Picture of Cookie Cutters and Sprinkles with Flour on a Green Background
Holidays

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

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

Picture of Grinch Cookies, Snickerdoodles and Shortbread Bites
Left to Right: Grinch Cookie, Snickerdoodles, Funfetti Shortbread Bites
  • 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 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. 

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!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *