Chetna Makan’s Must-Make Holiday Recipe Is Sooo Chocolatey

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Fact: My holiday celebrations are never complete without a few sweet treats. Also a fact: I am not a baker. If it seems as though these facts exist in opposition, that’s because they absolutely do. Starting in early December, I’ll draft an extensive list of the holiday bakes I’d like to attempt—usually an assortment of cookies that would ideally be sorted into cute tins and delivered to loved ones. The reality? I forget a crucial ingredient in at least one recipe and end up with at least half of my cookies looking, well, extra homemade.

Baker and cookbook author Chetna Makan is someone who makes all of this look so easy, from the towering show-stoppers she made during her time on The Great British Bake-Off to the casual sweet delights she regularly shares on her Instagram feed. I sat down with the Great British Baker herself to learn a thing or two about keeping calm under holiday pressure, plus how she creates the warmest welcome for guests all season long (which may or may not include Mariah Carey streaming through her handy Sonos speaker).

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

MADISON TRAPKIN: The holidays have arrived, so it’s time to put your apron on and start baking. What are your must-have holiday treats?

CHETNA MAKAN: Cookies, a chocolate cake of some form, definitely profiteroles, eclairs, and tiramisu, because my kids absolutely love tiramisu. These are all my kids’ favorite things, so they really make the holidays come to life.

MT: Is there a special holiday meal that happens?

CM: My family loves a full roast for our holiday meal—a massive roast chicken and all the sides: homemade gravy, roast potatoes, vegetables, and Yorkshire puddings. Brussels sprouts make an appearance too, which no one except for me eats.

MT: That sounds like a true feast. What are your other favorite holiday traditions?

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CM: One of the things we do is buy a real Christmas tree every year because I love the smell. We always get it during the first weekend of December so that we’ve got enough time with the tree, because as soon as Christmas is over, the tree needs to be out. Some of my friends leave it till the first week of January, but I usually feel like I need to tidy up and get back to normal because I’ve enjoyed it enough.

MT: Okay yes, there totally comes a point when it’s time to move on from the Christmas tree, I support that.

CM: We also have a big holiday party every year, which we missed for two years. We got back on it last year, thankfully, and we plan to have one this year too. My friends look forward to it because for some of us, we won’t have seen each other for the whole year. This makes me so happy because it means my party is the place where we can all catch up.

MT: Right and you’re creating this beautiful, communal thing.

CM: Exactly. So I really, really look forward to it every year.

MT: What are the elements of that party that make it so special?

CM: So one of the biggest things is the playlist because music is very important to me. Usually, I’ll make the playlist, but last year I let my kids help because they’re a bit older now.

MT: And how did that go?

CM: It went very well because they know more about the latest party music than I do. I still made sure to throw in some holiday music as well.

MT: Do you have a quintessential holiday song?

CM: “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” obviously.

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MT: Who doesn’t love a little Mariah Carey?

CM: Right? That’s a song that makes everyone dance, like actually makes you want to jump up and down. Once the playlist is started, it’s very important to me to figure out the food. I start planning the menu early, and every year I end up with a massive table that’s full to every inch with food. I start cooking maybe a day or two in advance to do some prep, then I’ll start putting it all together on the day of the party.

MT: What do you listen to when you cook?

CM: So I’ve got a playlist filled with slow Bollywood songs, which is on all the time when I’m in the kitchen. If I’m not feeling a certain song or playlist, I’ll use Sonos Voice Control to change the music when I’m working so I don’t get my phone or speaker dirty. Then when guests arrive, I can take my Sonos Move from the kitchen to the living room or dining room where we’re entertaining. So it’s a win-win.

MT: I love that there’s never a moment without music around your house during the holidays. What tips do you have for bakers who’d like to get in the holiday spirit?

CM: For the holidays, please don’t try something completely new because you’ll just put too much pressure on yourself. If you really want to try something new, then I suggest practicing it at least once before the holiday season so that when you make it over the holidays, you know you’ve tried it, and then the stress of the new bake has gone. I’d also advise against making desserts the day of because you’ll have this whole meal to look after. Focus on the fresh food for your holiday meal, and make dessert ahead of time.

MT: So true, there’s no need to fuss over sweets while you’ve got a multi-course meal going on. What do you suggest folks try baking this holiday season?

CM: Profiteroles, like my Chocolatey Profiteroles With Praline Crunch, are great because you can bake them beforehand, then just fill them and finish the day of your party.

Tiramisu can be made three days in advance, and it’s actually better two days later because it’s just soaked up all the loveliness. In general, I’d say choose your bake far in advance, and make it a couple of days ahead. So that day, all you have to do is open the fridge and add any final touches before serving.

MT: Okay, I’m craving chocolatey profiteroles now. What’s the cherry on top at your festive gathering?

CM: Because it’s so dark during the late fall and winter months, I leave the fairy lights we put up for Diwali in October so my home stays bright through New Years. When it’s time for the holiday party, I turn on those lights and I also like to fill the room with candles. This is the perfect warm, welcoming atmosphere for friends and family.

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