Holiday Baking on a Budget
Holiday Baking on a Budget: Delicious Gifts for Thanksgiving and Christmas
The holiday season is a time for sharing joy, love, and, of course, delicious baked goods! If you’re looking to spread some festive cheer without breaking the bank, baking homemade treats is a wonderful way to show your appreciation for family and friends. Not only are baked goods a heartfelt gift, but they also allow you to get creative in the kitchen. Here are three budget-friendly recipes for Christmas bakery gifts and three for Thanksgiving sharing gifts that are sure to delight everyone on your list!
Thanksgiving Bakery Gifts
1. Pumpkin Spice Muffins
These moist and flavorful muffins are perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings and make a delightful gift.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, oil, sugar, and eggs until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cool before packaging in festive boxes or bags.
2. Cranberry Orange Bread
This sweet and tangy bread is a lovely addition to any Thanksgiving table and makes a thoughtful gift.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the orange juice, oil, and eggs.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the cranberries and orange zest.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow to cool before wrapping in decorative paper or placing in a gift bag.
3. White Chocolate Chip Cookies
You can never go wrong with chocolate chip cookies! They’re always a hit and easy to make in large batches.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
4. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture.
5. Stir in the chocolate chips.
6. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets and bake for 9-11 minutes.
7. Let cool before packaging in festive tins or boxes.
Christmas Bakery Gifts
1. Gingerbread Cookies
These classic cookies are perfect for decorating and sharing during the Christmas season.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg and molasses.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
4. Chill the dough for at least 1 hour, then roll out and cut into shapes.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Let cool before decorating and packaging.
2. Eggnog Cupcakes
These festive cupcakes are a delightful twist on traditional eggnog and make a charming gift.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 tsp nutmeg
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.
3. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, then add the eggnog.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Fill the cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes. Let cool before frosting and packaging.
Baking holiday treats is a wonderful way to spread joy and warmth during Thanksgiving and Christmas. With these budget-friendly recipes, you can create delightful gifts that your family and friends will love. Whether it’s a batch of pumpkin spice muffins or a box of gingerbread cookies, your homemade goodies are sure to bring smiles and sweet memories this holiday season. Happy baking!
