Oh, the magic of baking during the holiday season! There’s something so heartwarming about filling your kitchen with the sweet aromas of vanilla and chocolate. I can still remember the excitement of gathering around the table with my family, flour dusting our noses as we whipped up our favorite treats. The *Christmas bake sale* was always a highlight—an opportunity to share our homemade goodies with friends and neighbors. I loved watching their eyes light up when they bit into something special, like these delightful baked squares. It’s a tradition that brings back such warm memories and fills my heart with joy. Trust me, these baked goods are a fabulous way to spread cheer and make your bake sale a hit! You’re going to love how easy and delicious they are!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect bake!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is where the magic starts, so take your time!
- Next, crack in those eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix it all together until well combined. You want a smooth consistency here.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want these baked goods to stay tender!
- Now, fold in those luscious chocolate chips and nuts if you’re using them. Just a gentle mix will do—don’t be too rough!
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. You want a nice, even layer for the best bake.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Once baked, let it cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack. Trust me, you’ll want to wait a bit before cutting into those squares—let the flavors settle!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Ideal for sharing at a *Christmas bake sale*, making you the star of the show.
- Delicious flavor bursting with chocolate chips that everyone will adore.
- Versatile recipe! You can easily swap in nuts or dried fruits to mix things up.
- Great for kids and adults alike—trust me, they’re a crowd-pleaser!
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making it a breeze to whip up.
Tips for Success
To ensure your baked goods turn out perfectly, here are my top tips! First, make sure your butter is softened but not melted; this is key for that creamy texture we all love. When mixing your ingredients, be gentle—overmixing can lead to dense squares, and nobody wants that!
Also, remember to check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer if you have one. Ovens can be tricky! If you find your squares browning too quickly, you can cover them with foil halfway through baking. And don’t skip the cooling step; letting them cool before cutting will help maintain their shape and enhance the flavor. Trust me, these little steps make a huge difference in achieving that perfect bake!
Variations
Feeling adventurous? There are so many fun ways to switch up this recipe! You could use dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. How about adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced touch? If you want to embrace the holiday spirit, toss in some dried cranberries or chopped candied ginger for a festive twist. You can also substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your baked goods!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once your delicious baked squares have cooled, it’s time to store them properly to keep that fresh flavor intact! I recommend placing them in an airtight container to prevent any moisture from sneaking in. They’ll stay good at room temperature for about 3-4 days, but if you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge—just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
If you have leftovers (or if you just want to be prepared for future cravings), these squares freeze beautifully! Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just let them thaw in the fridge overnight, and enjoy that fresh-baked goodness all over again!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for these delightful baked squares, perfect for your *Christmas bake sale*! Each square contains approximately 150 calories, with 7 grams of fat and 2 grams of protein. You’ll also find about 20 grams of carbohydrates, including 10 grams of sugar. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. So, if you’re counting calories or just curious about what you’re indulging in, this gives you a nice reference point!
FAQ Section
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute to maintain the right texture. You may also want to add a little xanthan gum for better structure.
How long can these be stored?
These baked squares can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for about 3-4 days. If you keep them in the fridge, they’ll last a bit longer, around a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before enjoying!
Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can totally make these ahead of time! They’re perfect for prepping a day or two before your *Christmas bake sale*. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll be ready to wow your friends and family!
What if I don’t have chocolate chips?
No worries! You can easily swap the chocolate chips for dried fruits, like cranberries or raisins, or even nuts for a delightful crunch. It’s all about what you have on hand.
Can I double the recipe?
Of course! Just double all the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or bake them in batches. You’ll have plenty to share (or keep for yourself, no judgment here!).
Christmas Bake Sale: 7 Joyful Treats to Make Memories
- Gesamtzeit: 45 minutes
- Ertrag: 24 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A delightful assortment of baked goods perfect for a Christmas bake sale.
Zutaten
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Anweisungen
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips and nuts.
- Pour batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be frozen for later use.
- Substitute chocolate chips with dried fruit for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 square
- Kalorien: 150
- Zucker: 10g
- Natrium: 100mg
- Fett: 7g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 4g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 20g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterin: 30mg
Keywords: christmas bake sale, baked goods, holiday treats
