The Kitchn Collective Shares Their Favorite Holiday Bakes

My kitchen is covered with flour, and it’s going to stay that way until January. Biscuits have been made, gingerbread dough is chilling in the freezer. ‘Tis the season for baking, and I want something to do with my hands, so everyone in my family can expect to get a box of cookies in the mail for the holidays.

I like to make a big variety of holiday treats, so I can mix them up and give away an assortment of flavors. I especially like to include a mix of old favorite recipes with new ones I’ve never tried before. People say not to try a new recipe for the first time when guests are coming over, but I don’t think that applies to cookie boxes. To find some new favorite treats (even beyond cookies!), we asked the Kitchn Collective for their favorite holiday bakes. Here’s what they had to say!

“These cookies are a must-make for Christmas. My mom makes them every year and it’s embarrassing how many I can eat. They’re just classic and perfect.” — Becky Hardin from The Cookie Rookie

Get the recipe: Kiss Cookies from The Cookie Rookie

“No electric equipment, no fussy ingredients, but all of the pumpkin and cream cheese frosting deliciousness … these bite-sized cupcakes are seriously delicious. They also hold up impressively well in the fridge for days — they taste exactly the same on the day they are baked as they do three days later, which is both shocking and also incredibly handy for this busy time of the year.” — Amy Palanjian from Yummy Toddler Food

Get the recipe: Mini Pumpkin Cupcakes from Yummy Toddler Food

“We love baking these double peppermint chocolate chip cookies over the holidays! These are my two favorite things combined: a chocolate chip cookie and a peppermint candy. We absolutely love baking these and immediately know the holidays are upon us when these are coming out of the oven! These are great for cookie exchanges and gifts! ” — Alice Choi from Hip Foodie Mom

Get the recipe: Double Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies from Hip Foodie Mom

“This cake is just pure decadence. The cake is so perfectly buttery, fluffy, and tender, but the caramel is the star of the show. It melts in your mouth with its thick, soft texture.” — Jocelyn Delk Adams from Grandbaby Cakes

Get the recipe: Caramel Cake from Grandbaby Cakes

What are your favorite holiday bakes? Let us know in the comments!