes.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz dark chocolate chips
• 12 oz white chocolate chips
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• 1/4 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions:

• Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals, and stirring until smooth.
• Stir in half of the peppermint extract and spread the mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Let it set in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
• Melt the white chocolate chips in the same manner, adding the remaining peppermint extract.
• Spread the white chocolate over the dark chocolate layer and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
• Chill until firm, then break it into pieces.

And there you have it – a trio of scrumptious holiday treats that will surely delight your taste buds and impress your loved ones.

Before I wrap up, here are a few baking tips to keep in mind:

• Plan Ahead: Make a list of all the recipes you want to try and create a baking schedule to avoid last-minute stress.
• Quality Ingredients: Use the best ingredients you can find – it truly makes a difference in the final taste.
• Get Creative: Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and decorations. It’s all about having fun!

I hope you find these recipes and tips as delightful as I do. If you have any favorite holiday baking recipes or tips of your own, please feel free to share them in the comments. Let’s make this holiday season the sweetest one yet! Happy baking, everyone!

Feature Photo by Tim Douglas