The aroma of warm spices and sweet treats is synonymous with Christmas. This year, ditch the store-bought goodies and embrace the joy of homemade cooking with these delightful Christmas cookie and fudge recipes. These easy recipes are perfect for beginners, guaranteeing delicious results and a wonderfully festive atmosphere in your kitchen. They're ideal for quick dinner ideas, adding a sweet touch to your holiday meals, or simply enjoying a moment of festive cheer.
Gingerbread Men Cookies: A Classic Christmas Delight
These gingerbread men are not just adorable; they’re unbelievably delicious, making them a perfect addition to your Christmas baking repertoire. They are also great for kids to help decorate!
Yields: Approximately 24 cookies Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 10-12 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the molasses and egg until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread men shapes.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly firm.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, decorate your gingerbread men with icing and sprinkles!
Cooking Tips:
- For extra flavour, use freshly ground spices.
- If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling it out.
- Use different cookie cutters to create a variety of shapes.
Creamy Peppermint Fudge: A Festive Sweet Treat
This peppermint fudge is incredibly easy to make and boasts a wonderfully refreshing minty flavour that perfectly complements the Christmas spirit. It's a fantastic homemade cooking project, perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself.
Yields: Approximately 16 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Chill time: At least 2 hours
Ingredients:
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Instructions:
- Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the fudge out later.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Stir in the crushed peppermint candies and peppermint extract until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Once firm, lift the fudge out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of sea salt for a salty-sweet flavour combination.
- Use different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate or milk chocolate.
- Experiment with different types of candy, such as crushed candy canes or Andes mints.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):
Gingerbread Cookies: Calories: 150-200, Fat: 8-10g, Sugar: 15-20g
Peppermint Fudge: Calories: 200-250, Fat: 12-15g, Sugar: 25-30g
These calorie counts are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy these delicious and festive treats responsibly! Happy Holidays!