Christmas recipes: New Year's cookies, gingerbread and chocolate pinecone

Christmas is a time of magic, festive moments and, of course, delicious desserts. These recipes will not only delight your loved ones but are also guaranteed to give a special mood during the holidays.

Chocolate cookies with orange zest

These cookies combine dark chocolate and fresh citrus flavors to create the perfect dessert for the holidays.

Servings: 20–25

Calories: 452 kcal/100g

Cooking time: 45 minutes

Cooking difficulty: medium

Ingredients:

• 250 g wheat flour
• 150 g cold butter
• 100 g dark chocolate (70% cocoa content)
• 100 g sugar
• 1 egg
• 30 g cocoa powder
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

Recipe step by step:

1. Melt the chocolate in a water bath or microwave, let it cool slightly.
2. Cut the butter into cubes and mix with sugar. Add the egg, vanilla sugar and mix well.
3. Add the melted chocolate and orange zest.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the liquid mixture, kneading the dough.
5. Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
6. Roll out the dough and cut out cookies using cookie cutters.
7. Bake in an oven preheated to 180°C for 10-12 minutes.

Gingerbread

Gingerbread cookies are a classic Christmas baking treat that fill your home with the unrivaled aroma of spices.

Servings: 25–27

Calories: 378 kcal/100g

Cooking time: 55 minutes

Cooking difficulty: medium

Ingredients:

• 300 g wheat flour
• 100 g brown sugar
• 100 g honey
• 80 g butter
• 1 egg
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt

Recipe step by step:

1. Melt honey and butter in a saucepan over low heat, add sugar and stir well until dissolved.
2. Beat the egg in a separate bowl, then add the honey mixture.
3. Mix flour, baking powder, soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Add these dry ingredients to the honey mixture and knead the dough.
4. Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
5. Roll out the dough to 5 mm and cut out the gingerbread.
6. Bake in an oven preheated to 180 ° C for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
7. Cool the gingerbread and decorate with glaze if desired.

Chocolate pinecones

Pinecones made from cereal are not only a delicious dessert, but also an original idea for festive table decoration. They are incredibly similar to natural pinecones, but unlike real ones, they are very tasty.

Servings: 8–10

Calories: 437 kcal/100g

Cooking time: 35 minutes

Cooking difficulty: easy

Ingredients:

• 200 g ready-made chocolate sponge cake
• 150–200 g cornflakes (chocolate)
• 150 g of boiled condensed milk
• 50 g butter
• powdered sugar
• 50 g hazelnuts or hazelnuts (optional)

Recipe step by step:

1. Crush the biscuit into crumbs. You can use ready-made biscuit or make your own biscuit following a simple recipe. If desired, you can add finely chopped nuts for additional flavor.
2. Add condensed milk and melted butter to the biscuit crumbs. Then divide the mixture into 8-10 parts and form cones from them.
3. Starting from the top of each cone, wrap it with cornflakes, thus forming a pinecone.

Note: the biscuit can be replaced with chocolate cookies (about 300-400 g).

1. Sprinkle the finished pinecones with powdered sugar.

These Christmas recipes are not only delicious, but also a great way to create a warm atmosphere among your loved ones. Chocolate cookies with orange zest, fragrant gingerbread and original pinecones made from cereal can not only decorate your holiday table, but also be a great gift for family and friends. They can be packed in beautiful boxes, adding a special touch to your holiday moments. 

In addition, preparing these desserts is a great way to have fun with your loved ones, creating unforgettable memories. Don't be afraid to experiment in the kitchen and share the holiday spirit with those you love!