7 Cozy Baking Projects to Beat the Winter Blues

Published on January 3, 2026

If dreary winter weather and cold temperatures have you feeling blue, baked goods are a great project to warm up a chilly day. In addition to creating a tasty treat you and your family can enjoy, baking will also help heat your home on a cold day. These recipes featuring tangy citrus, gooey chocolate, and warming cinnamon will help you forget all about freezing temperatures and snowflakes in the air. Whether you have a sweet tooth or are craving something savory, these recipes will inspire a day in the kitchen.

1. Sourdough Bread

If you haven’t hopped on the trend of baking sourdough bread, there’s no better time to try. Filling your home with the smell of freshly baked bread is a surefire way to brighten up a chilly winter day. One caveat: if you don’t have an existing sourdough starter, you’ll need to start prepping about a week in advance before you can bake your first loaf. But if you’re willing to be patient, this delicious recipe is well worth the wait!

2. Focaccia Bread

If you want the satisfaction of creating a stunning loaf of bread without the commitment of tending to a sourdough starter, focaccia is the way to go. This no-knead recipe is a great introduction to baking bread for beginners, and doesn’t require any special equipment. Our recipe calls for topping the dough with olives, roasted red pepper, rosemary, and garlic, but you can use this simple recipe as a base and dress it up any way you like. 

3. Chocolate Cake

In the mood for something sweet? Nothing brightens up a winter day like chocolate cake! This version comes together in just one bowl, so it’s perfect for days when you’re in the mood to bake but prefer minimal clean-up. Serve dusted with powdered sugar, or load it up with your favorite frosting and plenty of sprinkles.

4. Cinnamon Rolls

Start a winter morning off right with a fresh pan of cinnamon rolls. Believe it or not, a small dollop of mashed potato is the key to getting the rolls perfectly light and fluffy. This version also adds apple slices for a delicious mash-up between cinnamon rolls and spiced apple pie. Bake and serve the rolls in a cast-iron skillet for an easy, rustic presentation.

5. Blueberry-Citrus Muffins

Add a taste of summer to the middle of winter with this yummy blueberry muffin recipe. You can use fresh or frozen blueberries, so this dish can be made year-round. A spoonful of orange peel added to the batter gives it a touch of tanginess. Enjoy warm out of the oven, or freeze the leftovers and reheat them whenever you need a sweet treat. 

6. Peppermint-Chocolate Cookies

If you’re not quite ready to let go of holiday baking yet, these jumbo peppermint-chocolate cookies are winter perfection (and can help you use up any leftover peppermint candies). These cookies are best if they have the chance to freeze after scooping the dough, so it’s also a great multi-day project if you want to make the dough in the evening and bake the next day.

7. Fudgy Brownies

Gooey, chocolatey, utterly decadent fudge brownies will brighten any winter day. Skip the boxed mix and make these from scratch (they might just make you swear off boxed brownies entirely!). A thick layer of chocolate cream cheese frosting on top helps make this recipe the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers. Bake, frost, and have a cup of hot cocoa ready to sip alongside them.