With Christmas days away, it’s impossible to not feel the excitement, cheer, and holiday spirit. So, whether you’re at a holiday party — be it yours or another’s — or just looking for something else to better the next few days, here are some suggestions to sweeten the treats you make this week.
1. Cookies
I know that cookies are a standard, especially for the holidays. Really, who hasn’t had Christmas cookies nowadays? Gingerbread, snickerdoodles, sugar, chocolate chip… we’ve all had a taste with sugar beads and vanilla cream frosting but take this as a reminder to take out your oven mitts.
Nothing’s wrong with a stop at the bakery (believe me, there is nothing wrong with a stop at the bakery), but maybe this year’s the year where you can finally construct that gingerbread house for your gingerbread family. Bake the cookie dough and unpack your M&M’s, candy canes, and frosting, and don’t even stop there — make a gingerbread mansion.
Of course, don’t forget the snickerdoodle, sugar, and chocolate chip cookies. They’re also very important.
2. Brownies
You’ve undoubtedly seen Christmas tree shaped brownies with red and green sprinkles on top. They’re great for the children of the family, but you’ve snuck one or two from the box. No one was looking, it’s the season of Christmas, and you deserved them. No judgment from me, as I’m guilty of this myself.
But, again, have you ever made these yourself? Allow me to explain that, with the help of your kitchen, you can make these Christmas tree brownies bigger, better, and, even more, fancy. It’s true, as I’ve done this myself.
Not only will you impress your family and friends with these festive sweets, but you’ll find no guilty fingers in the brownie box either.
3. Hot Chocolate
Oh my goodness, another staple. Make this holiday drink even better with a candy cane or cinnamon stick dipped inside and your oven-baked cookies on a plate to the side. Also, don’t forget your marshmallows or whipped cream on top.
There are also countless recipes you can find online to make your hot chocolate spicy, minty, or sweeter than it already is.
4. Cake
You can’t possibly go wrong with cake or cupcakes, but you can always make them better. Whether your base is chocolate, vanilla, or something in between, go out of your way with the decorations. Use your favorite frosting and draw holiday-themed pictures, stick the cookies you made on the side, or build an elaborate construction out of candy canes and other décor.
You can also make your cake into a number of shapes if you get a custom shaped pan. You can’t go wrong with a snowflake shape or Santa’s face. The crowd will go wild.
Hopefully, these suggestions help you to make your holiday treats, even more, memorable this year. To take it even further, you can do research online and try a number of different recipes. Happy baking during this holiday season.
