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13 Easy Christmas Baking Ideas For A Calm And Cozy Holiday
Does the thought of holiday baking fill you with equal parts joy and dread? You picture perfect cookies but remember the kitchen chaos. It feels like another thing to add to an already overflowing to-do list.
This guide is for you. We focus on Easy Christmas Baking Ideas, which are simple, foolproof recipes designed to bring calm and coziness back to your holiday kitchen. Forget the stress of complicated desserts and the fear of a baking fail.
The easiest Christmas baking ideas are no-bake treats, simple one-pan wonders, and make-ahead recipes that deliver festive flavor without the fuss. You’ll discover 13 tested and perfected recipes that prove holiday baking can be a joyful, stress-free tradition for everyone, even beginner bakers.
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Feeling Overwhelmed by Holiday Baking? Here’s How to Make it Calm & Cozy
The pressure during the holiday season is real. Perfectly decorated sugar cookies flood your social media feeds, and it’s easy to feel like you need to be a professional pastry chef to participate. From my kitchen to yours, let me share a secret: I used to fall into that trap, too. One year, after a particularly stressful attempt at a multi-layered cake left me covered in flour and frustration, I decided to change my approach.
The goal of holiday baking isn’t perfection; it’s connection. It’s about creating warm memories, filling your home with the scent of gingerbread, and sharing something made with love. This guide is your permission slip to let go of the stress. We’re embracing simple holiday dessert ideas that are genuinely easy and incredibly delicious. These are the foolproof recipes I turn to year after year—the ones that guarantee a festive result without adding to the holiday chaos. Think of this as your toolkit for stress-free holiday baking, designed for beginners and busy schedules alike.
13 Easy Christmas Baking Ideas For A Calm And Cozy Holiday
Ready to find your new favorite holiday tradition? This list is packed with inspiration for every skill level and time constraint. Each of these 13 easy Christmas baking ideas has been tested and perfected to ensure success. These are my personal go-to recipes for everything from cookie exchanges to cozy family nights. We’ve included everything from classic Christmas cookies and no-oven-required wonders to make-ahead freezer dough that saves you time when you need it most. Let’s bring the joy back into baking.
1. Classic No-Bake Peppermint Bark
Pin this no-stress holiday classic to your ‘Christmas Treats’ board!
This is the ultimate last-minute holiday treat. With just a few ingredients and no oven required, this layered peppermint bark is a ridiculously easy candy cane dessert. It’s perfect for homemade edible gifts or for when you need a festive dessert in a hurry. The combination of rich dark chocolate, creamy white chocolate, and crunchy candy canes is a holiday flavor explosion.
Ingredients Needed:
- 12 oz high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips (chips or wafers designed for easy melting)
- 12 oz high-quality white chocolate chips or wafers
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt the semi-sweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Pour it onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer.
- Allow the dark chocolate to set slightly, about 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
- Melt the white chocolate in a clean, dry bowl. Stir in the peppermint extract.
- Pour the white chocolate mixture over the dark chocolate layer and spread evenly.
- Immediately sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the top. Let it set completely at room temperature (about 2 hours) or in the fridge (about 30 minutes). Once firm, break into pieces.
* Pro-Tip: Make sure your bowl and spatula are completely dry when melting the white chocolate. Any drop of water can cause it to “seize” and become grainy.
2. 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms
Save this super simple cookie recipe for a quick holiday treat!
It doesn’t get easier than this. These classic Peanut Butter Blossoms use only three main ingredients for the cookie dough, making them one of the best quick Christmas desserts around. They’re a staple for Santa cookie recipes because they’re unbelievably simple, yet everyone recognizes and loves the iconic combination of soft peanut butter cookie and a rich chocolate kiss.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- Approx. 24 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix the peanut butter, 1 cup of sugar, and the egg until well combined.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the extra granulated sugar to coat.
- Place the balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
- As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, immediately press one chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
* Lesson Learned: Don’t overbake these cookies! They will look slightly underdone when you pull them out, but they will set up perfectly as they cool. This is the secret to a soft, chewy texture.
Pin this no-chill sugar cookie recipe and save hours of time!
The biggest hurdle with cut-out sugar cookies is the long chilling time. This foolproof Christmas recipe eliminates that step entirely! These no-chill sugar cookies hold their shape beautifully and have a wonderfully soft texture, making them perfect for Christmas baking with kids. You can roll, cut, and bake them right away, saving you hours and making the decorating process much more fun and spontaneous.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- Festive sprinkles and a simple icing (powdered sugar + milk)
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut out shapes using your favorite cookie cutters and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Decorate with sprinkles before baking, if desired.
- Bake for 7-9 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. Let cool on the sheet for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.
* Pro-Tip: The secret to this no-chill recipe is the flour-to-butter ratio. Measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Scooping packs too much flour in, which can make the cookies dry.
Save this classic recipe for the most tender Christmas cookie ever!
Also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies, these buttery, nutty snowball cookies are a holiday staple for a reason. They have an incredibly tender, shortbread-like texture that melts in your mouth. The secret is rolling them in powdered sugar twice—once while warm and again when cool—to create that perfect, thick snowy coating. They are one of the most elegant and easy Christmas sweets you can make.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus 1 cup for rolling
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the flour, chopped nuts, and salt, and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly browned. The tops will still be pale.
- Let the cookies cool for just 5 minutes—they should still be warm.
- Place the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar in a small bowl. Gently roll each warm cookie in the sugar until it’s fully coated. Place on a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra snowy look, roll them in sugar again once cooled.
* Pro-Tip: The double roll in powdered sugar is key. The first roll on the warm cookies melts the sugar slightly, creating a base coat that helps the second coat stick for that perfect, thick snowball effect.
5. Easiest Ever 5-Minute Chocolate Fudge
Pin this 5-minute fudge recipe for the perfect edible Christmas gift!
This easy fudge recipe is a game-changer. Made in the microwave in about five minutes, it’s a completely foolproof, no-bake Christmas treat. You don’t need a candy thermometer or any special skills to get perfectly smooth, creamy, and rich chocolate fudge every single time. It’s the ideal recipe for making edible Christmas gifts in bulk or for a super-fast dessert.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups (12 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Pinch of salt, chopped nuts, or festive sprinkles
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to use as handles.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute. Remove and stir. If not fully melted, continue to microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Immediately stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the butter is melted and everything is incorporated.
- Pour the fudge into the prepared pan and spread into an even layer. Top with sprinkles or nuts now, if using.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Use the parchment handles to lift the fudge out of the pan, then cut into small squares.
* Lesson Learned: Do not overheat the chocolate mixture in the microwave. This can cause the chocolate to burn or separate, resulting in oily or grainy fudge. Short, careful heating intervals are the key to success.
Save this baking tips! The easiest, softest cookies you’ll ever make.
This is the ultimate semi-homemade Christmas idea. Using a box of cake mix as the base creates incredibly soft, chewy, and uniform cookies with almost zero effort. These 4-ingredient cookies are one of the best low-effort holiday treats and are absolutely perfect for Christmas baking with kids. They come together in one bowl in just a few minutes, and the festive M&M’s make them bright and cheerful.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 box (approx. 15.25 oz) yellow or vanilla cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Christmas-colored M&M’s candies
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, oil, and eggs. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Gently fold in the M&M’s.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. For a cleaner look, use a medium cookie scoop.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, until the edges are just set. The centers will still look soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
* Pro-Tip: For picture-perfect cookies, reserve a handful of M&M’s and gently press a few onto the tops of the dough balls right before they go into the oven. This ensures the bright colors are visible after baking.
7. 10-Minute Pretzel Turtle Candies
Pin the ultimate sweet and salty treat! Ready in minutes.
For the perfect blend of sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewy, look no further. This 3-ingredient Christmas candy is a last-minute lifesaver. Using square pretzels, Rolo candies, and pecan halves, these pretzel turtles come together in about 10 minutes. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and one of the easiest Christmas sweets you can possibly make.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 bag of square pretzels (like Snaps)
- 1 bag of Rolo chocolate caramel candies, unwrapped
- 1 bag of pecan halves
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Arrange the pretzels in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Place one unwrapped Rolo candy in the center of each pretzel.
- Bake for 3-5 minutes, just until the Rolos are soft and shiny, but not completely melted into a puddle.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven. While the chocolate is still warm and soft, gently press one pecan half onto the top of each Rolo, squishing it down.
- Let the candies cool completely to set. You can speed this up by placing the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes.
* Pro-Tip: You can easily customize these! Instead of pecans, try using red and green M&M’s for a nut-free version, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an extra flavor kick.
8. Cozy Gingerbread Loaf Cake
Save this simple loaf cake recipe for an easy Christmas morning breakfast!
When you want a festive bake that isn’t a cookie, this gingerbread loaf cake recipe is the perfect answer. It’s a simple, one-bowl Christmas baking project that fills your house with the cozy aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses. The batter is incredibly moist and comes together in minutes. This easy holiday cake is perfect for a festive breakfast, a simple dessert, or a lovely homemade gift.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup hot water
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and molasses. Whisk in the egg.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour and spices.
- In another small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the hot water.
- Add half of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Pour in the hot water mixture and stir. Finally, add the remaining flour mixture and mix until smooth. The batter will be thin.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
* Pro-Tip: For an easy, beautiful finish, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk or lemon juice to create a simple glaze. Drizzle it over the completely cooled loaf.
Pin this recipe for the fudgiest, most dramatic-looking Christmas cookie!
These chocolate crinkle cookies are the definition of impressive but easy desserts. They have a rich, fudgy, brownie-like interior and a dramatic, crackled exterior. Best of all, this is another no-chill cookie recipe! The dough is soft and sticky, similar to a thick batter, which you roll in powdered sugar right before baking. The result is a stunning cookie that looks far more complicated than it is.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for rolling
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, oil, and cocoa powder. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Add this to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. The dough will be soft and sticky, similar to a thick brownie batter.
- Place the powdered sugar in a small, shallow bowl.
- Drop a tablespoon of dough directly into the powdered sugar and roll it around to coat it generously. Form it into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies will puff up and the beautiful crinkles will appear. Let cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
* Lesson Learned: Be very generous with the powdered sugar coating. A thick, complete coating is what creates the dramatic contrast and the signature “crinkle” as the cookie spreads and bakes. Don’t be shy!
10. Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bites
Save this buttery shortbread recipe! A perfect edible gift.
This shortbread recipe is incredibly simple and results in a buttery, crumbly cookie packed with festive flavors. The combination of tart dried cranberries and fresh, aromatic orange zest is a holiday classic. Because they’re baked in an 8×8 pan and then cut, there’s no rolling or chilling required. These are sturdy little bites, making them perfect for packaging up in holiday cookie boxes or as simple Christmas goodies for gifting.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and orange zest together until fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed until a crumbly dough forms. Stir in the chopped dried cranberries.
- Press the dough evenly into an ungreased 8×8 inch square baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to flatten it smoothly.
- Pierce the dough all over with a fork.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
- As soon as you remove it from the oven, use a sharp knife to cut the shortbread into small squares or fingers. Let it cool completely in the pan before removing.
* Pro-Tip: The key to tender shortbread is not to overwork the dough once the flour is added. Mix only until it just comes together. Pressing the crumbly mixture into the pan is the correct technique.
11. Salted Caramel Chocolate Pretzel Bark
Pin this addictive sweet & salty bark recipe for your next holiday party!
Often called “Christmas Crack” for its addictive qualities, this holiday bark recipe is a must-try. It features layers of crunchy pretzels, a simple homemade brown sugar caramel, and a rich chocolate topping, all finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. It’s an easy Christmas candy to make in a large batch on a single baking sheet, making it perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 sleeve of saltine crackers or about 40 mini pretzels
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and then a layer of parchment paper.
- Arrange the pretzels in a single, tight layer on the parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together over medium heat, stirring until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and continue to boil for 3 minutes without stirring.
- Immediately pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the pretzels.
- Bake for 5-6 minutes, until the caramel is bubbly all over.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot caramel. Let them sit for 5 minutes to melt, then use an offset spatula to spread the chocolate into a smooth layer.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate until firm. Break into pieces to serve.
* Lesson Learned: Do not skip the foil layer under the parchment paper. The hot caramel can sometimes seep through, and the foil will save you from a very difficult cleanup job.
12. Christmas Wreath Cornflake Treats
Save this fun, festive, no-bake recipe to make with the kids!
These cornflake wreaths are a nostalgic, kid-friendly holiday recipe that is as fun to make as it is to eat. As a no-bake Christmas treat, it’s perfect for getting little hands involved in the kitchen. The process is simple: melt marshmallows and butter, stir in green food coloring and cornflakes, and shape into cute little wreaths. Decorate with red candies for a festive final touch.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 (10 ounce) bag of mini marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon green food coloring
- 5 cups cornflake cereal
- Small red candies (like Red Hots or mini M&M’s) for decoration
Step-by-Step Directions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until they are completely melted and smooth.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the green food coloring.
- Add the cornflakes and stir gently until they are evenly coated in the green marshmallow mixture.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto wax paper.
- Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray. Working quickly while the mixture is still warm, shape each spoonful into a wreath shape with a hole in the center.
- Decorate with a few red candies to look like holly berries. Let the wreaths cool and set completely before serving.
* Pro-Tip: This mixture is very sticky! Greasing your hands is non-negotiable. Work fast, as the wreaths become difficult to shape once the marshmallow starts to cool and harden.
13. Make-Ahead Freezer “Slice & Bake” Shortbread
Pin this ultimate time-saving tips for fresh-baked cookies anytime!
This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a strategy for truly stress-free holiday baking. By preparing logs of freezer-friendly holiday cookie dough in advance, you can have fresh, warm cookies with minimal effort whenever you want. This versatile shortbread base can be customized with different mix-ins. When guests drop by or you need a quick treat, just slice off a few rounds and bake them directly from frozen.
Ingredients Needed (for the dough):
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional mix-ins: mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or festive sprinkles
Step-by-Step Directions (for making and freezing):
- Prepare the shortbread dough by creaming the butter and powdered sugar. Stir in vanilla. Add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Stir in any optional mix-ins.
- Transfer the dough to a large piece of parchment paper.
- Using the paper to help, shape the dough into a uniform log about 2 inches in diameter.
- Roll the log up tightly in the parchment paper, twisting the ends like a candy wrapper to seal.
- For best results, chill the log in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Place the wrapped dough log into a freezer-safe zip-top bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- To Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dough from the freezer, unwrap, and use a sharp knife to slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. No thawing required!
* Pro-Tip: This is the ultimate holiday baking strategy. Make several different logs with different mix-ins early in December. When you need a quick treat, just slice off as many cookies as you need and bake from frozen.
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Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Calm Christmas Baking
- Embrace No-Bake: For a true last-minute save, recipes like Peppermint Bark or Pretzel Turtles are ready in minutes and require zero oven time.
- Use Baking tipss: Shortcut recipes using cake mix or just 3 ingredients (like Peanut Butter Blossoms) deliver classic flavor with minimal effort and cleanup.
- Bake Ahead & Freeze: The ultimate stress-reducer is preparing dough in advance. A Freezer Shortbread Log means fresh cookies are only 15 minutes away, anytime.
- Choose One-Pan Wonders: Simple recipes like Gingerbread Loaf Cake or Cranberry Shortbread Bites are made in a single pan, which simplifies the process from baking to cleanup.
- Keep Decorating Simple: You don’t need complex icing skills. A simple powdered sugar glaze, festive sprinkles, or pressing a chocolate candy on top is all you need for a festive look.
People Also Ask About Easy Christmas Baking
Yes, absolutely. Making cookie dough ahead is a fantastic way to save time. Most drop cookie and cut-out cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, shape dough into a log or individual balls, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. “Slice and bake” cookies can even be baked directly from frozen.
The key is keeping the dough cold and using the right amount of flour. If your cookies are spreading, it’s likely the butter in the dough is too warm. After cutting your shapes, place the entire baking sheet with the cookies on it into the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before baking. This chills the butter, which helps the cookies hold their shape in the oven.
What are the easiest Christmas treats to make for non-bakers?
No-bake treats are the best choice for non-bakers. Simple recipes like chocolate fudge, peppermint bark, cornflake wreaths, or pretzel turtle candies are foolproof. They don’t require an oven and rely on simple melting and mixing, making them perfect for building confidence in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
Remember, the true purpose of holiday baking is to create joy and delicious memories, not to achieve perfection. You don’t have to tackle a complicated recipe to make the season feel special. Choosing one simple, homemade treat from this list can fill your home with warmth and give you something wonderful to share with the people you love. That’s the real magic of Christmas baking.
Which of these easy ideas are you most excited to try this holiday season? Let me know in the comments below
Last update on 2025-11-27 at 02:42 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
