A kitchen filled with the scent of cinnamon, butter, and a hint of holiday magic is unbeatable! I enjoyed compiling a list of 30 cozy Christmas bakes for you so you can fill your home with warm sugary cheer! Put on your favorite holiday apron, cue the carols and let’s make some festive memories!
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1) Gingerbread Cookies
These are the classic cut-out cookies that fill the entire house with the wonderful smell of Christmas morning.
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Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies that are soft in the middle and deliciously spiced make the perfect base for icing and mini candy buttons.
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the flour, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves together in a bowl.
- Beat the butter and brown sugar until fluffy, then mix in the egg and molasses.
- Stir the dry mix into the wet until a soft dough forms, then chill it for 1 hour.
- Roll out to 1/4 inch, cut into shapes, and arrange on lined baking sheets.
- Bake at 350F for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are just set.
- Cool completely before decorating with royal icing.
Notes
Chilling the dough keeps your cut-out shapes crisp and prevents spreading.
2) Peppermint Bark
These are easily the most festive gift on the cookie tray. They have two layers of chocolate and a sprinkle of candy cane.
Peppermint Bark
A crunchy, festive treat with layers of dark and white chocolate and finished off with broken candy canes.
Ingredients
Method
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt the dark chocolate gently and spread it into an even layer on the sheet.
- Chill until firm, about 15 minutes.
- Melt the white chocolate, stir in the peppermint extract, and pour it over the set dark layer.
- Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the top while the white chocolate is still soft.
- Chill until fully set, then break into shards.
Notes
Use a sharp knife to break it for prettier, more uniform shards.
3) Eggnog Cheesecake
This is begging to be on your dessert table. It's creamy and has a strong taste of booze and nutmeg.
Eggnog Cheesecake
Creamy eggnog cheesecake on a graham cracker crust, adorned with nutmeg and rum extract.
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the graham crumbs and melted butter, press into a springform pan, and chill.
- Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Blend in the eggnog, eggs, rum extract, and nutmeg until just combined.
- Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top.
- Bake at 325F for about 60 minutes, until the center barely jiggles.
- Cool, then refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight before slicing.
Notes
Don't skip the long chill; it's what gives cheesecake its perfect sliceable texture.
4) Cinnamon Roll Wreath
A cinnamon roll wreath looks fancy but is actually just rolls placed in a circle.
Cinnamon Roll Wreath
Shaped for the holiday brunch table, this wreath-shaped cinnamon roll is warm, gooey, and iced to perfection.
Ingredients
Method
- Roll the dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread with softened butter, then sprinkle on the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll up tightly from the long edge into a log.
- Shape the log into a ring on a lined sheet, pinch the ends, and snip slices halfway through all around.
- Bake at 350F for 22 to 25 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Whisk the powdered sugar with milk and drizzle over the warm wreath.
Notes
Twist each snipped slice slightly outward for that classic wreath look.
5) Chestnut-Spice Cake
This cake is earthy and warm and spiced and is a little bit nostalgic, so it feels like a hug in dessert form.
Chestnut-Spice Cake
A tender chestnut-spice cake with cozy notes of clove and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and cloves together.
- Cream the butter and sugar until light, then beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Stir in the chestnut puree until smooth.
- Fold in the dry ingredients just until combined.
- Pour into a greased bundt or loaf pan and bake at 350F for about 40 minutes.
- Cool, then finish with a generous dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
A toothpick should come out clean from the center when it's done.
6) Candy Cane Brownies
Crushed candy canes and fudgy brownies are the most festive bars on the plate!
Candy Cane Brownies
Rich and fudgy chocolate brownies with peppermint frosting and candy cane pieces.
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the melted butter, sugar, and cocoa together until glossy.
- Beat in the eggs, then fold in the flour just until combined.
- Spread into a lined 8x8 pan and bake at 350F for 28 to 30 minutes.
- Cool completely.
- Whisk the powdered sugar with the peppermint extract and a splash of milk into a frosting, then spread over the top.
- Sprinkle with crushed candy cane and slice into squares.
Notes
Add the candy cane right before serving so it stays crunchy.
7) Pecan Tassies
Miniature pecan pies with a cream cheese crust are perfect for grazing all day!
Pecan Tassies
Mini pecan tassies feature a cheesecake pastry, and a rich, buttery filling.
Ingredients
Method
- Beat the softened butter and cream cheese, then mix in the flour to form a dough.
- Press small balls of dough into a mini muffin tin to form little cups.
- Whisk the egg, brown sugar, and melted butter together for the filling.
- Sprinkle pecans into each cup, then spoon the filling over.
- Bake at 350F for 22 to 25 minutes until the filling is set and the pastry is golden.
- Cool a few minutes, then gently pop them out of the tin.
Notes
Run a thin knife around the edges to release them cleanly.
8) Snowball Cookies
They have a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and are rolled in powdered sugar like little edible snowballs.
Snowball Cookies
Tender shortbread snowballs are made with pecans and then rolled in powdered sugar, twice!
Ingredients
Method
- Cream the butter and powdered sugar, then beat in the vanilla.
- Mix in the flour and chopped pecans until a soft dough forms.
- Roll into 1-inch balls and place on lined baking sheets.
- Bake at 350F for 12 to 15 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Cool for 5 minutes, then roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar.
- Once fully cool, roll them in powdered sugar a second time.
Notes
The double roll is the secret to that classic snowy coating.
9) Spiced Orange Cake
What if sunshine in December was a cake? It would be a delightful fusion of bright citrus and warm winter spice!
Spiced Orange Cake
A moist Orange Cake infused with Cinnamon and drenched in a sweet Citrus Glaze that is soaked into every slice.
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon together.
- Cream the butter and sugar, then beat in the eggs and orange zest.
- Alternate adding the dry mix and half the orange juice until smooth.
- Pour into a greased bundt pan and bake at 350F for about 40 minutes.
- Whisk the remaining orange juice with powdered sugar into a glaze.
- Poke holes in the warm cake and brush the glaze over the top.
Notes
Zest the oranges before juicing so you get every bit of flavor.
10) Sticky Toffee Pudding
This classic British dessert is perfect for cold weather and is warm, gooey, and covered in toffee sauce.
Sticky Toffee Pudding
A warm serving of this date sponge cake is topped with a buttery toffee sauce.
Ingredients
Method
- Soak the dates in the boiling water with the baking soda for 10 minutes.
- Cream the butter and brown sugar, then beat in the eggs.
- Fold in the flour, then stir in the soaked dates and their liquid.
- Pour into a greased baking dish and bake at 350F for about 30 minutes.
- For the sauce, simmer the cream with a little brown sugar and butter until glossy.
- Pour warm toffee sauce over the cake and serve right away.
Notes
Pour extra sauce at the table; nobody ever complains about too much toffee.
11) Marzipan Stollen
Each slice of this German Christmas bread contain a secret twist of marzipan.
Marzipan Stollen
Almond marzipan is wrapped in buttery stollen and covered in powdered sugar along with dried fruits.
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the flour, yeast, warm milk, butter, and sugar into a soft dough.
- Knead in the dried fruit, then let the dough rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Roll the dough into an oval and lay a log of marzipan down the center.
- Fold the dough over the marzipan and place seam-side down on a lined sheet.
- Bake at 350F for about 35 to 40 minutes until golden.
- Brush with melted butter and dust heavily with powdered sugar while warm.
Notes
A thick blanket of powdered sugar helps the stollen keep longer.
12) Holiday Fruitcake
Yes, it is the fruitcake everyone makes jokes about, but when it is homemade, it's truthfully good and worth it!
Holiday Fruitcake
A rich and spicy cake that is full of candied fruits and nuts and is very moist.
Ingredients
Method
- Soak the candied fruit and raisins in the orange juice for 30 minutes.
- Whisk the flour and cinnamon together in a bowl.
- Cream the butter and brown sugar, then beat in the eggs.
- Fold in the flour, then the soaked fruit and any liquid.
- Pour into a lined loaf pan and bake at 325F for about 75 minutes.
- Cool completely, then wrap and let it rest a day for the best flavor.
Notes
Wrapping it overnight lets the flavors deepen and the crumb settle.
13) Cranberry Bliss Bars
If you appreciate that popular coffee shop bar, these imitators are even nicer at home.
Cranberry Bliss Bars
Cream cheese frosting tops the blondie bars that are packed with white chocolate and cranberries.
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the melted butter and brown sugar, then beat in the eggs.
- Fold in the flour, white chocolate chips, and half the cranberries.
- Spread into a lined 9x13 pan and bake at 350F for about 25 minutes.
- Cool completely.
- Beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and spread over the bars.
- Sprinkle the remaining cranberries on top, then cut into triangles.
Notes
Cut them into triangles for that signature bliss bar look.
14) Peppermint Mocha Cookies
Imagine a chocolate cookie that you can dunk, and we made it your favorite holiday coffee drink!
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Peppermint Mocha Cookies
Rich espresso chocolate cookies with melting white chocolate and a refreshing touch of peppermint.
Ingredients
Method
- Cream the butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, espresso powder, and peppermint extract.
- Stir in the flour and cocoa until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips.
- Scoop onto lined sheets and bake at 350F for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Let them set on the pan a few minutes before transferring to cool.
Notes
Pull them while the centers still look soft for a chewy bite.
15) Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Bright red dough rolled in powdered sugar that gives the cutest crackle!
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Soft red velvet crinkle cookies with a slight hint of cocoa and tops coated in powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the flour, cocoa, and baking powder together.
- Cream the butter and sugar, then beat in the eggs and red food coloring.
- Stir in the dry ingredients to form a soft dough, then chill 1 hour.
- Roll the dough into balls and coat generously in powdered sugar.
- Place on lined sheets and bake at 350F for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Cool on the pan briefly so the crinkles hold their shape.
Notes
A thick powdered sugar coating makes the crackle pattern pop.
16) Almond Crescents
Gentle crescent cookies that seem to melt away as you eat them.
Almond Crescents
Powdered sugar crescent cookies that are buttery and almond-flavored.
Ingredients
Method
- Cream the butter and powdered sugar, then mix in the almond extract.
- Stir in the flour and ground almonds until a soft dough forms.
- Pinch off small pieces and roll into ropes, then bend into crescents.
- Place on lined sheets and bake at 350F for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Cool slightly, then roll the warm crescents in powdered sugar.
- Dust again once fully cooled for a snowy finish.
Notes
Ground almonds give these their tender, sandy texture.
17) Lebkuchen
Soft German spice cookies that taste, in the best way, like a gingerbread house.
Lebkuchen
Lebkuchen cookies, sweetened with honey and coated with a shiny glaze.
Ingredients
Method
- Warm the honey and brown sugar together until dissolved, then cool slightly.
- Beat in the egg, then stir in the flour and spices to form a dough.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
- Scoop into rounds on lined sheets and bake at 350F for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Whisk the powdered sugar with a splash of water into a thin glaze.
- Brush the glaze over the warm cookies and let it set.
Notes
Store these in a tin with an apple slice to keep them soft.
18) Christmas Pudding
The traditional dessert that is lit on fire and brought to the table with great excitement.
Christmas Pudding
A dark, rich, and highly spiced steamed pudding, with an abundance of dried fruit.
Ingredients
Method
- Soak the dried fruit in the brandy for at least 1 hour.
- Mix the breadcrumbs, brown sugar, flour, and spice in a large bowl.
- Stir in the melted butter, eggs, and soaked fruit until combined.
- Spoon into a greased pudding basin and cover tightly with foil.
- Steam in a covered pot of simmering water for about 2 hours.
- Cool, then re-steam for an hour before serving warm.
Notes
Make it weeks ahead; this pudding only gets better with time.
19) Walnut Fudge
This fudge is made with five simple ingredients and the best part? You don't need a candy thermometer!
Walnut Fudge
Chocolate fudge decorated with walnuts is a great option for an easy to prepare gift.
Ingredients
Method
- Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper.
- Melt the chocolate chips, condensed milk, and butter together until smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla until glossy.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Spread into the lined pan and smooth the top.
- Chill until firm, then cut into small squares.
Notes
Toast the walnuts first for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
20) Pfeffernüsse
These are German cookies that have a sugar coating as well as a tiny bit of spice! They're super easy to snack on!
Pfeffernüsse
Pfeffernüsse is a German spice cookie featuring a kick from black pepper and a sugar glaze coating.
Ingredients
Method
- Warm the molasses and butter together, then let it cool slightly.
- Beat in the egg, then stir in the flour, cinnamon, pepper, and cloves.
- Chill the dough for 1 hour.
- Roll into small balls and bake on lined sheets at 350F for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Whisk the powdered sugar with a little water into a glaze.
- Dip the warm cookies in glaze and let them dry on a rack.
Notes
The black pepper is what makes them authentic, so don't skip it.
21) Panettone
This fluffy Italian Christmas bread is super tall and is totally worth the wait as a delicious end product!
Panettone
A great option to pair with coffee is a panettone that is citrus like and airy with notes of candied raisins.
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the flour, yeast, warm milk, sugar, and eggs into a sticky dough.
- Knead in the softened butter until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let it rise until doubled, about 2 hours.
- Fold in the candied peel and raisins, then place in a tall panettone mold.
- Let it rise again until puffed, about 1 hour.
- Bake at 350F for about 45 minutes until deep golden and hollow-sounding.
Notes
Hang it upside down to cool so the airy crumb doesn't collapse.
22) Figgy Pudding
The one which the carolers ask for, and now you will truly know what it actually tastes like.
Figgy Pudding
A steamed pudding filled with dried figs and warm spices of the holidays.
Ingredients
Method
- Simmer the figs in the milk until softened, then cool slightly.
- Whisk the flour, baking soda, and cinnamon together.
- Cream the butter and brown sugar, then beat in the eggs.
- Fold in the dry mix, then stir in the figs and milk.
- Spoon into a greased pudding basin, cover, and steam for about 90 minutes.
- Turn out and serve warm with a pour of cream.
Notes
A drizzle of warm custard takes this right over the top.
23) Yule Log Cake
This is a real showstopper! It’s a rolled chocolate cake decorated to look like a snowy log.
Yule Log Cake
A sponge cake that is rolled and filled with cream and then finished with frosting to look like a traditional yule log.
Ingredients
Method
- Beat the eggs and sugar until thick and pale.
- Fold in the flour and cocoa, then spread onto a lined sheet pan.
- Bake at 375F for 10 to 12 minutes, then roll the warm sponge in a towel.
- Whip the cream, unroll the cooled sponge, spread the cream, and re-roll.
- Frost the outside with the melted chocolate beaten with butter.
- Drag a fork through the frosting for bark and dust with powdered sugar snow.
Notes
Rolling the warm cake first trains it so it won't crack later.
24) Trifle with Sherry
Big glass bowl full of layers of cake, custard and cream that always goes missing quickly.
Trifle with Sherry
A traditional layered sherry trifle with sponge, fruit, custard, and fluffy whipped cream.
Ingredients
Method
- Layer the cubed pound cake in the bottom of a large glass bowl.
- Drizzle the sherry over the cake and let it soak in.
- Scatter the berries over the cake layer.
- Spoon the custard evenly over the fruit.
- Whip the cream with powdered sugar and spread it over the custard.
- Chill at least 2 hours, then top with sliced almonds before serving.
Notes
Use a clear bowl so everyone can admire those pretty layers.
25) White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
These are the quiet superstars of the cookie tray! Super chewy with the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
Tender cookies stuffed with smooth white chocolate pieces and chewy dried cranberries.
Ingredients
Method
- Cream the butter with both sugars until fluffy.
- Beat in the egg until smooth.
- Stir in the flour and baking soda to form a soft dough.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
- Scoop onto lined sheets and bake at 350F for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Cool on the pan a few minutes before moving to a rack.
Notes
Pull them when the edges are set but the centers still look soft.
26) Nutmeg Sugar Cookies
Classic sugar cookies with a hint of nutmeg to add to the holiday spirit.
Nutmeg Sugar Cookies
Tender sugar cookies, freshly baked, aroma of nutmeg and topped with a sparkle of sugar.
Ingredients
Method
- Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla.
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, and nutmeg together, then stir into the wet mix.
- Roll the dough into balls and flatten slightly on lined sheets.
- Sprinkle the tops with sparkling sugar.
- Bake at 350F for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are just golden.
Notes
Freshly grated nutmeg makes a noticeable difference here.
27) Maple Walnut Tart
This Maple Walnut Tart is just as cozy as a Pecan Pie, and is also a stick, nutty perfection.
Maple Walnut Tart
Maple custard and crunchy walnut filling in a buttery tart shell.
Ingredients
Method
- Pulse the flour and cold butter, then add ice water to form a dough.
- Press into a tart pan and chill while you make the filling.
- Whisk the maple syrup, brown sugar, and eggs together.
- Scatter the walnuts in the crust and pour the filling over.
- Bake at 350F for about 35 minutes until the center is just set.
- Cool completely before slicing for clean wedges.
Notes
Real maple syrup is non-negotiable for that deep flavor.
28) Chocolate Orange Biscotti
These cookies are specially designed to be dunked and enjoyed with your coffee.
Chocolate Orange Biscotti
Crisp chocolate biscotti with orange and dark chocolate pieces.
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the flour, cocoa, and baking powder together.
- Beat the sugar, eggs, and orange zest until pale.
- Stir in the dry mix and chocolate chips to form a stiff dough.
- Shape into a log on a lined sheet and bake at 350F for 25 minutes.
- Cool slightly, slice on the diagonal, and lay the slices flat.
- Bake again for 12 to 15 minutes until crisp, then cool.
Notes
The second bake is what gives biscotti their signature crunch.
29) Irish Cream Brownies
These fudgy brownies have Irish cream in them for an extra adult treat that is extra indulgent.
Irish Cream Brownies
Brownies that melt in your mouth with Irish cream and finished with a creamy ganache that contains alcohol.
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the melted butter, sugar, and cocoa until glossy.
- Beat in the eggs and 2 tablespoons of the Irish cream.
- Fold in the flour just until combined and spread into a lined 8x8 pan.
- Bake at 350F for 28 to 30 minutes, then cool completely.
- Melt the chocolate chips with the cream and remaining Irish cream into a ganache.
- Spread the ganache over the brownies and let it set before slicing.
Notes
Chill briefly before cutting for the cleanest squares.
30) Pumpkin Spice Bars
These soft pumpkin bars topped with cream cheese frosting will help keep that cozy feeling of fall with you all the way into December.
Pumpkin Spice Bars
Moist and soft pumpkin spice bars with a generous spread of cream cheese frosting on top.
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the pumpkin, sugar, oil, and eggs together until smooth.
- Stir in the flour, pumpkin pie spice, and baking soda.
- Spread the batter into a lined 9x13 pan.
- Bake at 350F for about 25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely.
- Beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and frost the bars before cutting.
Notes
Make sure to use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.