Delicious Christmas Baking Recipes

Introduction

Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are a classic Christmas treat that is loved by many. To make these delicious cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
3. In another bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat until combined. Add the molasses and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined.
5. Divide the dough in half and wrap each half in plastic wrap. Chill for at least two hours.
6. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut out your desired shapes.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
8. Allow the cookies to cool before decorating.

Nutrition:

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 1g

Chocolate Peppermint Bark

Chocolate peppermint bark is a simple yet delicious Christmas treat that is perfect for sharing. To make this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 12 ounces dark chocolate chips
• 12 ounces white chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval, until melted and smooth.
3. Spread the melted dark chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
4. Melt the white chocolate chips in a separate microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval, until melted and smooth. Stir in the peppermint extract.
5. Spread the melted white chocolate over the dark chocolate layer.
6. Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the top of the white chocolate layer.
7. Chill in the refrigerator until firm, about 30 minutes.
8. Break the bark into pieces and store in an airtight container.

Nutrition:

• Calories: 180
• Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Protein: 2g

Cranberry Orange Scones

Cranberry orange scones are a delicious breakfast or brunch treat that is perfect for Christmas morning. To make these scones, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 2/3 cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing the scones

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the dried cranberries and orange zest.
5. Add the heavy cream and stir until a dough forms.
6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently until it comes together.
7. Pat the dough into a circle about 3/4 inch thick and cut into 8 wedges.
8. Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush the tops with heavy cream.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Allow the scones to cool before serving.

Nutrition:

• Calories: 330
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 4g

Eggnog Cheesecake

Eggnog cheesecake is a rich and decadent dessert that is perfect for Christmas. To make this cheesecake, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 4 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups eggnog
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until well combined.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 10 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
5. Add the eggnog, eggs, vanilla extract, and nutmeg and mix until well combined.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared crust.
7. Bake for 1 hour or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
8. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven for 30 minutes with the door slightly ajar.
9. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

Nutrition:

• Calories: 550
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Protein: 9g

Conclusion

These are just a few of our favorite Christmas baking recipes, but the possibilities are endless. Whether you prefer sweet or savory treats, there is something for everyone during the holiday season. So, gather your family and friends and get baking! Happy holidays!