There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the house during the holiday season. I just love how making christmas baked goods brings everyone together, whether it’s family gathered around the kitchen or friends popping by for a festive treat. This recipe is especially wonderful because it’s so versatile—feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or even add a sprinkle of spices for that extra holiday warmth! Plus, the joy of sharing these delicious morsels with loved ones is unmatched. Trust me, once you take a bite of these scrumptious baked delights, you’ll be transported to a cozy winter wonderland. So, let’s dive in and create some unforgettable memories in the kitchen together!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because starting with a hot oven helps your baked goods rise beautifully and ensures they cook evenly. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. I like to use an electric mixer for this—it makes it so much easier! You’re aiming for a pale, airy texture, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step is super important because it incorporates air into the batter, giving your baked goods that delightful lightness.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, crack in your large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps the batter emulsify and come together nicely. Then, stir in the vanilla extract—oh, the aroma is just heavenly! This is where the magic starts to happen!
Combine Dry Ingredients
Now, grab another bowl and combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together to ensure everything is evenly mixed. This little step helps avoid any clumps and ensures your baked goods rise perfectly!
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
It’s time to bring it all together! Add the flour mixture to your creamed butter and sugar alternately with the milk. Start with a bit of flour, then add some milk, and repeat until everything is combined. This method helps keep your batter nice and smooth—no lumps allowed!
Fold in Add-ins
Now, gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts. Use a spatula and be careful not to overmix; we want to keep that fluffy texture! Just until the add-ins are evenly distributed is perfect.
Bake the Mixture
Finally, spoon the batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, you’re good to go! Let your baked goods cool in the pan for a bit before transferring them to a wire rack. And there you have it—delicious homemade christmas baked goods ready to share!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh my goodness, where do I even start? This recipe for christmas baked goods is an absolute gem! First off, it’s super quick and easy to whip up, making it perfect for those busy holiday days when you want to spread some cheer but don’t have hours to spare in the kitchen. Just imagine the joy on your loved ones’ faces when they take that first bite! Plus, the best part? They’re incredibly versatile! You can mix and match your favorite nuts or even toss in some dried fruit for a festive twist.
These baked treats also make for a wonderful gift—wrap them up in a cute box or a festive tin, and you’ve got a heartfelt present! They’re not just delicious; they fill your home with the most incredible aromas that instantly set a warm, joyful mood. So whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or simply enjoying them with a hot cup of cocoa, you’ll find that these baked goods are the perfect way to celebrate the season. Trust me, you’ll be making these again and again!
Equipment List
- Mixing bowls (at least two—one for wet ingredients and one for dry)
- Electric mixer or whisk (for creaming the butter and sugar)
- Spatula (for folding in the chocolate chips and nuts)
- Baking pan (a greased 9×13 inch pan works perfectly)
- Oven (to bake those delicious goodies)
- Measuring cups and spoons (for accurate ingredient measurements)
- Toothpick (to check for doneness)
- Wire rack (for cooling your baked goods)
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your christmas baked goods turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my top tips that I’ve picked up over the years.
- Check Your Baking Powder: Always make sure your baking powder is fresh! If it’s been sitting in your pantry for a while, give it a little test: a teaspoon in warm water should fizz. If it doesn’t, it’s time to replace it!
- Room Temperature Butter: For the best texture, make sure your butter is at room temperature before you start creaming it with the sugar. It should be soft but still slightly firm. This helps create that lovely light and fluffy mixture.
- Don’t Overmix: When you’re mixing your wet and dry ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to dense baked goods, and we want them light and airy. Just mix until everything is combined, and you’ll be golden.
- Use a Toothpick Test: To check if your baked goods are done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready to come out of the oven. If it’s wet with batter, give them a few more minutes.
- Let Them Cool: After baking, let your christmas baked goods cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set up nicely and prevents sticking!
- Customize with Flair: Feel free to experiment! Swap out chocolate chips for white chocolate or add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for that extra holiday spice. Make this recipe your own!
Following these tips will help you achieve the best results and make your baking experience even more enjoyable. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked these delightful christmas baked goods and they’ve cooled completely, you’ll want to store them properly to keep that yummy flavor intact! Simply place your leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh and moist. They should last for about a week on your countertop, but I bet they won’t last that long—everyone will be coming back for more!
If you want to save some for later (and trust me, you’ll want to!), they can also be frozen for up to three months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply take them out and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. No need to reheat if you love them cold, but if you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through. You’ll have that fresh-baked goodness all over again!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of these delightful christmas baked goods. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on standard ingredients and can vary depending on the specific brands or variations you use. Here’s what you can expect per serving (1 piece):
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 4g
These tasty treats are a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them an enjoyable addition to your holiday celebrations. Just remember, moderation is key, especially when you can’t resist having just one more slice!
FAQ Section
Let’s tackle some of the most common questions I get about making these delightful christmas baked goods! I want to make sure you’ve got all the info you need for a successful baking adventure.
Can I substitute the butter with something else?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use applesauce or yogurt instead of butter. Just keep in mind that it might change the texture a bit, but it can still be delicious.
What if I don’t have chocolate chips?
No worries at all! You can use any kind of chocolate you have on hand—chop up a bar, or use white chocolate or even butterscotch chips for a different spin! Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins are also a fantastic option!
Can I make these gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute to keep the ratios right. The texture might vary a bit, but they’ll still be tasty!
How do I know when my baked goods are done?
The best way is to use the toothpick test! Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. If there’s wet batter on it, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Can I add spices to the batter?
Oh, yes! A sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even ginger can add a lovely warmth to your baked goods. Experiment and find what flavors you love best!
How should I store leftovers?
Store your christmas baked goods in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to three months. Just wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These baked goods can be made a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll be perfect for your holiday gatherings!
If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out! I love helping fellow bakers create these festive treats!
Print
Christmas Baked Goods: 7 Delightful Recipes to Cherish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious baked goods perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl.
- Add flour mixture to the creamed mixture alternately with milk.
- Fold in chocolate chips and nuts.
- Spoon batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be frozen for up to three months.
- Customize with your favorite add-ins.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: christmas baked goods