Top 13 Baked Goods to Make During Winter

Warm Apple Pie

Apple pie is a classic winter treat that fills your home with warm, cozy aromas. To make it, prepare a double crust using 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of unsalted butter, and 6 tablespoons of ice water. For the filling, peel and slice six apples, mix them with ¾ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons flour. Place the apple mixture into the bottom crust, cover with the top crust, and seal the edges. Bake at 375°F for 50-60 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. Let it cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set. This pie is best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are a staple during the winter season, especially for decorating. Mix 3 cups of flour, ¾ cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon cloves in a bowl. In another bowl, combine ¾ cup molasses, ½ cup unsalted butter, and 1 egg, then mix the wet and dry ingredients together. Chill the dough for an hour, then roll it out and cut into festive shapes. Bake the cookies at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Once cooled, decorate with royal icing made from powdered sugar, egg whites, and water. The combination of spice and sweetness is perfect for a cold winter day. These cookies make a fun family activity and a delicious treat.

Classic Banana Bread

Banana bread is a comforting and simple baked good to warm up your winter mornings. Mash three ripe bananas in a bowl and mix them with ½ cup melted butter, ¾ cup sugar, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, then pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool before slicing for the best texture. The moist, sweet bread pairs perfectly with coffee or tea. Banana bread also makes a great gift for friends and neighbors.

Cinnamon Rolls

Homemade cinnamon rolls are a decadent treat that makes winter mornings extra special. Start by preparing a dough with 4 cups of flour, 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast, ½ cup sugar, ½ cup milk, 2 eggs, and ⅓ cup butter. Let the dough rise for an hour, then roll it out, spread with a mixture of ⅓ cup butter, ¾ cup brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and roll it up tightly. Slice into rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes before baking at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. While they bake, prepare a glaze with powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and enjoy the gooey perfection. These rolls are sure to be a hit with your family.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies on a cold winter day. Cream 1 cup of unsalted butter with 1 cup of brown sugar and ½ cup of granulated sugar, then mix in 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine 2 ¼ cups of flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt, then gradually mix it into the wet ingredients. Fold in 2 cups of chocolate chips. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack. These cookies are soft, chewy, and full of melty chocolate. They are perfect for sharing or enjoying with a glass of milk.

Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin bread is a fragrant and moist loaf perfect for winter baking. Combine 1 ¾ cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon salt in a bowl. In another bowl, mix 1 cup canned pumpkin, 1 cup sugar, ½ cup vegetable oil, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Stir the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined, then pour into a greased loaf pan. Bake at 350°F for 55-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the bread cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. The warm spices pair wonderfully with the pumpkin flavor. It is a seasonal favorite that works well for breakfast or dessert.

Winter Berry Cobbler

A winter berry cobbler is a delightful dessert that brings warmth and tart sweetness to cold nights. Mix 4 cups of frozen mixed berries with ½ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice, then spread the mixture into a baking dish. For the topping, combine 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 6 tablespoons of cold butter, cutting the butter into the dry ingredients until crumbly. Add ⅓ cup milk to form a dough, then drop spoonfuls over the berries. Bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until the topping is golden and the berries are bubbling. Let it cool slightly before serving. This cobbler is heavenly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Lemon Pound Cake

Lemon pound cake is a bright and zesty baked good that cuts through the winter gloom. Cream 1 cup of butter with 2 cups of sugar, then add 4 eggs one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla and the zest of 2 lemons. Mix 3 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt, then alternate adding the dry ingredients with 1 cup of milk. Pour the batter into a greased bundt pan and bake at 325°F for 55-65 minutes. Prepare a glaze with 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Drizzle it over the cake once it has cooled. This cake is moist, citrusy, and perfect with a cup of tea.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal raisin cookies are a hearty and wholesome winter treat. Cream 1 cup of butter with 1 cup of brown sugar and ½ cup of granulated sugar, then mix in 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Combine 1 ½ cups of flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt, then add it to the wet ingredients. Stir in 3 cups of oats and 1 cup of raisins. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Let the cookies cool slightly before enjoying. These cookies are chewy, lightly spiced, and full of texture. They are perfect for snacking on during a cozy night in.

Cranberry Orange Muffins

Cranberry orange muffins are a bright, tangy treat that is great for winter mornings. Mix 2 cups of flour, ¾ cup sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk together ½ cup of milk, ½ cup orange juice, ½ cup melted butter, 2 eggs, and the zest of one orange. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, then fold in 1 ½ cups of fresh or frozen cranberries. Divide the batter into a muffin tin lined with paper liners. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden. These muffins are bursting with citrus and cranberry flavors. They pair beautifully with coffee or hot tea.

Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is a rich and decadent dessert perfect for winter gatherings. Prepare a single pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup of corn syrup, 1 cup of sugar, 3 eggs, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and 1 ½ cups of pecans. Pour the mixture into the crust and bake at 350°F for 50-55 minutes until the filling is set. Let the pie cool completely before slicing for the cleanest cuts. The sweet, nutty filling is irresistible. It is the ultimate treat for indulging in winter decadence.

Chocolate Lava Cakes

Chocolate lava cakes are an elegant dessert that is surprisingly easy to make. Melt ½ cup of unsalted butter with 1 cup of semisweet chocolate, then let it cool slightly. In a separate bowl, beat 2 eggs, 2 egg yolks, and ½ cup of sugar until thick and pale. Fold the chocolate mixture into the eggs, then add ¼ cup of flour. Divide the batter into four greased ramekins. Bake at 425°F for 12-14 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are soft. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The gooey, chocolatey center is pure winter comfort.

Rustic Sourdough Bread

Rustic sourdough bread is a rewarding winter baking project that fills your kitchen with warmth. Mix 4 cups of bread flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of salt, ½ cup of active sourdough starter, and 1 ½ cups of water until a dough forms. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, then let it rise in a covered bowl for 4-6 hours. Shape the dough into a round loaf and let it rise again for 1-2 hours. Bake on a preheated baking stone at 450°F for 30-35 minutes, using steam to create a crispy crust. Cool completely before slicing for the best texture. The chewy crumb and tangy flavor are worth the effort. This bread is perfect for soups or toasted with butter.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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