Chilly Winter days are just made for baking...and eating...sweet treats! During the holiday season and beyond, baking is in the forefront. So, today The Weekend Gourmet correspondent is sharing tips to ensure your baked treats come out perfect every time. This article may contain affiliate links.
When the Winter chill starts to creep in, there's nothing better than curling up with a warm blanket and a delicious sweet treat. This article will show you how to make some of our favorite Winter treats. From classic comfort foods like apple pie and chocolate chip cookies...to new favorites like salted caramel popcorn and pumpkin spice latte cupcakes...there's something for everyone! So put on your favorite cooking show, grab your apron, and let's get baking!
(1) First, Get Your Recipes
Pull out your favorite cookbooks or search the Internet for some of your favorite treats. Create a list of all recipes you'd like to try on a cold Winter day. In addition, consider adding widely available seasonal cold-weather ingredients like oranges, clementines, cranberries, and flash frozen year-round fruits.
(2) Gather Your Ingredients
Once you have your recipes selected and have a shopping list, it's time to head to the grocery store to purchase all the ingredients for your sweet treat. Make sure you buy larger quantities of ingredients than what the recipe calls for so you can make extra batches -- in case someone wants seconds (which they likely will)!
(3) Preheat the Oven
Now that your ingredients are purchased, it's time to get baking! Set your oven temperature according to each recipe -- and be sure to let your oven preheat while you prepare your ingredients. Further, be sure to grease your baking pans, dust them with flour, and line them with parchment paper if necessary. This will prevent sticking and provide even coloring.
(4) Start Baking
Once the oven is preheated, it's time to start baking! Make sure you follow every recipe carefully --- and pay attention to any tips or tricks mentioned in the cooking instructions. Further, remember to check your treats periodically while baking. Some recipes may require a few minutes more (or less) cooking time than what's indicated in the recipe.
(5) Mix Everything Together
Once your ingredients are prepared, it's time to start mixing! Depending on the type of recipe you're making, you may use either a mixer or simply stir everything together with a wooden spoon. If you're making a frosting or topping, now is the time to do so.
(6) Bake to Perfection
Once mixed and assembled, put sweet treats in the oven and bake them according to each recipe's specific guidelines. Be sure to pay close attention and remove them from the oven once they've reached a perfect golden brown color. Let your baked goods cool for a few minutes before removing them from the pan to cool -- or serve warm. Enjoy!
(7) Recipes to Consider
Here are a few recipe ideas to get you started: Apple Pie, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Salted Caramel Popcorn, Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes, Zucchini Brownies (from Butter Your Biscuit), and Oatmeal Raisin Bars. That said, no matter which recipe you choose, there's sure to be something delicious for everyone to enjoy on a chilly Winter day!
(8) Finishing Touches
To finish off your sweet treats, add some of the extra seasonal ingredients you gathered at the grocery store. For example, we recommend adding orange slices or cranberries to apple pies, cinnamon to pumpkin spice lattes, or chocolate chips sprinkled over oatmeal raisin bars. The possibilities are endless...and the finishing touches will surely impress your friends and family.
In conclusion, there's no better way to combat the cold
Winter chill than via delicious homemade sweet treats. With the above tips and recipes, you'll be able to make something special for your loved ones this holiday season. So why wait? Break out your cookbooks, start preheating the oven, and let's get baking!
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