The holiday season calls for an array of delicious desserts that bring magic, warmth, and cheer to your festivities. From nostalgic classics to creative showstoppers, this comprehensive collection of Christmas desserts is designed to suit every occasion and taste. Each recipe introduction offers a glimpse of the unique flavors and festive spirit they embody, encouraging you to explore and enjoy the season’s sweetest moments.
Table of Contents
1. Festive Christmas Bread
Nothing fills a home with warmth like Fresh Festive Christmas Bread. This sweet, soft bread is braided and generously enriched with dried fruits like cranberries and citrus peel, bringing flavor and color that celebrate the season. Its tender crumb and subtly spiced notes make it a versatile favorite—enjoy toasted for breakfast, alongside tea, or simply fresh with butter. The bread freezes well, allowing stress-free holiday prep and lasting enjoyment. This recipe captures the essence of seasonal comfort and tradition.
Bake it here: Festive Christmas Bread.
2. Easy Sugar Cookie Icing
Easy Sugar Cookie Icing is the perfect companion to classic sugar cookies, offering a simple, glossy finish that hardens beautifully for decorating. Whether piping intricate patterns or doing playful designs, this icing is versatile and quick to prepare. Enhance your holiday baking with festive colors and creative touches.
Get the icing recipe: Easy Sugar Cookie Icing.
3. Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream
Invoking the spirit of the holidays, Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream is a timeless dessert that fills your home with the cozy aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This moist, flavorful cake layered with rich, creamy eggnog-infused buttercream frosting balances warm spice and smooth decadence beautifully. The eggnog buttercream adds a silky touch perfect for festive celebrations, making it ideal for holiday dinner tables, parties, or gifting. Its comforting yet elevated flavor evokes nostalgic memories while impressing guests with its elegance. Paired with a warm beverage like cider or coffee, this cake truly celebrates the season.
Find the full recipe here: Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream.
4. Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles
Elevate classic snack cakes into festive elegance with Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles. These bite-sized delights combine moist snack cake cores coated in smooth white chocolate and adorned with sprinkles or edible glitter for a seasonal touch. They are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, and easy gifting. The familiar, nostalgic taste is enhanced with a gourmet look and texture, making them crowd-pleasers and stress-free to prepare ahead. Kids and adults alike will enjoy both the flavor and festive presentation, bringing a joyful twist to a beloved treat.
Discover how to make them: Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles.
5. Airy Christmas Tree Meringues
Airy Christmas Tree Meringues add lightness and whimsy to your holiday dessert spread. Crafted by piping crisp meringues into the shape of Christmas trees and garnishing them with edible decorations, these treats are both elegant and playful. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture provides a refreshing contrast to heavier, richer desserts. Naturally gluten-free and easy to store, they make perfect make-ahead treats. With simple ingredients and impressive presentation, these meringues bring festive charm without fuss.
Try the recipe here: Airy Christmas Tree Meringues.
6. Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
The Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree dazzles with its flaky layers and rich hazelnut chocolate filling. This visually striking dessert mimics a Christmas tree, making it an eye-catching centerpiece for holiday brunch or dessert tables. The crispy, buttery puff pastry combined with silky Nutella creates a luxurious flavor and texture balance that’s sure to wow guests. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or festive decorations adds a magical touch. Easy to assemble, this recipe blends elegance and indulgence in one festive package.
Bake yours today: Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree.
7. Christmas Tree Cupcakes
Bring festive fun to your party with Christmas Tree Cupcakes—individual cakes topped with green buttercream swirled into the shape of sparkling evergreen trees. Classic flavors like vanilla or red velvet pair perfectly with the rich frosting and colorful edible decorations. Their single-serving size makes them convenient for holiday gatherings, classroom parties, and gifting. These cupcakes invite creativity with endless decorating options, capturing the holiday spirit in every bite.
Get creative with the recipe: Christmas Tree Cupcakes.
8. Soft Thumbprint Cookies
Soft Thumbprint Cookies offer buttery softness paired with bright, jewel-toned jam centers that burst with fruity freshness. These classic holiday cookies are a staple on festive trays and loved for their tender texture and beautiful appearance. Simple to make yet elegant in taste, they provide endless possibilities with different jams or even a chocolate drizzle finish. Perfect for gifting or pairs beautifully with hot cocoa or tea.
Bake your batch: Soft Thumbprint Cookies.
9. Easy Reindeer Cookies
Easy Reindeer Cookies bring charming holiday whimsy to any cookie plate. Decorated with pretzel antlers and festive candies, these adorable cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. Their tender cookie base tastes delightful with the festive visual appeal making them a hit with kids and adults alike. Ideal for family baking activities and holiday parties, these cookies add personality and smiles.
Try the recipe: Easy Reindeer Cookies.
10. Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies combine rich, fudgy chocolate bases with luscious jam or caramel centers for a decadent twist on a classic. Their deep cocoa flavor and gooey filling elevate the humble thumbprint into an irresistible festive indulgence. Perfect on cookie trays or as a gift, these cookies capture the decadent mood of the holidays.
Make them with this recipe: Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies.
11. The Best Tiramisu
The Best Tiramisu brings Italian elegance to your celebration. Layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers alternate with whipped mascarpone cream for a creamy, uplifting dessert that balances coffee bitterness and sweet richness. Serve chilled to impress guests with its harmony of flavors and smooth texture—a perfect make-ahead option for holiday dinners or parties.
Discover the recipe: The Best Tiramisu.
12. Chocolate Cake Roll with Rich Creamy Filling
The Chocolate Cake Roll with Rich Creamy Filling features a tender chocolate sponge rolled around a luxurious creamy center. This festive twist on a traditional roulade is ideal for an eye-catching holiday dessert. Its silky filling contrasts beautifully with the light chocolate cake, and a dusting of cocoa or powdered sugar completes the look. Perfect for slicing and sharing around the table.
Try it here: Chocolate Cake Roll with Rich Creamy Filling.
13. Cranberry Orange Loaf
Cranberry Orange Loaf blends the tart brightness of cranberries with fragrant citrus zest in a moist, tender loaf. This dessert balances sweet and tangy, making it a refreshing alternative to denser holiday treats. Enjoy it sliced for breakfast, brunch, or a snack alongside coffee or tea. Its festive colors and flavors capture the essence of the season effortlessly.
Get the recipe: Cranberry Orange Loaf.
14. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies deliver the iconic flavor of red velvet cake in a chewy, crackled cookie form. Their vibrant red hue and powdered sugar coating make them a festive favorite at cookie swaps and parties. Soft with intense cocoa notes balanced by sweetness, these cookies are sure to attract attention and satisfy cravings.
Try baking them: Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies.
15. Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies take the classic chipper to a festive new level by incorporating white chocolate and bright decorating sugar for a snowy effect. Soft, buttery, and bursting with chocolate chunks, they evoke the magic of winter celebrations. A perfect treat for holiday gatherings or gift boxes.
Bake these seasonal favorites: Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies.
16. Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies
Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies combine cinnamon-spiced snickerdoodle dough with creamy eggnog centers. They offer a unique holiday flavor profile and a fun twist on classic thumbprint cookies. Soft and warmly spiced, these cookies pair perfectly with eggnog or hot cocoa.
Find the recipe here: Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies.
17. Red Velvet Cookies
Red Velvet Cookies bring the soft, cocoa-rich flavor of the beloved cake into cookie form. With their signature red hue and slight tanginess, these cookies are festive and delicious. They’re a crowd-pleaser and ideal for holiday cookie trays or gifting.
Try them out: Red Velvet Cookies.
18. Raspberry Coconut Snowball Cake
Raspberry Coconut Snowball Cake is a snowy, whimsical delight with layers of fluffy coconut cake and sweet raspberry filling. Its snowy coconut exterior resembles a winter wonderland, making it a showstopper for holiday parties. The combination of tart raspberry and sweet coconut provides a refreshing balance.
Make it with this recipe: Raspberry Coconut Snowball Cake.
19. Red Velvet Macarons
Red Velvet Macarons offer an elegant and sophisticated holiday treat. These delicate almond meringue shells envelope a velvety cream cheese filling, blending the best of French technique with classic festive flavor. They’re a stunning addition to Christmas dessert tables or gift boxes.
Try the recipe: Red Velvet Macarons.
20. Strawberry Truffles
Strawberry Truffles are luscious, creamy chocolates with a burst of fresh strawberry flavor inside. Coated in smooth chocolate, they are bite-sized indulgences perfect for holiday gifting or party snacks. Their rich, fruity essence feels like a luxury treat.
Discover how to make them: Strawberry Truffles.
21. Strawberry Crunch Cookies
Strawberry Crunch Cookies combine buttery cookie bases with a crispy, sweet, strawberry-flavored topping that adds texture and festive color. These cookies offer a delightful crunch and fruity notes that brighten holiday baking trays.
Bake these festive treats: Strawberry Crunch Cookies.
22. Red Velvet Waffle Cake
Red Velvet Waffle Cake is a playful yet elegant dessert made by layering red velvet waffles with whipped cream and fresh berries. This creative twist offers a festive brunch option or a unique holiday dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Get the recipe: Red Velvet Waffle Cake.
23. Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies bring rich, buttery indulgence to the season with a soft, gooey texture that melts in your mouth. These cookies are quick to make and perfect for cookie exchanges or holiday platters. Their luxurious texture and buttery flavor make them a standout.
Try this recipe: Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies.
24. Easy 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies
Perfect for last-minute baking, Easy 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies require minimal ingredients for maximum sweetness and satisfaction. These simple, soft sugar cookies are a versatile base for decorating and are perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Bake a batch here: Easy 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies.
This collection offers an inviting range of festive desserts that bring joy, flavor, and celebration to your holiday season. Explore the recipes linked above and create magical moments around your table this Christmas.