Oh, the joy of baking during the Christmas season! There’s just something magical about filling the kitchen with the warmth of the oven and the sweet aroma of sugar and spice. I can still remember my grandmother’s annual baking spree, where she’d whip up trays of delightful *christmas baked goods* that would make anyone’s heart sing. From rich, buttery treats to colorful dried fruits peeking out of every bite, these festive goodies are perfect for sharing and celebrating with loved ones. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a cheerful holiday party, these baked delights become the star of the show, bringing everyone together to enjoy the season’s spirit. Trust me, you’ll want to make these a holiday tradition!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts (your favorite kind!)
- 1 cup packed dried fruits (like raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s nice and ready to bake those delightful goodies!
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This is your dry mix, and it helps give the baked goods their structure.
- In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. You’ll want to beat it well—this is where all the magic starts!
- Next, add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Don’t forget to stir in the vanilla extract for that extra burst of flavor!
- Now, slowly combine your dry ingredients with the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined—you want to avoid overmixing here.
- Time to fold in those chopped nuts and dried fruits! This is the fun part where you can really make it your own.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it evenly. Then, pop it into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. The anticipation is real!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Deliciously rich flavors that embody the spirit of Christmas.
- Customizable with your favorite nuts and dried fruits for a personal touch.
- Great for sharing—everyone loves a festive treat!
- Fills your home with the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked goods.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your baking adventure goes smoothly! First off, be sure to measure your flour correctly—scoop it and level it off with a knife for the best results. If you’re out of butter, don’t worry! You can substitute it with an equal amount of vegetable oil, but the flavor won’t be as rich. Also, keep an eye on your baking time; ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness a few minutes early. A toothpick should come out clean from the center. And here’s a little secret: let your baked goods cool completely before cutting into them. This helps them set up nicely and makes for cleaner slices. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Variations
Get ready to put your own twist on these delightful *christmas baked goods*! You can swap out the nuts for pecans or walnuts for a different crunch. Feeling adventurous? Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for that extra festive spice! If you want to brighten things up, toss in some citrus zest—orange or lemon works wonders. You could even experiment with different dried fruits like chopped figs or dates for a unique flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *christmas baked goods* fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to enjoy them later, they freeze beautifully! Just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours. No need to reheat unless you want that warm, cozy feeling—then just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds and enjoy!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits?
While fresh fruits add moisture, they can make the batter too wet. Stick with dried fruits for the best texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have eggs?
You can replace each egg with a quarter cup of unsweetened applesauce or a mashed banana. It’ll keep your baked goods moist!
How do I know when they’re done baking?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If it’s wet, give it a few more minutes.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before baking.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge if your home is warm. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for days!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional goodness of each serving of these delightful *christmas baked goods*! Each piece packs about 250 calories, making it a satisfying treat without going overboard. You’ll find 10 grams of fat, with 5 grams being saturated fat, so enjoy in moderation! There’s also 15 grams of sugar, which adds that sweet festive touch, and 4 grams of protein to help keep you feeling full. Plus, with 35 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber, these treats are a lovely balance of indulgence and nourishment. Perfect for a holiday celebration!
Print
Christmas Baked Goods That Will Melt Your Heart Instantly
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A collection of festive baked goods perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- 1 cup dried fruits
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar together.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients.
- Fold in nuts and dried fruits.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas baked goods, festive treats, holiday desserts
