Oh my goodness, there’s something truly magical about holiday desserts, especially when it comes to Christmas celebrations! The aromas of baking fill the house, twinkling lights adorn the tree, and everyone gathers around, ready to indulge in sweet treats. Trust me, nothing brings people together quite like a delicious dessert. This recipe is my go-to for holiday gatherings—it’s festive, colorful, and absolutely scrumptious! The combination of nuts and dried cranberries adds a delightful crunch and a pop of tartness that makes each bite irresistible. So, let’s dive into making these unforgettable holiday desserts for Christmas that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients List

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped nuts (your choice!)
• 1 cup dried cranberries

How to Prepare Instructions

1. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, your dessert is ready to bake as soon as you’re done mixing!
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You want to really incorporate some air for that lovely texture!
3. Next, crack in the 2 large eggs and pour in the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s well combined; you’ll want a nice, smooth batter.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder so your dessert rises beautifully.
5. Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are okay.
6. Here comes the fun part—fold in the chopped nuts and dried cranberries! This adds that lovely crunch and festive flair that makes these holiday desserts so special.
7. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish, smoothing it out with a spatula for an even bake.
8. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen starts to smell heavenly!
9. Once baked, let it cool in the dish for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here—let those flavors meld together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings!
• Festive flavors of nuts and cranberries brighten up your Christmas dessert table.
• Beautifully presented, with vibrant colors that make it a showstopper.
• It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more.
• Flexible enough to adapt to your family’s favorite flavors.

Tips for Success

To really nail this holiday dessert and make it shine, here are some of my best tips! First, make sure your butter is softened, not melted. This helps with that fluffy texture we all love! Also, don’t skip the step of whisking your dry ingredients together—this ensures even baking and prevents any clumps of baking powder from sneaking in.

When it comes to mixing, remember: less is more! Overmixing can lead to a dense dessert, and nobody wants that. Lastly, if you want to get fancy, consider sprinkling a few extra dried cranberries or nuts on top before baking for a lovely presentation. Trust me, these little touches make a big difference!

Variations

If you want to switch things up with this holiday dessert, there are so many fun variations to try! For a richer flavor, consider adding chocolate chips—dark, milk, or even white chocolate work beautifully and add a decadent twist. You can also swap out the chopped nuts for your favorites; try pecans or walnuts for a different crunch. Feeling adventurous? Toss in some shredded coconut for a tropical flair!

Another delightful option is to mix in some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to warm up the flavor profile, making it even more festive. And don’t forget—you can easily replace dried cranberries with other dried fruits like cherries or apricots for a unique taste. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious holiday dessert, storing the leftovers properly is key to keeping them fresh and tasty! Let the dish cool completely, then transfer any uneaten pieces to an airtight container. They’ll stay good at room temperature for a day or two, but for longer freshness, pop them in the refrigerator where they can last up to a week.

When you’re ready to indulge again, simply take a piece out and warm it up in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until it’s just warmed through. If you prefer a crispier texture, you can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. Enjoy every bite!

Nutritional Information Section

Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. For each piece of this delightful holiday dessert, you’re looking at approximately 200 calories, 8g of fat, 15g of sugar, and 3g of protein. It’s a treat that’s rich in flavor while still being relatively balanced! Enjoy in moderation, especially during those festive celebrations!

FAQ Section

Can I make this holiday dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dessert actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Just bake it, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.

What can I substitute for dried cranberries?
If cranberries aren’t your thing, feel free to switch them out for other dried fruits like cherries, raisins, or even chopped apricots. Each will bring a different flavor to your holiday desserts for Christmas!

How do I know when my dessert is done baking?
You’ll want to keep an eye on it! It should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Trust me, the smell in your kitchen will also be a good indicator!

Can I freeze this dessert?
Yes! You can freeze any leftovers. Just wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll be ready for a sweet treat anytime you need one!

What’s the best way to serve this dessert?
I love serving it warm with a dollop of whipped cream on top. It adds a lovely creaminess that pairs perfectly with the flavors of this holiday dessert. You can also sprinkle a few extra nuts or cranberries for an extra festive touch!