Gingerbread Cookies:
These cookies are a Christmas classic. The recipe is simple, and the cookies can be decorated in various ways to add a festive touch. Here’s how to make gingerbread cookies:
Ingredients:
– 2 and 1/2 cups flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 2 teaspoons ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup molasses
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add in the egg and molasses and beat until combined.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until the dough comes together. Wrap the dough in a plastic wrap and chill for about an hour.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Roll the dough onto a lightly floured surface and cut it into desired shapes using cookie cutters. Transfer the cookies onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until browned.
5. Let the cookies cool before decorating with royal icing.
Apple Pie:
If you are looking for a comforting dessert that warms up the soul, apple pie is an excellent option. This recipe is a staple during Christmas dinners and is one of the easiest pies to prepare. Here’s how to make an apple pie:
Ingredients:
– 2 pie crusts
– 6 cups peeled and sliced apples
– 3/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 egg
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Roll out one of the pie crusts and place it in the pie dish.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter. Whisk in cornstarch until smooth and add in water, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Bring the mixture to boil, stirring constantly. Simmer until thickened.
3. In a bowl, toss the sliced apples with the sauce until well coated. Pour the apple mixture into the pie crust.
4. Roll out the second pie crust and cut it into thin strips. Place the strips on top of the pie in a lattice pattern. Beat the egg in a bowl and brush it over the crust.
5. Bake for about an hour or until the crust is golden brown.
Buche de Noel:
Buche de Noel, also known as Yule log, is a classic Christmas cake that is shaped like a log. It is a French dessert that has become popular all around the world. Here’s how to make Buche de Noel:
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cocoa powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 4 eggs
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 3/4 cup dark chocolate, chopped
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a 15×10-inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in vanilla extract and melted butter and mix well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture and whisk until smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the baking sheet and spread it evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched.
6. In a saucepan, heat the cream, sugar, and butter until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and stir in chopped chocolate and vanilla extract.
7. Let the chocolate mixture cool for a few minutes before spreading it evenly over the cake.
8. Using the parchment paper, roll the cake into a tight log. Place it seam-side down and let it cool.
9. Once cooled, cut a small piece from the end of the cake. Place it on top of the cake to resemble a branch. Dust the cake with powdered sugar and serve.
In conclusion, these Christmas dessert recipes are perfect for those who want to add a little sweetness to their holiday celebrations. Whether it is gingerbread cookies, apple pie, or Buche de Noel, these desserts are sure to delight your taste buds and bring joy to your loved ones.