Welcome to my happy kitchen, where the aroma of freshly baked Thanksgiving goodies fills the air with warmth and joy! Every year, as the leaves turn golden and the days get shorter, I find myself daydreaming about the delectable treats that grace our holiday table. I can still remember the first time I baked these delightful goodies with my grandmother, her laughter mingling with the scent of sugar and spice. It was a magical moment that sparked my love for Thanksgiving baking, and now, I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you!
These Thanksgiving goodies are not just treats; they’re little bundles of joy that bring everyone together. Picture your family gathered around the table, smiles on their faces as they savor each bite. The sweet and tart cranberries paired with crunchy walnuts create a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible. Trust me, these are the kind of goodies that will have everyone asking for seconds and thirds!
So grab your apron and let’s dive into the wonderful world of Thanksgiving baking. I promise you, these treats will add that perfect touch of sweetness to your holiday celebrations!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Goodies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar (packed for sweetness)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (or you can substitute with pecans for a different twist)
- 1 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped if large
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Goodies
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature to get those goodies nice and golden brown—trust me, the smell will be heavenly!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is key, as it’ll give your treats that delightful texture. I usually use a hand mixer, but a good old wooden spoon works just fine if you’re feeling nostalgic!
- Next, crack in those two large eggs and add the vanilla extract. Mix it all together until everything is well combined. You’ll want to see a smooth, glossy batter forming—yum!
- In another bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This is where the magic begins to happen! Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want these goodies to be fluffy, not dense!
- Now for the fun part: fold in the chopped walnuts and dried cranberries. The colors and textures will make your heart sing! I often find myself sneaking a few cranberries while I’m mixing—can you blame me?
- Once everything is mixed, pour the batter into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. It’s a good idea to use a spatula for this—it gets every last bit out, and we don’t want to waste any of that deliciousness!
- Pop the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—no gooey batter sticking to it!
- Once baked, let the goodies cool in the dish for a bit before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set perfectly. Patience is key here, but I promise it’ll be worth it when you take that first bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Deliciously balanced flavors with sweet cranberries and crunchy walnuts.
- Brings a festive spirit to your Thanksgiving table—everyone will rave about them!
- Made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
- Great for sharing; they’re sure to become a new family favorite!
- Flexible recipe—easily adaptable to suit your taste preferences.
- Perfectly portioned for guilt-free snacking, so you can enjoy them anytime!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to whip up these fantastic Thanksgiving goodies, here are some of my top tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every single time!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend together more easily and creates that lovely, fluffy texture we all adore!
- Don’t Overmix: When you add the dry ingredients to the wet ones, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense goodies instead of the light and airy treats we want. A gentle fold is all it takes!
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your goodies as they bake! Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking at the 25-minute mark. You’re looking for a golden brown top and a toothpick that comes out clean when inserted into the center.
- Cooling Time: Let them cool in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them set and makes for easier cutting without falling apart.
- Taste Test: Don’t forget to taste the batter before baking—it’s one of the best parts! Just be sure to skip the raw eggs if you’re concerned about that. A little nibble of those cranberries and walnuts is always a treat!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create Thanksgiving goodies that will impress everyone at your holiday gathering. Happy baking!
Variations on Thanksgiving Goodies
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to mix things up a bit, I’ve got some delightful variations for these Thanksgiving goodies that will keep your family guessing and coming back for more!
- Pecan Swap: Instead of walnuts, try using chopped pecans for a slightly sweeter and buttery flavor. They add a lovely crunch and pair beautifully with the cranberries!
- Fruit Medley: Get creative with your dried fruits! You can substitute dried cranberries with chopped dried apricots, cherries, or even raisins for a fun twist that adds a different sweetness.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a little spice, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the dry ingredients. It brings a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for the season!
- Choco-Lovers: If you’re a chocolate fanatic like me, throw in some chocolate chips—dark, milk, or even white chocolate! They melt beautifully and add a rich sweetness that’s to die for.
- Nut-Free Option: For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts altogether and add a little extra dried fruit or even some coconut flakes for texture. Everyone can enjoy these goodies!
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It works wonders, and you won’t miss the gluten one bit!
These variations allow you to personalize your Thanksgiving goodies to match your family’s tastes and preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment—after all, the holidays are all about joy and creativity in the kitchen! Enjoy the process and happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve indulged in those delicious Thanksgiving goodies, you might find yourself with some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to keep them fresh and tasty for days to come!
- Storing Leftovers: Make sure to let your goodies cool completely before storing them. This helps prevent any sogginess. Once cool, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days—just be sure to keep them sealed tight to lock in that mouthwatering flavor!
- Freezing for Later: If you want to save some for a rainy day, these treats freeze beautifully! Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer. Just remember to label them with the date so you know when they were made!
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your Thanksgiving goodies again, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge if frozen. For a quick warm-up, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. If you prefer them warm from the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5-10 minutes until they’re heated through. The slight crispness on the outside will be just divine!
With these tips, your Thanksgiving goodies will taste just as fresh and delightful as when they first came out of the oven. Enjoy every last bite, and happy feasting!
Nutritional Information
Now, I know many of you are curious about the nutritional aspects of these delightful Thanksgiving goodies! While I always believe in enjoying treats in moderation, it’s nice to have a little insight into what we’re indulging in. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional data per serving (1 piece):
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 3g
Remember, these numbers are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used and portion sizes. It’s always a good idea to enjoy these Thanksgiving goodies as part of a balanced diet. Now, go ahead and treat yourself—these goodies are worth every delicious bite!
FAQ About Thanksgiving Goodies
I’m so glad you’re curious about these Thanksgiving goodies! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions I get, along with my answers to help you out:
Can I make these Thanksgiving goodies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These treats can be made a day or two in advance, which is perfect for holiday prep! Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll be fresh and ready to enjoy when you need them.
What can I substitute for walnuts?
If walnuts aren’t your thing or you have allergies, pecans are a fantastic substitute! You could also try sunflower seeds or simply omit the nuts altogether for a nut-free version. The cranberries will still shine through!
How should I store leftovers?
To keep your Thanksgiving goodies fresh, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, I recommend freezing them!
Can I add more dried fruits to the recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other dried fruits like apricots, cherries, or even raisins along with the cranberries. Just be mindful of the moisture content—they may make the mixture a bit wetter, so adjust as needed!
What’s the best way to serve these goodies?
I love serving these Thanksgiving goodies warm, but they’re also delicious at room temperature! You can cut them into squares and serve them on a platter, or individually wrap them for a cute, grab-and-go treat. Pair them with a nice cup of coffee or tea, and you’ve got a perfect afternoon snack!
Imprimer
Thanksgiving Goodies: 7 Joyful Treats to Bake Today
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious treats for your Thanksgiving celebration.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in walnuts and cranberries.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Substitute walnuts with pecans if desired.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 piece
- Calories: 200
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 8g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: thanksgiving goodies
