Nothing quite says “holiday magic” like the smell of warm spices wafting through your home. That said, successful holiday baking starts with the right ingredients. From the aromatic touch of cinnamon to pantry staples like flour, butter, and sugar, having holiday baking spices and pantry essentials on hand makes festive baking a breeze. Better yet, having a few unique ingredients allows you to tap into your creative side to make ordinary sweets extraordinary. Let’s fill your spice rack and pantry shelves with everything you need to create holiday masterpieces.
Essential Baking Spices to Have on Hand
Spices set the tone for holiday desserts. Stocking your pantry with these flavorful staples will take your treats from ordinary to unforgettable.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is the heart of holiday baking. To truly enhance your baked goods, try using Old Town Spice Shop’s Saigon Cinnamon Powder to make your creations stand out. Saigon cinnamon is prized for its high essential oil content, giving it a deeper and richer flavor than Cassia cinnamon. It’s the secret behind aromatic cinnamon rolls, apple pies, and snickerdoodles.
Ground Nutmeg
Nutmeg lends a warm, nutty flavor to cakes, cookies, and holiday eggnog. This spice comes from the seed of the Myristica fragrans fruit. A pinch of nutmeg in your batter or custard dials up the cozy factor a notch. It’s a team player too, blending beautifully with cinnamon and cloves.
Ground Ginger Root
Ground ginger root delivers a zesty kick to baked goods like gingerbread cookies, spice cakes, and holiday pies. Made from the dried root of the Zingiber officinale plant, ginger offers citrusy and floral notes alongside its subtle heat. Whether powdered or fresh, it’s a must-have for wintertime treats.
Cocoa Powder
No holiday season is complete without chocolate. Unsweetened cocoa powder offers a concentrated chocolate flavor, perfect for brownies, cakes, and homemade hot cocoa. Its bittersweet taste forms a delicious contrast to sugary holiday desserts.
Try our Royal Mahogany Cocoa Powder! Its deep color and complex aromas make it perfect for whipping up gourmet ice creams, dark chocolate cakes, and cozy holiday drinks.
Allspice
Despite its name, allspice isn’t a mix of spices but rather the dried berry of the Pimenta dioica plant. Allspice offers a cozy, mildly spicy taste that also carries a touch of sweet flavor along with a faint hint of pepper, making it an essential spice for holiday recipes like pumpkin pie, spice cookies, and Jamaican fruitcake.
Pantry Staples for Holiday Treats
A rule of thumb: Your pantry is your baking toolbox. Stock it with versatile ingredients that complement your spices to create everything from scones and pastries to cakes, cookies, pies, and candy.
Flours
All-purpose flour works for most recipes, but consider other types for variety. Whole wheat flour adds nuttiness, while gluten-free options like almond or rice flour cater to dietary needs. Experimenting with flours can add depth to your creations and allow you to get creative with flavors and textures.
Sugars
Sweeten your holiday bakes with the right type of sugar. Granulated sugar creates a classic sweetness, while brown sugar adds a caramel-like richness. For a fancy touch, try flavored sugars like Old Town Spice Shop’s Vanilla Bean Sugar. Sprinkle it on muffins, rim cocktail glasses, or use it in candy-making adventures.
Explore our flavored sugar collection to find all our most popular holiday flavors like:
- Spiced Chai Sugar
- Lemon Sugar
- Blueberry Sugar
- Pumpkin Spice Sugar
- Cinnamon Sugar
- Dark Chocolate Sugar
- And so much more!
Baking Powder and Baking Soda
These are the engines behind fluffy cakes and cookies. Baking soda is essential for recipes that include an acidic ingredient, while baking powder works independently. Make sure they’re fresh for the best results.
Extracts and Flavorings
Out of all our extracts and flavoring, vanilla might be the MVP here. For a twist, try French Vanilla Flavoring for a creamier finish. Almond extract adds a nutty edge to sugar cookies, while peppermint extract can turn ordinary chocolate desserts into holiday showstoppers.
Explore our entire collection of extracts and flavoring where you'll discover unique flavors like Pistachio Flavoring, Anise Extract, Bourbon Flavoring, and even Root Beer Flavoring, all perfect for holiday baking and cocktail making!
Oils and Fats
Butter gives a rich flavor to baked goods and isa must for whipped buttercream and icing. Shortening helps create tender pie crusts, while vegetable oil can be a lighter alternative for sweet breads and other treats. Keep these staples handy for every recipe, even some no-bake recipes.
Tips for Organizing Your Baking Essentials
A well-organized kitchen makes baking more fun. Here’s how to keep your spices and pantry items tidy.
Labeling Containers
Use see-through containers to store dry goods, then label them clearly. This way, you won’t have to guess the difference between flour and powdered sugar ever again.
Storing Spices Properly
Store spices in airtight jars away from heat and sunlight. Fresh spices mean stronger flavors in your baked goods, so keeping them fresh is key.
Creating a Baking Station
Dedicate a corner of your kitchen or pantry to baking tools and ingredients. Keep measuring cups, spatulas, and mixers within easy reach for a streamlined process. Before you start baking, set out everything you need in the order you need it to stay organized and save time.
Fun Holiday Baking Recipes to Try
Now that your pantry is prepped, let’s put your ingredients to good use! These recipes are perfect for a festive day spent baking in the kitchen.
Soft Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies are a holiday classic. Their spicy sweetness and decorated surfaces make them as fun to display as they are to eat. Check out our simple and delicious Soft Gingerbread Cookie recipe!
Spiced Banana Bread
This moist loaf combines warm cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves with the decadence of bananas. Serve it with a smear of sweet cream butter, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Get the Spiced Banana Bread recipe to start your baking journey!
Spicy Snickerdoodles
Picture a traditional snickerdoodle, soft and chewy, with a touch of cinnamon and sugar. Now, imagine adding a spicy kick: a dash of habanero sugar on top. The combination creates a delightful surprise that will make your taste buds dance. Download our Spicy Snickerdoodle recipe and kick up the flavor this holiday season!
Chocolate Grasshopper Ice Cream Tart
Wow your family and friends with this decadent and delicious tart that’s perfect for the holidays. This Chocolate Grasshopper Ice Cream Tart is a rich delight that will excite your taste buds. Every bite is a mix of flavors, textures, and a refreshing chill that will make you want more. Try it for yourself with our Chocolate Grasshopper Ice Cream Tart recipe featuring our Royal Mahogany Cocoa Powder.
Find Your Holiday Baking Essentials at Old Town Spice Shop
With your spice rack stocked and your pantry full of holiday baking spices and essentials, you’re ready to create all your festive favorites and new masterpieces. These must-have ingredients will give you the tools and the confidence to create mouthwatering treats for family and friends this holiday. So, grab your apron, preheat the oven, and let the baking adventures begin!
Happy baking and happy holidays from your friends at Old Town Spice Shop in Fort Collins, CO! Visit us online or in our store in Old Town this season for all your holiday spice essentials and gifts!