5 Best Christmas Sweets
5 Best Christmas Sweets
1. Gingerbread Cookies:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla, mixing well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the dough to your desired thickness and cut into gingerbread shapes.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to cool before decorating with icing and candies.
2. Peppermint Bark:
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces high-quality white chocolate, chopped
- 6 ounces high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candy canes
Instructions:
- Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave or using a double boiler.
- Pour the melted dark chocolate onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and spread it evenly.
- Allow it to cool and harden in the refrigerator.
- Melt the white chocolate and spread it over the cooled dark chocolate layer.
- Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint candy canes on top.
- Chill until firm, then break into pieces
3. Classic Fruitcake:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups mixed candied fruit
- 1 cup chopped candied cherries
- 1 cup chopped nuts (e.g., pecans or walnuts)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup dark molasses
- 1/4 cup rum or brandy
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease and line a 10-inch tube pan.
- In a large bowl, combine candied fruits, cherries, and nuts with 1/2 cup of the flour. Toss to coat.
- In another bowl, whisk the remaining flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the molasses and rum or brandy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, then fold in the fruit and nut mixture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 2-2.5 hours, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the fruitcake to cool in the pan before removing it.
4. Homemade Candy Canes:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red food coloring
Instructions:
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Once it reaches 300°F (150°C), remove from heat and add peppermint extract.
- Divide the mixture in half and color one half with red food coloring.
- Twist together the white and red portions to create candy cane shapes.
- Allow them to cool and harden.
5. Pecan Pie:
Ingredients:
- 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a saucepan, melt the butter. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, corn syrup, and a pinch of salt.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla.
- Stir in the pecans and pour the mixture into the pie crust.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the center is set.
Enjoy making and indulging in these delightful Christmas sweets
