One of the most memorable holiday traditions is spending a day in the kitchen baking sweet treats together. From decorating sugar cookies to making homemade candy, a Christmas baking day fills the house with delicious smells and creates memories that last long after the holidays are over.
Holiday Dessert Recipes
A baking day is also a wonderful way to prepare treats for parties, share desserts with friends and neighbors, or package homemade goodies for gifts. By making several recipes at once, you end up with a variety of festive treats ready to enjoy throughout the season.
Here are some of our favorite desserts that are perfect for a holiday baking day.
Decorated Sugar Cookies
Decorating sugar cookies is always one of the highlights of baking day. Once the cookies are baked and cooled, the fun really begins with icing and sprinkles.
This icing recipe is simple to make and creates a glossy finish that sets nicely after decorating.
Sugar Cookie Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons milk
- 2 teaspoons light corn syrup
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Put the powdered sugar in a bowl and add the milk. Stir until smooth.
- Beat in the corn syrup until the icing becomes smooth and glossy. If the icing is too thick, add a small amount of additional corn syrup.
- Divide the icing into small bowls and add food coloring as desired.
After icing the cookies, immediately decorate with sprinkles because the icing begins to set quickly. The icing will dry to the touch fairly fast but takes a few hours to completely set.
Peanut Butter Balls
Peanut butter balls are a classic holiday candy that everyone seems to love. They are rich, chocolatey, and surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients
- 1 lb peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- 2 sticks almost melted butter
- 1½ boxes powdered sugar
- 2 to 2½ bags semi sweet chocolate chips
- Small amount of chocolate candy bark
Instructions
- Mix the peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small balls and place them on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper.
- Place the tray in the freezer for about 10 minutes.
- Melt the chocolate chips and candy bark in a microwave safe bowl, stirring halfway through. If the chocolate is too thick, add a little more candy bark.
- Dip each peanut butter ball into the chocolate and place back onto the wax paper to set.
Haystack Candy
Haystack candies are quick to make and are a perfect addition to a holiday dessert tray.
Butterscotch Peanut Butter Haystacks
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 3 cups chow mein noodles, broken slightly
- 1 cup salted peanuts
- 1 cup peanut butter
Melt the butterscotch chips. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.
Drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper and allow them to set. Refrigerating the tray can help them firm up faster.
Makes approximately 16 pieces.
White Chocolate Pretzel Haystacks
- 1 package white chocolate chips
- 1½ cups thin pretzel sticks broken in half
- ½ cup salted peanuts
Melt the white chocolate chips and stir in the pretzels and peanuts.
Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper and allow them to set.
Makes about 15 pieces.
Chocolate Haystacks
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup peanuts
- 3 cups chow mein noodles
Optional: add 2 cups mini marshmallows.
Melt the chocolate chips and combine with the peanuts and noodles. Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper and allow to set.
Makes about 18 pieces.
Chocolate Oatmeal No Bake Cookies
These classic no bake cookies are rich, chocolatey, and melt in your mouth.
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups sugar
- 1 stick butter
- ½ cup milk
- 3½ tablespoons cocoa
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 3 cups oats
- Splash of vanilla
Instructions
Combine the sugar, butter, milk, and cocoa in a saucepan.
Bring the mixture slowly to a boil and continue boiling while stirring for about 1½ minutes.
Remove from heat and add peanut butter, oats, and vanilla.
Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper and allow them to set.
This recipe makes about two dozen cookies.
Plaza Park Squares (Ooey Gooey Bars)
These dessert bars are one of the easiest and richest treats you can make.
Base
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 egg
- 1 stick butter
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Mix by hand and press into a well greased 9×13 baking pan.
Topping
- 1 box powdered sugar
- 1 package softened cream cheese
- 2 eggs
Mix the topping ingredients with a mixer and spread over the base.
Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes.
Allow to cool before cutting into small squares.
Why a Holiday Baking Day Is Worth It
Making several recipes in one day creates a variety of desserts that can be enjoyed throughout the season.
These treats are perfect for:
- Holiday parties
- Cookie exchanges
- Homemade gifts
- Family gatherings
- Treat trays for neighbors or coworkers
With a little planning, a baking day can fill the kitchen with sweet treats and festive memories.
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