As soon as you reach for a cozy sweater to greet the first frost or snuggle up under a blanket with a mug of hot chocolate, it can only mean one thing—holiday baking season is here! For many of us, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. The magic of colored sprinkles, the first bite of a chewy gingerbread cookie, the sweet swirls of frosting atop a holiday spice cake—no winter would be complete without a stunning array of festive goodies. . Choose from easy drop cookies, fancy cut-outs, mouthwatering bars or showstopping specialty confections—all baked in batches big enoughto feed a crowd or take to a cookie swap. We’ve filled this issue with tons of recipes that you can prep in advance and decorate in countless ways. We hope you’ll find a new seasonal favorite, and use our tips to perfect your go-to staples, among the countless treats here for giving (and keeping). ’Tis the season to bake with abandon.
HOLIDAY COOKIES & CAKES
SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER WITH SOME SWEET TREATS!
Drop Cookies • BAKE A BIG BATCH OF THESE COOKIE SWAP–WORTHY TREATS, FROM CLASSIC CHOCOLATE CRACKLES TO FESTIVE PEANUT BUTTER KISSES COVERED IN CHRISTMAS-COLORED SPRINKLES.
Cookie Cutouts and Shapes • FESTIVE SPRINKLES, COLORFUL ICING AND MELTED CHOCOLATE ARE JUST A FEW WAYS TO DECORATE THESE CLASSIC HOLIDAY COOKIES.
Bar Cookies • THICK AND GOOEY, FUDGY AND CHEWY, THESE PACKABLE BARS AND SQUARES ARE PERFECT FOR GIFTING.
Specialty Cookies • INTERESTING SHAPES, FLAVORS AND TEXTURES HELP THESE DELICACIES STAND OUT.
Layers and Bundts • CHOCOLATE, PEPPERMINT, GINGERBREAD AND MORE SPICE UP THESE SHOWSTOPPING CAKES.
Quick Breads and Loaves • THESE TREATS COME TOGETHER IN A SNAP, SO CHOOSE YOUR FAVORITE AND GET BAKING!
Cupcakes • FUN AND FESTIVE DECORATING IDEAS TRANSFORM THESE SWEET TREATS INTO WINTER WONDERS.
Specialty Cakes • CHEESECAKES IN HOLIDAY FLAVORS, UPSIDE-DOWN CREATIONS, TRIFLE AND GINGERBREAD MINI CONFECTIONS ARE ALL FESTIVE WAYS TO IMPRESS YOUR GUESTS.
Icings, Frostings and Fillings • THESE FINISHING TOUCHES TAKE DESSERTS TO THE NEXT LEVEL.
Holiday Cookies & Cakes
