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As the holiday season approaches, I’m gearing up for one of my favorite family traditions: our annual sugar cookie baking day. Every year, my kitchen turns into a whirlwind of flour, sprinkles, and laughter, as four generations of my family come together for a full-on cookie extravaganza. My grandmother, mom, aunt, sister, and I—along with all the kids—pack into my kitchen, turning it into a delightful mess (seriously, the kitchen is usually unrecognizable by the end of the day). It’s chaotic, but it’s one of those precious holiday moments that I wouldn’t trade for the world.
(real life photo unedited, and this was only about 20 minutes into the day!)
With that in mind, I thought I’d share a little guide to help you find the perfect gifts for the baker in your life. Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned baker or someone who just loves the idea of creating festive treats, these essentials will make their holiday season even sweeter. Plus, I’m revisiting my family’s beloved sugar cookie recipe, so stay tuned for that at the end!
1. A Reliable Stand Mixer
If there’s one tool that takes baking to the next level, it’s a good stand mixer. This is a must-have for making everything from cookie dough to homemade bread. A stand mixer can save you so much time and effort, especially during those marathon holiday baking sessions. I recommend this one on my Amazon Storefront, which has been a game-changer for us over the years.
2. Cookie Cutters & Decorating Supplies
The fun part of baking sugar cookies is in the decorating! From classic Christmas tree shapes to adorable snowflakes, a variety of cookie cutters can make your holiday cookies even more festive. And don’t forget about sprinkles, edible glitter, and piping bags for that finishing touch. I’ve put together a list of my favorite decorating tools on my Benable account to make your cookies stand out.
3. Baking Sheets & Cooling Racks
Every baker knows that a good baking sheet is a must. Look for heavy-duty, non-stick options that can withstand the heat of holiday baking marathons. And don’t forget cooling racks, which are essential for making sure your cookies don’t get soggy on the bottom. These items are also linked in my Amazon Storefront for easy shopping.
4. Quality Measuring Tools
Accurate measurements can make or break a recipe, especially in baking. A sturdy set of measuring cups and spoons is a fantastic gift that any baker will appreciate. I also swear by my digital kitchen scale, which takes the guesswork out of measuring ingredients by weight.
5. Baking Essentials Gift Basket
If you’re not sure what to buy, why not put together a baking essentials gift basket? You can include a mix of cookie cutters, holiday-themed sprinkles, oven mitts, and even a cute apron. Check out my recommendations for some inspiration.
6. Our Family’s Beloved Sugar Cookie Recipe
Now, let’s get to the best part: cookies! If you’ve been following my blog, you might remember my post where I dished out our secret family sugar cookie recipe. It’s a tradition that’s been passed down through the generations, and it’s the highlight of our holiday season.
If you missed it last time or just want a refresher, you can check out the full recipe here. But I’ll give you a little preview:
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp baking powder
3 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
Beat in the egg and vanilla. Gradually add in the baking powder and flour.
Roll out dough to about 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface. Use your favorite holiday cookie cutters to shape.
Bake for 6-8 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool before decorating.
We’ve made these cookies every year for as long as I can remember, and they never fail to bring smiles (and a little bit of sugar-induced chaos) to our holiday gathering.
Making Holiday Magic (and Messes)
If you’re like me, juggling the holiday magic while keeping the house somewhat tidy is a challenge. But there’s something so special about leaning into the mess, embracing the flour-covered countertops, and just enjoying the moment with your loved ones. It’s these tiny, messy moments that make the holidays so magical.
So, whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for the baker in your life or just some inspiration to start your own cookie baking tradition, I hope this post gives you a little extra holiday cheer. And don’t forget to check out the links to my Benable account and Amazon Storefront for all your holiday baking needs.
Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with sweetness and joy this holiday season!
— Allison, Truly Scrumptious ❤️
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