7 Holiday Treats and Cookies I'm Definitely Making this Christmas

One of the highlights of the Christmas season for me is making a variety of goodies and packing up assortments to give to neighbors and Mark's co-workers. 

Let me tell you what's on my "DEFINITE LIST," with the knowledge that a few more will sneak in as it gets closer to Christmas.

1. Christmas Cut-Out Cookies

This year, I'll make two varieties: my go-to, perfect every time, vanilla almond cut-out cookies and these easy gluten-free cut-out cookies. I'll decorate them with foolproof royal icing, of course. 

Have I decided HOW I'll decorate them yet? No. Mr. and Mrs. Claus, Elf on the Shelf, Christmas Trees, Leopard Print? So many possibilities! 

2. Gingerbread Cookies

There is no Christmas without gingerbread cookies. I like these best when they're decorated simply with white or maybe white and red royal icing. Minimal icing pops on a gingerbread cookie while letting the spicy flavors shine. 

3. Candied Nuts

Candied nuts are always part of the repertoire. It's usually pecans because they're our favorite, and we live in Texas, after all. I haven't decided whether I'll go with Cocoa Chile Spiced Pecans or Sugar and Spice Pecans or Lone Star Pecans. (Maybe all three?) I'll also be making Gimme Some Oven's candied walnuts; I've made these repeatedly, bumping up the vanilla in the recipe to a tablespoon.  

HINT: Use sprouted walnuts like the ones from Tenderly Rooted to avoid any of that bitter taste that walnuts frequently have. They're also supposed to be easier on the gut, but I can say for sure, sprouted walnuts TASTE better! 

4. Peppermint Popcorn Crunch

I love this easy-peasy recipe that looks so darling packaged in a clear cello bag and tied with ribbon. 

5. Pretzel Turtle Rolos

This is one of those recipes that Jack used to help with every year. Whether he'll want to help when he visits now that he's a grown adult, working man, I'm not sure. But we will have them! Follow this recipe and sub pecan halves for the candy corn and peanuts. 

If you can find them, the square, waffle-pattern butter pretzels make the best turtles!

6. Ritz Cracker Toffee

Every year when I mention this recipe, people say, "Oh, I make something similar with saltines." To which I reply, "I'm sorry." No, really. You have not lived until you've had this Ritz Cracker version. It is the HIT of every holiday party and Christmas treat assortment. 

7. Chocolate Ginger Cookies

These unassuming-looking cookies pack a flavorful punch. Crystallized ginger and bittersweet chocolate play beautifully with gingerbread spices. It's a cookie made for December. 

If you make any of these...or any other Bake at 350 recipes...I want to see! Tag me in your baking photos on Instagram! @bridget350