Our ultimate Christmas baking guide
Already making a start on your Christmas baking? We’ve answered some of the most commonly asked baking questions to help you avoid any unexpected kitchen disasters.
Which baked goods make the best treats?
If you’re giving your friends and family the gift of baking this Christmas, there are lots of options to choose from. There’s nothing as sweet as delicious treats that are made by hand and given with love You may want to steer clear of potentially messy bakes like cupcakes if you want your hard work to stay looking pristine and perfect for when your guests open them. But biscuits and chocolates are ideal. Our favourite festive treats include chocolate rum and raisin truffles, chocolate brownies and delicious rocky road made with walnuts and coconut.
What’s an easy way to decorate biscuits and cakes that still looks impressive?
Almost any baked good can become a Christmas-themed treat with a little creative decorating and chocolate can work wonders. Drizzle white chocolate over your cookies or dip your truffles in dark chocolate before sprinkling your favourite crushed nuts over the top. Just be sure to use a quality melting chocolate that sets at room temperature, like NESTLÉ BAKERS' CHOICE Choc Melts, which is perfect for dipping and icing.
What’s the best way to melt chocolate?
The most important thing when it comes to melting chocolate is to ensure the chocolate doesn’t get too hot or it may seize up. Chop your chocolate and place it into a heatproof bowl that can sit snug on top of a saucepan. Fill the saucepan with a small amount of water, ensuring the bowl on top does not touch the water below. Place on a low heat and let the steam slowly melt the chocolate while stirring occasionally. An alternative is melting chocolate in the microwave, but you will need to turn the power down at least 50% and stop and stir the chocolate frequently to avoid overheating.
How should I store baked goods and ingredients if I want to start baking before Christmas?
You can make your Christmas as stress-free as possible by getting a start on your baking early. Many baked goods can be made in advance before the big day, and you can store shortbread and gingerbread dough in the freezer and simply defrost them when you’re ready to bake. You can also freeze unfrosted cakes and cupcakes then defrost them when you’re ready to get icing. Popular Christmas treats like rum balls and rocky road will keep for up to five days in an airtight container in the fridge.
How should I wrap my baking?
Beautifully presented baked goods make for stunning Christmas gifts. Sturdier treats like rocky road and chocolate brownies can be wrapped in plastic cellophane and tied with a beautiful ribbon. Fragile bakes such as frosted cookies or gingerbread can be placed inside small mason jars or a festive coffee mug. To avoid the frosting on cupcakes getting squashed, gently pop them into a small plastic cup and then wrap with cellophane.
How can I save time in the kitchen this Christmas?
Christmas baking doesn’t have to be a time-consuming endeavour. In fact, you can whip up a sweet treat in no time, from a choc-hazelnut self-saucing pudding made in the microwave to a tasty, no-bake ginger and pistachio chocolate fridge cake. If you run out of time during your baking session, remember an easy and time-saving way to decorate your Christmas treats is simply by sifting icing sugar or cocoa powder over the top.
What should I bake for Christmas Day that will keep everyone happy?
There’s no denying that chocolate is always a winner at Christmas. Complete your lunch or dinner with an over-the-top chocolate dessert. Why not try something different this year like a self-saucing pecan brownie pudding, a chocolate and dulce de leche tart or a chocolate mousse trifle? (Created with NESTLÉ BAKERS' CHOICE).
