Christmas Desserts: 15 Best Recipes for the Holidays

No holiday season is complete without a table full of Christmas desserts. This collection of 15 favorites covers everything from classic cookies and showstopper cakes to easy no-bake treats, so there’s something for every kind of sweet tooth.

Whether you’re baking with kids or building an elegant dessert spread, these recipes are built to make your holiday sweeter. Scroll through, pick your favorites, and click “Get the Recipe” to grab the full instructions for each.

1. Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies

Fudgy chocolate cookies get rolled in powdered sugar and studded with crushed peppermint for a cracked, festive top. They’re the most eye-catching cookie on any holiday tray.

2. Gingerbread Cookie Cheesecake Bars

A spiced gingerbread crust meets creamy cheesecake filling for a sliceable, make-ahead bar that’s easier to serve a crowd than a full cake. It’s cozy holiday flavor in every bite.

3. Chewy Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies

Soft, spiced molasses cookies get sandwiched around a sweet, creamy filling for a nostalgic holiday treat. They’re chewy in the middle with just the right amount of spice.

4. White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log

A tender sponge cake rolls around white chocolate cream and bright raspberry, then gets dressed up to look just like a classic buche de Noel. It’s a showstopper centerpiece worth the extra effort.

5. Festive Red Velvet Roll Cake

A striking red velvet sponge rolls around a swirl of cream cheese filling for a cake that’s as festive to look at as it is to eat. Each slice reveals a beautiful spiral.

6. Coconut Snowball Cupcakes

Fluffy cupcakes get topped with toasted coconut buttercream for a treat that looks just like a little snowball. They’re a fun, wintery addition to any dessert table.

7. Cranberry Orange Pound Cake

Dense, buttery pound cake gets studded with tart cranberries and bright orange zest for a slice that’s perfect with coffee or on its own. It keeps beautifully for days.

8. Peppermint Chocolate Mousse Cups

Light, airy chocolate mousse gets a cool hit of peppermint and gets spooned into individual cups for an elegant, no-fuss plated dessert. It comes together with just a handful of ingredients.

9. Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark Fudge

Rich dark chocolate fudge gets swirled with white chocolate and crushed peppermint for a festive, no-bake candy that’s perfect for gifting. It sets up in the fridge with almost no effort.

10. Eggnog Creme Brulee

Silky custard gets infused with warm eggnog spices and topped with a crackling caramelized sugar crust. It’s an elegant, make-ahead dessert that feels extra special.

11. Candy Cane Icebox Pie

A cool, creamy peppermint filling sets up in a crunchy crust for a no-bake pie that’s ready with almost no oven time. It’s a festive, refreshing finish to a big holiday meal.

12. Hot Cocoa Brownie Truffles

Fudgy brownie bites get rolled into truffles and coated for a rich, chocolatey treat that tastes just like a mug of hot cocoa. They’re an easy make-ahead sweet for gifting or snacking.

13. Holiday Fruit and Nut Rugelach

Buttery, flaky pastry wraps around a sweet filling of fruit and nuts for a classic holiday cookie with a little more texture and flavor. They freeze beautifully, so you can bake ahead.

14. Sticky Toffee Pudding with Warm Caramel Sauce

A moist date cake gets soaked in warm caramel sauce for a rich, comforting dessert that’s the definition of holiday indulgence. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

15. Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake

Creamy cheesecake gets ribboned with a warm cinnamon-sugar swirl for a dessert that tastes like a holiday morning treat. It’s a rich, crowd-pleasing finish to any Christmas meal.

More Christmas Recipes to Explore

Hungry for more holiday inspiration? Browse our full collection of Christmas Recipes and check out our Dessert and Baked Goods for sweet ideas all year round.