Sweet Holiday Recipes for Christmas Desserts

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A Quick Overview

Christmas is a time filled with joy, laughter, and, of course, delicious treats.

The holiday season brings an air of warmth and togetherness that inspires us to bake and create delightful desserts that we can share with our loved ones.

From traditional cookies to decadent cakes, the options are endless.

In this article, I’ll take you on a sweet journey through some of my favorite holiday recipes that are sure to impress.

Whether you’re looking to whip up something classic or try a new twist, there’s something here for everyone.

So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the delightful world of Christmas desserts!

Kick Off the Festivities with Festive Holiday Cookies

Nothing says Christmas quite like the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house.

Holiday cookies are not just desserts; they are a canvas for creativity.

You can make them in all shapes and sizes, and they are perfect for sharing with friends and family.

When making festive holiday cookies, I like to start with a classic sugar cookie base.

Here’s how I make mine:

• Ingredients:

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

  • 1 egg

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Icing and sprinkles for decoration

• Instructions:

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

  2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

  3. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

     Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.

  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.

     Mix until just combined.

  5. Roll out the dough and cut it into festive shapes using cookie cutters.

  6. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.

  7. Once cooled, decorate with icing and sprinkles.

These cookies are perfect for hanging on the tree or gifting to neighbors.

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Plus, the decorating part can be a fun family activity!

Indulge in Classic Gingerbread Men: A Holiday Must!

Gingerbread men are a staple of the holiday season.

Their spicy aroma fills the air, and they bring back wonderful memories of childhood.

Making gingerbread men is not only fun but also a great way to get everyone involved in the kitchen.

Here’s a simple recipe I love:

• Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tablespoon ground ginger

  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 cup brown sugar

  • 1 egg

  • 1 cup molasses

• Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix the flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.

  2. In another bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar.

     Add the egg and molasses, mixing until smooth.

  3. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

  4. Chill the dough for at least an hour.

  5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

     Roll out the dough and cut out gingerbread shapes.

  6. Bake for 8-10 minutes.

     Once cooled, decorate with royal icing.

The best part?

You can personalize these little guys.

Give each one a unique personality with icing and candy embellishments.

Delightful Peppermint Bark: A Sweet Seasonal Treat

Peppermint bark is one of those easy-to-make yet crowd-pleasing desserts.

It combines the richness of chocolate with the refreshing taste of peppermint, creating a perfect balance.

Plus, it looks stunning on a dessert table!

Here’s how to make it:

• Ingredients:

  • 12 oz dark chocolate chips

  • 12 oz white chocolate chips

  • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract

  • 1 cup crushed candy canes

• Instructions:

  1. Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or microwave until smooth.

  2. Spread the melted chocolate onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, creating an even layer.

  3. In a separate bowl, melt the white chocolate.

     Stir in the peppermint extract.

  4. Pour the white chocolate over the dark chocolate layer and spread it evenly.

  5. Sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top while the chocolate is still wet.

  6. Allow it to cool until set, then break into pieces.

This treat is not only delicious but also makes for a lovely gift when packaged in a festive tin.

Rich and Creamy Eggnog Cheesecake for Holiday Cheers

Eggnog is a quintessential Christmas drink, but have you tried it in cheesecake form?

This rich, creamy dessert will surely become a holiday favorite in your home.

Here’s the recipe:

• Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

  • 1/3 cup sugar

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 4 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 4 eggs

  • 1 cup eggnog

  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

  2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.

     Press this mixture into the bottom of a springform pan.

  3. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.

     Gradually add sugar, mixing well.

  4. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in eggnog, nutmeg, and vanilla.

  5. Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 50-60 minutes, until set.

  6. Allow it to cool before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.

Serve your eggnog cheesecake with a sprinkle of nutmeg on top to make it even more festive.

Your guests will be singing holiday tunes!

Warming Spiced Apple Crisp: Perfect for Christmas Nights

When the weather gets chilly, I love to cozy up with a warm dessert.

Spiced apple crisp is superb because it combines tart apples with a crunchy topping, and it fills your home with an inviting aroma.

Here’s my go-to recipe:

• Ingredients:

  • 6 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith work great)

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg

  • 1 cup brown sugar

  • ¾ cup rolled oats

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• Instructions:

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

  2. Toss sliced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl.

     Spread them in a greased baking dish.

  3. In another bowl, combine brown sugar, oats, flour, and butter until crumbly.

     Sprinkle this mixture over the apples.

  4. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden brown.

Serve this warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.

Decadent Chocolate Yule Log: A Showstopper Dessert

The traditional Yule log cake, or Bûche de Noël, is a stunning and delicious dessert that makes a fantastic centerpiece for any holiday gathering.

It’s a sponge cake rolled up with creamy filling, resembling a log.

Talk about impressive!

Here’s how to make it:

• Ingredients:

  • 4 large eggs

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour

  • ¼ cup cocoa powder

  • ½ teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup powdered sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Chocolate ganache for frosting

• Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.

  2. Beat the eggs and granulated sugar until thick.

     Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder, then fold into the egg mixture.

  3. Spread the batter evenly in the pan and bake for 12-15 minutes.

  4. Once baked, roll the cake with the parchment paper and let it cool.

  5. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.

     Unroll the cake and spread the whipped cream on top.

     Roll it back up.

  6. Frost with chocolate ganache and use a fork to create bark-like textures.

This chocolate yule log is as delicious as it is beautiful, making it perfect for the festive season.

Whimsical Sugar Plums: A Sweet Holiday Tradition

Sugar plums have become synonymous with holiday treats.

These delightful candies are often associated with the famous "Nutcracker" ballet.

Making sugar plums is a fun project that kids will love.

Here’s a simple recipe:

• Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried plums (prunes)

  • 1 cup nuts (almonds or walnuts)

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

  • ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)

• Instructions:

  1. In a food processor, mix the dried plums and nuts until finely chopped.

  2. Add vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and pulse until combined.

  3. Roll the mixture into small balls and then roll them in powdered sugar or shredded coconut.

  4. Place on a plate and refrigerate until firm.

These delightful candies are perfect for snacking and make great gifts when placed in pretty jars.

Fluffy Red Velvet Cupcakes: A Festive Delight

Red velvet cupcakes are another treat that brings a festive flair to any holiday dessert table.

These bright red beauties topped with cream cheese frosting are not only tasty but also eye-catching.

Here’s how to make them:

• Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

  • 1 cup vegetable oil

  • 1 cup buttermilk

  • 2 large eggs

  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar

  • Red food coloring

• Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

  2. Mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt in a bowl.

  3. In another bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, vinegar, and vanilla.

     Gradually add this to the dry ingredients.

  4. Stir in red food coloring until you reach the desired shade.

  5. Fill the cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake for 20-22 minutes.

Top with a generous swirl of cream cheese frosting, and you’ve got a festive dessert that everyone will love!

Easy No-Bake Christmas Truffles: Fun and Delicious

If you’re short on time but still want to impress, no-bake truffles are the way to go.

They are simple to make and can be flavored in many different ways.

Plus, they look adorable when arranged on a platter!

Here’s a basic chocolate truffle recipe:

• Ingredients:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 2 cups powdered sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 2 cups crushed chocolate cookies (like Oreos)

  • 1 cup chocolate chips (for coating)

• Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

  2. Stir in crushed cookies until well combined.

  3. Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a lined baking sheet.

  4. Melt chocolate chips and dip each truffle in the chocolate, then place back on the sheet.

  5. Refrigerate until firm.

These truffles are perfect for holiday parties or as a treat for yourself.

Cozy Cinnamon Rolls: A Sweet Christmas Morning Treat

Nothing beats waking up on Christmas morning to the smell of warm cinnamon rolls baking in the oven.

These rolls are soft, gooey, and topped with cream cheese icing.

It’s pure joy!

Here’s how to make them:

• Ingredients:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup sugar

  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon

  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

  • ½ cup milk

  • ½ cup water

  • 1/3 cup butter, melted

  • 2 eggs

  • 1 teaspoon salt

• Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine warm milk, water, and yeast.

     Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.

  2. In another bowl, mix flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

     Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter, mixing until combined.

  3. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, then let it rise in a warm place for an hour.

  4. Roll out the dough, spread with butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

     Roll into a log and slice into rolls.

  5. Arrange in a greased baking pan, let rise again, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Drizzle with cream cheese icing once they cool just a bit.

Your family will be thrilled!

Joyful Fruitcake: A Classic Recipe with a Twist

Fruitcake has a reputation, but a well-made fruitcake is a holiday delight.

This recipe adds a modern twist, incorporating fresh fruits and nuts for a burst of flavor.

• Ingredients:

  • 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, cherries)

  • 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

  • 1 cup orange juice

  • 1 cup flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 2 eggs

• Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a loaf pan.

  2. In a bowl, combine dried fruits, nuts, and orange juice.

     Let it soak for at least an hour.

  3. In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, spices, and sugar.

     Add butter and eggs, mixing well.

  4. Fold in the fruit mixture and pour into the prepared pan.

  5. Bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let it cool before slicing.

You might just find a new appreciation for this classic dessert!

Celebrate with a Festive Holiday Dessert Platter!

If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, why not create a dessert platter that showcases all your delicious creations?

It’s an excellent way to present a variety of treats, and it adds a festive touch to your table.

Here’s how I assemble mine:

• Select Your Desserts: Mix and match from the cookies, truffles, and cakes that you’ve made.

  Aim for a colorful assortment.

• Add Fresh Fruits: Include seasonal fruits like pomegranates, oranges, or berries for a pop of color.

• Include Nuts and Chocolates: Scatter some nuts and chocolate-covered treats for additional variety.

• Garnish with Greenery: Use fresh herbs or holly leaves to make the platter visually appealing.

• Serve with Festive Dishware: Arrange everything on a large platter or tiered cake stand to make it look special.

Your guests will appreciate the effort, and it’ll be a showstopper at any gathering.

Conclusion

The holiday season is all about indulgence, warmth, and sharing joy with those we love.

Our selection of sweet holiday recipes offers a delightful array of desserts that cater to every taste.

Whether you’re baking traditional gingerbread men or whipping up a no-bake truffle, each treat brings a touch of holiday cheer.

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the sweet moments that come with creating these scrumptious desserts.

Happy baking!

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