Oh, the magic of the holiday season! There’s something incredibly special about gathering your loved ones and diving into the joyous chaos of a Christmas bake sale. It’s like a sweet symphony of flour, sugar, and festive cheer! I remember as a kid, my mom would invite the whole neighborhood over for a baking marathon. The kitchen would be filled with the warm, inviting scents of vanilla and chocolate, and we’d spend hours laughing and decorating treats, all while sneaking bites of cookie dough when no one was looking. Those moments were more than just about baking; they were about connection, sharing, and spreading joy through delicious goodies.
This festive collection of baked treats is perfect for your own holiday gatherings or bake sales, ensuring everyone leaves with a smile and a sweet tooth! Trust me, there’s nothing quite like sharing your homemade delights, whether it’s with friends, family, or even strangers at a community event. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s create some delightful memories together this holiday season!
Ingredients List
Let’s talk about the ingredients that will bring our festive treats to life! First up, you’ll need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, the backbone of our baked goodies. Make sure to spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
Next, grab 1 cup of sugar. I love using granulated sugar for that perfect sweetness that balances the rich flavors! Don’t forget to use 1/2 cup of softened butter—it should be soft enough to leave a dent when you press it but not melted. This helps create that delightful, tender texture we all adore.
We’ll also need 2 eggs, which add moisture and richness. For a splash of flavor, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is essential; it brings warmth to our treats. Then, add 1 cup of milk for that extra moistness.
Don’t skip the 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt; these are crucial for making our squares rise perfectly! Finally, 1 cup of chocolate chips is a must for that melty, gooey goodness that will have everyone coming back for more!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—prepping these scrumptious treats! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because a hot oven helps our squares rise beautifully, so don’t skip it!
While that’s warming up, grab a mixing bowl and start by creaming together the softened butter and sugar. I usually mix them until the mixture turns light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes. This part is key for achieving that tender texture we all love!
Next, add in the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract to the buttery goodness. Make sure to mix well—this is where those flavors come alive! In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt, so your squares rise evenly.
Now, here’s where the magic happens: gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. I like to do this in thirds, alternating with the dry ingredients, and just mix until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to dense squares, and we want them light and fluffy!
Once that’s done, gently fold in the chocolate chips. You want them distributed evenly throughout the batter, so every bite is a chocolatey delight. Now, pour the batter into a greased baking pan (you can use a 9×13 inch pan for this). Smooth the top with a spatula for a nice finish.
Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The squares are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Trust me, you’ll want to let them cool completely before cutting into squares for the best texture and flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This festive treat is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for your Christmas bake sale! Here are a few reasons why this recipe is a must-try:
- Super easy to make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you’ll have delicious squares ready in no time!
- Festive flavor: The combination of chocolate and vanilla makes these treats feel like a warm hug on a chilly holiday afternoon.
- Perfect for sharing: These squares are great for gifting or bringing to holiday gatherings. Everyone loves a homemade treat!
- Versatile: Feel free to customize with nuts or different mix-ins to suit your taste or occasion.
- Make ahead: Bake them in advance and store them for a stress-free holiday season—perfect for last-minute gatherings!
Trust me, once you taste these delightful squares, you’ll be back for seconds—and maybe even thirds!
Tips for Success
Alright, friends, let’s make sure your festive squares turn out perfectly! Here are my top tips for success:
- Room temperature ingredients: Always use eggs and butter that are at room temperature. This helps them blend more easily, leading to a smoother batter and lighter texture.
- Don’t overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no flour streaks. Overmixing can make your squares dense, and we want them fluffy!
- Ingredient substitutions: If you want to make it a bit healthier, you can swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. It adds a nice nutty flavor! You can also use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
- Testing for doneness: Besides the toothpick test, gently pressing the top of the squares can help. If they spring back, they’re ready! If your finger leaves an indent, they need a few more minutes.
- Cooling time: Be patient and let your squares cool completely before cutting. This helps them firm up and makes slicing much easier!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking up a storm for your Christmas bake sale! Enjoy every moment and the sweet smells wafting through your kitchen!
Variations
Now, let’s get a little creative with our festive squares! There are so many fun ways to mix things up for your Christmas bake sale. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Nutty Delight: Toss in 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. They add a lovely texture and complement the chocolate beautifully!
- Minty Fresh: Swap out regular chocolate chips for mint chocolate chips. This gives your squares a refreshing twist that screams holiday cheer!
- Spiced Up: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or even a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for winter.
- Fruit Fest: Mix in 1 cup of dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots. They’ll add a burst of sweetness and a pop of color to your treats!
Whichever variation you choose, your bake sale treats will not only taste incredible but also look festive and inviting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve whipped up a batch of these delightful squares, you’ll want to store them properly to keep them fresh and tasty! To do this, simply place the cooled squares in an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious for about 3-4 days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just pop them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you prefer a warm treat, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just make sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t get too hot. There’s nothing quite like a warm, gooey chocolate square to bring back those holiday vibes!
Nutritional Information Section
As you prepare to indulge in these delightful squares, it’s good to know what you’re enjoying! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so this is just a general idea:
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
These squares are a delicious treat to share during your Christmas bake sale, but always remember that moderation is key! Enjoy every sweet bite, knowing it’s made with love!
FAQ Section
Got questions about baking these delicious squares for your Christmas bake sale? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Absolutely! You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and a bit more fiber. Just keep an eye on the texture—it might be slightly denser.
- How can I make these squares gluten-free? You can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best results!
- What’s the best way to transport my baked goods for a bake sale? I recommend cutting the squares into individual pieces and placing them in a sturdy container with parchment paper between layers. This keeps them fresh and prevents any sticking!
- Can I double the recipe? Yes! Doubling the recipe is a great idea if you’re expecting a crowd at your Christmas bake sale. Just make sure to use a larger baking pan and adjust your baking time as needed.
- What’s a good way to decorate these squares for the holidays? A light dusting of powdered sugar or festive sprinkles can add a lovely touch! You could even drizzle some melted chocolate on top for an extra treat!
Don’t hesitate to get creative! Baking is all about having fun and spreading joy during the holiday season!
Print
Christmas Bake Sale: 5 Irresistible Treats to Delight
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive collection of baked goods perfect for a Christmas bake sale.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add eggs, milk, and vanilla, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before into squares.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Try adding nuts for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: christmas bake sale, holiday baking, festive treats
