Engy Elghannam 
The Christmas season is the perfect time to fill your home with the delightful aroma of baked treats. From festive cookies and cupcakes to classic fruitcakes and muffins, there’s a recipe for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're looking to create gifts, entertain guests, or indulge in holiday flavors, these baking ideas will make your celebrations extra special.
1. Classic Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2/3 cup molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Steps:
1. Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and spices in a bowl.
2. Cream butter and brown sugar. Add egg, molasses, and vanilla. Gradually mix in dry ingredients.
3. Chill dough for 1 hour.
4. Roll out and cut with cookie cutters.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Cool before decorating.
2. Rich Fruitcake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, cherries)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- 1/4 cup brandy or orange juice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Steps:
1. Soak dried fruits in brandy overnight.
2. Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs. Mix in flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Fold in fruits and nuts.
3. Bake at 325°F (160°C) in a lined loaf pan for 1 hour.
3. Candy Cane Brownies
Ingredients:
- 1 box brownie mix (or homemade recipe)
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
Steps:
1. Prepare brownie batter as directed, adding peppermint extract.
2. Pour into pan, bake, and sprinkle candy canes on top while warm.
4. Cranberry Orange Muffins
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
Steps:
1. Mix dry ingredients. In another bowl, combine wet ingredients. Fold together with cranberries.
2. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes.
5. Snowball Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
- Extra powdered sugar for coating
Steps:
1. Cream butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Add flour and nuts.
2. Shape into balls. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
3. Roll in powdered sugar while warm.
6. Christmas Tree Cupcakes
Ingredients:
- 12 cupcakes (homemade or boxed mix)
- 2 cups green buttercream frosting
- Sprinkles and edible decorations
Steps:
1. Pipe frosting into tall swirls to resemble trees.
2. Decorate with sprinkles and candy stars.
7. Peppermint Cheesecake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups crushed chocolate cookies
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 3 packs (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup crushed peppermint
Steps:
1. Mix cookies and butter for crust, press into pan.
2. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and extract. Add eggs one at a time. Fold in peppermint.
3. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 45 minutes.
8. Holiday Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Steps:
1. Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
2. Cream butter and brown sugar. Add egg, and vanilla. Gradually mix in dry ingredients.
3. Chill dough for 1 hour.
4. Roll out and cut with cookie cutters.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Cool before decorating.
