What is included in the Winter Breads class?

The class includes making garlic & herb dinner rolls, a cinnamon roll snowflake bread, and cranberry orange scones from scratch.

Is prior baking experience required?

No prior experience is necessary; the class is designed for beginners and casual bakers.

Are there age restrictions for the class?

Yes, participants must be 16 years or older.

Can I bring someone with dietary restrictions?

Please note the class uses wheat, dairy, and eggs, and the kitchen handles multiple allergens; inform the staff in advance.

What should I wear to the class?

Wear comfortable, casual clothes that can get a little flour on them and closed-toe shoes for safety.

Can I take my baked goods home?

Yes, you’re encouraged to bring containers to take your freshly baked breads and scones home.

Holiday Baking Classes at Bettie's Chicago | Food Tour | Workshop

Chicago’s vibrant culinary scene extends beyond its famed deep-dish pizza and hot dogs with Bettie’s Chicago, a hands-on baking studio offering an inviting seasonal retreat from winter’s chill. Right in the heart of the city’s bustling North Side — at 853 N Larrabee St Suite C — Bettie’s transforms flour, yeast, and spices into crafted breads that capture festive spirit and comfort in a small-group setting.

Winter Breads is more than just a baking class; it’s a 3-hour dive into the craft of breadmaking, focusing on practical techniques paired with creative shaping. Participants begin by mastering a soft, pillowy yeast dough from scratch. Then the class unfolds with step-by-step guidance on shaping garlic and herb dinner rolls — a savory staple that pairs well with any holiday meal. The centerpiece is a captivating cinnamon roll snowflake bread, an impressive design that offers edible art alongside its sweet, spiced flavor. The session closes with tender cranberry orange scones, bringing a bright, seasonal contrast to the heavier breads.

This class is perfectly timed for holiday gatherings and designed for bakers ages 16 and up, making it a unique urban activity for locals and visitors alike. Bettie’s emphasis on small groups fosters an intimate atmosphere where questions and hands-on practice take center stage. Chicago’s mix of cultural influences and seasonal markets add texture to the experience, grounding this baking workshop as a distinctive pause within the city’s winter rhythm.

For culinary adventurers and city explorers seeking to engage more deeply with Chicago’s edible landscape, Bettie’s Winter Breads offers a warm, creative outlet. It’s an essential booking for anyone ready to make memorable, handmade treats with real skill and festive style. Plus, learning techniques here translates to an ongoing skill set to carry through every holiday season.

About Bettie's Chicago

Bettie's Chicago is a hands-on bakery and cooking studio in Chicago led by head chef Kristin “Baker Bettie” Hoffman. The studio offers a wide range of classes, workshops, and take-and-bake options for home bakers, food lovers, and groups. Participants learn techniques for breads, pastries, pies, and savory dishes with a focus on practical skills, approachable recipes, and small class sizes that enable personalized instruction.

Classes include introductions to bread baking, sourdough intensives, focaccia art, French breads, artisan pizza, homemade pasta, and seasonal favorites like pumpkin cinnamon rolls and apple cider donuts. Specialty workshops cover cookie pickups, cupcake and cake decorating, macaron making, and multi-day sourdough courses for intermediate bakers. Private events and corporate team-building sessions are also available by request.

Bettie's Chicago emphasizes hands-on learning: students mix, knead, shape, and bake during sessions and often take finished products home. The studio highlights ingredient quality, clear step-by-step guidance, and reproducible recipes so attendees can recreate results at home. Classes specify age recommendations and duration, and many allow dietary accommodations or vegan-friendly options.

The business is suitable for beginners through experienced bakers seeking focused technique work or creative culinary experiences. Reviews and event listings on reputable city guides and The Adventure Collective spotlight consistent class offerings and seasonal specialties. Booking information, class schedules, and pre-order pickup options are available through the studio’s online listings and partner platforms.

Gift certificates, group discounts, and private lesson packages make Bettie's Chicago a flexible option for celebrations, team building, and hands-on culinary education across skill levels.