Ah, there’s just something magical about the season of Christmas, isn’t there? The twinkling lights, the cozy atmosphere, and of course, the delightful holiday desserts that fill our tables with cheer! I can still remember the first time I made these special treats with my family. The kitchen was a flurry of laughter, a sprinkle of flour, and the sweet aroma of chocolate wafting through the air. It’s that perfect blend of joy and nostalgia that makes holiday desserts Christmas a must-have at any celebration. Trust me, when you serve these luscious treats, you’ll see smiles all around! They’re not just desserts; they’re a way to create memories with loved ones that last a lifetime. So, let’s dive into making something truly delicious together!
Ingredients for Holiday Desserts Christmas
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – make sure to spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy
- 1 cup sugar – granulated is perfect for that sweet touch
- 1/2 cup butter, softened – let it sit at room temperature so it’s easy to cream
- 1 cup milk – I like to use whole milk for creaminess, but any kind works
- 2 eggs – large eggs are best for baking
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – pure vanilla extract gives the best flavor
- 1 tsp baking powder – this is what makes your dessert rise
- 1/2 tsp salt – just a pinch to enhance the sweetness
- 1 cup chocolate chips – semi-sweet are my go-to, but feel free to mix it up!
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional) – walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch
How to Prepare Holiday Desserts Christmas
Preheating and Mixing
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want your dessert to bake evenly and perfectly! While that’s warming up, grab a mixing bowl and cream together your softened butter and sugar. I like to use a hand mixer for this; it makes the job a breeze! Mix until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by that fragrant vanilla extract. Just imagine that sweet smell wafting through your kitchen!
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Now, here comes the fun part! Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamy butter and sugar blend, alternating with the milk. I usually start and end with the flour mixture to keep everything nice and combined. Make sure to mix just until everything is incorporated; overmixing can make your dessert tough, and we definitely don’t want that!
Baking Process
Once your batter is ready, it’s time to fold in those delicious chocolate chips and optional nuts—this is where the magic happens! Grease your baking dish well (I like to use butter or cooking spray) and pour in the batter, smoothing it out with a spatula. Now, pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. But be careful not to overbake it! It should have a soft, tender crumb. Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me, the anticipation will be worth it when you finally get to enjoy a slice of this delightful holiday treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up—perfect for those busy holiday mornings!
- Deliciously rich and chocolatey, satisfying every sweet tooth at your gathering.
- Made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- Versatile enough to add your favorite nuts or swap in different chocolate varieties.
- Perfect for all occasions—whether it’s a festive party or a cozy night in with family.
- Fills your home with an irresistible aroma that screams Christmas cheer!
- Can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a flexible dessert choice.
- Great for leftovers—if there are any! They stay delicious for days.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to whip up these amazing holiday desserts Christmas, here are some of my favorite tips to ensure you get the best results every time!
- Use room temperature ingredients: For the creamiest batter, let your butter, eggs, and milk sit out for a bit before you start. This makes them blend together smoothly and helps create that light, fluffy texture we’re after.
- Don’t overmix: It’s super tempting to keep mixing until everything is perfectly smooth, but overmixing can lead to dense, heavy desserts. Mix just until combined, and you’ll be golden!
- Check your oven temperature: Ovens can be tricky! If you’re unsure, use an oven thermometer to make sure it’s baking at the right temperature. This way, your dessert will bake evenly, and you won’t end up with a gooey inside or burnt edges.
- Let it cool: I know it’s hard to resist digging in right away, but letting your dessert cool properly really does make a difference. It helps set the texture and flavor, making each slice more enjoyable!
- Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to play around with different types of chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruits. It’s a fun way to make this recipe your own and surprise your guests with new flavors!
- Store properly: If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days or in the fridge for up to a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
With these tips in hand, you’ll be a pro at making holiday desserts Christmas that everyone will adore. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving these delightful holiday desserts Christmas, the possibilities are just as sweet as the treats themselves! I love to serve them warm, right out of the oven, with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. The contrast of warm chocolate and cold ice cream is simply heavenly! If you prefer something a bit lighter, a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a creamy touch that’s equally delicious.
Don’t forget about garnishes! A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can elevate the presentation and taste. You could even add some festive flair with a few seasonal berries or a sprig of mint for that extra pop of color. Whatever you choose, just know that these holiday desserts will shine on any table, making your Christmas celebrations even more special!
Nutritional Information
As you whip up these scrumptious holiday desserts Christmas, it’s always nice to know what you’re indulging in. Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving, which is about one piece:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 15g
Keep in mind, these values are just estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy every bite, knowing you’re treating yourself to something delicious during this festive season!
FAQ Section
Can I make these holiday desserts Christmas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before baking for the best results. If you’ve baked them ahead, they store well for a few days, too!
Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Definitely! If you don’t have eggs, you can use applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture as a substitute. And if you want to make it gluten-free, try a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Just keep in mind it may slightly alter the texture.
What can I add for extra flavor?
If you want to amp up the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the batter. You can also mix in dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a festive twist. Yum!
How do I know when they’re done baking?
A toothpick test is your best friend! Insert a toothpick into the center, and if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re ready to come out of the oven. Just be careful not to overbake!
Can I freeze these holiday desserts Christmas?
Absolutely! Once they’re completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to two months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy!
Holiday Desserts Christmas: 7 Sweet Treats to Savor
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious holiday desserts perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract; mix well.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Great with ice cream or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: holiday desserts christmas
