Ah, the magic of Christmas party foods! There’s just something about this time of year that brings out the best in our kitchens, don’t you think? I can practically smell the warm spices and sweet treats as I write this! Growing up, my family would gather around the table, laughter filling the air as we indulged in all sorts of delicious delights. From rich desserts to cheerful appetizers, each dish was a token of love and celebration. Trust me, these festive foods are not only delightful to eat but also perfect for sharing with friends and family. They create memories that last, making your holiday gatherings even more special. Let’s dive into the joy of making these scrumptious treats together!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base for our delicious treats, giving them that perfect texture.
- 1 cup sugar – For that sweet touch that makes everything better!
- 1/2 cup butter – Use unsalted, softened butter for that rich, creamy goodness.
- 1 cup milk – This adds moisture and helps bind everything together.
- 2 eggs – These will help give our treats structure and a lovely fluffiness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Trust me, this adds a wonderful depth of flavor that you don’t want to skip!
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – This little powerhouse will give our treats the rise they need.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – A pinch of salt enhances all the sweet flavors beautifully.
- 1 cup chopped nuts – I love using walnuts or pecans; they add a delightful crunch!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that our treats bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. Trust me, no one likes a doughy center!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Give them a good whisk together until everything is well mixed. This will help ensure that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed, which is key for the perfect rise!
Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, it’s time to cream the 1/2 cup of softened butter with the 1 cup of sugar. I usually use an electric mixer for this part, but you can totally do it by hand if you’re feeling strong! Beat them together until it’s light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The texture should be smooth and creamy—this is where the magic happens!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Now, add in the 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Make sure to mix these in one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps create a lovely, cohesive mixture that will make our treats even more delightful!
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Next, it’s time to combine our wet and dry mixtures. Pour the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our batter to be uniform but still fluffy. A few lumps are totally okay!
Add Milk and Nuts
Now, fold in 1 cup of milk and the 1 cup of chopped nuts into the batter. Gently stir until everything is just combined. I love using walnuts, but feel free to use your favorite nuts! This adds a delightful crunch and a bit of extra flavor.
Prepare for Baking
Grab a greased baking dish (make sure to grease it well so nothing sticks!) and pour your lovely batter into it. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. This step ensures that every square bakes evenly and comes out nice and neat!
Bake and Cool
Pop your dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—no sticky batter should cling to it! Once baked, let it cool in the dish for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack. After it’s completely cool, cut into squares and serve. Enjoy the festive cheer with every bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving, which is one square of our delicious Christmas party treat:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 10g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But trust me, every bite is worth it! Enjoy the festive flavors without any guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities!
- Easy-to-follow steps that even a beginner can master—no culinary degree needed!
- Perfectly festive, making it a delightful addition to your holiday spread.
- Deliciously sweet and nutty flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Great for sharing at parties; they look beautiful on any dessert table!
- Versatile enough to adapt with different nuts or add-ins for your personal touch.
Tips for Success
Now, let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure your Christmas party foods turn out absolutely perfect!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and gives your treat that wonderful fluffy texture!
- Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so be precise with your measurements. Use a kitchen scale if you have one to ensure everything is just right.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, and we want light and airy treats!
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your treats as they bake. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.
- Cool Completely: Let your treats cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them set properly and makes for cleaner cuts!
- Decorate Festively: Don’t forget to add a little festive flair! Dust with powdered sugar or add a drizzle of chocolate for a beautiful presentation that will impress your guests.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a delightful dish that will shine at your holiday gatherings. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious Christmas party foods, you might wonder how to store the leftovers. Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered! Simply place any uneaten squares in an airtight container. This will keep them fresh and scrumptious for up to 3 days at room temperature. If you want to store them for a longer period, you can pop them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay good for about a week.
Now, if you need to reheat them, I recommend a gentle approach to keep that lovely texture intact. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and place the squares on a baking sheet. Cover them lightly with aluminum foil to prevent drying out, and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave—just pop a square on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for about 15-20 seconds. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t get too hot! Enjoy every bite, even the next day!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute for the best results!
What if I don’t have milk? Can I use something else?
No problem! You can substitute the milk with almond milk, soy milk, or even yogurt. Each option will add its own little twist to the flavor, so choose what you like best!
Can I make these Christmas party foods vegan?
Of course! To make this recipe vegan, you can replace the eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg) and use a plant-based butter alternative. Just be sure to use non-dairy milk too!
What nuts work best in this recipe?
I love using walnuts and pecans, but feel free to get creative! Almonds, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts would add a delightful crunch and flavor!
How can I serve these treats for a holiday party?
Presentation is key! Cut them into neat squares and arrange them on a festive platter. You could also dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with a bit of melted chocolate. Add some holiday decorations around them for extra cheer!
Can I freeze these Christmas party foods?
Yes! These treats freeze really well. Just cut them into squares, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for about 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, the fridge works well too, and they’ll last about a week!
Christmas Party Foods: 7 Scrumptious Recipes to Delight
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and festive foods for your Christmas party.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar together.
- Add eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix well.
- Fold in milk and nuts.
- Pour batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool, then cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Serve with festive decorations on the table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: christmas party foods
