The joy of Christmas baking | Festive traditions, easy Christmas recipes and new seasonal favourites
There is something truly magical about Christmas baking. The comforting scent of cinnamon and nutmeg drifting through the home, the gentle hum of the oven, and the excitement of sharing homemade treats with loved ones all combine to create one of the most cherished traditions of the festive season. At Burnham Waters, where lifestyle, wellbeing and community are at the heart of daily life, Christmas baking is about far more than food – it’s about connection, creativity and joyful memories.
For many, festive baking is rooted in family tradition. You may remember standing at the kitchen counter as a child, helping to stir cake mixture or sprinkle decorations on iced biscuits - a tradition you may now be enjoying with your own grandchildren. These special moments are never forgotten, and Christmas recipes passed down through generations often become precious keepsakes in their own right.
Special Christmas recipes
Many of us have a few favourite, go-to, or special recipes that we know are a crowd pleaser. In this week’s blog, we are very fortunate that Diane, one of our lovey residents here at Burnham Waters has shared with us one of her own recipes: really easy mince pies.
If you fancy giving this one a go – follow Diane’s recipe below:
Diane’s really easy mince pies
This recipe will make approximately 18 mince pies so you will need two, 12-hole patty tins (although you won’t use them all). They do not need to be greased. Pre-heat your oven to 180°C for a fan oven or 200°C for conventional. Gas mark 6.
Diane makes her own mincemeat using a Delia Smith recipe from her Christmas book but you do not need to do this. You just need one standard jar of mincemeat.
The pastry recipe was handed down to Diane from a friend, and she tells us this is the best pastry she has ever made for mince pies! It requires no rolling out and no added water and is very short when baked.
Diane suggests that you may wish to use the dough hook attachment on your mixer to bring the dough together to save kneading it with your hands.
Pastry recipe
225g or 8 ounces of cold butter, diced
350g or 12 ounces of plain flour
100g or 4 ounces of golden caster sugar
Pinch of salt
One small egg beaten
Icing sugar to dust
Method
Rub the butter into the flour, then mix in the sugar and a pinch of salt.
Combine the pastry into a ball using either your hands or the dough hook attachment on a mixer. Do not add any liquid.
Knead the dough briefly. It will be quite firm like shortbread dough. You can use it immediately or chill for later.
Line the patty tins by forming walnut sized pieces of dough and pressing them into the tins.
Fill them with a large teaspoon of mincemeat.
Use another ball of dough, slightly smaller than the first and use your hands to form it into a flat lid.
Place these over the top of each pie and press the edges down firmly. You will not need milk or egg to seal them as they stick quite well on their own. (The pies may now be frozen for up to one month if required). Diane’s tip: allow them to partially defrost before baking.
Prick, each pie with a fork and brush with beaten egg.
Bake for approximately 20 minutes until golden.
Leave in the tins for about five minutes before removing to a wire rack.
Lightly dust with icing sugar before serving.
They will keep for up to four days in an airtight container.
If you decide to give this one a go, or you have a special recipe to share we’d love to hear from you! Share with us on our Facebook page, or our Instagram.
Other traditional Christmas baking favourites that never go out of style
If you have been inspired by Diane’s recipe and you are keen to keep baking, we share a few suggestions for beloved classics, which remain fixtures on festive tables year after year:
Rich Christmas cake
Soaked fruit, warming spices and a splash of brandy or rum make this the show-stopping centrepiece of many festive celebrations. Even a simpler version topped with marzipan and icing feels wonderfully indulgent. Why not try this classic Christmas cake recipe from Good Food.
Gingerbread biscuits
Fragrant, spiced and full of character, gingerbread is ideal for baking with grandchildren. Decorating with icing, sweets and festive sprinkles makes Christmas baking even more joyful. Why not try this easy gingerbread biscuit recipe from the BBC website.
Classic shortbread
Buttery and beautifully simple, shortbread is perfect for gifting. Wrapped in festive paper or tins, these traditional biscuits always delight. Try Jamie Oliver’s shortbread recipe here.
New Christmas recipes to try this year
If you’d like to explore something new this festive season, there are plenty of modern twists on traditional Christmas baking that still feel comfortingly seasonal:
Orange and cranberry loaf
Light, fresh and beautifully colourful, this loaf is quicker to make than heavy fruit cake and perfect with a cup of afternoon tea.
Festive flapjacks
A wonderful option for beginners. Oats mixed with mincemeat make an easy but delicious festive bake.
Spiced apple muffins
Soft, comforting and gently spiced, these work beautifully served warm on a winter’s afternoon.
Chocolate peppermint slices
A simple no-bake Christmas recipe using a biscuit base and mint-flavoured chocolate topping – ideal for those who love indulgence without too much effort.
Easy Christmas baking for novice bakers
If you’re new to baking or simply prefer quick and easy Christmas recipes, there’s no pressure to attempt anything complicated. Some of the most popular festive treats are wonderfully straightforward:
• Ready-made pastry mince pies
• Decorated shop-bought cake bases with festive icing and fruit
• No-bake fridge treats such as chocolate biscuit tiffin
• Simple Victoria sponge dressed up with cream, berries and a dusting of icing sugar
The joy of Christmas baking isn’t about perfection – it’s about the pleasure of creating something festive and sharing it with others.
Sharing the joy of Christmas baking
One of the greatest pleasures of festive baking is how it brings people together. It’s a wonderful excuse to gather with friends, share favourite Christmas recipes, and enjoy laughter over a mixing bowl. For those at Burnham Waters, it’s also a lovely opportunity to connect with neighbours, swap homemade treats, or enjoy festive afternoons together over tea and cake.
For many residents, baking also becomes a way to give back – preparing small treats for friends, neighbours or visiting family. These simple acts of kindness often become the moments that make Christmas feel truly special.
A season of warmth, creativity and togetherness
Christmas baking is about more than what comes out of the oven. It’s about slowing down, enjoying the process, and creating something with care and comfort at heart. Whether you’re revisiting treasured Christmas recipes from your past, learning something new, or simply enjoying a festive slice of cake with friends, baking can be a great way to get into the Christmas spirit.
This festive season at Burnham Waters, we encourage everyone to embrace the simple joys of Christmas baking. From Dianne’s traditional mince pies or classic cakes to quick beginner-friendly treats and modern festive flavours, there’s something deeply uplifting about sharing food made with love at this magical time of year.
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Burnham Waters is a vibrant new residential community for the over 55s, situated in Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex. It offers the perfect blend of luxurious bungalow living, combined with the comfort and serenity of a rural village community.
With the first residents now moved in and settled into their homes here, a real sense of community is building here. Why not come and join us!
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Situated in the Essex countryside, yet within easy reach of the village centre, the homes at Burnham Waters enjoy an enviable location. The development itself is built around a sense of community and will include a host of local amenities and lifestyle facilities, all on site. The development includes plans for a local shop, bakery and café, and will also include a medical centre and a range of leisure facilities with a fitness suite, swimming pool and tennis court.
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