It's December: the weather outside is indeed frightful, you're (hopefully) home for the holidays, and all you feel like doing is bundling up next to the fire with blankets and a movie. Before you get too cozy on your couch, though, why not get into the holiday spirit by baking up a sweet treat? Whoever paired warm and festive baked goods with the holiday season is the real MVP. The oven going will make the house a little warmer, and the smell of magic happening in the air will lift your mood to sugar high. Here are 12 ideas that are appealing to both your taste buds andyour eyes.
1. Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Peppermint and chocolate: a recurring theme, but never gets old.2. Individual Chocolate Melting Cake
For when you don't want to make a lot (read: don't want to share).
3. Santa Hat Peppermint Sugar Cookies
A slight deviation from the already well-loved peanut butter blossom cookies, just with a festive twist!4. Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake
Dust off your bundt pans right now because honestly, how gorgeous is that deep chocolate color?5. Gluten Free Sugar Cookies (Vegan)
A vegan friendly option. Proof that holiday cheer is for everyone.6. No Bake Coconut Snowballs
This one is just in case you don't have an oven readily available to you. I know I can't be the only one that loves coconut!7. Santa Hat Brownie Bites
If it includes fruit, it must be healthy. Not to mention cute and delicious...8. S'mores Mug Brownie
Can't decide between hot chocolate and a brownie? This is your answer.
9. Christmas Cookie Bars
I imagine these cookie bars to be like eating a stack of cookies at once. Efficient, no?
10. Gingerbread Truffles
Peppermint and chocolate may rule, but don't forget gingerbread!
11. Spiced Gingerbread Loaf
Speaking of gingerbread, try this recipe when you're ready to level up on your baking game.
12. Peppermint Cream Cheese Cupcakes
A little something out of the ordinary to wow your friends and guests.