This post shares the 15 must-try Christmas Desserts to sweeten your holiday season!
Christmas desserts are the heart of every holiday gathering (besides your loved ones, of course). From classic Christmas cookies to rich cakes and festive trifles, these recipes bring comfort, nostalgia, and joy to the table.
Whether you’re baking with kids, hosting a party, or simply treating yourself, this roundup of the 15 best Christmas dessert recipes will inspire you with holiday flavors everyone loves, and will leave your tastebuds and soul feeling wonderful!
Cookies & Bar
1. Classic Sugar Cookies
No matter what you might hear, no Christmas is complete without sugar cookies. I may or may not be biased (I definitely am), but they’re simply delectable!
Their buttery, soft texture makes them perfect for cutting into festive shapes and decorating with colorful and silky smooth icing.
Here is a crowd pleasing soft and chewy sugar cookie recipe that may just change your life!
Tap here to try!
2. Gingerbread Cookies
Spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and molasses, gingerbread cookies are as fun to decorate as they are to eat.
They’re a timeless holiday tradition for both kids and adults, and will instantly immerse you into the holiday season no matter the time of year!
Below is an unforgettable recipe from In Bloom Bakery!
Tap here to try!
3. Snickerdoodles
Coated in delicious cinnamon sugar, snickerdoodles are chewy, soft, and packed with holiday warmth.
They’re simple to make, requiring basic ingredients you most likely already at home, but always feel cozy and festive.
Here is a recipe for the best snickerdoodle cookies that are soft and chewy from The Food Charlatan!
Tap here to try!
4. Peppermint Bark
If you don’t feel like dealing with the hassle of baking, peppermint bark might be a great option for you. This no-bake treat layers chocolate and crushed peppermint for a refreshing holiday flavor.
It’s easy to make in big batches for gifting, parties, or just for you to enjoy throughout the holiday season.
Here is a simple chocolate peppermint bark recipe for you to try!
Tap here to try!
5. Shortbread Cookies
If you love buttery flavors and crumbly textures, shortbread cookies are a perfect option for you. They practically melt in your mouth and ooze with warmth and flavor.
They’re elegant enough for a cookie exchange yet simple enough for an everyday treat.
Below is a recipe for the best buttery shortbread cookies!
Tap here to try!
Cakes & Cupcakes
As much as we love cookies, they’re not the only kind of delicious, festive holiday treats out there.
While cakes and cupcakes may take a little more effort and work to make, the end results make it all well worth it!
6. Yule Log (Bûche de Noël)
If you’ve never heard of it, a Yule Log (also known as a Bûche de Noël, or a Swiss roll by some) is a classic European Christmas dessert, originating in France. This dessert combines a rolled sponge cake with rich frosting, resulting in a light, moist, creamy and fluffy texture.
It’s as much an artistic centerpiece as it is a delightful dessert.
Here is a classic Yule Log recipe to try!
Tap here to try!
7. Christmas Cupcakes
Cupcakes are simply delicious no matter the time of year, but festive cupcakes are especially a fun and versatile dessert!
They’re perfect for experimentation and artistic expression as you can top them in any shape, way or form your’d like! Some popular seasonal decorations include candy canes, sprinkles, or mini ornaments for extra holiday cheer.
Below is a Christmas tree cupcake recipe to fully immerse you into the season!
Tap here to try!
8. Fruitcake
Love it or loathe it, fruitcake is an absolute Christmas staple.
Packed with dried fruit, nuts, and warm spices, it’s a dense and flavorful dessert that ages beautifully.
Here’s a traditional Christmas fruit cake recipe for you try!
Tap here to try!
Pies, Trifles & Tarts
We’ve discussed cookies and we’ve admired cakes, but now it’s time to explore their other iconic but sometimes forgotten relatives: pies, trifles & tarts!
9. Pecan Pie / Chocolate Pecan Pie
If you’re looking for something sweet, nutty, and rich, pecan pie is the perfect choice for you, and an absolute holiday must.
The best part? You can experiment and add your own decadent twists to the traditional recipe by adding chocolate to make it even more irresistible.
Here is a traditional base recipe to get you started!
Tap here to try!
10. Pumpkin Pie
Though often associated with Thanksgiving (or any holiday, gathering, or cozy weekend in my book), pumpkin pie absolutely deserves its place on the Christmas dessert table. It is an unforgettable classic with its spiced custard filling and flaky crust.
Here’s a guided homemade recipe that’ll blow you away!
Tap here to try!
11. Christmas Trifle
A Christmas trifle is perfect for those who love an “all in one”. Imagine this: layers of cake, custard, fruit (and/or anything else you’d like), and whipped cream come together in a trifle that looks just as good as it tastes.
It is a perfect choice when it comes to feeding a crowd, and here’s a mouthwatering peppermint trifle recipe that is sure to invoke the holiday spirit!
Tap here to try!
12. Apple Tart
You’ve most likely heard of apple pie, but have you ever heard of an apple tart?
A simple but elegant dessert, apple tart combines caramelized apples with buttery pastry (a sweet tooth’s dream!). It is a perfect choice if you’re looking for a lighter option that still delivers maximum holiday flavor!
Tap here to try!
Festive Sweets & Treats
While we’ve explored many sections and members of the dessert family tree together, in our final section, let’s focus on true festive sweets and twists, not just the delicious treats.
13. Christmas Fudge
You can have fudge any time of year, but a creamy fudge with a swirl of peppermint makes a rich and festive holiday treat that’s unforgettable.
It’s quick to prepare, and also very ideal for gifting!
Here’s a Christmas fudge recipe that not only looks like Christmas, but tastes like it too!
Tap here to try!
14. Homemade Toffee
By now, it should be evident that we warmly welcome butter lovers!
Crunchy, buttery, and sweet, toffee is a crowd-pleasing candy that feels gourmet but is surprisingly easy to make at home.
This is absolutely perfect for any and all who may feel intimidated by baking, and here’s a promising recipe to boost your confidence!
Tap here to try!
15. Eggnog Cheesecake
Last but certainly not least, we have cheesecake. Not just any kind of cheesecake, but eggnog cheesecake.
This dessert puts a holiday spin on the classic cheesecake by adding the distinct flavors of eggnog and warm spices. It is creamy, festive, and simply unforgettable.
Here’s a guided recipe to get you started!
Tap here to try!
Final Thoughts
Christmas is all about togetherness and community, and what better way can people unite than over food?
Christmas desserts bring people together in all kinds of ways, whether it’s decorating cookies with family, or sharing a slice of pie after dinner.
This collection of the best Christmas dessert recipes has something for everyone, from nostalgic, traditional classics, to new festive favorites.
So, even if you’re afraid of baking or an expert at it, try anyway. Pick your favorite recipes from above, prepare a few, share it with loved ones (even if they don’t come out “perfect”), and make this holiday season sweeter than ever!
Leave a Reply