Ah, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year when the scent of freshly baked treats fills the air and laughter echoes through our homes. I absolutely adore holiday dessert recipes because they bring everyone together, creating sweet memories around the table. This particular recipe is close to my heart—it’s a family favorite that’s been passed down through generations. I remember baking these delicious treats with my grandmother, her warm smile lighting up the kitchen as we mixed the batter together. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a slice of warm chocolatey goodness while reminiscing about cherished moments. So, gather your loved ones and let’s create some new traditions together!
Ingredients List
You’ll want to gather these simple yet essential ingredients to whip up your holiday dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened (make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (feel free to use semi-sweet or milk chocolate, depending on your taste!)
Gathering these ingredients is half the fun! It’s like a little treasure hunt in your kitchen. Make sure everything is fresh and ready to go, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a delightful dessert that everyone will adore!
How to Prepare Holiday Dessert Recipes
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the fun part—making this delicious dessert! Follow these easy steps, and I promise you’ll have a delightful treat to share with family and friends.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because a hot oven helps the batter rise perfectly.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. I usually beat it for about 2-3 minutes—this is where the magic happens!
- Next, add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Don’t forget to pour in the vanilla extract too; it adds that lovely aroma!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before we combine everything.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep your dessert nice and tender.
- Now, fold in those delicious chocolate chips. You’ll want to be generous with them, so every bite is chocolatey goodness!
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow your creation to cool in the dish for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This waiting time will make it easier to cut into squares later on.
And there you have it! Follow these steps, and soon you’ll be enjoying a warm, delicious slice of holiday happiness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—perfect for those last-minute holiday gatherings!
- Deliciously rich and chocolatey, guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Great for sharing—this recipe yields 12 generous servings, ideal for family and friends.
- Versatile options—feel free to swap in your favorite mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits.
- Perfectly pairs with coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy dessert experience.
- Simple ingredients mean you likely have everything on hand already!
Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to for all your holiday dessert needs!
Tips for Success
To ensure your holiday dessert turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my top tips! First, always use high-quality ingredients. Fresh butter and real vanilla extract can make a world of difference in flavor. When creaming the butter and sugar, take your time—aim for that light, fluffy texture, which usually takes a good 2-3 minutes. It’s key for a great rise!
Another important tip is to measure your flour correctly; too much can lead to a dense dessert. I like to spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy. And don’t forget to keep an eye on your baking time! Ovens can vary, so start checking a few minutes before the recommended time. Trust your instincts and enjoy the process—it’s all about creating something delicious!
Variations
One of the best parts about this holiday dessert recipe is how adaptable it is! You can easily make it your own by experimenting with different flavors and mix-ins. Here are some fun ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Nuts Galore: Swap in your favorite nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a delightful crunch. Just chop them up roughly and fold them in with the chocolate chips!
- Fruit Fusion: Add some dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, or even chopped apricots for a pop of color and a hint of tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
- Spice It Up: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg to give your dessert a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for the holidays. Just a teaspoon can elevate the taste to a whole new level!
- Minty Fresh: If you’re a fan of mint, throw in some crushed peppermint candies or a touch of peppermint extract. It’s like a holiday treat in every bite!
- Chocolate Lovers: For a double chocolate experience, replace half of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder. It’ll give you a rich, decadent chocolate dessert that’s sure to impress!
Don’t be afraid to mix and match—get adventurous in the kitchen! The key is to have fun and make it a recipe that reflects your tastes. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve indulged in your delicious holiday dessert, you might find yourself with some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). To store them, simply place the pieces in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days, making for a perfect late-night snack or surprise treat the next day.
If you want to enjoy them warm again, just pop a piece in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. It’s a quick way to revive that gooey chocolatey goodness! Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional aspect of our holiday dessert recipes can help you enjoy them even more! Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each serving of this delightful treat:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose and portion sizes. Enjoy your delicious dessert while keeping these numbers in mind—it’s all about balance and savoring every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can mix it up by using dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. Each type will give your holiday dessert a unique flavor twist, so feel free to experiment!
How do I know when my dessert is done baking?
Great question! You’ll want to pay attention to the color and texture. When it’s golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready to come out of the oven!
Can I make this in advance for holiday gatherings?
Definitely! You can make this dessert a day or two ahead of time. Just store it properly in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll still taste amazing when you serve it!
What’s the best way to cut and serve this dessert?
To cut it neatly, let it cool for a bit in the baking dish. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts, and serve it warm or at room temperature!
Can I add frosting or glaze on top?
Of course! A simple chocolate ganache or a dusting of powdered sugar can elevate your holiday dessert to a whole new level. Get creative—it’s your masterpiece!
Holiday Dessert Recipes: 7 Ways to Create Sweet Memories
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious dessert recipes perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
- Can substitute chocolate chips with nuts.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be served warm or cold.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: holiday dessert recipes
