Easy Holiday Baking Recipes

That Bring Warmth & Joy to Your Kitchen

Nothing says “holiday spirit” like the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. Growing up, my Nonna always had a tray of treats ready for anyone who visited during December. These easy holiday baking recipes are inspired by those sweet, nostalgic moments — simple to make, heartwarming to serve, and packed with the flavors of the season.

Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned cookie connoisseur, these easy holiday baking recipes will bring magic to your festive table. From gingerbread hugs to chocolatey delights, let’s get the oven ready! 🎅✨

🎄 Why Choose Easy Holiday Baking Recipes?

The holidays are busy enough — shopping, decorating, planning! That’s why easy holiday baking recipes are the perfect solution. Here’s why you’ll love them:

• 🕒 Time-Saving – Quick prep and baking means more time sipping cocoa!

• 🍫 Kid-Friendly – Little hands can help with mixing and decorating.

• ❤️ Tradition Made Simple – Keep the holiday magic without the stress.

🍪 Classic Sugar Cookies with a Twist

📝 Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp baking powder

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ½ cups white sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp almond extract (the twist!)

• Colored sugar or sprinkles

🧑‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cream together butter and sugar until smooth.

3. Beat in egg, vanilla, and almond extract.

4. Combine dry ingredients, then gradually add to wet mix.

5. Roll into balls, coat with colored sugar, and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.

6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are golden.

These sugar cookies are a staple in my easy holiday baking recipes collection — soft, buttery, and so fun to decorate with the kids! 🎨🍪

🧁 Easy Holiday Baking Recipes for Chocolate Lovers

H2: Fudgy Peppermint Brownies 🌿🍫

Peppermint + chocolate = holiday bliss.

Ingredients:

• 1 box brownie mix (or your favorite homemade recipe)

• ½ tsp peppermint extract

• Crushed candy canes for topping

Method:

1. Prepare brownie mix as directed, stir in peppermint extract.

2. Bake and let cool slightly.

3. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes while warm.

A quick, festive win for your list of easy holiday baking recipes.

🥠 Cinnamon Snowball Cookies (Italian Touch!)

H3: Inspired by Nonna’s Holiday Baking ❤️

These are a delicious spin on Italian wedding cookies.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 ¼ cups flour

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• Powdered sugar for rolling

Method:

1. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.

2. Add vanilla, salt, and cinnamon.

3. Mix in flour until dough forms.

4. Shape into balls and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes.

5. Roll in powdered sugar while warm.

I swear, every time I make these, I can hear my Nonna humming in the kitchen. These easy holiday baking recipes bring heritage and hugs in every bite.

🍊 Orange-Cranberry Muffins for Winter Mornings

Great for breakfast or a sweet gift! 🎁

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour

• ½ cup sugar

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup fresh cranberries

• Zest of 1 orange

• ¾ cup orange juice

• ⅓ cup vegetable oil

• 1 egg

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Mix dry ingredients and stir in cranberries and zest.

3. Combine wet ingredients and fold into dry.

4. Bake in lined muffin tin for 18–20 minutes.

Zesty, soft, and festive — a bright spot in your list of easy holiday baking recipes!

🎁 Gifting with Easy Holiday Baking Recipes

Looking for edible gift ideas? Try:

• 🎀 Mason jars with layered cookie mix

• 🍯 Small boxes of assorted cookies

• ✉️ Recipe cards tied with ribbon

Sharing these easy holiday baking recipes makes you the star of every holiday party.

💡 Tips to Make Your Holiday Baking a Breeze

• ✅ Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.

• ✅ Chill cookie dough for better shape retention.

• ✅ Invest in festive cutters and holiday sprinkles! 🎄

Remember, the heart of these easy holiday baking recipes is joy — not perfection.

🌐 Helpful Links to Explore

Here are some great resources to enhance your baking:

1. AllRecipes Holiday Cookie Guide

2. King Arthur Baking Holiday Recipes

3. Food Network Christmas Treats

4. Delish Holiday Baking Ideas

🎉 Wrap-Up: Cozy Up with Easy Holiday Baking Recipes

From soft sugar cookies to zesty muffins, these easy holiday baking recipes offer warmth, simplicity, and unforgettable flavors. So turn on your favorite carols, light a candle, and make baking a holiday tradition in your home. ❤️🎶

📣 What’s Your Favorite Holiday Treat?

Leave a comment below and let me know which of these easy holiday baking recipes you’ll be trying this season — or share your own family favorite! 👇🍰