Bake Your Way To Christmas Day

Christmas is absolutely the best time of year to put your apron on. Stick Christmas songs on the radio and cover yourself from head to toe in flour and icing sugar. With so many wintry flavours on offer, how could you ever resist a baking session? So, how do you bake your way to Christmas day?

Some foods are an absolute must-have at this time of year. It isn’t December until you’ve had your first mince pie, or a glass of mulled wine.

Mince Pies

Whether you buy shop bought mince pies or prefer to make them yourself. The smell of freshly baked mince pies is such a treat. Like the fresh pine needles on your Christmas tree. The scents of cinnamon and nutmeg permeate the room like nothing else. I do mostly try to buy mince pies ready made as its so much easier but I do on occasion, like to bake my own and put a spin on the traditional ones.

Since Nigella topped her mince pies with little stars, everyone has been doing it. However, you could also try adding a crumble topping or flaked almonds for something a little bit different. If you are feeling really adventurous, try these mince pie cookies too. They are slightly healthier than the real deal but that just means you can eat more!

A Gingerbread House

Gingerbread is brilliant for baking with kids, and adults thinking they’re still 12! A gingerbread house is a lovely afternoon well spent and though construction might take a little bit of patience, the end result is definitely worth it! Top with chocolate buttons and dolly mixtures, and you could even use boiled sweets to bake in some stained glass windows.

Christmas Tree Biscuits

The idea of hanging biscuits from the tree might seem weird – and there is no judgement here if your biscuits don’t make it that far – but it is a nice way to decorate. Children will be particularly taken with the treats on the lower branches!

Spicy tree biscuits are a favourite as they combine all the usual Christmassy flavours with dark muscovado sugar to add a darkness to the flavour. You can cut them into any shape you like, just remember to put in a little hole at the top for the ribbon to hang them up.

Apparently, lots of these bakes are really popular with Father Christmas and he really appreciates it when they are left out for him on Christmas eve, especially if you can stretch to a small brandy on the side! Merry Christmas!

How do you bake your way to Christmas day?