Christmas Baking Essentials
Each Christmas, I engage in a cherished tradition of baking, creating a plethora of delectable treats that I joyfully share with friends and family. While this holiday season might be a bit different for many of us, the sheer delight that Christmas baking brings me remains unchanged. It’s a joy I intend to savor once again this year, even if resisting the temptation to eat it all can be a challenge! In the spirit of spreading festive cheer, I’ve compiled a list of essential ingredients that I always keep on hand for my Christmas baking endeavors. Additionally, I’ve included links to my favorite Christmas baking recipes, hoping that you derive as much pleasure from making these sweet treats as I do. Happy baking!
Essential Christmas Baking Equipment
- Mixer (can be a hand mixer or a stand mixer) – Check out KitchenAid KSM75WH Classic Plus Series 4.5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, White*
- Cookie cutters – Check out Wilton Christmas Cookie Cutter Set with Tub, Set of 40, Standard and Mini Size*
- Measuring cups & spoons – Check out Wildone Measuring Cups & Spoons Set of 21*
- Mixing Bowls – OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Stainless-Steel Mixing Bowl Set*
- Rolling pin – Check out French Rolling Pin for Baking, Tapered, Wood Rolling pins for Pizza, Pasta, Pastry & Bread*
- Candy thermometer – Check out Candy Thermometer Deep Fry/Jam/Sugar/Syrup/Jelly Thermometer*
- Parchment paper – Check out Reynolds Kitchens Non-Stick Parchment Paper*
- Bakeware – Check out Calphalon Nonstick Bakeware Set*
- Cooling racks – Check out Wilton Excelle Elite 3-Tier Cooling Rack for Cookies, Cakes and More*
- Large non-stick pot (great for making fudge) – Check out KitchenAid Hard Anodized Induction Nonstick Stock Pot/Stockpot with Lid, 8 Quart, Matte Black*
- Decorating tips – Check out Wilton Cupcake Decorating Icing Tips, 12-Piece Set*
- Piping bags or Ziploc bags – Check out Wilton 12-Inch Disposable Cake Decorating and Pastry Bags*
- Treat bags or boxes to wrap up the sweets to give to others – Check out Christmas Cookie Boxes*
Pantry & Fridge Essentials for Christmas Baking
- Eggs
- Butter (salted & unsalted)
- Flour (I always have at a minimum self-rising and all purpose plus I normally have bread flour.)
- Sugar
- Brown Sugar (I prefer light brown sugar unless a recipe specifies dark brown sugar).
- Powdered Sugar
- Shortening
- Vegetable Oil
- Jet-puffed Marshmallow Creme (makes the best chocolate & peanut butter fudge I have ever had)
- Marshmallows
- Bakers Semi-Sweet Chocolate
- Vanilla Extract
- Almond Extract
- Peppermint Extract
- French Vanilla Cake Mix
- Peanut Butter
- Corn Syrup
- Rice Krispies
- Baking Powder
- Cocoa Powder
- Salt
- Molasses
- Ground Ginger
- Ground Allspice
- Ground Cloves
- Cream of Tartar
- Heart Sprinkles
- Mini Reese’s Cups
- M&M’s Minis
- Candy Stars
- Sprinkles
- Food Coloring
My Favorite Christmas Baking Recipes
- Easy Old-Fashioned Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe – A version of the Nestle Tollhouse cookie recipe with my Nana’s edits. In my opinion, these are some of the best chocolate chip cookies. Click here for the Easy Old-Fashioned Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe.
- Fantasy Fudge – This is one of the first things I remember making with my Nana when I was in elementary school. I make it at least twice a year and sometimes more often – I do leave out the nuts from the recipe. If you are gifting the fudge you can pour it into cookie cutters and let it harden. Then wrap the cookie cutter in plastic and it’s a great gift. Click here for the Fantasy Fudge recipe.
- Grinch Cookies – Found this recipe a few years ago and these are really tasty. So easy to make with a cake mix. Plus these are my most requested cookies from friends and family. Click here for the Grinch Cookies recipe.
- Peanut Butter Fantasy Fudge – Pour the fudge quickly into gingerbread candy molds for a fun treat. I leave out the peanuts in this recipe as I prefer smooth fudge. Also, please note that this recipe can be tricky as the fudge can burn really easy. Whatever you do – do not stop stirring when making the Peanut Butter Fantasy Fudge. Click here for the Peanut Butter Fantasy Fudge recipe.
- Christmas Tree Rice Krispies Treats – Such a fun treat and great to make with kids. Click here for the Christmas Tree Rice Krispies Treats recipe.
- Perfect Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs – I love to decorate cookies even if they don’t always come out great. It is a nice way to relax and have fun. Click here for the Perfect Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs recipe.
- Chocolate Sugar Cookies – I came across this recipe a few years ago and was intrigued by the cookies. I made them and they were so delicious. Click here for the Chocolate Sugar Cookie recipe.
- Funfetti Shortbread Bites – I started making these a few years ago and they are really good. The Christmas Tree sprinkles are my favorite ones to use with this recipe. Click here for the Funfetti Shortbread Bites recipe.
- Candy Cane Cookies – These are such simple and pretty cookies plus they taste delicious. Click here for the Candy Cane Cookies recipe.
- Christmas Snickerdoodles – I have been making these for almost as long as I have been making chocolate chip cookies. The original version of this recipe I have is one my Nana used to make – I do edit the recipe a little and add the cinnamon into the dough and then roll the dough in colored sugar. It makes the cookies so festive. Click here for the Christmas Snickerdoodle recipe.
- Gingerbread Cookies – It wouldn’t be Christmas without gingerbread. I love decorating gingerbread cookies and houses. Click here for the Gingerbread Cookies recipe.
- Christmas Tree Meringue Cookies – Meringue cookies are so yummy. At parties they are always one of the first things to be eaten. Click here for the Christmas Tree Meringue Cookies recipe. A
As the scent of freshly baked Christmas treats fills your home, I hope these essentials and recipes add an extra sprinkle of joy to your festive season. Whether you’re crafting cookies for loved ones or simply indulging in the art of baking, may the warmth of the oven bring comfort and happiness to your holiday celebrations. Wishing you a sweet and delightful Christmas filled with the magic of homemade treats and the joy of sharing them with those you hold dear. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!
