Ingredients:

– 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

– 1/2 cup buttermilk

– 1/4 cup vegetable oil

– 1 large egg

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1 teaspoon red food coloring

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well combined.

3. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until smooth.

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake cups, filling each about 2/3 full.

6. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Vanilla Icing and Sugar Sparkles:

Ingredients:

– 1 cup powdered sugar

– 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream

– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

– Sugar sparkles or sprinkles

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin.

2. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, drizzle the vanilla icing over the tops of the cupcakes.

3. Sprinkle sugar sparkles or sprinkles over the icing for extra sparkle and sweetness.

Heart-Shaped Shortbread Pink Cookies:

You can make the shortbread cookies ahead of time using a basic shortbread recipe, and then shape them into hearts and decorate them with pink icing or sprinkles.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

– 1/2 cup powdered sugar

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– Pink food coloring (gel or liquid)

– Heart-shaped cookie cutter

– Pink icing or sprinkles for decoration

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.

3. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms.

4. Add pink food coloring to the dough and mix until evenly colored.

5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.

6. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.

7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

8. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.

9. Once cooled, decorate the cookies with pink icing or sprinkles as desired.

Enjoy your delicious red velvet cupcakes with vanilla icing, sugar sparkles, and heart-shaped shortbread pink cookies! Perfect for sharing with loved ones on Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.

The holidays aren’t only the most wonderful time of the year because of pretty decorations, presents, and parties. If you’re anything like us, one of the things you’ve been looking forward to the most are the endless goodies and treats you get to enjoy guilt-free, well… because it’s the holidays!  Baking holiday cookies is an essential part of getting in the holiday spirit. They are an easy dessert to enjoy at family gatherings, a way to add a festive touch at tea time and they are great for giving as delicious gifts to your friends. And remember, if you have little ones don’t forget that you’ll need some cookies to leave out for a particular cookie aficionado on Christmas Eve!

This season, why not get festive by baking a favorite holiday cookie with a twist.  Here we will share with you a few recipe ideas that have fun, colorful and tasty spins on festive classics that will be sure to please your loved ones year after year.

One thing we can promise, these cookies will make a tasty surprise and have everyone feeling the joy of the holiday season! As always, we have everything you need for all your Holiday baking needs.

Let the baking begin!

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

The irresistible buttery taste of melt in your mouth shortbread cookies are a holiday baking staple. This delectable spin on a classic shortbread brings out the best in the most festive fruits; cranberry and oranges. The tang of citrus and touch of bitter-sweet berries will bring your enjoyment of this charming holiday classic to the next level.

Ingredients

• ½ cup of dried cranberries
• ¾ cup of sugar
• 2½ cups all purpose flour
• 1 cup butter, cold and cubed
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 4 tablespoons of orange zest, grated
• 1- 2 tablespoon of fresh orange juice (optional)
• 1 cup additional sugar to coat cookies before baking (optional)

Preparation

1. Line the cookie pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Combine cranberries and ¼ cup of sugar in the food chopper. Processes until the cranberries are broken down into smaller pieces. Set aside.
3. Combine flour and remaining ½ cup of sugar in a deep mixing bowl (5L).
4. Use a blender (available in store only) to cut in butter.
5. Stir in the almond extract, cranberry-sugar mixture, orange zest and orange juice.
6. Use your hands to knead the dough until it is smooth and holds its shape.
7. Shape dough into a log about two inches in a diameter and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for two hours or up to 72 hours.
8. Preheat oven to 325ºF.
9. Cut slices of cookie dough about ¼ inches thick.
10. Place half a cup of sugar in a bowl and coat the cookie slices with sugar (optional).
11. Place cookies on the cookie pan and bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
12. Let cookies cool for several minutes on baking sheet before removing to cooling rack.

Caramel Stuffed Soft Gingerbread cookies

Give your cookie lovers a surprise when they bite into your mouth-wateringly warm caramel stuffed soft gingerbread cookies. This chewy new take on the molasses and ginger holiday tradition will leave your loved ones speechless, while they munch on the caramel-filled delight. Add this recipe to your Christmas cookie platter and watch them disappear.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 24 Kraft caramels

Preparation

1. In the bowl of your thinkkitchen Promix Stand Mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth.
2. Add the molasses and mix thoroughly.
3. Crack in the eggs, mixing in one at a time, scraping down the sides as you go with a spatula.
4. Mix in the vanilla, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
5. Add the flour, cornstarch, baking soda and salt, and mix until combined.
6. Cover and chill in the fridge for 30-40 minutes.
7. Preheat your oven to 350ºF and line three sheet pans with parchment paper.
8. Taking about 1/2-1 tablespoon of dough, roll into a ball.
9. Place two balls of dough on either side of a caramel, press them together and pinch the edges firmly to cover the caramel completely, and then roll into a ball. Repeat.
10. Set balls of dough on cookie pan 2 inches apart.
11. Bake for 9-10 minutes, until flattened, but puffy.
12. Allow to cool for 5 min on the baking sheet before removing, to avoid having the caramels melt through the bottom on the cooling racks.
13. Serve while the cookies are still warm to be sure the caramel does not harden, or warm in the microwave before serving.

Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies are the official cookie of merry cut-outs and festive frosting. Give this authentic holiday cookie a taste of excitement by adding crushed peppermint candy to the equation. Crunching into this enticing take on a sweet classic will bring a burst of flavor into the season of giving.

Ingredients

• 3¾ cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1½ cups butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup finely ground candy canes or round peppermint candies
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 eggs
• 1 egg yolk

Preparation

1. Mix together flour and salt in a deep mixing bowl (5L).
2. Using food processor grind peppermint candy to fine sugar consistency.
3. In a separate bowl, using a hand mixer, beat butter, sugar, and ground peppermint together until blended.
4. Add eggs and vanilla extract, use hand mixer to mix thoroughly.
5. Add the flour and salt mixture gradually to the combined butter, sugar and ground peppermint.
6. Separate into 2 pieces, wrap in plastic and let chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 350ºF and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
8. Spread flour on your work surface, and roll dough with our non-stick rolling pin to ¼ inch thickness.
9. Flour your cookie cutters before cutting shapes from dough.
10. Place on cookie pan and bake at 350ºF for 8-10 minutes or until the edges start to brown.
11. Let cool completely before decorating.

Once your cookie tray is filled and your cookies are ready to be gobbled up, brew yourself a hot cocoa or tea, and use our milk frother to make it extra special. Your warm drink will be extra jolly in our Festive Mug.

Helping you make sure you and your loved ones enjoy every bite of the holiday season this year,

Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 cup butter, softened

1 1/2 cups white sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 1/2 tsp matcha green tea powder

Black sesame seeds to sprinkle (optional)

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, stir together flour, matcha green tea powder, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.

In your stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. 

Roll dough into balls about one inch in diameter and flatten slightly to create round discs, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Sprinkle your black sesame seeds (optional).

Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let stand on a cookie sheet for two minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.

This is a wonderful recipe to make when you want to switch it up compared to the usual chocolate chip (or you could add some white chocolate chips in this – that would be delicious!). If you make this recipe and want to share it with us, tag us on Instagram @stokesstores and use the hashtag #StokesMoments.

December has arrived and that means it’s officially acceptable to bring out all things holiday in full force! For us at Stokes and thinkkitchen, nothing gets us into a festive mood more than starting to make all of our most delicious holiday goodies. Bringing out cookie recipes reserved specially for the holidays and starting to mix up your favourite ingredients is a magical moment and just another reason to love this time of year. Taking that first bite of mouthwatering chocolate, ginger, or sugar cookie can immediately bring you back to some of your favourite yuletide memories. It’s a mood like no other; you start to hum carols in your head and you can’t wait for what’s to come (fun family time, more seasonal food to indulge in and lots of presents!). It’s the season of cheer, and holiday baking can be a great family activity, a way to gift in an affordable way, or the perfect finishing touch for the biggest feast of the season!

There’s always a good reason to eat a cookie, and during the holidays that couldn’t be more true. So guess what? We have two more for you to bake! This week we have absolutely mouthwatering recipes for you to add to your holiday cookie tin: Easy Chocolate Shortbread Cookies (made with only 4 ingredients!) and healthy Gingerbread Cookies with blackstrap molasses and coconut oil. Easy for amateur bakers, and dreamed up by blogger and youtuber JoJo Boisverts for her own cookie tin, these dazzling treats are sure to please your loved ones–and Santa won’t be complaining either! Before getting started on turning your kitchen into a production center that could rival the North Pole, make sure you have all the baking tools you need! Jojo used the thinkkitchen Icing Set, the new Remy Olivier Diamond Baking Sheet, and our cute Bric-à-Brac Container to keep it all fresh!

Get ready to fill your home with the sweet scents of the season and spread some holiday cheer!

Helping you savour and share every bite during this season of giving,

@jojoboiverts

From behind a desk as an administrative assistant to a dietary technician in the kitchen, my new profession let’s me test, invent and share recipes.

My website, jojo dans le frigo, is for all the foodies of the world. You’ll find ideas for simple recipes, nutritional guidance, as well as articles related diet. My primary goal in relation to my occupation is to prove to you that health and pleasure go hand-in-hand. I am convinced that eating healthy is a form of self-respect and self-care. Cooking nurtures the soul and I hope to pass on this passion to you through my website.

Happy exploring! I hope it inspires you to cook a little bit more each day.

Whether you are picturing this summertime classic as an extraordinary event for a big group of friends and family, or if you just want to make lunchtime a bit more thrilling for you and the kids at the park, there are some essential tips you can follow to make sure your outdoor meal is a success!

This week, we put together a small list of Picnic Pointers that will come in handy for any outdoor meal you are planning; big or small, in the backyard or on your mountain hike. But that’s not all! In collaboration with recipe developer and blogger Unsweetened Caroline, we suggest two easy recipes to take with you for your open-air dining event: an easy-to-toss-together Asparagus Pasta Salad with Goat Cheese and Lemon Vinaigrette, and deliciously sweet Sugar-Free Strawberry Rhubarb Thumbprint Cookies!

With Unsweetened Caroline’s delectable recipes and our great tips, eating outdoors will be a sure way to up your everyday fun level over the summer months!

Pointers:

1. Picnics should be a breeze!
   Don’t stress over planning them& just take it easy. The great thing about picnics is that they are informal and simple.
2. Be Prepared:
   Accessories like corkscrews and napkins are easy to forget and don’t grow on trees! Create an organized checklist of all the necessary items you’ll need!
3. Travel and Transport:
   Make sure you have a sturdy, cool, and spill-proof way to transport your food. A backpack might be necessary depending on how far you have to travel, but if your destination is close by, something whimsical like our Biscayne Picnic Basket could be just right! Better yet, it comes fully loaded with a service for 4, including a wine cork!
4. Avoid Fragile Food:
   Leave the frosted cakes at home. Cookies are an easy dessert that won’t fall apart and that don’t require any assembly at your destination. Plus, it will satisfy your sweet tooth just the same!
5. Feature Fresh Finger Food:
   Dishes that are easily served and consumed, perhaps by only using a fork or nothing at all, and that will hold up in the heat (try to avoid mayo) are perfect picnic choices. A fruit platter, for instance, is easy to share, a crowd pleaser and will keep foodies feeling refreshed!
6. Dismiss Dining Conventions:
   Drop the formalities and forget the fancy dinnerware. No need to plan separate courses, so let guests enjoy as they please! Lightweight reusable melamine dishes are the best way to go for dinnerware and are a good choice for the environment!
7. The Forecast is a Factor:
   Whether it be hot or cold, sunny or cloudy, the weather is a factor. Bring sunscreen or an extra cozy throw to cuddle up in–just in case! Place food that needs to stay cool in the shade and don’t forget about other outdoor necessities like bug spray or bug repellent candles!

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Here to help you prep a meal that is useful for a hike, convenient to take to an outdoor sports game, or to set the mood on a grassy hill at sunset,

Caroline is the photographer, writer and recipe developer behind Unsweetened Caroline, a food blog that features healthy, sugar-free recipes. In addition to being sugar-free, most of her recipes are vegetarian and can be made allergy-friendly. She created Unsweetened Caroline when recovering from a sugar addiction, in hopes of inspiring others. When she’s not cooking, she’s either hiking, practicing yoga or dreaming about new recipes.

Caroline is a soon-to-be dietitian living in Saint John, New Brunswick. You can follow her on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or on her blog for more recipes!