We asked an avid baker for all the recipe tips you will ‘knead’ this Christmas! 🎅🏻🍪
By: Asher T.
Straight out of the oven and into our stomachs: Christmas cookie galore!
Can’t think of what to give your friends for Christmas? Try making something for them! Ever since he started baking, Derick, also known as @thewheatybaker on Instagram and TikTok, has enjoyed sharing his handmade pastries with family, friends, and friends of friends – especially when the holiday season rolls around.
Exhibit A: the Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies he baked a few Christmases ago:
These fudgy cookies are great for baking with kids 👦👧
Recipe for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies here
“Christmas is when I look forward to gathering with friends for a time of fun and joy!”
– Derick
Today, Derick will be sharing with us 3 easy tips for baking a Christmas cookie, as well as some recipes for crafting that delectable cookie goodness.
Nothing says ‘Christmas’ louder than a warm gingerbread man (well, other than Santa!)
Recipe for Gingerbread Cookies here
Tip #1: Baking doesn’t have to be expensive
You don’t need to splurge on premium gear if you’re new to baking. Derick started out with a few essential pieces of baking equipment:
- A big bowl 🥣
- A spatula 👨🏼🍳
- A whisk 👩🏻🍳
- Measuring cups 🥛
- A $6 weighing scale ⚖️
- An oven ♨️
- Pssst – a little elf told us that when you’re in a pinch, a microwave works too!
If you can get your hands on those tools or have friends who can bring some over to bake with you, you’ll be good to go!
One bite and you will eggnog-ledge the brilliance of their taste!
Recipe for Chai Tea Eggnog Cookies here
Tip #2: Every detail counts
Following the recipe to a tee is the key to having the cookies the way you want.
“Baking is simply science,” says Derick. That means if you add the right ingredients in the right proportions to the mix, they will react with one another to create the taste, consistency, and texture of the cookie you desire.
Derick also noted that while “varying the ingredients will affect the desired outcome”, you can start by stocking up on some basics:
- Flour 🥣
- Milk 🥛
- Sugar 🧂
- Vanilla extract 🥄
- Butter 🧈
- Baking soda 🍶
- Bonus tip: Baking powder =/= baking soda. Baking soda helps cookies rise, baking powder makes cakes fluffy!
If you’re baking something for the first time, never fear – stick closely to the recipe and you will succeed!
Festive colours will give your cookies a holiday vibe!
Recipe for Red Velvet Cookies here
Tip #3: Jazz up your cookies with a Christmassy aesthetic
“Christmas cookies have to remind you of Christmas!” Derick says.
Colours such as green and red, and creating them in the shape of a Christmas tree or a gingerbread man will make your cookie look extra festive. Derick also pointed out that the cookies’ “smell and taste ought to have Christmas flavours such as cinnamon, eggnog, tea, white chocolate, or mint.”
In short, the aesthetics and the taste are the two things that will take your palate to a winter wonderland!
‘Tis the season to bake cookies 🍪
Recipe for Christmas Sugar Cookies here, adapted by @thewheatybaker
Bonus Tip: Invite someone to bake with you – and let them have the last cookie!
Baking, to Derick, is all about others. “Baking for friends and family, and the process of it, are what brings joy to me.” In fact, what he looks forward to the most is celebrating Christmas with friends and family in church (and perhaps giving them some cookies!)
So remember to enjoy the process because no matter the outcome of your efforts, no cookie beats the sweetness and warmth of being with the people who matter. Merry Christmas! 🎄☃️
All images from @thewheatybaker
