christmas treats recipe
The Best christmas treats recipe
My husband and I make this regularly because it’s so versatile. It’s great for meal prep, so we can keep portions in the fridge for days, and it’s perfect for sharing with neighbors or co-workers when we want to spread a little holiday cheer. The kids love how it’s slightly sweet but still healthy—it’s got whole grains and natural ingredients that give them energy without the crash. And honestly, the way the spices and nuts blend together makes it feel like a little holiday magic every time we eat it. It’s the kind of recipe that makes me feel like I’ve done something good for my family, even on the simplest days.
Classic Spiced Cranberry Orange Bread
A festive, moist bread infused with the flavors of cranberries and orange zest, perfect for Christmas desserts. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.
🥘Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1 large orange, zested and juiced
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. -
2
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla. -
3
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in chopped cranberries and orange zest. -
4
Transfer batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. -
5
While the bread cools slightly, mix powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest in a bowl until smooth. Use a piping bag or ziplock bag to drizzle over the warm bread.
🔧Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Baking pan (9×13-inch)
- Piping bag or ziplock bag with corner cut off
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Tips
- For extra moisture, replace ½ cup of flour with Greek yogurt or applesauce.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Add 1 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg for additional holiday warmth.
Variations
- Swap cranberries for blueberries or mixed berries.
- Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Watch Video Of How Classic Spiced Cranberry Orange Bread Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spiced Cranberry Orange Bread
What is the best way to prepare a classic gingerbread house for kids?
The best way to prepare a classic gingerbread house for kids is to use a simple, sugar-free gingerbread mix (like King Arthur’s or a homemade version with molasses and honey) and ensure the icing is easy to work with—store-bought white or pink icing works well. Pre-cut the gingerbread shapes beforehand to save time, and use a cookie cutter for the roof. For safety, always supervise young children while they decorate with candy and icing. You can also add fun toppings like sprinkles, candy canes, or mini marshmallows for extra festive flair!
Can I make gingerbread cookies without a food processor?
Absolutely! Skip the food processor by mixing the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt) in a large bowl first. Then, add the wet ingredients (molasses, honey, eggs, and butter) one at a time, stirring just until combined—no need to overmix. For a smoother dough, use a fork or your hands to gently fold everything together. If the dough is too sticky, chill it for 15–20 minutes before rolling.
What’s the easiest sugar cookie recipe for beginners?
For the easiest sugar cookies, use a simple mix of 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 eggs, 2 ½ cups flour, 1 tsp vanilla, and ½ tsp baking powder. Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, then add the eggs and vanilla. Gradually mix in the flour and baking powder until a soft dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes before rolling and cutting. Use a cookie cutter (like stars or snowflakes) and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Store in an airtight container!
How can I make candy cane cookies that look like candy canes?
To make candy cane cookies, start with a buttery sugar cookie dough (like the classic recipe above). Roll the dough into logs (about 1-inch thick) and cut them into 2-inch pieces. Use a knife or cookie cutter to create the classic red-and-white stripes—alternate layers of white and red icing (or melted white chocolate for a glossy look). For extra authenticity, pipe thin lines of red icing between the stripes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes and let them cool before decorating.
What’s the secret to keeping Christmas treats fresh for longer?
To keep Christmas treats fresh, store them properly:
– Sugar cookies & gingerbread: Wrap individual cookies in parchment paper or place them in an airtight container lined with parchment. Store at room temperature for up to 1 week or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
– Frosted treats: Use a silicone mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking when decorating. Cover iced cookies tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
– Fudge & fudge-like treats: Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to prevent softening. For fudge, add ½ tsp of cream of tartar to the mix to help set it faster.
– Cookies with nuts: Toast nuts lightly before adding to prevent them from turning rancid. Store nuts separately if the dough is sticky to avoid sogginess.
