Christmas cooking: Fun, easy recipes to make the season more jolly

'Tis the season to be jolly! A steaming cup of hot chocolate, the smell of freshly baked goodies, cozy corners are just some of the things that make this time of the year so special.

With Christmas in the air, it's time to get into festive mode, and what better way to do that than by putting on an apron and baking some mouth-watering delicacies.

So whether you're baking just for yourself, or want to impress your colleagues with your cooking skills, these cookie recipes won't let you down.


Gingerbread cookies

Ingredients
Flour: 330 gm
Mixed spice (cinnamon, ginger powder, nutmeg, cloves and green cardamom): 18 gm
Salt: 2 gm
Butter: 170 gm `
Brown sugar: 150 gm
Honey: 170 gm
Baking soda: 5 gm
Egg: 1

Method
- Soften the butter and the brown sugar by mixing in a stand mixer till fluffy
- Whisk together the honey and eggs, and add it to the butter-sugar mixture
- Combine flour, mixed spice, baking soda and salt, and mix together
- Add this dry mix to the other ingredients
- Chill the dough for 24 hours
- Flatten the dough and cut into desired shapes
- Bake at 170 degrees Celsius for 12-13 minutes

(Courtesy: Chef Rithvik Anantharaman, The Oberoi Patisserie & Delicatessen at The Oberoi, Gurgaon)

Vanillekipferl Cookies

Ingredients
Unsalted butter: 200 gm
Castor sugar: 100 gm
Egg yolks: 40
Almond powder: 150 gm
Refined flour: 300 gm
Icing sugar: 50 gm
Cinnamon powder: 10 gm
Vanilla beans extract: 10 gm

Method
- Mix chilled butter and flour (cut butter into small pieces)
- Add egg yolks to a mixture of sugar, cinnamon powder and almond powder. Mix well
- Add vanilla extract followed by the flour-butter mixture(Do not overmix; this process should be done quickly)
- Allow the dough to rest in a refrigerator for 15-20 minutes
- Take it out and shape into crescent shape cookies
- Neatly arrange on baking trays and thoroughly dust with icing sugar
- Bake in an oven at 170 degree Celsius for around 9-10 minutes
- Allow to cool

(Courtesy: Chef Sandeep Kalra, Executive Chef, Trident, Gurgaon)

The Best Christmas Markets In The World

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Indulge in some retail therapy this holiday season with a visit to these charming Christmas markets.

Nuremberg, Germany
Holiday markets or Christkindlmärkte are said to have originated in Germany. This is one of the largest holiday markets in the country. If you want to see the entire market, hitch a ride on a stagecoach and your coachman will be your tour guide, regaling you with historic tales and Christmas songs on his trumpet. What to buy You can savour sausages and bring traditional figurines made from dried prunes and figs as souvenirs.

(Image: christkindlmarkt.co.at)

Indulge in some retail therapy this holiday season with a visit to these charming Christmas markets. Nuremberg, Germany Holiday markets or Christkindlmärkte are said to have originated in Germany. T..

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Toronto, Canada
Be prepared to be greeted by serpentine queues if you plan to visit on a weekend. The historic Distillery District is adorned with beautiful Christmas lights, adding to the festive cheer. Traditional music and carols, dance performances, a ferris wheel, carousel and life-sized gingerbread house are some added attractions. What to buy Traditional European street-food and holiday treats. Sip on cold and warm brews in the beer gardens.

(Image: Instagram/toxmasmkt)

Toronto, Canada Be prepared to be greeted by serpentine queues if you plan to visit on a weekend. The historic Distillery District is adorned with beautiful Christmas lights, adding to the festive ch..

Read More

Strasbourg, France
The Christmas markets here have been adding a touch of magic to the festive season for four centuries. It stands at the heart of the city’s Grand Ile quarter. With its famous Christmas tree, illuminations, pretty wooden chalets, bredele cakes and hot wine, there’s always magic in the air here. What to buy Explore arts and crafts, pick up some traditional Alsatian Christmas decorations or, if food’s your thing, tuck into some local culinary specialties.

(Image: wikipedia.com)

Strasbourg, France The Christmas markets here have been adding a touch of magic to the festive season for four centuries. It stands at the heart of the city’s Grand Ile quarter. With its famous Chris..

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New York
New York in Christmas is beautiful, and this market just adds to it. The Bryant Park Winter village houses the 17,000-square-foot ice-skating rink. And with more than 150 shopping kiosks and food vendors open for business, this means that Christmas in New York has offi cially arrived. What to buy Enjoy local crafts, artisanal food, and goods from around the world.

(Image: newyorkertips.com)

New York New York in Christmas is beautiful, and this market just adds to it. The Bryant Park Winter village houses the 17,000-square-foot ice-skating rink. And with more than 150 shopping kiosks and..

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