I don’t know about you, but for me, the holidays means an abundant amount of delicious desserts and treats. And not only eating them, but making them, too! During winter break, my kitchen turns into a full-fledged bakery as my younger sisters and I roll out cookie sheets upon cookie sheets of yummy treats.
Whether you are baking for fun or to prepare for an event, I hope you find the recipes below as tasty as I do!
1. Madeleine Cookies
These French cookies are perfect for almost any occasion! They are soft and light, while full of flavor! Additionally, they are extremely versatile: these cookies can be served in a variety of ways. For example, these cookies are great for dipping in tea, hot chocolate, or coffee, or served with fruit and whipped cream as a dessert. For an extra twist, I recommend dipping them in chocolate and serving with fresh strawberries and whipped cream! There is one caveat, you need a special cookie sheet to mold these cookies. These cookie sheets are easily found at kitchenware stores. They are available in tin and silicone, though I recommend silicone as it is flexible and the cookies are easily removed. Here is the recipe from Bon Appetite Magazine: http://www.food.com/recipe/gourmet-madeleine-cookies-199205
2. Biscotti
Originating in Italy, these “twice-baked biscuits” are essential for any tea-time. I particularly enjoy dipping biscotti in hot chocolate or tea as the crusted biscuits soften and become utterly delicious. Because of my sweet tooth, I recommend chocolate biscotti, though you can make them with a variety of ingredients and flavors.
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/double-chocolate-biscotti/
3. Toffee & Holiday Peppermint Bark
The holidays just wouldn’t be the same without these two sweet. These yummy treats are super easy to make and are a definite crowd pleaser. I pair these two recipes together as they follow a similar concept and can be served together. If you’re looking for a nice treat to give to friends and neighbors, presenting a tin of toffee or peppermint bark is a festive and delicious way to celebrate the holidays.
Toffee: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/best-toffee-ever—super-easy/
Peppermint Bark: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/holiday-peppermint-bark/
4. Candied Spiced Nuts
Ready in 10 minutes, these morsels of flavor are great to have on hand during the holiday season. If you’re hosting a party, serve a bowl of candied spiced nuts, as they are awesome to munch on! They are also a fun accent in salads! Watch out, they are addicting!
http://www.food.com/recipe/candied-spiced-nuts-144963
5. Sugar Cookies
This one takes a little prep, so plan this out before as the cookie dough needs to chill for at least an hour! Sugar cookies are always a win and are essential for the holiday season. They are so fun to decorate and are tasty, too! Making and decorating sugar cookies is a great group activity, so invite some friends over and get baking!
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/the-best-rolled-sugar-cookies/
No matter what you do this holiday season, I hope it is filled with all things sweet! Happy Holidays!