Baking for the Holidays: 50+ Treats for a Festive Season

On the one hand, it felt a little weird to read a book about holiday baking less than a week after a historic, record-setting heat wave in the Pacific Northwest.On the other hand, reading the book and thinking about winter was a blessed mental break and reminder that weather will, in fact, grow colder (and I’ll one day have to turn on my heater again, though it is not this day!).Autumn is hands down my favorite season; it kicks off allllll the baking goodness I love, not to mention the glorious kitchen smells (and free residual oven heat to warm my apartment, if I’m honest). I happily daydream of and anticipate Thanksgiving and Christmas, listen to Christmas music, and visit Hobby Lobby for #allthehomedecor shopping. So reading Baking for the Holidays gave me a sneak peek of that in July (Christmas in July, anyone?!)–and I loved it on all the levels. (Oh, sorry, let me keep on with the hashtagging–#allthelevels.) This cookbook, focused on my favorite time of year and favorite things to eat, is utterly glorious, from the photography to the sheer ideas it gets me itching to start on (if only the oven wouldn’t heat things up before I want it to!).And the stories Kieffer includes are so very relatable and entertaining, bringing back many a childhood memory as I read. (Plus, anyone that favorably mentions Amy Grant’s Christmas albums is all right in my book. And book quotes scattered throughout?! I think I’ve found a kindred spirit.)Classic recipes (Cinnamon rolls! Streusel coffee cake!) appear alongside fresh takes and trendy-ish ingredients (Nutella star bread–and who can go wrong with the beautiful pattern it makes?!–and Meyer lemon-white chocolate scones!). And the season doesn’t get much more festive, food-wise, than with the white cake with cranberries and white chocolate buttercream; its incorporation of rosemary-sprig garnish truly elevates it. And, this may be the cookbook that finally gets me to try Nutella, haha. I love that the book includes tips and tricks for early prep, as well; we all know how crazy the hols can get, and anywhere we can save ourselves time and/or angst is always appreciated.A true feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

If you love to back for the holidays this book is prefect. It has u to I many great recipes

I’m a big fan of Sarah Kieffer and have practically all her cookbooks. I love the way she writes and how easy it is to follow as a beginner. Plus the book has lots of pictures so you know exactly what you’re making which is always appreciated.Everything in this book looks delicious and I’m not waiting till the holidays to try some of these recipes. The chocolate cake and pecan bars are on my list.

I don’t mind a challenge but I get discouraged when I realize by reading through instructions that what I started making will need to chill over night and won’t be completely done for another 10 hours. I wish the pages stated “difficulty” and the time it would take. I did make red velvet cookies & they turned great. I’ll practice cheaters dough and sweet dough as well since they’re the base to many recipes. But if you’re trying to get into baking I wouldn’t recommend this one.

I got this book just before the holidays. It definitely got a lot of use already! I made quite a few of the recipes. Every recipe was enjoyed. Good quality, well written, love the photos.

What a wonderful compilation of recipes. The cinnamon rolls, & Nutella Star Bread (pictured) are a-ma-zing. I swear it was so good I forgot how to speak. The conversation & method descriptions are clear without micromanaging. I am looking forward to more bakes from this book for the holidays.

Loved it! Simple, creative recipes.

I bought this recipe book to give as a gift at a work party and ended up keeping it for myself! It has so many delicious treat options that are easy. I will definitely be giving a few of these a try for the holidays!