The Best Baked Goods to Make During the Holidays
Christmas Star Baker: The Best Baked Goods to Make During the Holidays
‘Tis the season for holiday baking! When it comes to celebrating the holidays, one of the most popular ways to get into the seasonal spirit is to make holiday baked goods. From cookies and cakes to candy and everything in between, baking is a classic holiday activity. Baked goods are perfect for family fun and make thoughtful gifts throughout the season. And, the options to make and bake your own holiday favorites are endless. But, are there some baked goods that are more popular than others during the season? We’ll take a look at the best-baked goods that you can make during the holidays this year and make you the star baker at your next holiday get-together.
Comfort & Joy: The Best Cookies, Cakes & Candy to Make During the Holidays
The holidays are filled with tidings of comfort and joy and holiday baking. And, you don’t have to be an expert baker to get in on the baking fun. In fact, many holiday baked goods are fairly easy to make -- no matter your baking skill level. Want to get your friends and family in on the baking fun? Set aside an afternoon, evening, or weekend to bake your favorite holiday treats with your loved ones for a memorable and classic way to celebrate the holiday season. Need some baking inspiration? Here are some of the most popular holiday cookies, cake, and candy to get you started.
Cookies
It doesn’t get more classic than holiday cookies. And, the options for seasonal cookies are plentiful. From slice and bake cookies to seasonally decorated ones, chances are if you love cookies, you’ll find the perfect holiday cookie for you. Here are three of the most popular holiday cookies.
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Sugar Cookies: Sugar, spice, and everything nice. That’s what classic holiday sugar cookies are made of. Sugar cookies are just about the most iconic and easy-to-bake seasonal cookie. You can make cut-out versions or go with a simple drop cookie topped with holiday sprinkles. Whatever version you decide to make, you can’t go wrong with a sugar cookie.
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Tea Cakes: Russian Tea Cakes, Mexican Wedding Cookies. The classic tea cake might have many different names, but the classic tea cake recipe is pretty simple. The combination includes butter, flour, nuts, and lots of powdered sugar. They’re perfect for adding to a holiday baked goods gift basket or enjoying in the evening with a cup of hot cocoa.
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Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies: You simply can’t go wrong with a classic chocolate chip cookie. It’s the perfect people pleasing cookie that just about everyone enjoys. Use your favorite recipe and enjoy sharing with your friends and family throughout the holiday season.
Cake
Celebrate the season with showstopping cakes -- perfect for holiday gatherings like potlucks and dinners. They’re a festive way to celebrate the season and help you show off your baking skills. Of course, you don’t need to be an expert baker to bake a delicious and beautifully decorated cake. And, there’s lots of classic cake options that look amazing without a lot of effort or fuss. Here are three cakes to bake this holiday season.
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Gingerbread: It’s not a holiday season without gingerbread. While most people associate the holidays with gingerbread cookies, go for the unexpected with a rich and spicy gingerbread cake. Gingerbread cake gives you all the flavor of the classic cookie and the showstopping presentation of a holiday cake. Serve warm and top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a dollop of whipped cream for comforting end to any potluck or meal.
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Fruitcake: Fruitcake might get a bad rap, but it’s a holiday staple that’s been around for years. And, there’s a reason! Fruitcake combines dried fruit, seasonal spices, and lots of flavor into one holiday baked good. Look for popular and tested recipes to avoid serving up a fruitcake that’s anything but delicious.
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Cheesecake: While it make not be a traditional cake, cheesecakes are the perfect baked good to make for potlucks and dinners. And, the options for customization and toppings make it ideal for the holidays. You can top with seasonal fruit, like cranberries and figs, or add a bit of spice to the crust and filling, like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. No matter how you top it or fill it, you’re bound to have a seasonally inspired cheesecake.
Candy
If cookies and cakes weren’t enough, don’t forget holiday candy. Seasonal candies are the perfect gifts for family and friends. While some candy might take some baking skill and finesse, there’s lots of holiday candy recipes that are super easy-to-make. Here are three popular candies that have super simple versions to make this holiday season.
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Peppermint Bark: Peppermint and chocolate are two iconic seasonal flavors during the winter holiday season. And, peppermint bark is one of the most iconic ways to enjoy this powerhouse combination. Simply melt chocolate, add peppermint candies or candy canes, and enjoy the chocolatey peppermint goodness.
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Fudge: A classic holiday candy, fudge is a simple combination of chocolate, sugar, and mix-ins like nuts and flavorings. It’s ideal for a quick and easy-to-make candy that’s sure to be enjoyed by everyone.
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Truffles: Like fudge, the classic truffle is another candy that’s easy to mix-and-match with flavors and textures -- while staying a classic holiday favorite. If you’re a fan of boozy candy, you can add a bit of alcohol to any truffle for an extra bit of punch to your seasonal candy.
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year: Celebrating the Holidays with the Best Baked Goods
Celebrating the holidays with seasonal treats is an excellent way to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year -- no matter which baked goods you love to bake and enjoy. So, grab your aprons, your favorite recipes, and get to baking!
Are you giving some of your favorite holiday baked goods as gifts to friends and family? HeartSpace Cards offers holiday cards that are perfect to help you celebrate the season with family and friends.
