There’s something truly special about turning on the oven on a cold winter’s day.
Outside, snowflakes fall softly (or rain taps against the window), while inside, the scent of cinnamon, butter, and freshly baked treats fills the home. These are the moments that make winter magical.
Here are four recipes that will fill your kitchen – and your heart – with the spirit of Christmas, all made with the help of ONYX Cookware.
(Christmas) Apple and Cinnamon Muffins with Buttercream Frosting
The combination of juicy apples, warming cinnamon, and soft, creamy buttercream is simply irresistible.
These muffins taste like Christmas itself – sweet, cosy, and full of home-baked comfort. Perfect for an Advent coffee, a festive dessert, or a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea.
Ingredients (makes about 10)
Muffins:
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75 g soft butter
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60 g cane sugar
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60 g brown sugar
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170 g all-purpose flour
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2 tsp vanilla sugar
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3 tsp cinnamon
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1 pinch of salt
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1½ tsp baking powder
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3 eggs
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300 g coarsely grated apple
Buttercream Frosting:
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250 g soft butter (room temperature)
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500 g icing sugar
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2 tsp vanilla sugar (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
Method:
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In the ONYX Cookware stand mixer, beat together the butter, cane sugar, and brown sugar until pale and fluffy.
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In a separate bowl, combine flour, vanilla sugar, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder.
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Add the eggs one at a time, then fold in the grated apples (grated using the ONYX Cookware multifunctional vegetable chopper).
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Divide the batter into muffin cases and bake at 180°C for about 20 minutes. Let cool completely.
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Frosting: Beat the butter until light and airy, then gradually add icing sugar and vanilla. Continue mixing until smooth and creamy.
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Spoon the frosting into a piping bag and decorate the muffins.
Tip: Sprinkle a little cinnamon or add festive sugar pearls for that extra Christmas sparkle.
Classic Vanilla Wreath Cookies
Vanilla wreaths are the essence of Christmas baking.
The familiar scent of butter and vanilla drifting through the kitchen brings back childhood memories and creates instant holiday cheer.
These cookies bring generations together – and taste just as delightful as they smell.
Ingredients (makes about 30)
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80 g almonds
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1 vanilla pod (or 2 tsp vanilla sugar)
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180 g sugar
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200 g soft butter
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1 egg
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250 g all-purpose flour
Method:
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Finely grind the almonds using the ONYX Cookware cordless hand blender with chopper, and mix with a little flour.
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In the stand mixer, beat together butter, sugar, and vanilla, then add the egg.
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Fold in the almond flour and remaining flour until smooth.
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Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle and pipe wreath shapes onto a baking tray.
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Bake at 200°C (180°C fan) for 10–12 minutes, until lightly golden.
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Let cool and store in a biscuit tin – if they last that long!
Tip: Make a double batch – they tend to disappear faster than you think.
M&M’s Cookies
When Christmas calls for colour and fun, these cookies are the answer.
Crispy on the edges, soft in the centre, and full of bright M&M’s, they’ll bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Perfect for baking with kids or as a cheerful treat to share (or gift) during the holidays.
Ingredients (makes about 10)
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125 g melted butter
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150 g all-purpose flour
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25 g wholewheat flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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250 g cane sugar
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3 g salt
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1 egg
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150 g M&M’s + a few extra for decorating
Method:
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In the ONYX Cookware stand mixer, beat together butter, sugar, and egg until smooth.
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Mix the flours, baking powder, and salt, then combine with the butter mixture.
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Stir in the M&M’s (save some for the top).
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Chill the dough for about 1 hour.
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Roll into balls, place on a baking tray, and press extra M&M’s on top.
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Bake at 180°C for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are golden.
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Allow to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
Tip: For a more “grown-up” version, replace the M&M’s with dark chocolate chunks and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Apple Muffins with Ginger and Cinnamon
The smell of apple, ginger, and cinnamon wafting from the oven is pure winter comfort.
These muffins are soft, spiced, and heart-warming – the perfect treat for a chilly afternoon or a slow winter morning.
Ingredients (makes about 10)
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2 eggs
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120 g sugar
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120 g butter
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2 large apples
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5 cm fresh ginger (or 1 tsp ground)
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150 g all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp cinnamon
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1 tsp vanilla sugar
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½ tsp cardamom
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A handful of hazelnuts
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1 large apple for decoration
Method:
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In the ONYX Cookware stand mixer, beat together butter, sugar, and eggs until light and fluffy.
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Coarsely grate the apples and finely grate the ginger using the ONYX Cookware vegetable chopper, then fold into the mixture.
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Mix flour, baking powder, and spices, then add to the batter.
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Spoon into muffin cases and top with apple slices and chopped hazelnuts.
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Bake at 180°C for 20–25 minutes.
Tip: Dust with icing sugar before serving – it gives them a beautiful “snow-covered” look and the perfect festive touch.
Christmas Begins in the Kitchen
Whether you’re baking with the kids, inviting friends for some holiday cheer, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with the scent of fresh pastries in the air – Christmas starts right here, in the kitchen.
With the ONYX Cookware stand mixer, hand blender, and vegetable chopper, baking becomes not just easier, but more joyful too.
Preheat the oven, tie on your apron, and let the scent of butter, vanilla, and cinnamon fill your home. Christmas has begun.