You'd be forgiven for not getting into the festive spirit in November, but now that December isn't far away, it is time to get prepared for all things Christmas and baking. There are so many fun recipes to try at this time of the year, from no-bake treats to decadent cakes, to cookies for Santa, and everything in between. There are definitely some staples for your equipment, as well as your store cupboard, when it comes to festive baking. So here are some of the festive baking essentials that you will need; you've got time to stock up!
Christmas Baking Essentials
- Cinnamon: you can't go too far looking at festive recipes without spotting the ingredient of ground cinnamon. Many loaf cakes require cinnamon, as well as some mince pie recipes and Snickerdoodle cookies. If you're into all things mulled, then cinnamon sticks can be a must too, if you want to mull your own wine or make a festive non-alcoholic drink.
- Vanilla: making sure that you have some natural vanilla extract in your kitchen is another good idea for festive baking. It is a pretty essential ingredient in a lot of baking recipes as it is, but it can work well in no-bakes baking too. The smell of vanilla is amazing around Christmas and can make the most plain sugar cookies taste even better.
- Good quality mixing bowl: this is something that you won't get too far doing your baking without. Pyrex are often a good idea as they are large and sturdy glass. A sturdy large one is what you need for making royal icing to go on a Christmas cake. However, you might prefer to get a brighter, more colourful option to brighten up the kitchen.
- Season cookie cutters: making cookies is something that is so simple to do with the kids, and with Christmas recipes, there are recipes to suit all needs and dietary requirements. From making vegan gingerbread to making sugar cookies to decorate, having some seasonal cookie cutter shapes to create your cookies with is a must. The good news is that you can pick them up pretty cheaply in home stores and even places like pound shops.
- Candy canes: is it even Christmas without the peppermint goodness that comes from candy cane? They are fabulously versatile! Although they can just be munched on themselves or used to decorate the tree, they can also be used to top cupcakes, be crushed and sprinkled over brownies, as well as being rolled crushed up into cookie dough. You can also use them as stirrers in hot chocolate or used as a stick for large marshmallow treats.
- Peppermint extract: on a similar note, you can't go too far with festive baking without seeing some recipes containing peppermint. Whether you're adding to brownies, including in cupcake frosting or making your own peppermints for after dinner, peppermint extract is inexpensive but works well for a variety of festive bakes.
- Mincemeat filling: if you are a big fan of mince pies, then why not make your own this Christmas? You can buy jars of mincemeat filling to just use yourself with pastry, or you can make your own, using things like raisins, sultanas, chopped apple, and other dried fruit. They can also be used in different ways other than mince pies, such as stirred into brownie mix or swirled into fudge if you can't get enough of the taste.
- Festive silicone mould: if you want to make some fun festive chocolates for gifts or for topping into cupcakes, then choosing a festive silicone mould can make this much easier for you. You could even try your hand at making your own gummy sweets using the mould, rather than choosing chocolate. There are so many moulds to choose from, such as candy cane shapes, gingerbread person shapes, as well as stars, and more. They are pretty inexpensive to buy too.
- Bundt cake tin: a Bundt pans is the perfect choice to really make your festive cakes stand out, but it really requires very little effort on your part. You can get some amazing shapes, swirls and spikes using a Bundt cake tin, but all you have to do is make sure that it is greased well and a proper bundt cake recipe has been used to get it all out in one shape. It can look amazing as part of a table centerpiece, or it will work well as a striking gift for someone else.
What are some of your favourite things to bake during the festive season? It would be great to hear what you think and what your festive baking essentials are too.
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