It’s the most wonderful time of the year – Christmas! And what’s a holiday celebration without a delicious spread of sweet treats? Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to indulge in some holiday cheer, we’ve got you covered. Here are 18 festive and easy Christmas dessert recipes that will make your taste buds jingle all the way.
From classic sugar cookies to innovative peppermint bark, these desserts are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. And the best part? They’re all surprisingly simple to make, so you can focus on enjoying the holiday season instead of stressing about cooking. So grab a cup of hot cocoa and get ready to unwrap the sweetness with our top 18 festive Christmas dessert recipes!
Peppermint Brownie Bites
Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with these bite-sized treats that combine the richness of brownies with the cooling twist of peppermint. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, these brownie bites are easy to make and fun to eat!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) dark chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– Crushed candy canes or peppermint sprinkles for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine chocolate chips, butter, sugar, milk, and peppermint extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the mini muffin cups.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool completely before serving. Garnish with crushed candy canes or peppermint sprinkles, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Christmas Tree Cupcakes
Brighten up your holiday celebration with these adorable Christmas tree cupcakes! Moist vanilla cake is topped with a swirl of green buttercream frosting, decorated with candy cane stripes and a cherry on top.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Green buttercream frosting (recipe below)
– Red candy canes and cherry for decoration
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add egg and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until smooth.
5. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Green Buttercream Frosting:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
– 2-3 drops green food coloring
Beat butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add food coloring; mix until desired shade of green.
Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these moist and flavorful gingerbread cheesecake bars. The perfect combination of spices, sweet cream cheese, and crunchy gingersnap crust will become an instant favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare the crust by mixing crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, ginger, baking soda, and crystallized ginger; mix well.
4. Pour cheesecake mixture over crust.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until set.
6. Let cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
Enjoy your delicious Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars!
Eggnog Pudding Parfaits
These layered parfaits combine the richness of eggnog pudding with crunchy cookies and sweet caramel, perfect for a festive holiday dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large egg yolks
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup crushed cookies (such as Nilla wafers)
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together cream, milk, sugar, and egg yolks until smooth.
2. Stir in vanilla extract.
3. Pour mixture into individual serving cups or glasses.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill and set.
5. Just before serving, top each cup with crushed cookies and drizzle with caramel sauce.
Cooking Time: None required – this dessert is chilled and served
Snowball Cookies
These classic cookies are a sweet treat perfect for any occasion. Soft and chewy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, they’re a delightful combination of flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Roll dough into balls, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
7. Place balls onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) of space between each cookie.
8. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies
These blondies combine the sweetness of white chocolate with the tartness of cranberries, creating a unique and delicious dessert perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the flour mixture, then fold in white chocolate chips and cranberries.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Hot Chocolate Fudge
Cozy up with a warm and indulgent treat that combines the comforting flavors of hot chocolate with the richness of fudge. This recipe is perfect for a chilly evening or as a gift for friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) milk chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup (100g) unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the pan
– 1 cup (250ml) hot chocolate mix
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine chocolate chips, butter, and hot chocolate mix. Place over low heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
5. Cut into squares and serve.
Cooking Time: None required – this fudge sets in the refrigerator!
Christmas Crack Candy
A sweet and salty treat that’s perfect for the holiday season! This Christmas Crack Candy recipe is easy to make and requires just a few ingredients, but it’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
• 1 (16 ounce) package of saltine crackers
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• Holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 275°F (135°C) on a candy thermometer.
4. Remove from heat and pour the hot sugar mixture evenly over the crackers.
5. Sprinkle with chopped nuts or holiday sprinkles, if desired.
6. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely before breaking into pieces.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Reindeer Chow Mix
Get ready to make a magical treat that’s sure to delight the whole family! This sweet and salty mix is perfect for snacking on while enjoying the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups Chex cereal (any variety)
– 1 cup pretzels
– 1/2 cup mixed nuts (such as peanuts, almonds, and cashews)
– 1/4 cup M&M’s or other small candy pieces
– 1/4 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk)
– 1 tablespoon caramel sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the Chex cereal, pretzels, and mixed nuts.
2. In a separate bowl, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler.
3. Pour the melted chocolate over the cereal mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
4. If desired, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the mix and stir to combine.
5. Spread the Reindeer Chow Mix out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let cool completely.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just 10-15 minutes.
Enjoy your delicious Reindeer Chow Mix!
Peppermint Bark
Transform your holiday season with this classic and refreshing Peppermint Bark recipe! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be enjoying sweet and tangy treats in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1 cup milk chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (about 4-6 canes)
– 1 tablespoon peppermint extract
– Optional: sprinkles, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut for garnish
Instructions:
1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the white chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
3. Stir in the peppermint extract.
4. Pour the melted white chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet.
5. Sprinkle the crushed candy canes evenly over the top of the white chocolate.
6. Melt the milk chocolate chips and pour them over the candy cane layer.
7. Allow the bark to set at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
8. Break into pieces and enjoy! Optional: add sprinkles, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut for a festive touch.
Cooking Time: None
Chocolate Yule Log
Get into the holiday spirit with this rich and decadent Chocolate Yule Log recipe. A show-stopping centerpiece for any Christmas gathering, this chocolatey delight is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 6 ounces best-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate, melted
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar. Add melted chocolate and whisk until smooth.
3. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
4. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until cake is set and edges are lightly browned.
5. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
6. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Santa Hat Strawberries
Add a touch of holiday cheer to your fruit platter with these adorable Santa Hat Strawberries! This easy recipe is perfect for parties, snacks, or even a fun activity with kids.
Ingredients:
– 1 pint fresh strawberries
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon shortening (like Crisco)
– Red and green gel icing or candy melts (for the hat and belt)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the strawberries and pat dry with a paper towel.
2. Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
3. Dip the top of each strawberry into the melted white chocolate, leaving a small portion at the bottom bare (this will be the “hat” brim).
4. Use shortening to attach red gel icing or candy melts to the top of the strawberry for the hat’s pom-pom and attach green gel icing or candy melts around the middle for the belt.
5. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to set the chocolate before serving.
Cooking Time: None! Just a few minutes to melt the chocolate and assemble the strawberries.
Christmas Pudding Trifle
A classic British dessert, this Christmas Pudding Trifle is a show-stopping centerpiece for any holiday gathering. Layers of moist pudding, sweet custard, and fresh fruit create a delightful treat that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups mixed berries (such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries)
– 1 cup sweetened whipped cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, butter, coffee or espresso, sugar, and eggs. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, whisking until combined.
5. Pour into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until puffed and set.
6. Allow pudding to cool completely.
7. To assemble trifle, layer cooled pudding, sweetened whipped cream, and mixed berries in a large serving dish.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Mini Christmas Pavlovas
Add a touch of festive flair to your holiday gathering with these bite-sized treats that combine the classic flavors of pavlova with a hint of winter wonderland magic. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be whipping up a batch of these adorable morsels in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 large egg whites
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Fresh cranberries and chopped pecans for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly.
3. Beat egg whites and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Fold into the dry mixture until well combined.
4. Spoon small mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) between each pavlova.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until firm to the touch. Allow to cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spiced Apple Crumble
Warm up with a classic Spiced Apple Crumble, perfect for cozying up on a chilly fall or winter evening!
Ingredients:
– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until apples are evenly coated.
3. Transfer apple mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, cold butter, brown sugar, and rolled oats until crumbly.
5. Spread the crumble topping evenly over the apple mixture.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
These refreshing treats combine the richness of chocolate with the invigorating zing of peppermint, perfect for a holiday season treat or any time you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Crushed candy canes or peppermint sprinkles for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and peppermint extract.
4. Gradually mix in the flour mixture, then stir in chocolate chips.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
7. Let cool on wire rack for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Christmas Sugar Cookies
Brighten up your holiday season with these classic sugar cookies, perfect for decorating and sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
5. Divide the dough into 2-3 portions, depending on desired cookie size. Roll out each portion to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or glass.
7. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Fruitcake Truffles
Transforming traditional fruitcake into bite-sized truffles is a game-changer. These sweet treats are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried fruitcake, crumbled
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine crumbled fruitcake and confectioners’ sugar.
2. Add softened butter and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
3. Cover mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Melt dark chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
5. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, form fruitcake mixture into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
6. Dip each ball into melted chocolate, coating completely.
7. Place truffles on parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: None
Summary
Get into the holiday spirit with these 18 delicious and easy Christmas dessert recipes! From classic treats like sugar cookies and gingerbread cheesecake bars to creative twists like peppermint brownie bites and hot chocolate fudge, there’s something for everyone on this list. Impress your friends and family with show-stopping desserts like Christmas tree cupcakes and mini pavlovas, or keep things simple with easy-to-make treats like snowball cookies and reindeer chow mix. Whatever your holiday baking style, these recipes are sure to bring joy and cheer to your gatherings.
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