Under the Hard Hat

Tag: Baking

  • Holiday treats for the trades: 10 must-try Christmas cookie recipes

    Holiday treats for the trades: 10 must-try Christmas cookie recipes

    Holidays are the perfect time for indulgence—sleeping in, cozy movie marathons, and all the sweet treats your heart desires. We’ve rounded up the best Christmas cookie recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth. Some of our favorites are Gingerbread Mug Mates, Sugar Cookie Trees, and the adorably simple Grinch Cookies. 

    1. Peppermint meringues

    These little mouthfuls are both minty and sweet, airy and chewy—and their festive stripes make them extra festive. To make these tasty peppermint meringues, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients: egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar, peppermint extract, and food coloring. 

    Why we love them: Meringues are unusual enough to seem somewhat fancy but also deceptively simple to make! These crowd-pleasers have just the right touch of sweetness, and the minty flavor helps prevent that “sugar coma” feeling that sometimes accompanies more decadent desserts. 

    2. Gingerbread mug mates

    These adorable gingerbread mug mate cookies take traditional gingerbread people and add a little loop to hold tiny candy canes so they can hang on the side of a mug of hot chocolate. 

    Why we love them: While we will readily admit that these cookies do have a lot of “Pinterest fail” potential, we think they’re the perfect project for bakers willing to embrace a challenge. Put your engineering and construction skills to good use by trying these cookies—and tag us in a picture to let us know how it went! 

    3. Linzer cookies

    There’s nothing prettier than the classic Linzer cookie. These sweet treats resemble tiny stained glass windows, featuring your favorite jam sandwiched between two almond-flavored shortbread cookies. A fun shape cut out of the top cookie gives a glimpse of the colorful jam underneath.

    Why we love them: Linzer cookies immediately upgrade any dessert table. There’s just something classy, elegant, and pretty about the simple cookies, bright colors, and familiar flavor.

    4. Toblerone shortbread with browned flour

    Shortbread is a classic Christmas cookie, and this recipe for Toblerone shortbread with browned flour gets a bit of a kick from chopped Toblerone chunks and a special step to brown the flour, which adds a nutty flavor and caramel color to the finished cookies.

    Why we love them: Shortbread is an old Scottish biscuit with minimal ingredients, but this recipe has taken something good and made it even better. We love the depth and complexity you get from browning the flour, and adding Toblerone chunks puts it over the top!

    These fun little sugar cookies are utterly adorable. They’re made with traditional sugar cookie dough in four different shades of green, cut into four different circle sizes, and stacked to look like tiny trees. 

    Why we love them: Sugar cookies are a staple of any cookie exchange, but the fact that these stacked sugar cookie trees look like a little Christmas forest makes them even better. These will be a hit at any holiday gathering—and not only because it’s like getting eight cookies in one!

    6. Double chocolate peppermint cookies

    There’s something about peppermint at the holidays; it just gives everything a hint of candy cane. These double chocolate peppermint cookies combine chocolate cookie batter with semi-sweet chocolate chips before being topped with crushed candy cane.

    Why we love them: These cookies come together in 30 minutes and use just one bowl, making them the ideal cookie to make during the sometimes-hectic holiday season. These cookies pair well with a nice cold glass of milk, making them the perfect choice to leave out for Santa.

    7. Cranberry pistachio biscotti

    We think this recipe for cranberry pistachio biscotti will become one of your family favorites. The rich flavors of cranberries, pistachios, and almond extract make this a delicious cookie. If you want to change things up, you can substitute the pistachios for different nuts, like almonds or walnuts.

    Why we love them: Many cookies are soft and chewy, but the satisfying crunch of this pistachio-laden biscotti is a nice change. We love dipping these biscotti in tea or coffee on Christmas morning or enjoying the flavors solo.

    8. Coconut macaroons

    Mix sweetened condensed milk, flour, vanilla extract, salt, and flaked coconut in a bowl, bake, and you’ve got these delicious coconut macaroons. These cookies resemble snowballs and look wonderful nestled together on a brightly colored tray or inside a cookie tin.  

    Why we love them: Coconut can be polarizing—you either love it or hate it—but these macaroons are a welcomed change from the standard shortbread or peppermint flavors popular in many Christmas cookies.

    9. Grinch cookies

    These Grinch cookies give standard sugar cookies an endearing makeover—even if they are topped with a heart that’s three sizes too small! Mixing green food coloring into sugar cookie dough and adding a red heart-shaped sprinkle creates an instantly recognizable homage to one of the great classic Christmas movies, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.

    Why we love them: The Grinch himself wouldn’t be able to resist these sweet little cookies, making them winners in our books. Kids are particularly fond of the simple sugar cookie taste—make it extra special by serving them while watching the movie. 

    10. Orange chocolate chip ricotta cookies

    Citrus and dark chocolate take center stage in these cookies, which also include ricotta cheese—an unexpected ingredient that makes them creamy and soft. These cookies truly melt in your mouth. They’re also topped with an unbelievably good glaze; you won’t be able to have just one!

    Why we love them: Sometimes, you need a zesty, rich, and not overly sweet cookie, and this recipe fits the bill! Orange chocolate chip ricotta cookies will satisfy any dessert craving with an incredible citrus flavor you’ll love.

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  • Channel your inner baker: Fall-inspired treats for construction workers

    Channel your inner baker: Fall-inspired treats for construction workers

    As the days get shorter and the air cools down, it’s the perfect time to fire up the oven and tackle some hearty fall baking. The season’s best ingredients—like pumpkin, apples, cinnamon, and nuts—bring bold flavors that pack a punch in these no-nonsense recipes. Whether you’re after classic indulgence or healthier options, fall-inspired treats like classic apple pie and maple pecan scones are easy to make and perfect for satisfying those seasonal cravings. Get ready to put your kitchen to work and satisfy your cravings while celebrating fall flavors.

    UTHH’s top picks for fall baking recipes

    Classic apple pie

    Why we love it: This traditional favorite brings all the cozy fall vibes with its flaky crust and cinnamon-spiced apple filling. The warm, sweet apples and buttery pastry make it the ultimate comfort treat after a hard day’s work. Serve it fresh from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to take it to the next level.

    Pro tip: For the best flavor balance, use a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.

    Pumpkin bread

    Why we love it: This hearty pumpkin bread recipe is packed with fall flavor, thanks to its blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves and the richness of pumpkin puree. The moist texture and comforting aroma make it the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea after a long day.

    Healthier option: For a more nutritious twist, swap out half the flour for whole wheat and reduce the sugar. You’ll still get all the flavor while adding more fiber to your day.

    Maple pecan scones

    Why we love it: These maple pecan scones are a perfect balance of buttery goodness and the sweet, nutty flavor of maple syrup and pecans. Whether you’re grabbing one for a quick breakfast or enjoying it as an afternoon snack, they deliver a satisfying crunch and rich flavor that’s hard to beat.

    Pro tip: Drizzle them with extra maple glaze for a touch of sweetness that elevates them.

    Spiced carrot cake bars

    Why we love it: These spiced carrot cake bars offer all the cozy flavors of classic carrot cake with an extra boost of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Topped with a creamy, luscious cream cheese frosting, they’re the perfect fall treat—moist, flavorful, and satisfying after a long day’s work.

    Healthier option: For a more nutritious version, swap in whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar. You’ll still enjoy the same great taste with a healthier twist.

    Chai-spiced snickerdoodles

    Why we love it: These chai-spiced snickerdoodles take the classic cookie to a whole new level with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. They’re perfect for chilly fall evenings, giving that familiar snickerdoodle a seasonal twist that packs a flavorful punch.

    Pro tip: Serve with a cup of chai tea or a latte for the ultimate cozy combo. It’s a match made for fall evenings by the fire.

    Salted caramel apple bars

    Why we love it: These gooey salted caramel apple bars bring together a buttery shortbread crust, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and a decadent salted caramel drizzle for an indulgent fall treat. The combination of sweet and salty flavors makes these bars irresistible, perfect for satisfying those post-work cravings.

    Pro tip: Chill the bars overnight before drizzling the salted caramel for less mess and maximum anticipation!

    Pumpkin cheesecake bars

    Why we love it: These creamy pumpkin cheesecake bars combine the best of both worlds—rich, spiced pumpkin filling with a smooth, tangy cream cheese layer, all set on top of a buttery graham cracker crust. They’re a decadent, fall-inspired treat perfect for any occasion, from cozy nights to family gatherings.

    Healthier option: For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the cream cheese. You’ll still get that creamy texture while cutting down on fat and adding a bit of protein.

    Ginger molasses cookies

    Why we love it: Soft, chewy, and packed with the warm, spicy flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and rich molasses, these ginger molasses cookies are a fall classic that never disappoints. They’re perfect for holiday baking or whenever you want a cozy treat that fills your kitchen with the scent of fall.

    Pro tip: Roll the dough in sugar before baking to give the cookies a crackled, sparkling finish that adds a touch of sweetness and makes them look irresistible.

    Butternut squash and cranberry muffins

    Why we love it: These squash and cranberry muffins strike the perfect balance between the subtle sweetness of butternut squash and the tartness of cranberries. They’re packed with fall flavor and provide a nutritious option that’s great for breakfast or as an on-the-go snack.

    Healthier option: Swap out the regular flour for almond flour and use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or stevia to create a gluten-free, low-carb version without sacrificing flavor.

    Spiced pear upside-down cake

    Why we love it: This elegant twist on the classic upside-down cake features tender spiced pears and a rich, caramelized glaze. It’s the perfect dessert for special occasions or whenever you want to impress with a fancy fall treat that tastes as good as it looks.

    Pro tip: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream to elevate the flavors and add a creamy contrast to the warm, spiced pears.

    The bottom line

    These fall-inspired recipes will bring warmth, comfort, and irresistible aromas to your kitchen. Whether you’re whipping up a batch of pumpkin cheesecake bars or baking spiced pear upside-down cake for a special occasion, these treats capture the season’s best flavors.

    We’d love to see what you’re baking! Share photos of your creations, and let us know which recipes were your favorites in the comments. And don’t forget to subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more tips, advice, and recipes.