Written by Chloe Debono
As Christmas season approaches, it’s a time of gatherings, gift-giving, celebration, and fun – and what better way to embrace this special time with some affordable festive baking?
For me, baking is a way to show appreciation for family, friends, and colleagues. Who doesn’t love a homemade sweet treat? It’s a gift that’s both personal and delicious – and the best part, being able to bake with family and friends is always filled with so much fun, creativity, and laughter.
Although the cost might seem daunting at first – it doesn’t have to be, it’s a great way to be able to give without breaking the bank. I find sticking to home brand or on sale items really helps! There are so many recipes that allow you to bake on a budget! I have shared some of my favourites below:
Sugar cookies:
Ingredients – cookies:
- 225g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup caster sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups plain flour
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Ingredients – icing
- 2 cups icing sugar
- 2-3 tbsp warm milk or water
- 1 tsp vanilla or lemon juice (optional)
- Food dye (optional)
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C for fan-forced).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the softened butter and caster sugar until creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla, and whisk until combined.
- Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough into 3 balls, then roll one ball out on a floured surface to about 0.5cm thickness.
- Dust cookie cutters with flour and cut shapes from the dough.
- Transfer cookies to a tray lined with baking paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
- While the cookies cool, prepare the icing by mixing the icing sugar with warm milk or water to form a smooth consistency.
- Add vanilla or lemon juice for extra flavour.
- Separate into different bowls and stir in food dye
- Decorate the cookies by placing the icing in a zip-lock bag and snipping the corner to pipe onto the cookies.
- Let set in fridge for 20 minutes and enjoy!
Rocky road:
Ingredients:
- 1 block chocolate, broken into smaller pieces
- Mix ins of your choice (e.g. marshmallows, nuts, red frogs, biscuits, coconut)
Method:
- Chop mix ins into smaller pieces
- Melt chocolate by placing chocolate in a bowl (microwave safe), in the microwave for 25 seconds and stir, repeat until melted, remember to stir each time
- Once chocolate is melted stir in mix-ins of choice until covered by chocolate
- Place in a tray with baking paper, and let set in fridge (2 – 4 hours)
- Cut up and enjoy!
Baking holiday treats doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful, the most important thing is the fun you have in the process. Happy baking!
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