Family Traditions: Baking Edition

Building family traditions around baking during the holidays can create lasting memories and foster a sense of togetherness. At Once Again Nut Butter, we believe that the kitchen is the heart of the home, especially during festive seasons. Here’s how you can cultivate these cherished traditions, along with a delicious recipe for Vegan and Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies that your family will love.

Baking together as a family not only enhances culinary skills but also strengthens bonds. Here are a few reasons why baking together is a wonderful tradition:

• Quality Time: Engaging in baking allows families to spend quality time together, sharing stories and laughter.
• Creativity: Baking encourages creativity as family members can experiment with flavors and decorations.
• Learning: Children learn valuable skills such as measuring ingredients, following instructions, and understanding the science behind baking.
• Celebration: Baking holiday treats can be a fun way to celebrate traditions, whether it’s making cookies for Santa or preparing special desserts for family gatherings.

Tips for Creating Baking Traditions

1. Choose a Day: Designate a specific day each year during the holidays for family baking. This could be a weekend or a day off from work or school.
2. Select Recipes Together: Involve everyone in choosing recipes. This could include traditional family recipes or new ones you want to try, we have so many on our website for you to choose from!
3. Create a Baking Playlist: Music can enhance the experience. Create a playlist of your family's favorite songs to enjoy while you bake.
4. Decorate Together: After baking, take time to decorate your treats together. This adds an extra layer of fun and creativity.
5. Share Your Creations: Consider sharing your baked goods with neighbors or friends, spreading holiday cheer and making the experience even more rewarding.

Vegan and Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Here’s a delightful recipe from our website that perfectly embodies the spirit of holiday baking:

Ingredients

• 1 cup Once Again Creamy Peanut Butter
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup gluten-free flour blend
• 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the Once Again Creamy Peanut Butter, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and gluten-free flour blend.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Fold in the dairy-free chocolate chips.
6. Drop spoonful of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy Together!