Ah, the magic of a Christmas bake sale! There’s just something so heartwarming about the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the house as the holidays approach. I can still remember my grandmother’s kitchen, filled with laughter and the sweet scent of her famous treats. This festive collection of baked goods is perfect for any holiday gathering or bake sale, and trust me, they’ll have everyone coming back for seconds! From rich chocolate squares to nutty delights, each recipe brings a sprinkle of joy and warmth to the season. So gather your loved ones, put on some holiday tunes, and let’s create some delicious memories together with these easy and delightful recipes that are sure to shine at your Christmas bake sale!
Ingredients for Christmas Bake Sale
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making those delightful treats that everyone will love at your Christmas bake sale. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – the base for your delicious baked goods.
- 1 cup sugar – because everything’s better with a little sweetness!
- 1/2 cup butter, softened – this makes for a rich and tender texture.
- 1 cup milk – for that lovely moistness in every bite.
- 2 eggs – they help bind everything together beautifully.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – a splash of warmth and flavor.
- 1 tsp baking powder – the secret to that perfect rise.
- 1/2 tsp salt – it enhances all those sweet flavors.
- 1 cup chocolate chips – because who can resist chocolate?
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts – I love using walnuts or pecans for that extra crunch!
Make sure your butter is softened beforehand; it really helps with creaming and gives your treats that lovely light texture. And feel free to get creative—if you want to swap out the chocolate chips for dried fruit, go for it! Enjoy the process of gathering these ingredients, and let the holiday baking begin!
How to Prepare for Christmas Bake Sale
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps for making these festive treats! Trust me, it’s easier than it looks and oh-so-rewarding!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your baked goods rise perfectly and bake evenly. While that warm air is filling your kitchen, you can get started on the mixing!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until they’re well mixed. This step is crucial because it helps distribute the baking powder evenly, leading to that delightful rise we all crave!
Cream Butter and Sugar
Now, in another bowl, it’s time to cream your softened butter and sugar together. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon, and beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step adds air to the batter, making your treats nice and tender—oh, the texture will be divine!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, add in your eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix well until everything is fully combined. The smell of vanilla will have you daydreaming about holiday treats already!
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Now, it’s time to gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start with a bit of dry, then a splash of milk, and mix until just combined. This prevents clumping and helps create a smooth batter—no one wants lumpy treats!
Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Gently fold in those delicious chocolate chips and chopped nuts. Use a spatula and be careful not to overmix! You want to keep that light, airy texture while ensuring every bite is packed with chocolatey goodness and crunch.
Bake
Pour your batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The real test is when you insert a toothpick; it should come out clean. Wow, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will be pure magic!
Cool and Cut
Once baked, let your treats cool in the pan for a bit before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling is essential before cutting them into squares, or else you’ll end up with a messy situation. Trust me, you want those perfect little squares for your Christmas bake sale!
Tips for Success
To ensure your baked goods shine at the Christmas bake sale, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skimp on the quality of your ingredients—using fresh eggs and real vanilla extract makes a world of difference in flavor. Also, if you’re at high altitude, you might need to adjust your baking time and oven temperature slightly, so keep an eye on that toothpick test!
Another tip: make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted, for the best creaming results. And when folding in those chocolate chips and nuts, be gentle—overmixing can lead to dense squares, which we definitely want to avoid! Lastly, remember that every oven is a little different, so check for doneness a few minutes early to prevent overbaking. Happy baking, and good luck with your festive treats!
Nutritional Information for Christmas Bake Sale
When it comes to nutrition, keep in mind that values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. That said, here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving (one square) of these delightful treats:
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
These tasty squares are a delightful treat that balances indulgence with a bit of nutrition, making them a perfect addition to your holiday festivities!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time makes it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Easy to bake, even for novice cooks—absolutely no stress!
- Delicious flavors with rich chocolate and crunchy nuts that everyone adores.
- Festive appeal that adds joy to any Christmas bake sale or gathering.
- A wonderful way to get the whole family involved in holiday baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious squares fresh after your Christmas bake sale, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to enjoy them later, feel free to freeze them! Just wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge. No need to reheat—just enjoy them chilled or at room temperature!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the chocolate chips? Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of chocolate, you can swap them for dried fruit like cranberries or cherries for a festive twist. Nuts can also be omitted if you have allergies or if you want a nut-free treat.
What if I don’t have all-purpose flour? No worries! You can use whole wheat flour for a heartier texture or a gluten-free blend if you need it to be gluten-free. Just keep in mind that the texture might change slightly.
How can I make these more festive? You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, holiday flavor. Or, consider topping them with a simple icing or a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving!
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! These squares actually taste even better the next day. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll be ready for your Christmas bake sale!
How long do these treats last? If stored properly in an airtight container, they can last up to four days at room temperature, or you can freeze them for longer storage!
Print
Christmas Bake Sale: 7 Irresistible Treats to Delight You
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive collection of baked goods perfect for a Christmas bake sale.
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
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar together.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk to the mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips and nuts.
- Pour batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be frozen for later use.
- Substitute chocolate chips with dried fruit if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: christmas bake sale, holiday baking, festive treats
