Listen to “Christmas Story -The North Pole Bake-Off” on Spreaker.
At the North Pole, the elves were busy preparing for Christmas. There were toys to build, presents to wrap, and reindeer to groom. But this year, there was something extra special happening—a Bake-Off to find the most delicious Christmas treat!
Mrs. Claus had announced the contest to bring some fun to the workshop. “The winner’s recipe will become the official North Pole Christmas dessert!” she said with a twinkle in her eye.
Elves from every department were excited. Candy Cane, the candy maker, planned to bake peppermint swirl cookies. Gumdrop, the creative elf, wanted to make a towering gingerbread house. Even Jolly, the youngest elf, decided to join, though he wasn’t sure what to make.
“Let’s get baking!” Mrs. Claus declared as the contestants gathered in the grand kitchen.
The room buzzed with energy. Flour dusted the air, bowls clattered, and the sweet smell of cinnamon and chocolate filled the kitchen. Candy Cane worked quickly, her cookies already in the oven. Gumdrop sketched out an elaborate blueprint for her gingerbread house, while other elves whipped up fruitcakes, pies, and puddings.
Jolly stared at his empty counter. He had no recipe, no ingredients, and no idea where to start. “I’ve never baked anything before,” he whispered, feeling nervous.
Seeing his struggle, Mrs. Claus walked over. “What’s your favorite Christmas memory?” she asked kindly.
Jolly thought for a moment. “Drinking hot cocoa by the fire with my family.”
Mrs. Claus smiled. “Then start there. Bake something that makes you feel happy.”
With that, Jolly got an idea. He grabbed cocoa powder, marshmallows, and a bag of sugar. “I’ll make Hot Cocoa Cupcakes!” he exclaimed.
As the clock ticked down, the kitchen became even busier. Candy Cane’s cookies came out of the oven perfectly swirled. Gumdrop’s gingerbread house was a masterpiece, complete with gumdrop pathways and icing icicles. Jolly’s cupcakes, though simple, smelled heavenly.
Finally, it was time for the judges—Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and Chief Elf Sparkle—to taste the treats.
Candy Cane went first. Her peppermint cookies melted in their mouths, leaving a cool, minty sweetness. “Delicious!” Santa said, stroking his beard.
Next was Gumdrop. Her gingerbread house was almost too beautiful to eat, but the judges couldn’t resist. “Amazing craftsmanship and flavor!” said Mrs. Claus.
Then it was Jolly’s turn. He nervously placed his cupcakes on the table. The judges took a bite, and their eyes lit up.
“These taste like Christmas in a bite!” Chief Elf Sparkle declared. “The cocoa is rich, and the marshmallow frosting is so fluffy!”
After much deliberation, Mrs. Claus announced the winner. “This year’s official North Pole Christmas dessert is… Jolly’s Hot Cocoa Cupcakes!”
The elves cheered as Jolly’s cheeks turned as red as Santa’s suit. “I didn’t think I could do it,” Jolly said, beaming.
Santa patted him on the back. “Christmas magic is about more than just presents. It’s about trying your best and sharing joy with others.”
From that day on, Jolly’s cupcakes became a North Pole tradition, reminding everyone that sometimes the simplest treats, made with love, are the sweetest of all.
The End!
Follow-up Questions:
- What helped Jolly decide what to bake for the contest?
- Why do you think the judges chose Jolly’s cupcakes as the winner?
- If you entered a bake-off, what kind of treat would you make and why?