Ah, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year when families gather, laughter fills the air, and the aroma of delicious food wafts through every home. For me, holiday gatherings are incomplete without indulging in festive treats—my absolute favorite part! There’s something so heartwarming about sharing *holiday desserts* with loved ones, especially when they’re filled with flavors that remind us of Christmas. Picture this: a cozy evening, surrounded by twinkling lights, and everyone eagerly digging into this delectable dessert that’s bursting with the spirit of the season. Trust me, every bite brings a smile and a sprinkle of joy, making those cherished moments even more special. Let’s create some holiday magic together with this delightful dessert recipe!
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this holiday dessert shine! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your dessert, giving it that lovely structure.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetness is essential, and this will elevate all the flavors!
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): This adds richness and a delightful texture. Make sure it’s nice and soft for easy mixing.
- 2 large eggs: These are your binding agents, helping everything come together beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This will infuse your dessert with that warm, comforting flavor we all love.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: A must for that perfect rise!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
- 1 cup chopped nuts: I love using walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch.
- 1 cup dried cranberries: These add a pop of tartness and festive color.
How to Prepare Holiday Desserts Christmas
Now, let’s dive into the fun part – making this delightful holiday dessert! It’s easier than you might think, and I promise it’ll be worth every minute spent in the kitchen.
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect golden-brown finish!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is key for a tender texture, so take your time!
- Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract into the mixture, blending well until everything is smoothly combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring just until you see no dry flour. Be careful not to overmix—it’ll keep your dessert light and airy!
- Now, it’s time to fold in the chopped nuts and dried cranberries. This is where the magic happens, adding flavor and texture!
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Once it’s baked to perfection, let it cool before serving. This will help all those lovely flavors meld together beautifully.
And there you have it—simple steps to a scrumptious holiday dessert that’s sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules
- Festive flavors that capture the essence of Christmas
- Easy to serve; simply cut into squares and enjoy!
- Perfectly balanced sweetness with a delightful crunch from the nuts
- Great for sharing with family and friends during celebrations
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite mix-ins
Tips for Success
To make sure your holiday dessert turns out just right, here are a few handy tips I’ve picked up along the way!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend together more smoothly, resulting in a lighter texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no flour. Overmixing can lead to a dense dessert, and we want it fluffy and tender!
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your dessert a few minutes before the timer goes off. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Let your dessert cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut without crumbling.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to switch up the nuts or add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to elevate those festive flavors even more!
With these tips, your holiday dessert will be a showstopper that everyone will love!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to spice up this holiday dessert! Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Nut Choices: Swap out the nuts for your favorites! Pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts can add a unique twist.
- Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spicy kick that screams holiday cheer!
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in some chocolate chips or chunks—dark, milk, or white—right before baking for a rich, indulgent touch.
- Fruit Fusion: Try substituting dried cranberries with other dried fruits like apricots or cherries for a different flavor profile.
- Zesty Twist: Add a bit of orange or lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing citrus note that brightens up the dish.
Feel free to experiment! These variations will give your holiday dessert a personal touch that your family and friends will love.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your scrumptious holiday dessert properly is key to keeping it fresh and delicious! Once it’s completely cooled, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, pop it in the refrigerator, where it should stay tasty for about a week.
Now, if you find yourself with leftovers that you just can’t finish (though I doubt that’ll happen!), you can freeze portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat if you love it cold, but if you prefer it warm, a quick 10-15 seconds in the microwave should do the trick. Just be careful not to overheat, or you might lose that lovely texture!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Each piece of this delightful holiday dessert packs approximately 200 calories, making it a sweet treat you can indulge in without too much guilt. You’ll find about 8g of fat, 3g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates per serving. Plus, it has 15g of sugar, which adds that lovely sweetness we all crave during the holidays. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use. So, enjoy your holiday dessert knowing it’s both delicious and satisfying!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these holiday desserts? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
While you can use fresh cranberries, I recommend sticking with dried for this recipe. Fresh ones can be quite tart and might alter the overall sweetness of your dessert.
What can I substitute for eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) for each egg. This will keep your dessert moist and delicious!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dessert actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it properly, and you’ll have a delightful treat ready to go!
Is this dessert suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just wrap it well to avoid freezer burn, and it’ll be a great treat to pull out during the busy holiday season.
Holiday Desserts Christmas: 7 Magical Recipes to Savor
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious holiday dessert perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Fold in nuts and dried cranberries.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best served with whipped cream.
- Can substitute nuts with chocolate chips.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 35 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 piece
- Calories: 200
- Sucre: 15g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 8g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 4g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 45mg
Mots-clés: holiday desserts christmas
