With winter’s chill truly setting in and early sunsets urging us indoors, there’s really no better time to fire up the oven and indulge in some cozy baking. Treat yourself to some gooey, warm, wonderful baked goods that will make your winter evenings even cozier.
Here’s a list of 10 must-bake treats, some timeless and a few refreshingly creative, to whip up with loved ones this holiday season!
1. Cinnamon rolls
Nothing says more “welcome to winter” than the sweet, spicy smell of cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven. What brings these buns to life even more is their gooey brown sugar and buttery swirl. They are perfect for a date night or as a family treat. I tried this recipe last year and can vouch that they will turn out delicious. Can’t wait to make them again!
2. Chunky chocolate chip cookies
Many Bostonians flock to Levain Bakery on Newbury Street, whose famous cookies are a dream on a cold day. With the weather getting colder and colder, instead of braving the chill for one, why not bake a batch? Thick, chunky, gooey-centered cookies will warm your kitchen (and your heart). Grab a big glass of milk, and you’re set for a cozy evening! This recipe is an absolute hit and you should definitely try it out!
3. Gingerbread cookies
Gingerbread is the ultimate holiday cookie, marrying the spices of the season. This cold winter evening, get some friends or your family around the table and have fun decorating gingerbread men or houses. If you aren’t in the mood to bake, you can also get ready-made mixes and turn it into a fun night of making a gingerbread house and decorating it with icing. With just some icing and imagination, you’ll end up with an adorable and delicious holiday dessert.
4. Peach pie
Sure, pumpkin pie might be the season’s poster child, but peach pie deserves its moment in the spotlight! There’s nothing quite like a warm, gooey peach pie topped with vanilla ice cream. And because pre-made pie dough makes it so easy, even a first-timer can nail this dessert and enjoy the leftovers all week.
5. Single-serve chocolate lava cake
Want something sweet but don’t feel like baking a batch? A molten chocolate lava cake is your answer! Ready in under 15 minutes, this makes for a perfect nighttime treat when you need that fix of chocolate but don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen. I always follow this recipe by Joy the Baker. I’ve made it countless number of times with all kinds of variations, and yet, every time it hits the spot!
6. Snowflake puff pastries
I found this super cool recipe on TikTok the other day. These are snowflake puff pastries filled with Nutella — for the star of your winter gathering! They are super easy to make: all you need is some puff pastry sheets and one jar of Nutella. The result is adorable and sure to be a hit at any winter gathering you may have.
7. Cranberry orange muffins
If there were flavors associated with winter mornings, it would have to be the cranberry and orange combination. It’s a muffin that acts like a bit of a citrus wake-up call to brighten up even the grayest of winter mornings. The zest of orange and the pop of tart cranberries make these refreshingly light and sweet; hence, one can easily have one or three with absolutely no guilt! They’ll make your kitchen smell so good, you might just trick yourself into believing it’s summer. Another gem I found on Tiktok!
8. Apple crumble
If you’re looking for a dessert that doubles as a topping, then look no further than apple crumble! Whether served warm for breakfast with yogurt or with vanilla ice cream for dessert, it’s easily made in batches, and you’ll love having it on hand throughout the season.
9. Blueberry cobbler (For the health-conscious!)
Sweet but light? This healthy blueberry cobbler with oats and almond flour is your answer. This vegan delight is perfect for those days when you’re craving dessert but still want to keep things on the lighter side. This is the best of both worlds — comforting and indulgent — but with a health boost. Enjoy a warm scoop with a dollop of coconut yogurt, and you’ve got a treat that’ll make you feel good inside and out.
10. Healthy chocolate cake
This is the ultimate guilt-free chocolate cake for all the chocolate lovers sticking to their goals! Each time I think of chocolate cake, I remember the iconic scene from “Matilda” where Bruce takes on that impossibly rich, fudgy masterpiece. This recipe embodies that very indulgence, sans all the sugar. Sinful, scrumptious, and all of the satisfaction with none of the guilt. So go ahead, have a slice or two — you won’t fall behind!
Winter is about slowing down, warming up and savoring. Whether one is making a classic or a new twist on an old favorite, something special happens when family or friends gather around the oven. So pull on your favorite apron, queue up a holiday playlist and let the baking begin!