Christmas and Thanksgiving Baking Extravaganza With Easy Recipes Bake Sale Worthy Ideas

Hey there, fellow baking enthusiasts! It’s that magical time of the year again when the air is filled with the sweet aroma of holiday treats. If you’re like me, you’re probably gearing up for a Christmas Baking Extravaganza or a Christmas bake sale and need ideas and are ready to create a symphony of flavors that will dazzle your taste buds, leaving your loved ones asking for more than you came to the right place. In this blog post, I’ve rounded up some easy yet incredibly delicious recipes that will make your kitchen the heart of the festive season. These are great for the Thanksgiving season, too!

Let’s dive right in!

Classic Sugar Cookies (Because Tradition Matters):

Nothing screams Christmas like a batch of classic sugar cookies. These versatile treats are not only delicious but also serve as a blank canvas for your creative expression. To start, gather:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat egg and vanilla together.
4. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and use cookie cutters to create festive shapes.
6. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Pro tip: Get creative with your decorations! Use colored icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter for that extra festive touch.

Gingerbread Delight (A Spicy Twist on Tradition):

Gingerbread cookies are the way to go if you’re in the mood for something with a bit more spice. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, spieced, baking sodas and salt.
2. In a large bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, and egg until well combined.
3. Add molasses and vanilla extract to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
4. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
5. Divide the dough in half then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. Roll out the chilled dough and use cookie cutters to create gingerbread shapes.
7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Pro tip: Make a gingerbread house with the extra dough! It’s a fun and festive centerpiece for your holiday table.

Peppermint Chocolate Bark (A Minty Marvel):

For a quick and delightful treat, peppermint chocolate bark is a winner. Here’s the simple recipe:

• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 12 ounces white chocolate chips
• Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips using a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring the chips until a smooth texture.
3. Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly.
4. Place the sheet in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to set.
5. Meanwhile, melt the white chocolate chips.
6. Remove the sheet from the refrigerator and pour the white chocolate over the semi-sweet chocolate layer (YUMMY).
7. Immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes or peppermint candies on top.
8. Chill for another 15-20 minutes, then break into pieces.

Pro tip: Customize with your favorite toppings, like nuts or dried fruit, for a personalized touch.

Cranberry Orange Muffins (A Zesty Twist on Mornings):

These cranberry orange muffins are a crowd-pleaser for a Christmas morning treat or an afternoon pick-me-up. Gather the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, finely chopped
• Zest of one orange
• 3/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
3. Combine the chopped cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl.
4. Add your wet ingredients to the dry ingredients while stirring until just combined.
5. Spoon the batter into muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Pro tip: Glaze the muffins with a simple mixture of powdered sugar and orange juice for an extra burst of flavor.

Pecan Pie Bars (All the Flavor, Less Fuss):

Capture the essence of a classic pecan pie in a convenient and shareable bar form. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup light corn syrup
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups chopped pecans

For the crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar and flour.
3. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press the mixture into the prepared pan, baking for 20 minutes.

For the filling:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
2. Stir in the chopped pecans.
3. Pour the filling over the baked crust.
4. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set.

Pro tip: Let your bars cool completely before cutting them into squares for clean, neat servings.

And there you have it – a Christmas Baking Extravaganza that will have your kitchen buzzing with the warmth and aroma of the holiday season. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the world of flour and sugar, these easy