Sweet festive treats

For me, Christmas is about slowing down, catching up with family and friends, and taking time to indulge in those little treats that I rarely manage to squeeze into everyday life – long winter walks, steaming mugs of hot chocolate, and settling down to read with a huge slice of something sweet. With that in mind, I’ve gathered together delicious recipes for festive cakes, bakes and tipples from some of my favourite food bloggers… Enjoy!

Cardamom rolls

First up is a Swedish-inspired treat that works for breakfast and afternoon tea – cardamom rolls with an almond glaze, courtesy of US blog The Modern Proper.

Gingerbread cake

Next is a great alternative to traditional Christmas fruit cake – soft gingerbread cake with cream cheese and berries from Linda of beautifully styled Swedish baking blog Call Me Cupcake.

Orange and rosemary donuts

I don’t think Laura of Lau Sunday Cooks created these orange-glazed donuts with sugared rosemary for Christmas, but I reckon they’re perfect for this time of year…

Hot chocolate and more

Call Me Cupcake’s Linda has created four festive hot drinks that are ideal for those lazy afternoons curled up by the fire: hot chocolate with cinnamon and orange liqueur, gingerbread latte, hot dulce de leche and chocolate, and easy chai latte. If you’re looking for something to dunk in them, try her butterscotch and ginger cookies.

The perfect punch

If you prefer warming winter tipples of the alcoholic kind, how about Rowen & Wren’s classic seasonal punch?

Chocolate and peppermint cake

For a festive chocolate fix, try this decadent cake from Tessa of Sweet Style CA. I love the way she’s topped it with sprigs of fir that look like miniature trees – a simple yet striking decoration idea.

Festive cookies

I love the sound of these fennel and rosemary cookies by the ever-inspiring Local Milk – sweet and a bit different.

Gin and things

Finally, if you want to jazz up your G&T for Christmas, here are my ideas for easy winter gin cocktails.

Photography by the bloggers named above; top image by Call Me Cupcake