14+ Best Dessert Recipes for Christmas

Christmas is the perfect time to indulge in sweet treats that bring warmth and joy to the festive season. Explore mouthwatering desserts that promise to make your holiday celebrations even more special.

Gingerbread Cheesecake

Gingerbread Cheesecake

Gingerbread Cheesecake from Life Love and Sugar

Rating: 4.8 (13 reviews).

Gingerbread Cheesecake

Gingerbread Cheesecake from Homemade In The Kitchen

Rating: 5 (2 reviews). Total Time: 5 hr 10 min.

Gingerbread Cheesecake

Gingerbread Cheesecake from Tastes of Lizzy T

Rating: 4.4 (25 reviews). Total Time: 2 hr 5 min.

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Imagine the spicy warmth of gingerbread combined with the creamy richness of cheesecake. This dessert is like a holiday hug on a plate, featuring a crust made from crushed gingerbread cookies and a filling that’s spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

The magic of this recipe lies in its perfect blend of textures and flavors. The creamy filling melts in your mouth, while the spicy crust adds a delightful crunch. It’s a modern twist on classic gingerbread, making it a favorite at holiday gatherings.

What makes this cheesecake stand out is its decorative topping of whipped cream and tiny gingerbread men cookies, creating both a delicious and visually appealing treat. Whether you’re a cheesecake lover or a gingerbread enthusiast, this dessert won’t disappoint.

Peppermint Bark Brownies

Peppermint Bark Brownies

Peppermint Bark Brownies from Epicurious

Rating: 5 (5 reviews).

Peppermint Bark Brownies

Peppermint Bark Brownies from Barley & Sage

Rating: 5 (65 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 15 min.

Peppermint Bark Brownies

Peppermint Bark Brownies from A Kitchen Addiction

Rating: 4.4 (27 reviews). Total Time: 35 min.

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These brownies bring together the rich, fudgy goodness of chocolate with the refreshing zing of peppermint. The combination is nothing short of a Christmas miracle, with layers of chocolate brownie topped with a smooth peppermint bark.

Each bite of these brownies is a burst of chocolatey delight, punctuated by the coolness of peppermint. The contrast in flavors and textures makes this dessert a standout during the holiday season. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick holiday treat.

What makes peppermint bark brownies a holiday favorite is their versatility. You can customize them by adding nuts or drizzling white chocolate on top for an extra festive touch. They’re a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults alike.

Eggnog Bread Pudding

Eggnog Bread Pudding with Warm Whiskey Sauce

Eggnog Bread Pudding with Warm Whiskey Sauce from The Crumby Kitchen

Rating: 5 (51 reviews). Total Time: 1 h 10 min.

Eggnog Bread Pudding

Eggnog Bread Pudding from Dance Around the Kitchen

Rating: 5 (2 reviews). Total Time: 55 min.

Eggnog Bread Pudding

Eggnog Bread Pudding from The Pioneer Woman

Rating: 5 (4 reviews). Total Time: 1 h 40 min.

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Transform your leftover eggnog into a luxurious bread pudding that captures the essence of Christmas in every bite. This dessert combines chunks of bread soaked in a rich, eggnog-infused custard, baked to perfection.

The beauty of this dish is its simplicity. The creamy custard, spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon, soaks into the bread, creating a soft, pudding-like texture. It’s comfort food at its best, with all the nostalgic flavors of the holidays.

Eggnog bread pudding is special because it’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients while creating something extraordinary. Serve it warm, straight out of the oven, with a dollop of whipped cream for a heavenly dessert experience.

Snowball Cookies

Best Snowball Cookies

Best Snowball Cookies from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.8 (675 reviews). Total Time: 45 min.

Snowball Cookies

Snowball Cookies from The Kitchn

Rating: 5 (25 reviews). Total Time: 51 min.

Snowball Cookies Recipe

Snowball Cookies Recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction

Rating: 4.6 (63 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr.

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Snowball cookies, also known as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies, are a classic holiday treat that never goes out of style. These buttery, nutty cookies are rolled in powdered sugar, giving them their signature “snowball” appearance.

Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle sweetness make them a wonderful addition to any holiday cookie platter. The finely chopped nuts add a delightful crunch that balances the cookie’s soft, crumbly texture.

What makes snowball cookies a holiday staple is their simplicity and the fact that they can be made in large batches, perfect for sharing with friends and family. They are great for those who appreciate a less sweet, yet utterly satisfying dessert.

Chocolate Yule Log

Mary Berry's yule log

Mary Berry's yule log from BBC

Rating: 3.9 (141 reviews).

Bûche De Noël (Yule Log)

Bûche De Noël (Yule Log) from Sally's Baking Addiction

Rating: 4.6 (234 reviews).

Yule Log

Yule Log from The Pioneer Woman

Rating: 4.4 (16 reviews).

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The yule log, or “bûche de Noël,” is a traditional French dessert that brings elegance to your holiday table. This rolled sponge cake, filled with rich chocolate ganache, resembles a log, complete with a realistic bark-like texture on the outside.

Each slice reveals a beautiful swirl of chocolate, and the cake itself is light and airy, contrasting perfectly with the dense, creamy filling. It’s a dessert that not only tastes incredible but also showcases the artistry of holiday baking.

What sets the chocolate yule log apart is its stunning presentation and the opportunity for creativity in decoration. Dust it with powdered sugar for a snowy effect or add marzipan mushrooms and holly leaves for a festive touch. It’s a showstopper that’s sure to impress your guests.

Pro Tricks for Amazing Christmas Desserts

Christmas dessert recipes

Christmas dessert recipes from BBC Good Food

65 Christmas desserts

65 Christmas desserts from Olive Magazine

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Experiment with Spices

Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are your best friends when it comes to Christmas desserts. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these to enhance the flavors of your creations and give them that festive touch.

Decorate Creatively

Use decorative elements like edible glitter, colored sugars, or tiny holiday-themed toppers to make your desserts stand out. A little creativity in presentation can turn a simple dessert into a festive masterpiece.

Prep Ahead

Many holiday desserts can be prepared in advance, saving you time and stress on the big day. Look for recipes that can be made a day or two ahead, so you can focus on enjoying the festivities.