Five years running and right after Thanksgiving, it’s time to talk holiday baking!
This year feels a little different for me because I have a bun in the oven. I wasn’t sure what I’d be able to bake, or when I’d find the time, but surprisingly I’m excited to bake more than ever. I’ve spent so much time testing, styling and photographing food that returning to old favorite recipes without the pressure of work feels wonderfully simple and nostalgic. It also makes me want to revisit the classics I grew up with.
I’m still a bit worried about timing — most of my cookie baking and holiday gifts happen in mid-to-late December, and I rarely freeze baked goods. This year that might be harder to manage, but I’m going full steam ahead with cookie trays while I can. We love taking giant, over-the-top cookie platters to holiday gatherings.
Here’s my ambitious (10-months-pregnant-friendly) baking list for this season. Tell me what’s on your list!
Homemade peppermint pattie cookies — a long-time favorite.
And while we’re being peppermint-obsessed: homemade peppermint pattie brownies. These are so good.
Homemade baklava — made in one pan and surprisingly straightforward. I’ve been craving it.
Cake batter chocolate bark — fun, colorful and impossible to pass up.
Classic peanut butter blossoms — a nostalgic favorite from childhood, even if I’m not always sold on the chocolate kiss.
Chewy chocolate chip oatmeal cookies — one of the few ways I truly enjoy oatmeal.
Chocolate fudge pistachio thumbprints — because my pistachio obsession continues unabated.
Sparkling white chocolate lemon truffles — elegant, unique and beautiful on a platter.
Soft snickerdoodles — comfortingly simple and perfect for gifting.
Soft gingersnaps — a recipe I’ve relied on for years; tender, warmly spiced and addictive.
Giant rainbow cookies — adaptable, festive and delicious.
Double chocolate cheesecake cookies — the best of cookies and cheesecake combined.
Holiday thumbprints — a retro tradition with pink and green Mother Lovett-style color, sentimental even if I only nibble one to honor family traditions.
Crazy confetti compost cookies — delightful chaos in cookie form, full of mix-ins and texture.
Chocolate fudge s’mores thumbprints — all the cozy s’mores flavors in a hand-sized treat.
Mother Lovett’s orange cookies — another tradition that brings on the nostalgia.
Mocha coconut fudge — inspired by family favorites, this flavor is my go-to.
Oreo truffles — an old-school hit that always disappears fast.
In recent years my cousin and I have also made homemade liqueurs and preserved treats to give: candy cane vodka, homemade amaretto (always a crowd-pleaser), candied citrus peels and even homemade cocktail bitters. I’m thinking at least a couple of these — especially the amaretto — will make it into this year’s gifts.
So — what’s on your holiday baking list? Share your go-to treats and traditions below!