It’s the holidays and if you’re like us, you plan to churn out dozens of sweet treats.
The best way to do that is with a spectacular kitchen — like the ones Vanbrooke residents enjoy. What are they cooking up? Everything from cookies for the exchange to showstopping desserts to close out the feast. Check out our favorite recipes.
For the Kids
Many hands make light work, so put your little elves to work creating scrumptious treats with kid-friendly recipes like these easy chocolate-dipped candy canes. No snow? No problem. The kids can still make snowmen with a little help from Wilton. Turn kids lose without turning on the oven with these adorable, no-bake mini gingerbread houses. With a little help, even the littlest elf can decorate these cute snowman cupcakes.
For the Gift Bags
The sweetest gifts are the ones you make yourself. Help a busy mom get a holiday breakfast on the table with Ree Drummond’s berry-nut pancake mix. Impress the neighbors with your baking skills when you hand them a box of delicious Linzer cookies. Don’t just give the gift of cookies. Give friends the ability to make even more with this festive loaded holiday cookie mix. If quick breads are more your speed, try this lovely lemon-glazed Earl Grey tea bread.
For The Cookie Exchange
Everyone has a favorite cookies recipe they love sharing, but if you are looking for something distinctly different for this year’s exchange, why not try Martha Stewart’s coconut-pistachio biscotti. We think these gingerbread cowboy boot cookies will get rave reviews. Forgot the swap is today? Whip up these no-bake waffle dippers in no time.
For the Holiday Movies
‘Tis the season for watching every holiday movie ever made. And what’s a movie without snacks? Give popcorn a holiday twist serve your family salted pecan caramel popcorn alongside the movie Elf. Rudolf had a very shiny nose and this delicious reindeer chow. Snuggle up with a Hallmark movie and hot chocolate prepared four different ways.
For the Traditionally Minded
Traditions are important, so create some with these traditional holiday recipes. Run, run as fast as you can to bake up these Alex Guarnaschelli gingerbread men. Santa loves a classic so why not bake up a batch of classic sugar cookies? Trifle is a British tradition, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it your own. Can anyone eat just one rum ball? We’re pretty sure this fruitcake is a tradition people will actually look forward to.
For the Showstoppers
An elegant dessert should be the highlight of any holiday meal. Your guests may have never heard of a semifreddo but that won’t stop them from gobbling up this brandy and mascarpone one. No matter how stuffed your guests are, they won’t be able to say no to a Black Forest mousse cake with cherry-chile-pomegranate glaze. Yes, Bundt cake can be elegant. Will they be talking about your salted caramel chocolate tart for Christmases to come? Duh.