Baking Chocolate Delights: Canadian-Approved Christmas Recipes

Christmas in Canada is a magical time, with sparkling snowflakes, cozy gatherings, and of course, delicious food. One of the most beloved traditions during the holiday season is baking—especially when it involves chocolate! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking to whip up something sweet for the holidays, Canadian-approved chocolate recipes are a surefire way to spread joy and satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. In this blog post, we’ll share some of the best chocolatey treats to bake this Christmas that are sure to delight your friends, family, and holiday guests.

1. Chocolate-Orange Shortbread Cookies

A true Canadian classic, these decadent chocolate-orange shortbread cookies are a festive twist on the traditional shortbread recipe. The combination of rich, buttery shortbread with the zesty hint of orange and smooth chocolate is a flavor profile loved across the country.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate, melted (for drizzling)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar together until smooth.
3. Add the vanilla extract and orange zest. Gradually mix in the flour and cocoa powder until a dough forms.
4. Roll the dough into a log and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
6. Once cooled, drizzle the cookies with melted dark chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness.

2. Double Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan pie is a holiday staple in Canada, but these double chocolate pecan pie bars take it to a whole new level. Rich, gooey, and indulgent, these bars combine the classic pecan pie filling with the deep flavor of chocolate—making them an instant favorite at any holiday party.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, pulse together the flour, cocoa powder, brown sugar, and butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake for 15-20 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, corn syrup, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips.
5. Pour the filling over the crust and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, until the filling is set.
6. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares and serving.

3. Canadian Maple Chocolate Fudge

No Canadian holiday dessert spread is complete without maple syrup, and this rich chocolate fudge infused with real Canadian maple syrup is the perfect treat. It’s creamy, smooth, and has a delightful maple undertone that screams “Canada.”

Ingredients:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (preferably Canadian)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions:

1. Line a small square baking dish (8×8-inch) with parchment paper.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
3. Stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract until combined.
4. Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly.
5. If desired, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top.
6. Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours until firm, then slice into squares and enjoy!

4. Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

What’s better than a cup of hot chocolate on a cold Canadian Christmas night? How about hot chocolate in the form of cupcakes! These peppermint hot chocolate cupcakes are fluffy, moist, and topped with a decadent marshmallow frosting and crushed peppermint—perfect for your holiday celebrations.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup hot chocolate mix
• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (for topping)
• Crushed peppermint candies (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the sugar and butter together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, along with the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk. Stir in the hot chocolate mix.
5. Spoon the batter into the muffin tins, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Once cooled, top each cupcake with mini marshmallows and crushed peppermint candies.

5. Classic Chocolate Yule Log

A holiday favorite in many Canadian homes, the chocolate yule log (or bûche de Noël) is a showstopper. This beautiful rolled cake is filled with rich chocolate ganache and decorated to resemble a log, making it an impressive centerpiece for your Christmas dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt together, then fold them gently into the egg mixture.
4. Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared pan and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched.
5. While the cake is baking, prepare a clean kitchen towel and sprinkle it with powdered sugar. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and invert it onto the towel. Roll the cake up with the towel inside and allow it to cool completely.
6. For the ganache, heat the heavy cream until it’s almost boiling, then pour it over the chocolate chips. Stir until smooth.
7. Once the cake is cooled, unroll it carefully and spread a thin layer of ganache on the inside. Roll the cake back up and frost the outside with the remaining ganache.
8. Decorate with powdered sugar and any additional festive touches (like holly or miniature pinecones) before serving.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just indulging in some sweet holiday self-care, these Canadian-approved chocolate recipes are guaranteed to make your Christmas extra special. From buttery shortbread cookies to gooey pecan pie bars, and decadent chocolate fudge, there’s a chocolate treat here for every taste. So, preheat your oven, grab your apron, and let’s get baking to make this holiday season even sweeter!

Happy Holidays and happy baking! 🍫🎄

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