15 December Baking Staples Every Home Cook Should Have Ready

Baking during December is one of the highlights of the season, and it all starts with the right ingredients. There are a few key staples that make any recipe come together, whether you are making festive cookies or a rich cake. Having these basics in your pantry ensures you are always ready to bake up something special. The good news is, these staples are easy to store and can be used all month long.

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All-Purpose Flour for Every Baking Need

All-purpose flour is a must-have in any baker’s pantry. It serves as the base for many of your holiday favorites, from cookies to cakes. Whether you’re making a simple loaf of bread or an elaborate pastry, this flour has the versatility to handle it all. It is easy to store and has a long shelf life, making it perfect for keeping on hand throughout the month. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

Flour is essential for structure in baking, giving your goods the right texture. It also helps bind other ingredients like sugar, butter, and eggs together. For best results, sift the flour before using it to eliminate any clumps and ensure even distribution. Many bakers prefer unbleached flour for its natural, wholesome flavor. You’ll find this item being used in nearly every recipe you prepare this December.

Granulated Sugar for Sweetness in Every Bite

Granulated sugar is the go-to sweetener for almost every baked good. It dissolves easily into doughs and batters, helping to create the right texture and sweetness. Whether you’re making cookies, cakes, or pies, granulated sugar is often a key ingredient. Store it in a cool, dry place to prevent clumping and ensure it’s always ready to use. It’s also ideal for dusting on top of baked treats for a delicate touch.

Sugar not only adds sweetness but also helps with browning during baking. It contributes to that golden crust you love on cookies and cakes. If you’re looking for a more subtle sweetness, try swapping some of your granulated sugar with powdered sugar in frostings and glazes. Having this staple in your pantry will keep you prepared for whatever dessert you want to bake. Stock up on sugar this season for all your sweet creations.

Baking Powder for Light and Fluffy Results

Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps your baked goods rise and become light and airy. It’s perfect for recipes like cakes, muffins, and pancakes. This ingredient works by releasing carbon dioxide when mixed with wet ingredients, creating bubbles that help the batter expand. Be sure to check the expiration date, as old baking powder may not work as effectively. Store it in a cool, dry area to keep it active and ready for use.

If you’re looking for a fluffier texture, this ingredient is essential for the job. It’s a key part of recipes where yeast isn’t used, giving rise to baked goods without the long wait. Always measure your baking powder correctly, too much can result in a bitter taste. This is one staple every home baker should keep within reach for December baking. A fresh container ensures that your cookies, cakes, and other treats come out just right.

Unsalted Butter for Rich Flavor and Texture

Unsalted butter is essential for achieving a rich, buttery flavor in your baked goods. Since it doesn’t contain added salt, it gives you better control over the seasoning of your baked items. From cookies to pie crusts, butter helps create the right texture, ensuring a soft, tender result. Keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it, as it softens easily for baking. Be sure to allow it to come to room temperature if a recipe calls for softened butter.

Butter contributes to the flavor and mouthfeel of many sweet treats, giving them a smooth, creamy consistency. You can substitute unsalted butter for salted butter, just be mindful to adjust the salt in your recipe. Fresh butter is also great for greasing baking pans, ensuring that cakes and cookies do not stick. Keep a good supply of unsalted butter stocked for your December baking, as it’s used in nearly all baked goods. You’ll love how it brings your creations to life.

Brown Sugar for Warm, Molasses Flavor

Brown sugar adds a warm, molasses flavor to your baked goods. It’s perfect for cookies, cakes, and anything that needs a bit of extra richness. The moisture content in brown sugar helps keep baked goods soft, making it a favorite for cookies and muffins. You can choose between light and dark brown sugar, with dark brown having a more intense molasses flavor. Store it in an airtight container to prevent it from hardening.

This ingredient can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, offering depth of flavor. Brown sugar works well in combination with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, which are often used in December baking. If your brown sugar becomes hard, simply place a slice of bread in the container overnight to soften it up. This staple is ideal for holiday baking, adding that touch of warmth and richness. Keep a good amount of brown sugar on hand to ensure all your holiday treats are flavorful.

Vanilla Extract for a Classic, Aromatic Touch

Vanilla extract is a beloved ingredient that adds depth and aroma to many baked treats. Whether in cakes, cookies, or frostings, a dash of vanilla brings a comforting, familiar flavor. Opt for pure vanilla extract for the best taste, as imitation vanilla may have a synthetic flavor. Store your vanilla extract in a cool, dark place to preserve its potency. A little goes a long way, so a small bottle can last through many baking sessions.

Vanilla extract enhances other flavors in your baked goods, making the overall taste more complex. It pairs perfectly with chocolate, fruit, and nuts, commonly used in holiday recipes. This ingredient is great for adding a subtle richness to buttercream frostings or puddings. It’s an essential addition to your December pantry. If you’re looking for a smooth, sweet note in your baking, vanilla extract is the key ingredient.

Eggs for Structure and Moisture in Your Bakes

Eggs are fundamental in providing structure and moisture to your baked goods. They help bind ingredients together and create a rich, tender texture. Whether you’re making cookies, cakes, or custards, eggs are often an essential ingredient in the recipe. Store them in the fridge to keep them fresh and ensure that they work effectively in your baking. Always check for freshness before using by placing eggs in water, fresh eggs will sink.

Eggs also contribute to the color and flavor of your baked items. The yolks provide richness, while the whites help with structure and volume. They are also essential in recipes that require a good rise, such as soufflés or meringues. Make sure to have a dozen or more eggs available for your December baking. They will be used in a variety of sweet and savory recipes throughout the holiday season.

Whole Milk for Creamy Consistency in Baked Goods

Whole milk is a key ingredient that provides moisture and creaminess to your baked goods. It helps dissolve dry ingredients, ensuring a smooth batter. Milk adds richness and flavor to cakes, cookies, and puddings, making it essential for many holiday recipes. Be sure to use fresh milk for the best results, as old milk can affect the taste and texture. Keep your milk refrigerated to maintain its freshness.

This dairy product is important in recipes that require a smooth consistency, such as batters or custards. Whole milk has a slightly higher fat content compared to lower-fat milk, which gives your bakes a richer flavor. It also contributes to browning, giving cakes and cookies a golden finish. When it’s time to bake this December, having whole milk on hand ensures that your creations turn out moist and delicious. It’s a basic yet important staple for your baking needs.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips for Holiday Desserts

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are a staple in many baking recipes, adding rich chocolate flavor without being overpowering. They are perfect for cookies, cakes, and brownies. The chocolate melts beautifully, making it ideal for drizzling over desserts or mixing into batters. Store them in a cool, dry place to prevent melting or clumping. Keep a good stock of these chocolate chips for holiday treats.

Chocolate chips add sweetness and texture to your baked goods, often making them the star of the recipe. They pair perfectly with nuts, fruits, and even savory elements like chili. If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute with milk or dark chocolate chips, depending on your preference. These chips are essential for creating that perfect balance of chocolate flavor in cookies. Make sure to always have a bag or two on hand for the holiday baking season.

Ground Cinnamon for Sweet and Spicy Aroma

Ground cinnamon is a versatile spice used in both sweet and savory baking recipes. It adds a warm, comforting flavor to pies, cookies, and cakes, making it a must-have for December. This spice is often paired with other seasonal flavors like nutmeg and ginger, which are also commonly used in holiday baking. Store it in a sealed container in a cool, dry place to maintain its aromatic potency. Fresh cinnamon will bring out the best in your baked goods.

Cinnamon has a strong, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor that pairs well with apples, pears, and chocolate. It is also perfect for dusting over finished baked goods for an extra touch of warmth. This spice is ideal for adding complexity to your holiday desserts and can even be used in savory dishes. It’s a staple ingredient that no holiday baker should be without. Having ground cinnamon ready ensures that your festive treats will be as flavorful as they are aromatic.

Powdered Sugar for Smooth Frosting and Sweetness

Powdered sugar is perfect for making smooth frostings, glazes, and other desserts. It dissolves quickly into liquids, ensuring a silky texture that granulated sugar cannot match. This ingredient is often used in holiday cookies, cakes, and cupcakes, giving them a light sweetness. Store it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing moisture and clumping. Keep it on hand for those recipes that need a sweet, smooth finish.

Powdered sugar works best when sifted before use to avoid lumps. It’s ideal for making buttercream frosting, royal icing, and other sweet toppings. This sugar is also great for dusting on top of cakes and pastries. A little goes a long way, so a small box will last through the holiday season. Make sure powdered sugar is a part of your December baking essentials for all your sweet treats.

Coconut Flakes for Sweet and Chewy Texture

Coconut flakes are a great addition to your baking arsenal, adding a chewy texture and sweet flavor. They’re perfect for cookies, cakes, and bars, adding depth to your baked goods. Whether you’re making coconut macaroons or simply adding texture to brownies, this ingredient is a must-have. Store coconut flakes in an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent them from becoming stale. They also pair well with chocolate, nuts, and fruit for added variety in your holiday baking.

Coconut flakes are available in sweetened and unsweetened versions, so you can choose depending on your recipe’s needs. They are also excellent for topping cakes, muffins, and even cupcakes. You can even toast them for a more intense coconut flavor, which enhances the overall taste. Having coconut flakes ready for your December baking ensures that your creations are both flavorful and textured. Keep a package on hand for those holiday treats that need an extra touch.

Honey for Natural Sweetness and Moisture

Honey is a natural sweetener that adds moisture and a rich, floral flavor to baked goods. It works well in cakes, cookies, and bread, helping to keep them moist. Honey also has the added benefit of a longer shelf life, making it a pantry staple. Store it in a cool, dry place, and make sure the lid is tightly sealed to prevent crystallization. A little honey can go a long way, offering a unique sweetness to your recipes.

Incorporating honey into your baking can reduce the need for other sweeteners, and it pairs perfectly with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. You can use it in glazes, frostings, or even drizzle it on top of freshly baked bread. Honey also helps with browning and adds a golden color to your treats. This natural sweetener is a great addition to your December baking supplies. Keep a jar of honey ready to add flavor and moisture to your holiday recipes.

Almond Extract for a Nutty, Aromatic Flavor

Almond extract offers a delightful nutty flavor that is perfect for cakes, cookies, and pastries. It’s a wonderful addition to sugar cookies and other treats that need an extra layer of flavor. This extract has a strong aroma and is used in small quantities, making it an economical choice for holiday baking. Store it in a cool, dark place to preserve its rich flavor. Almond extract adds a unique depth that complements other flavors like vanilla and chocolate.

Just a few drops of almond extract can elevate the taste of your cookies and cakes. It pairs beautifully with fruits such as cherries and berries, making it perfect for holiday desserts. You can also use it in frostings, fillings, and glazes for a nutty twist. Keep almond extract on hand to add a special touch to your December bakes. It’s a simple ingredient that makes a big impact in your baking.

Candied Ginger for a Zesty, Sweet Kick

Candied ginger brings a sweet, spicy kick to your holiday baking. It’s a perfect ingredient for gingerbread cookies, cakes, and muffins. The chewy texture and warm flavor are ideal for complementing other spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Store candied ginger in an airtight container to keep it fresh. This ingredient is great for adding complexity to your baked goods, providing both sweetness and a bit of heat.

Candied ginger pairs wonderfully with chocolate and fruit in many holiday recipes. It’s also great in savory dishes, adding a zing to sauces and dressings. You can chop it up finely and add it to batters, or use it as a topping for cookies and cakes. Keep candied ginger on hand for an extra punch of flavor in your December baking. It’s an unexpected yet delightful addition to your pantry.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.