4 Holiday Baking Recipes You Can Master

 

The winter holidays are fast approaching, and now is the perfect time to tie on your apron, dust off the rolling pin, and start baking. From classic gingerbread to crunchy peppermint candy, there is nothing as sweet as homemade holiday goodies. That’s why we’ve found four fantastic holiday baking recipes that every home cook and baker can master.

 

Classic Gingerbread Cookies

No holiday baking list would be complete without gingerbread cookies. With rich molasses and warm spices, these cookies are perfect for decorating and dunking in a tall glass of eggnog or a delicious hot chocolate.

Ingredients:

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

 Instructions:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients
• In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until creamy, then add the egg, molasses, and vanilla
• Gradually add the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms
• Chill the dough for at least one hour, then roll it out and cut into shapes with cookie cutters
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, then cool before decorating with royal icing

Pro tip: try decorating your gingerbread with crushed candy canes or chopped nuts for added crunch

 

Buttery Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread is a simple but delicious holiday cookie must. Whether you use cookie cutters to make fun shapes or bake in a pan and cut into bars, we’re confident you’ll love it.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup soft unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions:

• Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy
• Add salt and gradually mix in the flour until just combined
• Press the dough into a prepared baking pan or roll and cut with cookie cutters
• Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 20–25 minutes or until edges are golden and allow to cool before cutting into bars

Pro tip: try to avoid handling the dough too much to ensure a smooth, velvety texture

 

Fudgy Peppermint Brownies

Chocolate and peppermint are a classic combo. But pairing them together in a fudgy brownie? Sign us up.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Crushed candy canes (optional)

Instructions:

• Melt the butter and chocolate chips together in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth
• Remove from heat and stir in the sugar, followed by the eggs and peppermint extract
• Fold in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined
• Pour the batter into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes
• Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top while warm (if desired) and slice once cooled completely

Pro tip: if you’re using a glass pan, add an additional 3-5 minutes to your cooking time to ensure the brownies are fully baked

 

Chocolate Peppermint Bark

For a quick yet indulgent treat, peppermint bark is a must. It combines smooth chocolate with a hint of mint, making it a festive addition to any dessert tray.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 8 oz white chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions:

• Melt the dark chocolate and spread it in a thin layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and allow it to set
• Melt the white chocolate and add peppermint extract
• Spread the white chocolate layer over the dark, then sprinkle with crushed candy canes
• Let the bark set and then break into pieces as desired

Pro tip: keep your bark in the freezer until serving to avoid any potential melting

 

And there you have it!  Four holiday baking recipes you can master.  Mastering these four recipes will add a delicious dessert variety to all your holiday celebrations. Plus, they make a yummy and beautiful gift. So, what are you waiting for? Head to Bulk Barn at Westshore Town Centre for your ingredients, start your holiday baking and enjoy the scents and flavours of the season today.

 

 

If you’re looking for ways to warm up this winter, we think you’ll like this past blog post: Cozy Drinks for Chilly Days

From cute coffee shops to holiday home decor, from play to going away, Westshore Town Centre offers something for the entire (read: busy!) family. Situated in the City of Langford, Westshore Town Centre’s convenient location, along with numerous retailers, such as Bulk Barn, Winners/Homesense, and Artigiano allows for the quick and easy completion of one’s daily “to do” list, including getting everything you need to try a new recipe. We’ve got you covered.  Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on everything WTC-related!