Christmas baking...what's in your oven???

**Momto2Boyz** · 12-01-2008, 07:18 AM

Is anyone cutting back on your Christmas baking this year?

I say every year that I will be cutting back, but I never do. I make plates and baskets and give to all the neighbors, teachers, DH's co-workers, bosses, etc. It seems like the number of baked goods recipients grows every year!

DH and I were at the grocery store yesterday and they were selling platters of cookies ( I think they were left-over holiday cookies from Thanksgiving). They had platters that had about 20-25 cookies on them, some decorated, some not...they were selling them for $17 each! YOWZA! I about fell over!

So, I guess my baking is worth the time I spend, becuase if I bought those cookies, I'd be spending a small fortune!

I start baking right after Thanksgiving, and I bake several big batches each weekend, and hide them in the freezer until the week before Christmas, when I make up plates.

Here are some of the things I make:
Chocolate crinkles (chocolate cookies rolled in powdered sugar)
Sugar cookies (in all kinds of good shapes & decorated)
Ginger snaps
Kiss cookies
Fudge
Chocolate chip
Jumbo peanut butter cookies
Chocolate covered oreos (ok, I buy the generics and cover them with chocolate and toppings)
Chocolate covered pretzels & pretzel rods
Chocolate/toffee/pecan candy
Turtles (they go to a select special few as gifts, Dad, FIL, grandpas, etc)

And I think that about covers most of what I make. I love baking, so it isn't really a chore, plus my kids are old enough now that they enjoy cooking, so they help out too. I'm excited to get to start baking this weekend!

**joyofsix** · 12-01-2008, 08:27 AM

According to my kids, there are certain things we must have for Christmas.
kiss cookies
chocolate m&m cookies
gingerbread men
fudge
rum cake
puppy chow
s'more cookies

**miss_thrifty** · 12-01-2008, 08:34 AM

Ill make 3-4 cookie rolls (frozen when needed)
p.b. balls
fudge
meatpie 2
and hm rolls
thats about the just of it unless i find some loose change around lol

**madhen** · 12-01-2008, 09:19 AM

I'm actually baking more this year than last year, for a number of reasons.

I started a Christmas cookie baking challenge about a week ago and listed all the varieties I'm going for in there. Trying to make thirty types this year. I've done eleven so far!

**lovestoread** · 12-01-2008, 11:53 AM

The last few years I have made rum cakes to give, not very many mind you, they are a little pricey to make, well , mainly the rum is, but they are oh so yummy and moist......I also do a Christmas mix, including chex like cereal, red and green m&ms, pretzels and white chocolate bark...everyone loves it......

**mmy2grls** · 12-03-2008, 12:30 PM

This year me and my kids will be baking goodies. Not sure what we'll make yet but we're sure to have fun.

**djbout** · 12-03-2008, 01:29 PM

I think with more time on my hands I will be making more goodies this year. I'm gonna post my list on Madhens Baking Challenege thread when done. But heres my problem, since I'm baking all this stuff the teenage posse that invades my house everyafternoon wants some, and I can't let them eat it all cause I'll have none left to give away. So here's what I'm doing, ugh, Christmas baking one day and "regular baking" on the second so these fiends have something to eat!!!!!!LOL!

**joyofsix** · 12-04-2008, 07:59 AM

....

I have the same problem. I've strategically hidden them under the frozen brussel sprouts and broccoli.

**Ceashels** · 12-04-2008, 09:24 AM

I have frozen cookie dough balls in the freezer from LAST year..... I need to use them up first. rofl It has been hard though, I've been in the mood to bake and seeing all the nuts, dried fruits and baking supplies laid out in the stores is driving me batty.

We will be making marshmallows to give out as bell choir gifts this year but I won't make them till closer to Christmas Eve.

**lgw** · 12-04-2008, 09:38 AM

This is going to sound pitiful, but I'm baking Xmas cookies for the first time this year in probably a decade. I love to cook, but as someone who has struggled with weight, baking cookies and treats is never high on my list, even though I actually like it. But I'm baking for our church Christmas Fair this year and have high hopes of making a few other things for Xmas parties.

**pkellyc** · 12-04-2008, 11:27 AM

This year is odd. DD and her friends have had a candy making day here for years. She was married in June so she will be hosting her own candy making party (to give as gifts) in her own home this year. So yesterday I whipped up a double batch of peanut butter balls, rolled them, and popped them in my freezer. I will dip them in chocolate the week of Christmas for our annual Christmas Eve open house. I will be making a few other candies for a platter. I just have not decided on what yet.

I am also attending two cookie exchanges this year and decided to make it easy on myself by making the same cookie for both. It will be a slice and bake cinnamon/coffee flavored cookie. I bought what I needed for ingredients last night and will mix up the dough to freeze. This way I can just slice the cookies and bake them closer to the exchanges.

Did I mention the fact that I am diabetic? My sister laughs when people call her for my mother's fudge recipe. "I don't make fudge call the diabetic she makes it.' Other than a couple of cookies that I am allowed to have, I don't eat any of it. Strictly a labor of love.