Holiday Baking: Homemade Treats to Gift to Friends and Family
The holiday season is fast approaching, and one of the best ways to spread joy and love is by baking homemade treats to gift to your friends and family. There's something about receiving a homemade treat that warms the heart and brings a smile to the face. In this article, we'll be discussing some delicious holiday baking ideas that are perfect for gifting.
1. Peppermint Brownies
Who doesn't love a rich and fudgy brownie? Add in some peppermint flavor, and you've got a winning holiday treat. To make peppermint brownies, start by preparing your favorite brownie recipe. Then add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter before baking. Once the brownies are cool, drizzle them with melted white chocolate and sprinkle crushed candy canes or peppermint candies on top.
2. Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies are a classic holiday treat that everyone will love. To make gingerbread cookies, start by creaming together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Add in 1 egg, 1/4 cup of molasses, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until a dough forms. Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes. Once the cookies are cool, decorate them with icing and sprinkles.
3. Peppermint Bark
Peppermint bark is a simple yet delicious holiday treat that's perfect for gifting. To make peppermint bark, start by melting 12 ounces of dark chocolate and 12 ounces of white chocolate separately. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract into the melted white chocolate. Spread the dark chocolate on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pour the white chocolate on top and swirl it with a knife. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. Let the bark cool and break it apart into pieces.
4. Snickerdoodles
Snickerdoodles are a soft and chewy cookie rolled in cinnamon sugar. To make snickerdoodles, start by creaming together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1/2 cup of white sugar. Add in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 and 1/2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. Roll the dough into balls and roll them in a mixture of 2 tablespoons of white sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes.
5. Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Chocolate covered pretzels are a sweet and salty snack that's perfect for gifting. To make chocolate covered pretzels, start by melting 12 ounces of chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Dip pretzels in the melted chocolate and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle with toppings of your choice, such as crushed candy canes, sprinkles, or chopped nuts. Let the pretzels cool and harden.
6. Hot Cocoa Mix
Who doesn't love a warm cup of hot cocoa on a chilly winter day? Make your own hot cocoa mix to gift to friends and family. To make hot cocoa mix, combine 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 cup of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well and store in an airtight container. To serve, mix 2 tablespoons of the hot cocoa mix with 1 cup of hot milk.
7. Caramel Popcorn
Caramel popcorn is a sweet and crunchy treat that's perfect for snacking on while watching holiday movies. To make caramel popcorn, start by popping 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels. In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter and stir in 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of corn syrup, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Boil for 2 minutes and remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Pour the caramel over the popcorn and stir to coat.
In conclusion, the holiday season is the perfect time to bake homemade treats to gift to your friends and family. Whether it's peppermint brownies, gingerbread cookies, or caramel popcorn, there's a holiday treat for everyone. Get creative with your baking and have fun spreading joy and love this holiday season. So, start your baking today, and happy holidays!