6 Festive Treats To Bake At Home This Winter

Winter really is the perfect time to fill your home with the comforting aromas of festive treats to bake. As the days grow shorter and the air crisper, there’s nothing like warming up your kitchen with a batch of homemade seasonal treats.

So, here are six easy and delicious recipes for festive treats to bake, each one capturing the flavours of winter with simple ingredients and minimal equipment.

1. Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are a holiday classic that bring warmth and spice to the season. These simple cookies are fun to decorate and perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves
• 1/2 cup butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Mix flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
2. In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar, then add molasses and egg.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
4. Roll out the dough, cut into shapes, and bake at 180°C for 8-10 minutes.
5. Decorate with icing once cooled.

2. Classic Mince Pies

A British favourite, mince pies are filled with rich, spiced fruit, bringing a taste of tradition to your table. Ready-made mincemeat keeps this recipe quick and easy.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup butter, cubed
• 2-3 tablespoons cold water
• 1 cup mincemeat
• Icing sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Mix flour and butter until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add water and knead into dough.
2. Roll out the dough, cut rounds, and press into a muffin tin.
3. Fill each with a spoonful of mincemeat, then cover with a smaller round of dough.
4. Bake at 190°C for 20 minutes and dust with icing sugar.

3. Cinnamon Rolls

Nothing says “cosy” like a batch of soft, gooey cinnamon rolls. They’re easier to make than you might think and fill your home with the most inviting aroma.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup milk, warmed
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon yeast
• Cinnamon and brown sugar for filling

Instructions:

1. Dissolve yeast in warm milk, then mix in sugar, butter, and egg. Add flour and knead into a dough.
2. Let the dough rise for an hour. Roll it out, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar.
3. Roll up the dough, slice into rounds, and bake at 180°C for 20 minutes.

4. Chocolate Peppermint Bark

For a festive chocolate treat, try peppermint bark. This easy, no-bake dessert is ideal for holiday gifts or sharing at gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 200g dark chocolate
• 200g white chocolate
• Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies

Instructions:

1. Melt the dark chocolate, spread it on a lined baking sheet, and let it set.
2. Melt the white chocolate, spread it over the dark layer, and sprinkle with crushed candy.
3. Let it set, then break into pieces.

5. Spiced Apple Crumble Bars

For a twist on the classic crumble, these spiced apple bars are easy to make and perfect with a hot drink on a chilly day.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 apples, diced
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Mix flour, oats, and sugar with melted butter to form a crumbly dough.
2. Press half into a baking dish, add apples tossed in cinnamon and nutmeg, and top with the remaining dough.
3. Bake at 180°C for 30-35 minutes.

6. Easy Yule Log

A yule log is a festive favourite, and with this easy version, you can make a beautiful centrepiece with minimal fuss.

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• Whipped cream or frosting for filling
• Icing sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Whisk eggs and sugar until fluffy, then fold in cocoa powder.
2. Pour into a lined baking sheet and bake at 200°C for 10 minutes.
3. Roll up the cake in a towel while warm, unroll, add filling, and re-roll. Dust with icing sugar.

We hope you enjoy these festive treats to bake this winter! Enjoy as they bring warmth and joy to winter days, from classic cookies to rich chocolate. So put on some holiday music, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a season of delicious baking! 🎄🥧