The holiday season is a magical time for baking, and this collection of Christmas delights offers something for everyone.
From charmingly decorated treats to deeply flavored cakes and cookies, these recipes are designed to bring festive cheer to your kitchen and your loved ones.
Get ready to fill your home with the warm, inviting scents of cinnamon, peppermint, and gingerbread as you create edible memories..
Table of Contents
Biscoff Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
This pull-apart Christmas tree is a showstopper made with just two main ingredients: puff pastry and Biscoff spread.
It's incredibly easy to assemble, comes together in under 30 minutes, and creates a beautiful, edible centerpiece that's perfect for sharing.
The warm, spiced flavor of Biscoff nestled within flaky puff pastry makes this a delightful festive treat..
Pro Tip: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two to maintain the pastry's texture, though it's best enjoyed fresh.
Get the Recipe: Biscoff Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
Chocolate Peppermint Mini Bundt Cakes
These adorable mini bundt cakes combine rich chocolate cake with a festive peppermint flavor, all topped with a creamy peppermint frosting and crushed candy canes.
They're perfect for individual servings, making them ideal for parties, bake sales, or simply a delightful personal treat.
The combination of chocolate and peppermint truly tastes like Christmas..
Pro Tip: For an extra pop of peppermint, add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract directly into the chocolate cake batter.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peppermint Mini Bundt Cakes
Classic Gingerbread Man Cookies
Capture the essence of the holidays with these charming gingerbread man cookies, infused with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
They have a delightful texture with a slightly crisp exterior and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center.
Perfect for decorating with royal icing, these cookies are a nostalgic treat that brings festive spirit to any occasion..
Pro Tip: Keep the dough well-chilled before rolling and cutting to ensure the gingerbread men hold their shape beautifully during baking.
Get the Recipe: Classic Gingerbread Man Cookies
Christmas Tree Brownies
Transform simple brownies into festive Christmas trees with this easy and creative recipe.
Cut out triangular shapes from baked brownies and decorate them with frosting and sprinkles, candy canes, or M&Ms to resemble mini Christmas trees.
They're a fun, no-fuss way to bring a holiday theme to a classic favorite dessert..
Pro Tip: Ensure the brownies are completely cool before frosting and cutting; this makes them easier to handle and prevents the frosting from melting.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Brownies
Elegant Cranberry Cake
This beautiful layer cake features moist vanilla cake layers paired with a bright, homemade cranberry filling and a smooth ermine buttercream.
Its elegant design, often adorned with cranberries and rosemary, makes it a stunning centerpiece for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.
The tartness of the cranberries perfectly complements the sweet vanilla cake and creamy frosting..
Pro Tip: The vanilla cake layers can be baked a day in advance, wrapped tightly, and stored in the fridge or at room temperature to save time on decorating day.
Get the Recipe: Elegant Cranberry Cake
Christmas Lights Sugar Cookies
These whimsical sugar cookies are decorated to look like strings of Christmas lights, complete with colorful M&Ms pressed into royal icing lines.
They are a delightful and visually festive cookie that’s sure to bring smiles.
The buttery sugar cookie base combined with the sweet, vibrant decoration makes these a perfect holiday bake..
Pro Tip: For cookies that need to be stacked or packaged, use royal icing tinted black instead of black gel icing for the 'wires,' as the gel may not fully harden.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Lights Sugar Cookies
Decadent Dark Chocolate Orange Cheesecake
Indulge in the rich, classic pairing of dark chocolate and orange with this no-water-bath cheesecake.
A chocolate graham cracker crust provides a perfect base for the creamy, deeply chocolatey cheesecake filling, enhanced with fresh orange zest.
It’s an elegant dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make and sure to impress with its sophisticated flavor..
Pro Tip: For the best texture and to prevent cracking, ensure all cheesecake filling ingredients like cream cheese, ricotta, and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Dark Chocolate Orange Cheesecake
Cute Reindeer Cupcakes
These charming reindeer cupcakes are a fun and festive treat for the holidays, made with a chocolate cake mix base and topped with a delicious chocolate buttercream.
Adorned with Rolo candies for noses, pretzel twists for antlers, and candy eyes, they're incredibly cute and kid-friendly.
They're a simple yet delightful way to celebrate Christmas with a touch of whimsy..
Pro Tip: To keep the pretzel antlers from getting soft, consider decorating the cupcakes with them just before serving, especially if storing them for a few days.
Get the Recipe: Cute Reindeer Cupcakes
White Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes
These moist and fluffy white cupcakes are filled with a silky white chocolate peppermint ganache and topped with a luscious white chocolate peppermint cream cheese frosting.
They offer a delightful balance of creamy sweetness and cool peppermint, making them a perfect festive treat.
The combination is elegantly festive and tastes wonderfully of the holiday season..
Pro Tip: Peppermint has a strong flavor, so store these cupcakes separately from other baked goods to prevent the peppermint scent from transferring.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes
Easy Red Velvet Cake Mix Brownies
Whip up these incredibly fudgy and moist red velvet brownies with just four ingredients and a cake mix.
The addition of white chocolate chips adds pockets of creamy sweetness that beautifully complement the rich red velvet flavor.
They're a quick, budget-friendly, and utterly delicious treat perfect for any occasion, especially holidays..
Pro Tip: Avoid overbaking these brownies to maintain their wonderfully moist and fudgy texture; aim for a toothpick with a few moist crumbs.
Get the Recipe: Easy Red Velvet Cake Mix Brownies
Peppermint Mocha Cut-Out Cookies
Embrace the cozy flavors of a peppermint mocha with these delightful cut-out sugar cookies.
Infused with cocoa and peppermint extract, they bake up with a soft bite and hold their shape beautifully for decorating.
Topped with a rich espresso buttercream and festive sprinkles, these cookies are a sophisticated and festive treat for grown-ups and kids alike..
Pro Tip: Freezing the freshly baked, cooled cookies before frosting can help ensure a perfectly smooth frosting application.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Mocha Cut-Out Cookies
Gooey Eggnog Blondies
Capture the warm, spiced essence of eggnog in these decadent blondies.
With crisp golden edges and an irresistibly gooey center studded with white chocolate chips, these treats are a festive delight.
They perfectly blend the familiar comfort of eggnog with the satisfying texture of a blondie, making them ideal for holiday gatherings..
Pro Tip: Walnuts can be swapped for pecans or macadamia nuts, or omitted entirely if you prefer, to customize these delightful eggnog blondies.
Get the Recipe: Gooey Eggnog Blondies
Traditional German Stollen
Experience a taste of German tradition with this classic Stollen recipe, a rich yeast-based fruitcake brimming with dried fruits, nuts, and aromatic spices like cardamom and nutmeg.
This impressive loaf is often coated in melted butter and dusted with powdered sugar, and its flavors deepen beautifully when aged for a few weeks, making it a perfect make-ahead holiday treat..
Pro Tip: For the best flavor development, wrap the baked and coated Stollen well and let it age for 2 to 4 weeks before slicing and serving.
Get the Recipe: Traditional German Stollen
Sour Cream Christmas Sugar Cookies
These easy sour cream sugar cookies are incredibly tender and fluffy, making them ideal for cutting into festive shapes.
The secret ingredient, sour cream, adds a subtle tang and enhances the overall flavor, creating a superior cookie experience.
Paired with a delightful cream cheese frosting, these cookies are perfect for decorating with kids and sharing the holiday joy..
Pro Tip: Ensure all your ingredients for the cookies and frosting (butter, eggs, sour cream, cream cheese) are at room temperature for the smoothest texture and easiest mixing.
Get the Recipe: Sour Cream Christmas Sugar Cookies
Perfect Easy Sugar Cookies
Whip up these wonderfully simple sugar cookies that bake up perfectly and hold their shape beautifully.
Their delicious buttery vanilla taste makes them a crowd-pleaser, and they're ideal for decorating with colorful icings and festive sprinkles.
Whether for a holiday party or a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies are a versatile holiday staple..
Pro Tip: For the best results and to prevent spreading, chill the sugar cookie dough before cutting and baking. They freeze well too, making them great for making ahead.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Easy Sugar Cookies
Hazelnut Orange Cocoa Sables
Indulge in these sophisticated French-style sables, featuring a rich cocoa base infused with fragrant orange zest and crunchy hazelnuts.
A delicate drizzle of white chocolate adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal, creating a cookie that's both intensely chocolatey and beautifully balanced.
These are perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself during the holidays..
Pro Tip: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain their delightful texture.
Get the Recipe: Hazelnut Orange Cocoa Sables
Pecan Pie Cheesecake
Experience the ultimate dessert mashup with this Pecan Pie Cheesecake, a creamy, rich cheesecake topped with a sweet, nutty pecan pie layer.
The graham cracker crust provides a perfect buttery base for this decadent creation.
It's a show-stopping dessert that beautifully combines two beloved classics, making it ideal for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering..
Pro Tip: For a smoother, creamier cheesecake, ensure all your dairy ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. Chilling overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cheesecake
Christmas Wreath Cupcakes
Bring festive charm to your dessert table with these adorable Christmas Wreath Cupcakes! Easy to make and fun to decorate with kids, these cupcakes feature green piped frosting as wreaths, adorned with sprinkles and fondant stars.
They're a delightful, edible centerpiece that captures the spirit of the season..
Pro Tip: To keep the cupcakes fresh and the frosting looking its best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Wreath Cupcakes
Easy Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
These charming thumbprint cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients.
Their classic sweet center, often filled with jam or chocolate, is perfect for a festive touch.
Decorated with colorful chocolate chips or candy melts, they're a delightful addition to any holiday cookie plate, offering a delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture..
Pro Tip: Prevent thumbprint cookies from sticking together by layering them with wax paper in an airtight container. For longer storage, they can also be refrigerated or frozen.
Get the Recipe: Easy Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
Festive Christmas Cheesecake with Peppermint
Get into the holiday spirit with this festive Christmas Cheesecake! Featuring a rich mint Oreo crust and a creamy, peppermint-infused cheesecake filling, it's topped with a delightful buttercream frosting and festive candies.
This cheesecake is the perfect blend of comforting creaminess and refreshing peppermint, making it a star dessert for any holiday celebration..
Pro Tip: This cheesecake freezes exceptionally well. Wrap the undecorated, baked cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn for up to 2 months.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Cheesecake with Peppermint
Christmas Poke Cake
Brighten your holiday gathering with this festive Christmas Poke Cake! Infused with cherry and lime jello for a vibrant holiday look, this moist and fluffy cake is topped with whipped topping and cheerful Christmas peeps and sprinkles.
It's an easy, eye-catching dessert that tastes as fun as it looks..
Pro Tip: To ensure the jello fully seeps into the cake for maximum flavor, use the end of a wooden spoon or a large straw to create the holes and gently spoon the jello into them.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Poke Cake
Chocolate Chunk Molasses Ginger Cookies
Savor the warm, spicy embrace of these chewy molasses ginger cookies, elevated with generous chunks of dark chocolate.
Infused with classic holiday spices like cinnamon, ginger, and a hint of cayenne, these cookies offer a delightful balance of sweet, spice, and rich chocolate.
They're the perfect comforting treat for cozy winter days..
Pro Tip: For the best chewy texture, avoid over-baking; the cookies will continue to bake slightly after being removed from the oven. Let them set for 5-10 minutes before transferring.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chunk Molasses Ginger Cookies
Cookies and Cream Cookies
Dive into cookie heaven with these decadent Cookies and Cream Cookies! Packed with crushed Oreos, creamy white chocolate, and rich semi-sweet chocolate chips, these giant, bakery-style cookies are a dream for any Oreo lover.
The extra Oreo crumbles on top add an irresistible touch..
Pro Tip: Chilling the cookie dough balls for 20-30 minutes before baking is crucial for achieving those perfectly puffy and chewy, non-spreading cookies.
Get the Recipe: Cookies and Cream Cookies
3-Ingredient Buttery Shortbread Cookies
Discover the simple elegance of Scottish shortbread with this incredibly easy 3-ingredient recipe.
Made with just butter, sugar, and flour, these cookies deliver an unparalleled buttery, tender crumb that literally melts in your mouth.
They are a timeless classic, perfect for enjoying on their own or as a base for your favorite holiday decorations..
Pro Tip: Shortbread cookies can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several days, making them a convenient holiday baking option.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Buttery Shortbread Cookies
Minnie Red Velvet Bundt Cake
Add a touch of Disney magic to your holiday celebrations with this enchanting Minnie Mouse Red Velvet Bundt Cake.
This moist, chocolatey red velvet cake is beautifully topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, festive sprinkles, and adorable fondant ears and bows.
It’s a whimsical and delicious treat that’s sure to delight guests of all ages..
Pro Tip: Allow your bundt cakes to cool completely before decorating with frosting and fondant to ensure a neat, non-melty finish and prevent the decorations from drooping.
Get the Recipe: Minnie Red Velvet Bundt Cake
Christmas Oreo Peppermint Cookies
Get into the holiday spirit with these festive Christmas Oreo Peppermint Cookies! Combining the beloved crunch of Oreos with a refreshing peppermint frosting, these cookies are a delightful seasonal treat.
The rich chocolate flavor of the cookies perfectly complements the cool mint frosting, making them a perfect addition to your cookie platters..
Pro Tip: These cookies can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to two months. They are also excellent for freezing, either as baked cookies or as dough balls.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Oreo Peppermint Cookies
Linzer Torte
Experience the timeless elegance of Linzer Torte, a nutty, crumbly pastry with a delightful jam filling, traditionally adorned with a beautiful lattice crust.
Made with a buttery dough rich with ground nuts, it's a sophisticated dessert that's surprisingly easy to prepare.
Its enchanting look and delicious flavor make it a perfect centerpiece for any festive occasion..
Pro Tip: Chilling the dough before rolling is key to preventing it from becoming too soft. If it firms up too much, let it rest at room temperature for a few minutes to become pliable again.
Get the Recipe: Linzer Torte
Thumbprint Cookies with Icing
Create these classic old-fashioned thumbprint cookies, a wonderfully customizable holiday treat! With a tender shortbread base and a sweet, smooth icing center, you can personalize them with sprinkles, nuts, or your favorite festive colors.
They're a delightful and easy-to-make cookie that brings joy to any holiday gathering..
Pro Tip: To ensure the cookie dough doesn't spread too much, use very cold butter, minimize handling, and chill the formed cookie balls in the freezer before baking.
Get the Recipe: Thumbprint Cookies with Icing
Peppermint Christmas Bundt Cake
Celebrate the holidays with this stunning Peppermint Christmas Bundt Cake, bursting with festive peppermint flavor.
Topped with a creamy peppermint cream cheese frosting and crushed candy canes, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious.
It’s an easy yet impressive dessert that’s perfect for holiday parties or a cozy family gathering..
Pro Tip: Bake this cake ahead of time and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it moist until you're ready to frost and decorate. It's also a fantastic make-ahead option.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Christmas Bundt Cake
Festive Swirl Cheesecake
This gorgeous Christmas Cheesecake is a dressed-up classic, featuring beautiful swirls of red and green for a touch of holiday magic.
Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it a perfect centerpiece for any festive dessert table, sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests..
Pro Tip: Store leftover cheesecake covered in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Get the Recipe: Festive Swirl Cheesecake
Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cake
Embrace the cozy, nostalgic flavors of the season with this old-fashioned gingerbread cake.
Rich with molasses and warm spices like cinnamon and ginger, this moist cake is topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting and festive sprinkles, making it an ideal treat for holiday celebrations or a special Christmas birthday..
Pro Tip: Prepare this cake up to three days in advance, but frost and add sprinkles just before serving for the best presentation.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cake
Chocolate Ginger Crinkle Cookies
These Chocolate Ginger Crinkle Cookies offer a delightful fusion of rich dark chocolate and a hint of warm ginger spice.
With their characteristic crinkled appearance and fudgy interior, these cookies are a sophisticated yet easy-to-make holiday treat that promises a deep chocolate flavor with a comforting spicy note..
Pro Tip: For perfectly crinkled cookies, ensure the dough is well-chilled and coat them thoroughly in both granulated sugar and powdered sugar.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Ginger Crinkle Cookies
Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
Experience the best of both worlds with these Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies, a delightful cross between a classic peanut butter cookie and a soft sugar cookie.
Featuring perfectly crisp edges and a wonderfully soft, chewy center, these cookies are a holiday baking essential that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying..
Pro Tip: For enhanced flavor and chewiness, consider chilling the cookie dough overnight before baking.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies