Holiday baking!

There is really nothing better than the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house! As December rolls around, I start my holiday baking. I love trying out new cookie recipes, old time favorites, some desserts and even breads. And then I try some chocolate chips straight out of the bag- you know, just to make sure they are good for baking! They always are, but best to check!

There is something about taking a bite into a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie that has bits of chocolate chunks in it that have perfectly melted and the cookie is still warm. Could you stop at just one? I try and resist and not eat the whole tray, but they are calling out to me!

Here are some of my favorites I baked this past week and handed them out as holiday gifts.

Melting Moments

Literally melt-in-your mouth cookies. Perfect shortbread flavor with a dusting of confectioners sugar. Recipe source: Joy of Baking

Crispy Ginger cookies

As you pop these into the oven you know you have a good thing coming. As I watched the dough balls turn into perfectly shaped cookies, I could taste the fall flavors in the house. Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves perfectly come together in this crispy ginger cookie.

Cranberry Biscotti 

This has been a holiday favorite of mine for many years. It bakes up so perfectly and pairs well with a cup of morning tea. I thought baking a biscotti would be tricky, but it is fairly easily. Biscotti means ‘twice-baked’ and you do bake it twice as the name suggests. (Just a little bit of trivia for you). This biscotti has dried cranberries, a hint of orange zest and white chocolate.

Pumpkin bread

Moist, flavorful with just the right amount of pumpkin flavor and a hint of nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and ginger. Perfect for those fall afternoons. I didn’t have the right sized loaf pan so I ended up baking in a bundt pan and it was perfect. I added some apple sauce for sweetness and used canned pumpkin puree.

Death by Chocolate Peanut Butter chip cookie

Any chocolate lovers dream cookie. This one is by far my favorite from the assortment this year. It is rich and decadent with an intense depth of chocolate flavor. I used Ghiradelli chocolate for the cookie – heaven!. No seriously – heaven! Also some good quality semi-sweet chocolate, coco powder and add in some peanut butter chips and you have a winner. They bake up perfectly with just the perfect soft, chewy cookie center.  Recipe Source: Sally’s Baking Addiction

Peanut Brittle

For that crunch in your holiday assortment – this one hits the spot. It is easily done in the microwave and is ready in minutes.

Brownies

Fudge brownies that are seriously good! With just a few ingredients it bakes up nicely and has become my go to recipe whenever the school PTA requests brownies. Lucky them I tell you!

The Chocolate chip cookie

Last but least, loved by all  The Chocolate Chip cookie. You can’t have a baking assortment without this classic – can you?  Everyone has a favorite kind. Some like it crispy others chewy, flat, or thick and loaded with chocolate chips (everyone likes those)! Whatever your preference, I am sure chocolate chip cookies are a childhood favorite for many!

And finally I put it all together to hand out as holiday gifts.

I’m always looking to add new recipes to my repertoire. If you have any favorites do let me know!
Happy Holidays and Happy Baking!