Christmas Cake And Cookies

Vonbon Hill

2 min read

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22-11-2024

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The aroma of warm spices and sugared fruits – it's the quintessential Christmas scent, conjuring images of cozy evenings and family gatherings. And at the heart of this festive fragrance lies the irresistible allure of Christmas cakes and cookies. This year, ditch the store-bought treats and embrace the joy of homemade baking. This guide will walk you through creating delicious and impressive Christmas goodies, perfect for sharing or simply savoring yourself.

The Classic Christmas Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

A traditional Christmas cake is a labor of love, requiring time and patience, but the result is a richly decadent treat that's well worth the effort. Here's a simplified approach:

Ingredients:

• 225g (8 oz) butter, softened
• 225g (8 oz) caster sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 225g (8 oz) self-raising flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp mixed spice
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 100g (3.5 oz) mixed dried fruit (sultanas, raisins, currants)
• 50g (1.75 oz) chopped candied peel
• 50g (1.75 oz) glacé cherries, halved
• 1 tbsp brandy or rum (optional)
• Icing sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F/Gas Mark 2). Grease and line a 20cm (8 inch) round cake tin.
2. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Sift in the flour and baking powder. Add the mixed spice and cinnamon. Fold gently into the wet ingredients.
5. Stir in the dried fruit, candied peel, and glacé cherries. Add the brandy or rum (if using).
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 2-2.5 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
7. Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Once cooled, dust generously with icing sugar. For an extra special touch, consider adding marzipan and fondant icing.

A Festive Cookie Selection: From Simple to Spectacular

Christmas cookies offer endless possibilities for creativity and personalization. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Gingerbread Men: A classic for a reason! Use ready-made gingerbread dough for a quicker option or make your own from scratch for a more personalized flavour. Decorate with icing and colorful sprinkles.

• Shortbread: Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread is a simple yet elegant choice. Cut into festive shapes using cookie cutters.

• Chocolate Chip Cookies: A crowd-pleaser, always a good idea. Experiment with different types of chocolate for unique flavor combinations.

Tips for Success:

• Measure accurately: Baking is a science; precise measurements are crucial for optimal results.
• Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough cakes and cookies.
• Chill your dough: Chilling cookie dough before baking helps prevent spreading.
• Have fun! Baking should be enjoyable. Get creative with your decorations and enjoy the process.

This Christmas, bring the warmth and cheer of homemade treats to your celebrations. Whether you opt for the traditional richness of Christmas cake or the playful charm of festive cookies, the process of creating these delights will add a special touch to your holiday season. Remember to adjust baking times according to your oven and the size of your baking dishes. Happy baking!