Each year, as the holiday season begins, I encounter a predicament of sorts: do I use this festive time of family, friends, faith and food to bake new recipes, or do I make my favourites again–the ones that I’ve made (and loved) several times before? It’s a time when I sit and reflect on everything I’ve baked throughout the year and beyond, and decide what baked goods might brighten the holidays even more. And even though I have some new festive sweets posts lined up for you, I thought it might be fun to share a round-up of some of the recipes that are on my holiday-baking-and-caking list this year. Am I the only one who starts thinking about this stuff somewhere around the day after Halloween? I didn’t think so. #bakerscurse
Winter Delight Peppermint Cake (above): This moist, deep dark domed chocolate layer caked filled with whipped peppermint frosting, crushed peppermint candies and topped with more frosting and sparkly sugar has my heart. I’ve secretly been waiting all year to make this again.
Red Velvet & Cinnamon Layer Cake: I have no idea what happened but I am just recently hooked on Red Velvet Cake. It’s rich hue and moist and decadent texture paired with cinnamon filling and classic rich cream cheese frosting is the ultimate holiday indulgence, if you ask me.
Double Chocolate Gingerbread Cupcakes: I think what draws me back to these is the whole gingerbread buttercream thing, but combined with the chocolate cupcakes these were memorable for me. I think I just may need to make these happen again. (It could have something to do with dipping those teeny gingerbread houses into lusciously dark chocolate.)
The Perfect Dark Chocolate Sugar Cookie: These cookies are truly a blank canvas for countless holiday cookie decorating designs. They keep their shape; they are buttery, rich and chocolatey; and they look so pretty under wintery icing and sprinkles.
Little Hands Sugar Cookies & Cards: Speaking of cookies, these were one of my favourite cookie projects to date. Talk about “hands on.” My girls and I had so much fun tracing their hands, baking the cookies, and getting them ready for packaging–Reese loved making the cards to go along with them. We gave them to grandparents and teachers, and they were a hit!
And after that little cookie break, we’re back to cake. Lemon-Blueberry Macaron Delight Cake: So maybe the holidays don’t exactly shout “lemon!” and “blueberry!” but if there’s ever been a time when we can justify a rather time-consuming-but-totally-worth-it-and-dare-I-say-showstopping-cake, it’s the holidays. Since the macarons, lemon curd and the buttercream can all be made in advance, I say it’s a must.
The same goes for this Dark Chocolate & Raspberry Buttercream Cake with Ganache Drizzle: What’s a holiday dinner without a hint of drama? (And the good kind–not the kind Uncle Les creates after too many rum & eggnog.) This cake will forever be a favourite of mine, and I’d like to make it forever & always.
Mascarpone Meringue Cake: I have to admit that sometimes I forget about this cake. I’m not sure how because it was one of the most incredible desserts I’ve ever made (honk, honk). Even my father-in-law claimed this as the “best dessert” he’s ever had. He had never said that to me before, and he hasn’t said it since. So either I need to improve on my baking ability or this cake was extra-special.
And let me say that no Christmas in our house would be complete without Cinnabon-Style Gourmet Cinnamon Buns. I started making these while we’re sort of unwinding after dinner on Christmas Eve, let them sit in the fridge overnight and then bake them in the morning while we’re drinking Bailey’s & coffee and unwrapping gifts. I think of these often throughout the year, and although I make them from time to time, it’s not nearly often enough. At least we always have that Christmas batch to look forward to. ♥
Now that we’ve looked back at some favourites, I will see you very soon with some of the new ideas I’ve been working on for this holiday season!
These all look amazing, Rosie! I missed that meringue cake and the hand cookies somehow. You’ve got some of my favorites in this roundup, and I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us this year.
Such a wonderful collection of recipes!
Sounds like a magical Christmas at your place. I do believe a Baileys & coffee sesh will have have to happen around here too! Always adore your posts and can’t wait to see more treats :)
I’ll make the chocolate cookies very soon! You’re amazing :)
Thanks so much, Sophie!
I love all of your recipes!
This has to be my favorite baking blog EVER! Great recipes, great photos!! You Rock Rosie!!
Thank you, Mary! What a sweet comment! xo
So much inspiration in one post, Rosie! I’m going to finally try to make the cinnamon buns. They’ve been on my mind all year!
My friends and I are attempting the macaron cake (and macarons) after we finish with finals but before we all have to go home for the holidays. We’re hoping it turns out well!
I’m going to make the red velvet cake for my family:0) Yum! Thanks for being a great inspiration Rosie!
Thanks so much, Roxy!
Great list of round up recipes. These cakes are just gorgeouss!
Oh wow – I love the hand – biscuit idea! Mmmmm i might make mascarpone-meringue cake for my birthday soon, it shounds absolutely delicious! Also, there is this game going on, I taged you in it, if you’ve got some free time, perhaps you’d like to join? :] http://missnak.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/salad-and-game.html
Love love love it all! And I too start thinking about what I’m baking soon after Halloween!
I love, love, love the Gingerbread cupcakes. I must say I find every excuse to bake anything Gingerbread once the snow begins to fall. Where did you get that adorable house cookie cutter? That is something I must add to my collection. Thanks for the round up Rosie – I have added a couple of items to my ever growing baking list. Happy Baking & Merry Christmas…Jo-Ann
Wow! So many beautiful and yummy things! I have made a very similar meringue and mascarpone cake and it is my husbands ultimate cake! You make me laugh – blowing your own trumpet and all! ha ha!
Come live inside my kitchen okay?!
All of these, especially the peppermint cake up top, look gorgeous. I can’t wait to start baking for the holidays :)
Oh my! I’ll take a piece of each!
OMG, you’re killing me with cravings! Thanks for the great visual temptations.
I don’t know how I haven’t seen all of this gorgeousness before, but I’ll be back to grab that mascarpone recipe for sure. It means a lot when a father-in-law gives a compliment like that.
-Gina-
Everything looks so delicious! I love your idea of making the cinnamon rolls the night before, but I was wondering if you do the final rise before you put them in the fridge, or do you do that in the morning! Thanks for all the yummy ideas!
Wow, they all look great. I am lookingt forward to trying the Mascarpone Meringue Cake along with my favorite single orgin, single estate coffee from https://www.estatecoffeedirect.com
Wow!!! Rosie I love how you show every post. I love it!!very clear, very fresh and sooooo nice. Great ideas and great recipes. target for next year is try to make macarones. Thank you!!!