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Winter is the perfect time to cozy up in the kitchen and bake some delicious treats. As the cold weather sets in, there’s nothing quite like the warm aroma of freshly baked goods filling your home. I’ve put together a list of 15 fun things to bake this winter that will satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you entertained on chilly days.
From classic cookies to hearty breads, these baking projects are sure to bring joy and warmth to your winter season. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Get ready to preheat your oven and dive into some tasty winter baking adventures!
1. Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies are a winter baking essential. I love making these spicy treats during the cold months. The aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and other warm spices fills my kitchen as they bake.
I use a simple recipe with flour, baking soda, and spices like ginger and allspice. Cutting the dough into fun shapes is part of the joy. I often make classic gingerbread people.
Once baked, I let the cookies cool completely before decorating. A basic icing works well for adding details. I store them in an airtight container with wax paper between layers to keep them fresh.
Get the Gingerbread Cookies recipe here
2. Peppermint Brownies
I love making peppermint brownies during the winter months. They combine rich chocolate flavor with cool peppermint for a festive treat.
To make them, I start with a basic brownie recipe. Then I add peppermint extract to the batter for minty flavor throughout.
After baking, I like to top the brownies with peppermint buttercream frosting. For extra flair, I crush candy canes and sprinkle the pieces on top.
These brownies are perfect for holiday parties or just cozying up at home. The minty chocolate taste always puts me in a winter mood.
Get the Peppermint Brownies recipe here
3. Spiced Apple Muffins
I love baking spiced apple muffins in winter. They fill my kitchen with a cozy aroma that’s perfect for chilly days. These muffins are easy to make and taste delicious.
To start, I mix flour, baking powder, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. In another bowl, I combine sugar, eggs, oil, and diced apples. Then I fold the wet ingredients into the dry.
I scoop the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes. The result is fluffy muffins bursting with apple flavor and warm spices.
These muffins are great for breakfast or as an afternoon snack with tea. I like to make a big batch and freeze some for later.
Get the Spiced Apple Muffins recipe here
4. Pumpkin Cheesecake
Pumpkin cheesecake is a delightful winter treat that combines two beloved desserts. I love how it brings together the creamy texture of cheesecake with warm pumpkin spices.
To make it, I start with a graham cracker crust. Then I mix cream cheese, pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, and spices for the filling.
After baking, I let it cool and chill overnight. The result is a rich, velvety dessert perfect for holiday gatherings.
I like to top my pumpkin cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s an impressive dessert that’s sure to please pumpkin lovers and cheesecake fans alike.
Get the Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe here
5. Winter-themed Cupcakes
I love baking winter-themed cupcakes to bring some sweetness to chilly days. Snowflake cupcakes are a classic choice, with their delicate icing designs on vanilla cake.
For a cozy twist, I like making hot chocolate cupcakes topped with mini marshmallows. They taste just like a warm drink.
White chocolate cranberry cupcakes offer a festive flavor combo. The tart berries balance the sweet frosting nicely.
Getting creative with decorations is fun too. I’ve made cupcakes that look like little snowmen and Christmas ornaments. Kids enjoy helping decorate these cute treats.
Get the Winter-themed Cupcake recipe here
6. Cinnamon Rolls
I love baking cinnamon rolls on cold winter days. The warm, sweet aroma fills my kitchen as they bake. I start with a simple yeast dough and let it rise until doubled in size.
For the filling, I mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. I roll out the dough, spread the filling, and roll it up tightly. After slicing, I place the rolls in a baking pan.
While they bake, I whip up a cream cheese frosting. Once golden brown, I spread the warm rolls with frosting. The gooey centers and crisp edges are perfect for a cozy morning treat.
Get the Cinnamon Rolls recipe here
7. Cranberry Oatmeal Bars
I love baking cranberry oatmeal bars in winter. They’re warm, comforting, and packed with festive flavors. The tart cranberries blend perfectly with sweet oats and brown sugar.
To make these bars, I mix oats, flour, and butter for a crumbly base and topping. The filling is a mix of fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange zest.
I bake the bars until golden brown, usually about 25-30 minutes. The smell that fills my kitchen is amazing. These treats are great for sharing at holiday gatherings or enjoying a cup of tea on a cold day.
Get the Cranberry Oatmeal Bars recipe here
8. Hot Cocoa Cookies
I love baking these delightful hot cocoa cookies in winter. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with rich chocolate flavor.
The recipe uses real hot cocoa mix in the dough for an authentic taste. I add chocolate chips for extra gooeyness.
My favorite part is topping each cookie with a fluffy marshmallow. It melts slightly, creating that classic hot chocolate look and taste.
These cookies are perfect for holiday parties or cozying up by the fire. They’re easy to make and always a hit with kids and adults alike.
Get the Hot Cocoa Cookies recipe here
9. Eggnog Cake
I love baking eggnog cakes during winter. They’re a festive treat that brings holiday cheer to any gathering. The cake has a rich, creamy texture and a delightful eggnog flavor.
To make it, I mix eggnog into the batter and frosting. This gives the cake its signature taste. I also add nutmeg and cinnamon for extra warmth and spice.
The result is a moist, flavorful cake that’s perfect for Christmas parties or family dinners. It’s a crowd-pleaser that captures the essence of the season in every bite.
Get the Eggnog Cake recipe here
10. Chocolate Peppermint Bark
I love making chocolate peppermint bark during winter. It’s easy and fun to create. I start by melting dark chocolate and spreading it on a baking sheet.
Then I sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. I melt white chocolate and pour it over the dark layer. I swirl the chocolates together with a knife for a pretty pattern.
After it sets, I break the bark into pieces. It’s a perfect treat to enjoy or give as a gift. The mix of chocolate and peppermint flavors is so festive and delicious.
Get the Chocolate Peppermint Bark recipe here
11. Snowball Cookies
Snowball cookies are a must-bake treat for winter. I love how these buttery, nutty cookies melt in my mouth. They’re coated in powdered sugar, making them look like little snowballs.
I can make different flavors like pecan, walnut, or chocolate. The recipe is simple and fun to make with kids. We roll the dough into small balls and bake them until lightly golden.
After baking, I roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar twice. This gives them a nice, even coating of sweetness. They’re perfect for holiday parties or as a cozy treat on cold days.
Get the Snowball Cookies recipe here
12. Maple Pecan Pie
I love baking maple pecan pie in winter. It’s a cozy dessert that fills my home with a sweet, nutty aroma.
To make it, I mix eggs, sugar, maple syrup, butter, and vanilla. Then I pour this over pecans in a pie crust.
I bake it at 375°F for about 40 minutes. The filling should set but still have a slight jiggle.
Once cooled, I serve slices with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. The maple flavor adds a unique twist to classic pecan pie.
Get the Maple Pecan Pie recipe here
13. Red Velvet Cupcakes
I love baking red velvet cupcakes in winter. Their vibrant color adds cheer to cold days. These treats have a mild cocoa flavor and velvety texture.
To make them, I mix flour, cocoa, and sugar. Then I add buttermilk, eggs, and red food coloring. The batter turns a beautiful deep red.
I bake the cupcakes for about 15-18 minutes. Once cooled, I top them with cream cheese frosting. It’s tangy and sweet, perfect with the cake.
Red velvet cupcakes are fun to decorate. I sometimes add sprinkles or small candies on top. They’re always a hit at winter gatherings.
Get the Red Velvet Cupcakes recipe here
14. Chestnut Bread
Chestnut bread is a tasty winter treat I love to bake. Its rich, nutty flavor is perfect for cold days. I use chestnut flour mixed with regular flour to get the right texture.
The bread turns out moist and dense. It goes well with butter or jam. I sometimes add chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
Baking chestnut bread fills my kitchen with a warm, cozy smell. It’s fun to make and even better to eat. This bread is great for breakfast or as a snack with hot tea.
Get the Chestnut Bread recipe here
15. Mulled Wine Bundt Cake
I love baking this festive Mulled Wine Bundt Cake during winter. It combines the warm spices of mulled wine with a moist, rich cake.
To make it, I simmer red wine with oranges, lemons, ginger, and spices like cinnamon and cloves. Some of this mulled wine goes into the cake batter.
The cake has a deep flavor from the wine and spices. I often add a chocolate glaze on top for extra indulgence.
This Bundt cake looks beautiful and tastes even better. It’s perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights.
