Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but these homemade treats are so delightful! Preheat the oven and indulge in these winter baking recipes while the frosty winter air is still here.
39 Things to Bake While It’s Still Cold Outside
Updated on Sep. 17, 2024
Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Monkey Bread
Time to give rum cake a little competition! If this boozy take on monkey bread is too strong for your taste, cut back on the bourbon or use milk as a non-alcoholic substitute. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
1/38
2/38
German Apple Cake
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother made this German apple cake for my brothers and me when we were kids. It's an excellent choice for a Christmas potluck or actually any time of year. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 455 calories, 24g fat (6g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 212mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
3/38
Dutch-Oven Raisin Walnut Bread
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
1 loaf (32 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
On a cold day there is nothing better than a warm, crusty Dutch oven raisin bread filled with walnuts. —Catherine Ward, Taste of Home, Prep Kitchen Manager
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 130 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 149mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
4/38
Nutella Cinnamon Rolls
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These jumbo Nutella cinnamon rolls will stand alone at your next brunch. Bursting with chocolate, hazelnut, espresso and cinnamon, they will please any palate and bring to mind your favorite coffee shop bakery. —Pam Ivbuls, Elkhorn, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 616 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 89g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
5/38
Brownie Cupcakes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s fun to make these individual brownie cupcakes with a chocolaty surprise inside. My goddaughter asked me to make them for her birthday to share with classmates at school. She requested 32 treats. I later found out she needed only 27. I wonder where the other five went! —Pamela Lute, Mercersburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cupcake: 239 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 163mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
6/38
Gouda and Roasted Potato Bread
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
1 loaf (16 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family tried roasted potato bread at a bakery on a road trip, and I came up with my own recipe when we realized we lived much too far away to have it regularly. It makes for a really amazing roast beef sandwich and also goes well with soups. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 101 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 253mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
7/38
Skillet Brownies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a fun and festive way to serve brownies. Family and friends will love topping their pieces with whipped cream and strawberries. —Johnnie McLeod, Bastrop, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 409 calories, 24g fat (11g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 274mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
8/38
Bacon Parmesan Popovers
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 popovers
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe proves that simple ingredients often result in the best-tasting dishes. These popovers are a nice change from ordinary toast or muffins. —Donna Gaston, Coplay, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 popover: 167 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 248mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
9/38
Peanut Butter Bundt Cake
Total Time
2 hours 30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This peanut butter bundt cake with frosting is heavenly to me. I use smooth peanut butter, but crunchy would work, too. —Karen Holt, Rock Hill, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 465 calories, 22g fat (11g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 300mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (43g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
10/38
Bread Pudding Pie
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This unique dessert, a combination of pie and bread pudding, was created by my paternal grandmother's family. They had a farm and made their own bread, which made this a low-cost dessert. — Kelly Barnes, Lexington, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 314 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
11/38
Double Butterscotch Coconut Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this recipe for coconut cake from a co-worker years ago, then I changed it up a bit by adding a family favorite: butterscotch. It’s super easy to throw together and it makes a perfect accompaniment to coffee or tea. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 327 calories, 15g fat (10g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 359mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
12/38
Sage-Apple Cider Bread
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
1 loaf (16 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
Who knew sage and apple cider would create such a fantastic bread? This versatile loaf that has just a hint of sweetness makes wonderful sandwiches or stuffing. —Christine Wendland, Browns Mills, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 176 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 149mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
13/38
Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Although these cookies require a little extra effort, they’re worth it. I make them for every family gathering—and they never last long! —Marie Kinyon, Mason, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 89 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 43mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
14/38
Chocolate and Cherry Stromboli
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
1 loaf (12 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
This melty, chocolaty spin on stromboli is delicious for both breakfast and dessert. Serve it with a cup of coffee, and even the coldest winter day instantly feels more snug. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 248 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 205mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
15/38
Cheesy Cajun Cornbread Biscotti
Total Time
55 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This savory cookie is the bestseller at our Christmas cookie bazaar. Everyone requests the tasty biscotti every year. They're simple but very delicious. I will also serve them year-round as an appetizer. —Paula Marchesi, Auburn, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 83 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 191mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
16/38
Fudgy Layered Irish Mocha Brownies
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings.
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are big fans of Irish cream, so I wanted to incorporate it into a brownie. I started with my mom's brownie recipe, then added frosting and ganache. These decadent treats are the result, and we really enjoy them! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 295 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
17/38
Josh’s Marbled Rye Bread
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
1 loaf (16 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
This impressive marble rye bread may look like it would be difficult to make, but it’s actually quite easy! The flavors of the bread are mild yet satisfying. And I enjoy eating it with just a simple spread of butter or on a hearty sandwich loaded with my favorite fixings. —Josh Rink, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 273 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 312mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.
18/38
Red Velvet Pound Cake
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious red velvet pound cake is the perfect combination of flavors. Make sure the cake has cooled before icing it, and for extra crunch sprinkle some roasted pecans on top. —Robin Smith, Old Fort, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 639 calories, 30g fat (14g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 281mg sodium, 87g carbohydrate (67g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
19/38
Skillet Cinnamon Rolls
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I love using cast iron to get a nice crust on these skillet cinnamon rolls! The pan also makes an impressive serving dish on the table without it looking as if you tried too hard. —Danielle Williams, Newport, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
1 cinnamon roll: 424 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 356mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
20/38
Mini Chocolate Cakes with Caramelized Bananas
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 ramekins
From the Recipe Creator:
This was one of my first times spreading my wings with a recipe and trying to go a bit fancy. This is a breeze to make and a delight to serve. The recipe may look intimidating but after you try it once, you'll have it down pat. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 458 calories, 26g fat (15g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 76mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
21/38
Chai-Spiced Bread Pudding
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Nothing says the holidays to me more than the warming spices of chai. This bread pudding incorporates those flavors to make a dessert that everyone raves about. —Jessie Apfe, Berkeley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 180 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 218mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
22/38
Andes Mint Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Transform your favorite candy into a baked treat! These Andes mint cookies are better than any after-dinner mint. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 155 calories, 8g fat (6g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 107mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
23/38
Mexican Chocolate Walnut-Cherry Biscotti
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to combine flavors and spices from different cultures. These cookies have ground cinnamon in them, which is a classic flavor in Mexican chocolate. They are very crunchy and are loaded with maraschino cherries and toasted walnuts. —Nancy C. Evans, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 208 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
24/38
RumChata Cheesecake
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to experiment and make new and unusual-flavored cheesecakes. When I tried RumChata at a friend's party, I knew it would make a great cheesecake. For a pretty presentation, drizzle it with caramel syrup or topping, or sprinkle on some toasted coconut. —Christine Talley, Hillsboro, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 657 calories, 47g fat (28g saturated fat), 166mg cholesterol, 396mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
25/38
Cast-Iron Apple Nutmeg Coffee Cake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm not a great baker, but I do love coffee. In an effort to practice my baking, I use up the morning's last bit of coffee to make this cake—literally. It is super moist and crumbly, and tastes as if you dunked your cake right into a cup of hot joe. —Darla Andrews, Schertz, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 532 calories, 27g fat (6g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 284mg sodium, 71g carbohydrate (51g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
26/38
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm one of the cooking project leaders for my daughter's 4-H club, where these soft, delicious cookies were a huge hit with the kids. —Marietta Slater, Augusta, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 112 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 68mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
27/38
Big Soft Ginger Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These nicely spiced, big soft ginger cookies are perfect for folks who like the flavor of ginger but don't care for crunchy gingersnaps. —Barbara Gray, Boise, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 111 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
28/38
Cran-Apple Pecan Crisp
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Even folks who claim not to like cranberries rave about this dish. I cherish the recipe from my mother, who inspired my love of cooking. —Debbie Daly, Florence, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 244 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 56mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
29/38
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A pleasingly moist cake, this treat is the one I requested that my mom make each year for my birthday. It's dotted with sweet carrots and a hint of cinnamon. The fluffy buttery frosting is scrumptious with chopped walnuts stirred in. One piece of this carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is never enough—it's better than all the other carrot cakes I've tried! —Kim Orr, West Grove, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 531 calories, 28g fat (7g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 203mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (54g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
30/38
Pizookie
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Bake up the ultimate shareable cookie. For variety, swap out the chocolate chips for an equal quantity of M&M's or chocolate chunks. Or go super fancy by mixing the chocolate chips and pecans into the dough, then gently folding in 1-1/2 cups fresh raspberries. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 528 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 69g carbohydrate (43g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
31/38
Banana Bread
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
1 loaf (16 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
Whenever I pass a display of bananas in the grocery store, I can almost smell the wonderful aroma of this banana bread. It really is amazingly good! —Gert Kaiser, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 257 calories, 13g fat (1g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 171mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
32/38
Chocolate Chai Mini Loaves
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
3 mini loaves (6 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This bread is irresistible! A friend gets mad whenever I make it because I give her a loaf, and she can't help but eat the whole thing! —Lisa Christensen, Poplar Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 208 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 206mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
33/38
Ginger-Walnut Tube Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband, Ken, loves this tube cake with its bits of crystallized ginger. Feel free to drizzle it with a lemony glaze. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, NJ
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 465 calories, 20g fat (2g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 369mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
34/38
Cranberry Pecan Cookies
Total Time
20 min
Servings
3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These are so tasty and simple to prepare! Each delightful little cookie is loaded with cranberries, nuts and vanilla, giving them the taste of a treat that’s been slaved over. —Louise Hawkins, Lubbock, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 87 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
35/38
Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Santa is sure to stop by your house if you leave these minty triple-chocolate peppermint cookies waiting for him. They're quick and easy for the whole family to make together. —Teresa Ralston, New Albany, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 132 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
36/38
Buttermilk Pecan Pie
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the treasured "golden oldie" that my grandmother made so often whenever we'd come to visit. Grandma grew her own pecans, and we never tired of cracking them and picking out the meat when we knew we'd be treated to her special pie! —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 691 calories, 41g fat (20g saturated fat), 191mg cholesterol, 401mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (53g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
37/38
Warm Chocolate Melting Cups
Total Time
40 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These little cakes have become a favorite of our guests. They are always surprised that such a chocolaty dessert is so light—less than 200 calories apiece! —Kissa Vaughn, Troy, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 dessert: 197 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 51mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
38/38
Eggnog Bread Pudding with Cranberries
Total Time
50 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My parents love this bread pudding loaded with cranberries and pecans – and it uses up leftover dinner rolls. For eggnog lovers, it makes a divine dessert. —Emily Hobbs, Springfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 240 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 257mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
