10+ Christmas Dessert Recipes to Sweeten Your Holiday Celebrations

Christmas is a time for celebration, family, and delicious treats. As the holidays approach, many people look for ways to create sweet memories around the table.

Finding the perfect Christmas dessert recipes can add joy and flavor to your festive gatherings.

Whether you enjoy baking or prefer no-bake options, you can find recipes to suit your style. From classic cakes and cookies to new ideas, there’s something for everyone.

Explore mouthwatering desserts that will delight your guests and make your holiday season even sweeter.

1) Classic Gingerbread Cookies

Classic gingerbread cookies are a must-have during the holiday season. Their warm spices and delicious taste create a festive atmosphere in your home.

They are perfect for decorating or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa. Gather your ingredients: flour, ginger, cinnamon, and other common pantry items.

Mix these elements to create the soft, chewy texture everyone loves. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Roll out the dough and cut it into fun shapes. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

Your home will smell amazing as you bake. Soon, you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies to share with friends and family.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
2. In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until creamy.
3. Add molasses and egg; mix well.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
5. Roll out dough and cut into shapes.
6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.

2) Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake

Cranberry swirl cheesecake is a delightful treat for the holiday season. It combines creamy cheesecake with tangy cranberry sauce.

This dessert looks beautiful and offers a wonderful mix of flavors. Start with a buttery graham cracker crust.

Fill it with a smooth, creamy mixture and swirl in cranberry sauce for a festive touch. Serve it cold for a refreshing end to your holiday meal.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup cranberry sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan.
4. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix well.
5. Pour the cream cheese mixture into the crust.
6. Dollop cranberry sauce on top and swirl with a knife.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, then let it cool before serving.

3) Chocolate Chestnut Cake

Chocolate chestnut cake is a delicious dessert for the holidays. Its rich flavor combines chocolate and chestnut puree for a unique taste.

You can enjoy it with chocolate ganache or whipped chestnut cream frosting. The sweetness of the chestnuts pairs well with the chocolate.

Gather your ingredients and prepare for a delightful treat that will impress family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 cup chestnut puree
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¾ cup buttermilk (room temperature)
• ½ cup butter (softened)
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour a cake pan.
3. In a bowl, mix butter and sugar until creamy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
5. Stir in chestnut puree and vanilla extract.
6. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in another bowl.
7. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mix, alternating with buttermilk.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
10. Allow to cool before serving.

4) Italian Tiramisu

Italian Tiramisu is a classic dessert that is perfect for Christmas. This no-bake treat combines layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone cheese.

The rich flavors come together to create a deliciously indulgent experience. Use strong coffee and a touch of rum or coffee liqueur for flavor.

Chill the dessert before serving for a refreshing finish to your meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brewed strong coffee, cooled
• 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (like Kahlua)
• 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 package ladyfinger cookies
• Cocoa powder for dusting

Cooking Instructions:

1. Mix the coffee and liqueur in a bowl.
2. Whip the heavy cream and sugar until soft peaks form.
3. Fold in the mascarpone cheese gently.
4. Dip ladyfingers in the coffee mixture and layer in a dish.
5. Spread a layer of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
6. Repeat the layers and finish with the mascarpone.
7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.
8. Dust with cocoa powder before serving.

5) Puff Pastry Apple Galette

A Puff Pastry Apple Galette is a simple yet impressive dessert for Christmas. This rustic treat features tender apples wrapped in flaky pastry.

Start with store-bought puff pastry for a quick and easy process. Flavor the apple filling with cinnamon and brown sugar.

Roll out the pastry, fill it with sliced apples, and fold the edges. Bake until golden brown for a beautiful finish.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet of puff pastry
• 2-3 apples, sliced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Thaw the puff pastry for 30 minutes.
3. In a bowl, mix apples, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
4. Roll out the pastry on a baking sheet.
5. Place the apple mixture in the center and fold the edges over.
6. Brush the edges with the egg.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

6) M&M Cookie Bars

M&M cookie bars are a fun and festive treat for your holiday gatherings. They are gooey, soft, and packed with colorful M&M’s and chocolate chips.

These bars are easy to make and require no chilling. Mix everything in one bowl for easy cleanup.

Bake, cool, and cut them into squares. They are great for cookie exchanges or as a sweet addition to your dessert table.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (180 g) M&M’s
• 1/2 cup (90 g) chocolate chips

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix melted butter with sugars until smooth.
3. Add eggs and vanilla, and mix well.
4. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until combined.
5. Fold in M&M’s and chocolate chips.
6. Spread the batter in a greased baking pan.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Allow to cool, then cut into squares.

7) Springerle Cookies

Springerle cookies are a traditional holiday treat. These unique cookies have a lovely anise flavor and beautiful designs made with special molds.

Prepare a dough that is quite firm and roll it out. Press the decorated molds into it to create shapes.

Let the cookies dry for several hours before baking. Bake them at 300°F (150°C) for about 20-25 minutes to keep their delicate texture.

Ingredients

• 4 eggs, room temperature
• 500 g (4 cups) powdered sugar
• 1/8 tsp baking powder
• Flavorings (2 tsp vanilla extract or 1 tsp anise extract)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Beat the eggs in a bowl until light.
3. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until well combined.
4. Add baking powder and flavoring.
5. Roll out the dough and press the molds into shapes.
6. Allow cookies to dry for a few hours.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until firm.

8) King’s Cake

King’s Cake is a festive dessert enjoyed during the Christmas season and around Epiphany. This vibrant cake is rich in flavor and topped with colorful icing.

Traditionally, it contains a hidden figurine or bean. Choose from popular fillings like cream cheese, cinnamon, or almond paste.

You can make the cake with yeast for a lighter texture or without, depending on your preference. Baking King’s Cake can be a fun family activity.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
• 1 packet (7 g) instant yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) warm milk
• 1/4 cup (60 g) butter, melted
• 2 eggs
• Filling of your choice
• Colored sugar for topping

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.

3. Add warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Stir until a dough forms.

4. Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes.

5. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

6. Roll out the dough and add your filling.

7. Shape the dough into a ring and place it on a baking sheet.

8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.

9. Cool the ring and decorate with icing and colored sugar.

9) French Hot Chocolate

French hot chocolate, or chocolat chaud, is a rich and cozy treat perfect for the holidays. It’s thicker and creamier than regular hot cocoa.

You only need two main ingredients: high-quality chocolate and milk. Use whole milk for a truly indulgent experience.

Some recipes add a hint of vanilla or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 ounces high-quality chocolate
• 2 cups whole milk

Cooking Instructions

1. Chop the chocolate into small pieces.

2. Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it steams.

3. Remove the milk from heat and add the chopped chocolate.

4. Whisk until the chocolate melts and mixes smoothly with the milk.

5. Serve warm and enjoy.

10) Decadent Holiday Pies

Treat yourself this holiday season with delicious pies. Each bite is rich and satisfying.

Try a classic Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie for a twist on the traditional favorite. Its sweet and nutty flavors will impress your guests.

Eggnog Pie combines creamy eggnog flavor with a buttery crust. It’s smooth and festive.

For something different, try a White Christmas Pie. This pie features creamy coconut and fresh strawberries for a refreshing touch.

Ingredients

• Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie: Pecans, chocolate, bourbon, sugar, eggs, and pie crust.
• Eggnog Pie: Eggnog, cream, sugar, and pie crust.
• White Christmas Pie: Coconut, whipped cream, vanilla, almond extract, strawberries, and pie crust.

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare your pie crust. Follow the package instructions.

3. Mix the ingredients for your chosen pie. Pour the mixture into the crust.

4. Bake for 30–50 minutes. The baking time depends on the type of pie.

5. Let the pie cool. Serve after it has cooled.