Christmas Desserts

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5 from 207 votes
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With over 50 Christmas desserts, you’ll never run out of ideas. From fudge to cookies, cakes, and more, you can rest easy knowing the holiday season will be a breeze!

soft and chewy raspberry cookies with chocolate chips.

Desserts and the holiday season go hand-in-hand, at least in my home. So when it’s my turn to bring something for Christmas dinner, I always volunteer to bring dessert. 

Not only is it the best part about Christmas, but it’s the one time a year we get to break out of our routine and make more elaborate and creative desserts. So, to make sense of the hundreds of dessert recipes I’ve come up with, I made this roundup of recipes that are easy to make, delicious, and perfect for Christmas. 

From 2-ingredient fudge to Almond Roca and pecan pie bars, you’ll find something for everyone!

Table of Contents
  1. Nuts and candy
  2. Cookies
  3. Brownies and bars
  4. Cakes and muffins
  5. Pies and crumbles
  6. No bake desserts
  7. Frequently asked questions
  8. 50+ Christmas Desserts (Recipe Card)

Nuts and candy

Nuts and candy are two great make-ahead treats you can prep well in advance and set out in attractive bowls without worrying about leaving them un-refrigerated. Plus, who doesn’t love candy?

  • Candied pecans– Whip these bad boys up on the skillet, and in less than 10 minutes, you’ll have an addictive treat. The hardest part will be waiting for them to cool down! 
  • Candied nuts– Skip the corn syrup, and you’ll still get addictive, easy-to-make, guilt-free nuts the whole family will love. 
  • 2-ingredient peanut butter fudge– 2 magical ingredients and a few minutes in the microwave are all that’s needed to make thick, creamy, decadent peanut butter fudge. 
  • 3-ingredient fudge– Effortlessly make the BEST fudge you’ll ever try with just 3 ingredients and a few minutes of prep time. Dairy-free option included. 
  • Almond joy– If you love classic almond joys or bounty bars, you’re going to fall in love with this easy homemade version. 
  • English toffee– I’ve been gifting this English toffee to friends and family for years, and they never believe me when I tell them I made it from scratch. It’s that good!
  • Turkish delight– One of the most elegant desserts that is so easy to make.
two ingredient fudge

Cookies

Christmas means cookies in my family, and every year, I try to come up with a new recipe to outdo last year’s. Each of these cookies are easy to make and freeze great, so you can store leftovers (if you have any!). 

  • Ricotta cookies– Creamy ricotta adds a layer of richness and moisture, making for chewy, soft, cakey cookies. With a delicious lemon glaze on top, of course. 
  • Vegan Christmas cookies– No one will be any the wiser when you whip out these vegan-friendly chocolate chunk cookies. Plus, they’re perfect for cookie exchanges. 
  • Gluten-free Christmas cookies– Crisp on the outside and gooey on the inside. These cookies bake FAST, and the texture is perfect. 
  • Keto Christmas cookies– Low-carb, chocolatey cookies made with just 5 ingredients and only 3 grams of carbs per cookie.
  • Almond butter cookies– A foolproof cookie recipe that makes fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth cookies every time. 
  • Coconut cookies– Just 3 ingredients and 15 minutes are all you’ll need to make these soft, chewy coconut cookies. 
  • Vegan shortbread cookies– Sugar cookies are an essential element of the Christmas season, and these vegan cookies are every bit as sweet and buttery as non-vegan ones. 
  • Cream cheese cookies– Switch things up with these out-of-the-box cream cheese cookies. Everyone will know there’s something different about them, but no one will know what the secret ingredient is. 
ricotta cookies.

Brownies and bars

I love any excuse to make brownies, blondies, you name it, especially when they’re so easy to make. Satisfy your chocolate cravings, or ditch the apple pie for single-serve apple bars instead. 

  • Flourless brownies– Crinkly on top and ooey-gooey in the center, these old-fashioned brownies are made entirely free of butter and gluten. 
  • Gingerbread blondies– The ultimate holiday dessert, made in just one bowl in less than 30 minutes. 
  • Peanut butter blondies– I love peanut butter desserts, and these decadent peanut butter blondies might just be the best ones yet. They’re soft, gooey, and filled with chocolate chips. 
  • Cookie bars– Loaded with peanut butter flavor and full of chocolate chips, you’d never guess these peanut butter cookie bars are secretly healthy. 
  • Keto brownies– These keto brownies are just as decadent, sweet, and fudgy as traditional brownies, but with only 5 grams of carbs per serving. 
  • Apple bars– What can be better than flaky shortbread layered with luscious apple pie filling and a creamy caramel sauce? Go on, I’ll wait. 
  • Pecan pie brownies– These pecan pie brownies have a fudgy, chewy base and an irresistible gooey pecan topping. 
peanut butter blondie.

Cakes and muffins

Cakes don’t usually make an appearance unless it’s a birthday party, and I think that’s a travesty. Each of these cake and muffin recipes are simple yet elegant, delicious, and quick to make. 

  • Pumpkin cake– It’s pumpkin season until January as far as I’m concerned, and this moist, sweet pumpkin cake is the perfect way to celebrate. 
  • 2-ingredient pumpkin cake– Pumpkin puree and spice cake mix combine to make an irresistibly sweet, moist, fluffy cake. Oh, and don’t forget the frosting
  • Caramel apple cake– If you’ve never paired gooey caramel with spiced apple cake, you’re missing out. This recipe is a serious showstopper. 
  • Opera cake– This elegant and sophisticated layered cake is deceptively easy to make and guaranteed to be talked about well after the party’s over. 
  • Snickerdoodle cake– This cake is subtly spiced, delicate, and incredibly moist. Plus, it pulls double duty as vegan and gluten-free. 
  • Pear cake– This recipe features a light, moist cake covered in a layer of gooey caramelized pears. 
  • Pumpkin cream cheese muffins– Common baking ingredients combine in less than 30 minutes to make fluffy pumpkin muffins filled with tangy cream cheese.
  • Tiramisu cake– Another showstopper, this layered cake features a light sponge cake, coffee syrup, and a decadent whipped coffee frosting. Completely dairy and egg-free. 
  • Apple cinnamon muffins– If you’re in need of a healthier dessert, these apple cinnamon muffins always win everyone’s hearts. 
pumpkin cream cheese muffins.

Pies and crumbles

What would the holiday season be without at least one or two pies on the table? As much as I love old-fashioned pumpkin pie, I love sharing new recipes with my family even more. 

  • Apple pie with crumb topping– If you’re looking for something a bit more simple, this apple pie can easily be jazzed up with a little whipped cream or ice cream. 
  • Pecan pie– You can’t beat a classic pecan pie, especially when it’s vegan and comes together in just 5 minutes. 
  • Keto pecan pie– A buttery crust and gooey filling make this the ultimate holiday dessert, all for just 5 grams of carbs per serving. 
  • Cheesecake cupcakes– Go big or go home with these irresistibly creamy, tangy mini cheesecakes. They’re perfect for the holiday table. 
  • Caramel pecan cheesecake– Blow everyone away with this decadent no-bake cheesecake that’s topped with a thick caramel and crunchy pecans. 
  • Clafoutis– Featuring a creamy custard filling with stewed blueberries and powdered sugar, this classic French dessert is deceptively easy to make. 
  • Healthy apple crisp– I have to say, for being a healthy version of apple crisp, you won’t even notice there’s no butter or refined sugar. 
  • Cheesecake bites– The perfect bite bite-sized dessert, with countless ways to customize. 
  • Peanut butter pie– If you love peanut butter, love chocolate, and love a good slice a pie, this dessert is made for you. It’s that simple. 
clafouti.

No bake desserts

I love no-bake desserts, especially during the craziness that is the holiday season. It’s usually like playing Tetris to try and fit anything in the oven, so no-bake desserts always come in handy. 

  • Kit Kat bars– These crispy chocolate bars come together in just 5 minutes and taste exactly like your favorite candy bar. 
  • Crunch bars– If you’re looking to relive your childhood with an easy-to-make candy bar, this recipe is for you. Plus, they’re dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free. 
  • Crunch cookies– If you loved Little Debbies growing up, then get ready because this 5-minute recipe is going to bring back some memories. 
  • Cookie dough balls– I consider myself a bit of a professional home cook, and even I can’t stop myself from eating raw cookie dough, even though it’s so bad for you! Luckily, these no-bake cookie dough balls are 100% safe (and delicious) to eat raw. 
  • Avocado chocolate mousse– Yes, you can turn avocados into the creamiest mousse simply by blending it up! This version is made even better with cocoa powder mixed in, making for an antioxidant-rich dessert filled with healthy fats. 
avocado chocolate mousse.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most popular Christmas dessert?

Historically, the most popular Christmas dessert has been a Yule log or a chocolate cake. In recent times, puddings and hot fudge cakes have seen a rise in popularity.

What are the most popular Christmas treats?

Any candies or sweets flavored with eggnog, peppermint, and pumpkin are always popular, as are fudges and chocolate.

christmas dessert recipes.

50+ Christmas Desserts

5 from 207 votes
These Christmas desserts tick all the boxes: cookies, candy, cake, and more! Tons of easy recipes that will ensure the holiday season is a breeze, including this Christmas toffee.
Servings: 12 servings
Prep: 1 minute
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 6 minutes

Ingredients  

  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup chocolate finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup almonds chopped

Instructions 

  • Line a square pan with parchment paper and sprinkle with the chopped almonds.
  • In a small saucepan, add the butter, sugar, and water and place over medium heat. Stir continuously until it reaches an internal temperature of 300F.
  • Transfer the candy to the pan and over the almonds and let it cool completely.
  • Once cool, microwave the chocolate in 20-second increments until smooth.
  • Pour over the hard candy and let it set. Once set, break it up into pieces.

Notes

TO STORE: Candy will keep at room temperature, covered, for up to four weeks. Store it in the refrigerator if you’d like it to last longer. 
TO FREEZE: Place the candy in a ziplock bag and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 269kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 1gFat: 21gSodium: 123mgPotassium: 49mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 473IUCalcium: 21mgIron: 1mgNET CARBS: 21g
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Recipe originally published November 2022 but updated to include new information for your benefit.

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

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