There’s something magical about the holiday season, and for many of us, it’s all about the traditions. Whether it’s gathering around the table or sharing cherished recipes with loved ones, these moments bring warmth and joy to our hearts. This year, we’re thrilled to dive into A Very Prairie Christmas Bakebook, a delightful collection of holiday treats that are as easy to make as they are stunning to serve. These recipes are perfect for adding a little extra sparkle to your holiday celebrations.
Author Karlynn Johnston is just as excited about the holidays as we are. “I don’t shy away from my love for Christmas,” she says with a laugh. “By October, I’m already humming carols while my Halloween decorations are still up. From mid-November onward, I immerse myself in planning, baking, and freezing goodies to make sure everything is perfect for Christmas.” If you’re ready to add some festive flair to your holiday lineup, here are three recipes that will leave your family and friends smiling.
Decadent Chocolate Truffles
Who doesn’t love a rich, creamy chocolate truffle? These little bites of heaven are the perfect way to impress your guests without breaking a sweat in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll be rolling out these sweet treats in no time.
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Ingredients:
- 1⁄2 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz. semisweet baking chocolate, chopped
- 1 tsp. extract of choice (mint, vanilla, or orange work beautifully)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, finely chopped nuts, shredded sweetened coconut, or sprinkles for coating
Directions:
- Heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s hot but not boiling. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate until it’s smooth and velvety. Add your chosen extract and let the mixture cool, then chill for at least 2 hours.
- Once chilled, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and gently roll them into balls. Place them on the baking sheet, handling them as little as possible to keep their shape. Chill for another 30 minutes.
- Now comes the fun part: coating your truffles! Pour your desired coating onto a plate and roll each ball in it, ensuring they’re evenly covered. Return them to the baking sheet and chill for an additional 30 minutes.
- Once they’re set, you can serve them immediately or store them in a container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to three months.
Nutritional Info: Per piece: 89 calories, 1 gram protein, 11 grams carbs, 1 gram fiber, 9 grams sugar, 6 grams fat.
Whipped Shortbread Cookies: A Holiday Classic
Shortbread cookies are a timeless holiday favorite, and this recipe takes them to the next level. Light, fluffy, and packed with flavor, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your holiday baking rotation.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 1⁄2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1⁄2 cups flour
- Glacé cherries for topping (optional)
Directions:
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- Preheat your oven to 275°F. In a stand mixer or using a handheld mixer, beat the butter and powdered sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour while mixing on low, ensuring it’s fully incorporated. Increase the speed to medium and beat for 6 minutes, stopping every 2 minutes to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula.
- Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart. If you’re using glacé cherries, place one on top of each scoop for a festive touch.
- Bake one sheet at a time for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown. Carefully transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
- Once cooled, enjoy them fresh or store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Info: Per piece: 112 calories, 1 gram protein, 10 grams carbs, 0 grams fiber, 4 grams sugar, 8 grams fat.
Candy Cane Blondies: A Festive Twist
These Candy Cane Blondies are a delightful blend of sweet and minty goodness. They’re perfect for those who love a little holiday flair in their desserts.
Ingredients:
- 2 1⁄4 cups flour
- 1 1⁄2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- 3⁄4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1⁄2 cups packed brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. mint extract
- 3⁄4 cup finely chopped peppermint-flavored candy canes
- 1⁄2 cup chopped white chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and butter a 13 × 9-inch baking pan. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- In a stand mixer or using a handheld mixer, beat the butter and brown sugar on medium speed until creamy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla and mint extracts. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing on low until everything is fully incorporated. Stir in the chopped candy canes and white chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out nearly clean. Allow the blondies to cool in the pan before slicing them into 24 bars and serving.
Nutritional Info: Per piece: 193 calories, 2 grams protein, 29 grams carbs, 0 grams fiber, 17 grams sugar, 8 grams fat.
