Christmas desserts

50 Christmas Desserts: Holiday Treats Everyone Loves

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As winter arrives, the streets light up with twinkling lights. The holiday season is eagerly awaited. But for me, the magic is in the Christmas desserts that fill our tables. These 50 festive recipes will make your holiday unforgettable.

Get ready for a journey through christmas desserts. Flavors like chocolate, peppermint, and eggnog mix with gingerbread and pecan pie. This collection has a wide range of holiday treats, from easy recipes to showstoppers. You’ll find everything from cookies to cakes and puddings.

Exploring these festive sweets, you’ll find Southern classics, European delights, and kid-friendly treats. There are options for special diets and make-ahead recipes for easy entertaining. This guide will help you create a memorable holiday season.

Table of Contents

Classic Christmas Desserts Through the Ages

Christmas is filled with the smell of baking and the joy of sweet treats. It’s a time for beloved desserts passed down through generations. From medieval fruitcake to gingerbread houses and yule log cakes, the history of Christmas sweets is fascinating.

Traditional Holiday Treats and Their Origins

The christmas cookies we love today have a long history. Fruitcake, for example, has been around for centuries, starting in ancient Rome. It was a way to keep fruits and nuts fresh during winter.

The famous gingerbread cookie comes from ancient Greece and Egypt. It was used in ceremonies. Later, it became a Christmas favorite, often made into gingerbread houses.

Evolution of Christmas Sweets

Over time, Christmas desserts changed, adding new flavors and methods. The yule log cake started as a simple sponge cake. Now, it’s a rich, cream-filled treat with festive decorations.

Fruitcake also got a modern twist. Bakers now try different flavors and methods. This has made fruitcake a favorite again, from boozy to light versions.

Most Beloved Festive Recipes

As Christmas nears, families look forward to their favorite desserts. Recipes like Italian panettone and southern pecan pies are key to the holiday. They bring joy and create lasting memories.

Whether it’s a classic christmas cookie or a rich yule log cake, these treats bring happiness. They make the holiday season special for families everywhere.

Quick and Easy Christmas Treats Under 30 Minutes

Get into the holiday spirit with these quick Christmas desserts. They can be made in 30 minutes or less. Enjoy classic favorites and new sweets that are easy to make and taste great.

Try hot cocoa cookies for a chocolatey treat. Or, make homemade peanut brittle for a crunchy snack. For a no-bake option, make festive peanut butter snowballs. They’re a hit with everyone.

For something richer, try cinnamon bagel bread pudding or pecan pie bars. They’re sweet and easy to make. Don’t forget the rum balls for a boozy treat at adult gatherings.

These quick desserts let you spend more time with loved ones. Enjoy making memories and tasting the season’s best flavors.

quick and easy christmas treats

RecipePrep TimeCook TimeTotal Time
Hot Cocoa Cookies10 minutes10-12 minutes20-22 minutes
Peanut Brittle15 minutes10-12 minutes25-27 minutes
Peanut Butter Snowballs20 minutes5 minutes25 minutes
Cinnamon Bagel Bread Pudding15 minutes20-25 minutes35-40 minutes
Pecan Pie Bars20 minutes25-30 minutes45-50 minutes
Rum Balls10 minutes15 minutes25 minutes

Make your holiday celebrations special with these quick treats. They’re easy to make and full of holiday flavor. Enjoy your favorite treats without losing time with family and friends.

Make your holiday baking special with a variety of Christmas cookie recipes. Impress your guests and fill your home with the sweet smell of fresh cookies. From classic sugar cookies to spice-infused gingerbread, there’s a festive cookie for everyone.

Sugar Cookies and Royal Icing Designs

Sugar cookies are a Christmas favorite, perfect for creative decorating. Use royal icing to turn them into festive masterpieces. Try different patterns and colors to make cookies that wow.

Gingerbread and Spice Variations

Warm up with gingerbread and holiday spices. Bake gingerbread cookies or try ginger snaps and cinnamon stars. These treats capture the holiday spirit and make great gifts.

Chocolate-Based Holiday Cookies

Enjoy the rich taste of chocolate in your Christmas cookies. Try hot cocoa cookies or dark chocolate treats. From fudgy brownies to creamy peanut butter blossoms, chocolate lovers will adore these.

Cookie VarietyIngredientsPrep TimeBaking TimeYield
Christmas Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing1 large egg, ½ cup + 1 Tbsp (110 grams) caster sugar, ⅓ cup (80 ml) light olive oil, 3 tablespoons (45 ml) orange juice, 2 tablespoons orange zest, 1 teaspoon orange extract, 2 ⅓ cup (290 grams) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ scant teaspoon fine salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground ginger15 minutes13-15 minutes20 cookies
Gingerbread Cookies3 oz (80 gram) dark chocolate chips or bar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 2 ⅓ cup (290 grams) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ scant teaspoon fine salt15 minutes13-15 minutes20 cookies
Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Bits1 large egg, ½ cup + 1 Tbsp (110 grams) caster sugar, ⅓ cup (80 ml) light olive oil, 3 tablespoons (45 ml) orange juice, 2 tablespoons orange zest, 1 teaspoon orange extract, 2 ⅓ cup (290 grams) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ scant teaspoon fine salt, 3 oz (80 gram) dark chocolate chips or bar15 minutes13-15 minutes20 cookies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2BdiBiPyB4

Holiday Cakes and Puddings

As the holiday season comes near, dive into the rich world of festive cakes and puddings. Enjoy classics like mahogany cake with ermine frosting, buttermilk cake, and brandy-infused apple cake. These treats will make your celebrations merry and bright.

Try the South’s beloved desserts, like chocolate mayonnaise cake and red velvet cake. These recipes have been loved for years, bringing holiday joy in every bite.

For a cozy treat, try creamy bread puddings with cinnamon and cranberries. They’re great for any gathering, big or small, and end meals wonderfully.

DessertDescriptionDifficulty
Mahogany Cake with Ermine FrostingA rich, moist chocolate cake topped with a silky, old-fashioned frostingModerate
Buttermilk CakeA classic Southern cake with a tender crumb and tangy flavorEasy
Apple Brandy CakeA festive, boozy cake infused with the warmth of brandy and the sweetness of applesModerate
Chocolate Mayonnaise CakeA decadent, moist chocolate cake made with the secret ingredient of mayonnaiseModerate
Red Velvet CakeA vibrant, velvety cake with a rich, chocolatey flavor and a stunning red hueChallenging
Cinnamon-Cranberry Bread PuddingA cozy, creamy bread pudding infused with the flavors of cinnamon and tart cranberriesEasy

Whether you’re an expert baker or new to the kitchen, these holiday treats will wow your guests. They’ll fill your home with the cozy scents of the season. Enjoy these desserts and make unforgettable memories with your family this holiday.

christmas desserts

Christmas Desserts for Gifting

This holiday season, surprise your loved ones with homemade Christmas desserts. These treats are perfect for sharing the holiday spirit. They range from classic to creative confections.

Packaging and Presentation Tips

Make your holiday treats look professional with great packaging. Use festive tins, jars, or boxes to show off your sweets. Add a ribbon, a note, or some greenery for a personal touch.

Make-Ahead Holiday Treats

Make your Christmas desserts ahead of time to avoid last-minute stress. Recipes like rum balls and fruitcake get better with age. Start making these treats a month early for a stress-free gifting experience.

Edible Gift Ideas

  • Saltine Cracker Toffee: A simple yet indulgent confection that makes a wonderful gift.
  • Homemade Fudge: Creamy, rich, and easy to package, fudge is a classic holiday favorite.
  • Festive Cookies: From sugar cookies to gingerbread, homemade holiday cookies are always a hit.

With these tips and ideas, you can create thoughtful and delicious Christmas desserts. Embrace the joy of homemade holiday treats and make this season even sweeter.

No-Bake Christmas Delights

Christmas is a time for enjoying tasty treats without the hassle of cooking. This holiday, try out no-bake Christmas desserts. They include creamy Oreo candy cane cheesecake and rich chocolate gravy pie. These treats are great for quick desserts or last-minute guests.

Discover easy-to-make desserts that are full of flavor. Make peppermint bark quickly or enjoy bourbon-spiked mousse. Ambrosia, a fruit salad with a festive twist, is also a hit. These desserts save time and oven space, letting you make memories with family and friends.

Quick and Easy No-Bake Delights

  • 3-Ingredient Christmas Fudge
  • Quick Microwave Toffee
  • Peppermint Bark
  • Bourbon Chocolate Mousse
  • Festive Ambrosia Salad

Elegant No-Bake Desserts

  1. Oreo Candy Cane Cheesecake
  2. Chocolate Gravy Pie
  3. Lemon Icebox Pie
  4. Eggnog Tiramisu
  5. Gingerbread Truffles

These no-bake Christmas desserts are perfect for holiday parties. They’re easy to make and sure to impress your guests. Enjoy these festive sweets and satisfy your Christmas dessert cravings.

christmas desserts

Traditional Southern Christmas Sweets

The South is famous for its rich holiday treats. These desserts, like chess pie and caramel cake, bring joy to the season. They are filled with pecans, follow old recipes, and celebrate holiday traditions.

Pecan-Based Desserts

Pecans add a special flavor to Southern holiday sweets. Enjoy the creamy pralines, fudgy bourbon balls, and classic pecan pie. These treats have been loved for many years.

Old-Fashioned Family Recipes

Family recipes are a big part of Southern holidays. Try the tangy buttermilk cake, spiced apple brandy cake, and chocolate gravy pie. These sweets show the warmth of Southern hospitality.

Southern Holiday Traditions

Southern holiday treats are full of tradition. Enjoy the buttery saltine cracker toffee and rum-infused bread pudding. Modjeskas, decorated sugar cookies, and caramel cake are also favorites. These recipes and customs celebrate the season.

DessertUnique Characteristics
Chess PieA staple of the Southern dessert table for centuries, with variations in thickening agents.
Buttermilk CakeA sweet and tangy treat, popular in Southern baking.
Chocolate Gravy PieFeatures a creamy, rich chocolate custard baked in a flaky, buttery pie crust.
Saltine Cracker ToffeeA favorite holiday sweet for many Southerners.
ModjeskasButtery, caramel-covered marshmallows, a delicious Southern confection.

Chocolate and Peppermint Favorites

Enjoy the classic holiday mix of chocolate and peppermint with christmas desserts and treats. Try peppermint bark, chocolate mint cookies, and hot cocoa desserts. Find recipes that mix chocolate and peppermint, like peppermint patties and chocolate cake.

Peppermint-infused treats like meltaways and fudge are fun to make. Add candy cane toppings and sprinkles for a festive touch. These ideas are great for cookie exchanges or holiday platters.

This collection has something for everyone, from easy recipes to show-stoppers. Try no-bake cheesecake or peppermint chocolate cakes. They’re perfect for all skill levels.

Nutrition Facts (per piece of Peppermint Pie)Amount
Calories291
Calories from Fat16g
Saturated Fat8g
Cholesterol36mg
Sodium171mg
Carbohydrates35g
Sugars22g
Fiber1g
Protein3g

Enjoy the joyful flavors of the season with these chocolate and peppermint treats. They’re perfect for satisfying your holiday cravings and spreading cheer.

christmas desserts

Christmas Pies and Tarts Collection

Get ready to indulge in a delightful array of christmas desserts and festive sweets. This collection includes classic holiday favorites and modern twists. These recipes will impress your guests and make your holiday celebrations special.

Classic Holiday Pie Recipes

Discover timeless christmas desserts like sweet potato pie, pecan pie, and mincemeat pie. These classic recipes offer a taste of nostalgia. They are sure to become cherished additions to your holiday menu.

Modern Festive Tart Variations

Explore a delightful array of festive sweets with modern tart recipes. These recipes put a creative spin on traditional flavors. From chocolate gravy pie to cranberry tarts, these desserts will delight your taste buds and impress your holiday guests.

StatisticValue
Total Christmas Pie Recipes33
Traditional British Christmas Desserts1 (Mincemeat Pie)
Vermont Maple Festival-Winning Pie Recipe1
Indiana Specialty Pie1 (Custardy Sugar Cream Pie)
Recipes Authored by Danielle Daly3
Recipes Authored by Ree Drummond5
No-Bake Pie Recipes3
Chocolate-Based Recipes8
Southern-Style Pie Recipes3
Apple-Based Recipes2

This compilation of christmas desserts and festive sweets focuses on both traditional and innovative flavors. It promises to elevate your holiday baking. It will delight your guests with its diverse array of pies and tarts.

Holiday Candy and Confections

Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with homemade christmas desserts and holiday treats. Learn traditional candy-making techniques. Make festive delights like divinity, pralines, and Modjeskas – caramel-covered marshmallows.

Try the rich flavors of peppermint bark, chocolate-covered cherries, and other classic confections. They make perfect gifts or stunning additions to your holiday dessert table. Whether you’re a seasoned candy-maker or a beginner, these recipes will have you whipping up batches of homemade holiday goodness in no time.

Festive Candy Creations

  • Divinity – A light, airy meringue-based candy with a sweet, creamy texture.
  • Pralines – Buttery, nutty confections that are a signature treat in the South.
  • Modjeskas – Caramel-coated marshmallows that are a beloved Southern specialty.
  • Peppermint Bark – A classic holiday treat featuring layers of white chocolate and crushed peppermint candy.
  • Chocolate-Covered Cherries – Juicy cherries enrobed in rich, velvety chocolate.

Elevate your holiday dessert game with these homemade christmas desserts and holiday treats. With a little bit of time and effort, you can create delectable confections that will impress your friends and family.

Holiday candy and confections

European-Inspired Christmas Treats

This holiday season, dive into the flavors of Europe with traditional Christmas desserts. From France’s rich Christmas desserts to Spain’s beloved pastries, these festive sweets showcase the continent’s culinary heritage.

Traditional European Holiday Desserts

Try the French Bûche de Noël, a yule log cake with meringue, chocolate, and candied fruits. Enjoy the buttery German Stollen, a fruit-studded bread that’s been a holiday favorite for centuries. Don’t miss the Italian Panettone, a leavened sweet bread filled with dried fruits and citrus.

Modern Adaptations

Innovative bakers have updated European christmas desserts while keeping traditions alive. Look for modern twists on classic cookies, like Sweden’s crisp Pepparkakor or Italy’s flaky Torcetti. These desserts blend international flavors with modern creativity.

Whether you love German pastries or Spanish fruit confections, European christmas desserts are a journey through time. These festive sweets add warmth and wonder to the holiday season.

Kids’ Favorite Christmas Desserts

Bring the holiday cheer with christmas cookies and treats that kids love. Try festive sugar cookie blossoms or ROLO® Pretzel Reindeer. These desserts are great for family baking and school events.

Make gingerbread houses, peppermint brownies, and HERSHEY’S Chocolate Trees. They’re fun for everyone. Let your kids help in the kitchen with these easy recipes.

They can decorate Snickerdoodle cookies with sprinkles or make peanut butter blossoms. Use a Spritz cookie maker for fun designs. Enjoy Santa hat cupcakes and ROLO® Pretzel Sandwiches together.

Baking together is a holiday tradition. It makes memories and tasty treats. Use store-bought or homemade ingredients for a fun experience. So, put on your aprons and make some holiday joy.

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