Have You Done Your Christmas Baking Yet?

Christmas baking is in full swing around here - though the swing is a little smaller than it used to be. We don't seem to eat as much baking any more, but we do like to have a few sweets around to nibble on with a cup of tea or hot chocolate as we trim the tree, wrap up gifts, or visit with friends.

Here are a few of our favourite holiday baking recipes to give you some ideas:

If you haven't made a fruitcake yet, this one is wonderful, even if it only has a week or two to age: Gumdrop Fruitcake

These Gingerbread Rice Krispie Squares are especially festive with the Cinnamon Ganache Topping:

The squares can also be turned into these decorative trees, or iced with colourful gel frosting ornaments for a kids' project (see the post for kid pictures):

For a decadent, smooth, rich chocolate truffle (yet dairy-free and gluten-free), look no further than this easy recipe. (Your simplest holiday baking yet!) Take a few as your next hostess gift:

If you're looking for a healthier option to traditional truffles, why not try these luscious Chocolate Walnut Cookie Dough Balls?

Or these holiday-spice inspired Gingerbread Cookie Dough Balls? Both are healthy refined-sugar-free options.

These crispy little Oaty Choco Bites would be the perfect cookie treat with an afternoon cup of coffee or tea:

Or maybe you'd like these Choco-Crisps, an easy rice krisp cookie that looks very elegant:

These Ginger Molasses Cookies are full of warm wintry spices - perfect for a treat after being out in the snow on a chilly afternoon:

For another easy, no-bake treat - whip up these simple Chocolate-Dipped Apricots. Sweet like a kiss:

 

More Holiday Baking Ideas

If you're looking for something more along the cake or dessert lines, here are some of my favourites:

You can't beat this simple, light, and luscious Lemon, Almond Flour, and Olive Oil Cake for an afternoon tea treat when friends drop by or for a light dessert after a heavy meal:

And if you're looking for chocolate elegance after a special meal, here's the lovely French Moelleux au Chocolat with Praline Cream - a cross between deep dark chocolate cake and moist fluffy fudge - so decadent:

For a fun and quick to make last-minute, kid-friendly cake, why not try a Caramel Popcorn Cake:

And I always like to have the ingredients for this simple, yet so quick to whip up and utterly rich and luscious, fudgy, Mississipi Mud Sauce on hand for a lovely topping for ice cream when I need a last minute dessert:

How about making some Chai Latte Concentrate, either for yourself or as a gift - a wonderful winter tea:

And if you're looking for that perfect Christmas drink for sipping and toasting throughout the holiday season  - you must try the Poinsettia Cocktail. It is light, bubbly and very special. It's our favourite!

I hope you are all having a ton of fun preparing for the coming festivities, decorating, wrapping gifts, and Christmas baking. And if the stress gets to you. . . stop . . . put on a beautiful Christmas song, sip a steamy cup of tea or a bubbly Poinsettia cocktail, and count your blessings while you remember what the real reason for the season is.

Guten Appetit!

 

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Check out this other fantastic round-up of Holiday Baking and Festive Drinks:

Happy Holiday Baking and Toasting