Baking ingredients that are worth the extra cost this holiday season

Food is one of the best parts of the holiday season. Whether you’re looking forward to pumpkin pies or sugar cookies, a tasty treat makes everything feel more special. Unfortunately, some of the baking ingredients that make those recipes possible are a bit costly. Check out why they have slightly higher prices and when it’s actually worth paying more at the register.

Why Are Some Ingredients More Expensive During the Holidays?

You’ve likely noticed your grocery bills get more expensive when it’s time for the holidays. More people are baking recipes for extended family and friends, so the demand for similar ingredients is higher. Manufacturers may price gouge their products to make a much higher profit while the increased demand lasts.

However, many companies make high-quality products that are more costly because their manufacturing process is more complicated. Those prices rarely change because the manufacturing steps stay the same. Consumers know they’ll get the same premium goods because they’re paying more than off-brand alternatives.

When is it worth paying more money for certain baking ingredients? It all comes down to your selection. Some higher-priced products will provide premium ingredients that make your recipes outstanding.

Baking Ingredients That Are Worth the Splurge

Get ahead of the holiday rush by figuring out what’s worth your money. You could even stock up before each holiday arrives so you don’t have to worry about your local grocery store running out of what you need.

1. Almond Flour

People substitute almond flour for wheat-based flour in numerous baking recipes. It reduces the number of calories in each bite while providing a grainy texture that suits desserts like cakes.

Higher-priced almond flour often has a finer consistency. The manufacturers spend more time turning their almonds into a powder that’s closer to white flour. If you’re serving loved ones who are particular about textures, paying more for better almond flour will be the best way to help them love your holiday recipes.

2. Premium Butter

High-quality butter brands often include more butterfat than standard products. You’ll get decadent, creamier baked goods with a slightly higher fat percentage.

"Butter is the foundation of so many holiday treats, from flaky pie crusts to rich cookies," says Michelle Palazzo — Director of Pastry at Frenchette. "Investing in a premium butter with higher butterfat content can elevate your baking from good to extraordinary."

Spending an extra dollar or two could make your recipe something that tastes out of this world. It’s one way some baking ingredients are worth the additional cost if your holiday food budget has a bit of wiggle room.

3. Chocolate

Luxury chocolate might look the same as any other baking chocolate product, but it likely has a higher cocoa butter percentage. It makes a richer texture and bolder chocolate flavor. You might also notice a stronger cocoa presence because premium chocolate typically doesn’t contain any extra oils or high amounts of sugar.

4. Olive Oil

You might use vegetable oil when you’re making brownies, but the holidays call for something extra special. Many fan-favorite recipes call for olive oil instead. Use it to make top-tier carrot cakes, chocolate chip banana bread and oatmeal cookies.

You’ll enjoy a more decadent dessert by substituting vegetable oil with oil drawn from olives. It’s tasty and reduces cellular inflammation through its anti-inflammatory properties. You’ll nurture everyone’s health while still enjoying every sweet treat you love during the holidays.

5. Flake Salt

People sometimes think all salt is the same when it’s on a list of baking ingredients, but that isn’t true. Flake salt enhances any recipe. It’s refined salt crafted into tiny flakes so they serve both flavor and decorative purposes.

Sprinkle them on top of caramel chocolate chunk cookies or chocolate pies to dazzle your guests. You can even use them to season steaks long after the holidays end.

6. Whole Nutmeg

Nutmeg is available in powder form at most grocery stores, but you’ll have a deeper aromatic experience by getting whole nutmeg instead. Use it as an essential ingredient in a pumpkin pie dip for vanilla wafers or a nutmeg cake baked in a bundt pan. You’ll feel like a professionally trained baker when serving this elevated ingredient to all your favorite people.

7. Vanilla Bean Paste

Vanilla extract forms the heart of numerous baked goods. It’s perfectly fine to use it throughout the year, but paying a bit extra for vanilla bean paste will make these holidays something you’ll never forget. It lends the same flavor with a stronger vanilla profile.

The paste is thicker because it retains some of the vanilla seeds that create those iconic specks in vanilla bean products. You can use it while making ice cream, frosting and even homemade milkshakes for a pure vanilla experience that will win any holiday baking competition.

8. Premium Brown Sugar

Manufacturers make brown sugar by soaking sugar cane with molasses. Premium alternatives use more molasses than the brown sugar you’ve likely had in your pantry throughout the year, which creates thicker syrups, sauces and desserts. Make things like cinnamon rolls and gingerbread cake with high-quality brown sugar and everyone will think an expert made them at a local bakery.

Prep Your Kitchen for Holiday Recipes

You don’t need to spend a ton of money to make your favorite holiday recipes this year. Save where you can, but splurge on the ingredients that elevate your baked goods. Selecting baking ingredients made with extra care will transform your favorite desserts into unforgettable culinary experiences for everyone you love.