There's nothing more chaotic than the holidays, except maybe a kitchen filled with the warm, inviting scents of cinnamon and chocolate. Whether you're looking to fill cookie tins as holiday gifts for your neighbors, or you're looking for a reason to bake all weekend, we've got something for all the dessert lovers. Here are thirty more treats to add to your Christmas baking list!
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1) Peppermint Bark
This is a classic two-layer treat that virtually shouts Christmas!
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Ingredients
Method
- Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Melt the dark chocolate and spread it into a thin layer; chill 10 minutes.
- Melt the white chocolate, stir in the peppermint extract, and spread over the dark layer.
- Scatter crushed candy canes over the top and press gently.
- Chill 30 minutes, then break into pieces.
Notes
Let the dark layer set first so the layers stay distinct.
2) Gingerbread Cookies
Gentle and spicy, these cookies are also fun to decorate with kids!
Gingerbread Cookies
Cookies that are cut out and warmly spiced are excellent for icing and turning into little gingerbread men.
Ingredients
Method
- Cream the butter and brown sugar, then beat in the molasses and egg.
- Whisk the flour, ginger, cinnamon, and baking soda together and mix into the wet ingredients.
- Wrap the dough and chill for 1 hour.
- Roll out and cut into shapes, then place on a lined sheet.
- Bake at 350F for 8 to 10 minutes; cool before decorating.
Notes
Chilling the dough keeps the shapes crisp.
3) Chocolate Yule Log
A rolled sponge cake that looks like a snowy log.
Chocolate Yule Log
Frosted to look like bark, this delicious dish includes whipped cream and chocolate sponge.
Ingredients
Method
- Beat the eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy, then fold in the flour and cocoa.
- Spread onto a lined jelly roll pan and bake at 375F for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Turn the warm sponge onto a towel and roll it up to cool.
- Whip the cream with powdered sugar, unroll the sponge, spread the cream, and re-roll.
- Frost with the melted chocolate and drag a fork through it for bark texture.
- Chill 30 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar snow before slicing.
Notes
Rolling the sponge while warm prevents cracking.
4) Eggnog Fudge
A melt-in-your-mouth square with all the delicious and cozy flavors of eggnog.
Ingredients
Method
- Line an 8x8 pan with parchment.
- Heat the eggnog and butter until warm, then stir in the white chocolate chips until melted.
- Stir in the nutmeg and rum extract until smooth.
- Spread into the pan and smooth the top.
- Chill 3 hours, then cut into squares and dust with extra nutmeg.
Notes
A little grated nutmeg on top makes it look bakery-fancy.
5) Buttered Rum Truffles
These little boozy bites are definitely for the grown-ups' tin.
Buttered Rum Truffles
Luxurious chocolate truffles with the flavor of warm buttered rum.
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the cream and butter until steaming, then pour over the chopped chocolate.
- Let sit a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Stir in the rum and chill until firm, about 2 hours.
- Scoop and roll into small balls.
- Roll each in cocoa powder to coat, then keep chilled.
Notes
Wet your hands slightly to roll smoother truffles.
6) Candy Cane Brownies
Brownies that are fudgy and have a crunchy mint flavor provide a delicious treat that is loved by so many.
Candy Cane Brownies
Rich chocolate brownies with peppermint frosting and bits of candy canes on top.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350F and line a 9x9 pan with parchment.
- Whisk the melted butter, sugar, and eggs, then stir in the cocoa and flour.
- Spread into the pan and bake 25 to 30 minutes; cool completely.
- Beat the powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract into a frosting.
- Spread over the brownies and scatter crushed candy canes on top.
- Chill 15 minutes, then cut into squares.
Notes
Add the candy canes just before serving so they stay crunchy.
7) Cranberry Bliss Bars
You can now recreate that popular coffee-shop bar at home for just a few cents.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350F and line a 9x9 pan.
- Whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, and eggs, then stir in the flour, white chocolate, and half the cranberries.
- Spread into the pan and bake 22 to 25 minutes; cool.
- Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar into a frosting and spread over the top.
- Scatter the remaining cranberries and a drizzle of melted white chocolate.
- Chill, then cut into triangles.
Notes
Cutting into triangles gives that signature coffee-shop look.
8) Christmas Pudding
A holiday tradition that is an old-world steamed pudding.
Christmas Pudding
A steamed pudding with a rich dark color; it is filled with dried fruits and warm spices.
Ingredients
Method
- Soak the dried fruit in the brandy for 30 minutes.
- Mix the breadcrumbs, brown sugar, flour, and spice in a bowl.
- Stir in the eggs, melted butter, and soaked fruit until combined.
- Spoon into a greased pudding basin and cover tightly with foil.
- Steam over simmering water for 3 hours, topping up the water as needed.
- Cool slightly, then turn out and serve warm.
Notes
Make it a few days ahead so the flavors deepen.
9) Spiced Apple Cider Donuts
Crisp, baked donuts are like walking through an orchard.
Spiced Apple Cider Donuts
Soft baked donuts with apple cider flavor lightly tossed in cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients
Method
- Simmer the cider until reduced to about 1/3 cup, then cool.
- Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon together.
- Stir in the egg, melted butter, and reduced cider until just combined.
- Pipe into a greased donut pan and bake at 350F for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Cool slightly, then brush with butter and roll in cinnamon sugar.
Notes
Reducing the cider concentrates that apple flavor.
10) Maple Pecan Pie
Gooey, nutty, and sweetened with real maple for a cozy twist.
Maple Pecan Pie
A buttery pie shell filled with custard sweetened with maple syrup and topped with toasted pecans.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350F and fit the crust into a pie dish.
- Whisk the maple syrup, brown sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Scatter the pecans over the crust and pour the filling over them.
- Bake 45 to 50 minutes until the center is just set.
- Cool completely so the filling sets before slicing.
Notes
Tent the crust with foil if it browns too quickly.
11) Eggnog Cheesecake Bars
Creamy and dreamy with spices just like your favorite holiday drink.
Eggnog Cheesecake Bars
Enjoy our silky eggnog cheesecake bars that are made with a buttery graham cracker crust!
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 325F and line a 9x9 pan with parchment.
- Mix the graham crumbs with melted butter and press into the pan.
- Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then beat in the eggnog, eggs, and nutmeg.
- Pour over the crust and bake 30 to 35 minutes until just set.
- Cool, then chill at least 4 hours before cutting into bars.
Notes
The long chill is what gives you clean, creamy slices.
12) Coconut Snowball Cookies
Tiny, powdered sugar covered balls of goodness that dissolve like magic in your mouth.
Coconut Snowball Cookies
Shortbread cookies that are buttery and rolled in coconut and powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Method
- Cream the butter and powdered sugar, then mix in the vanilla.
- Stir in the flour and coconut until a soft dough forms.
- Roll into small balls and place on a lined sheet.
- Bake at 350F for 12 to 15 minutes until just golden on the bottom.
- Cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar twice for a snowy coat.
Notes
Rolling them twice in sugar gives the prettiest snowball look.
13) Hot Cocoa Bombs
When you pour warm milk over these chocolate spheres, they explode in a magic cocoa experience!
Hot Cocoa Bombs
Hollow chocolate spheres with mini marshmallows and cocoa mix.
Ingredients
Method
- Brush melted chocolate into silicone sphere molds and chill until set, then repeat for a sturdy shell.
- Gently pop the half-spheres out of the molds.
- Warm a plate and briefly press each half on it to smooth the edges.
- Fill one half with cocoa mix and marshmallows, then seal with a second half.
- Drizzle with extra chocolate and sprinkles, then let set.
Notes
Two coats of chocolate keep the shells from cracking.
14) Sticky Toffee Pudding
This is total comfort food that is warm and gooey all covered in toffee sauce.
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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.
- Stir in the flour, then the dates and their liquid.
- Pour into a greased baking dish and bake at 350F for 30 to 35 minutes.
- Poke holes in the warm cake and pour half the warm toffee sauce over it.
- Serve warm with the remaining sauce spooned on top.
Notes
Serve while warm so the sauce soaks right in.
15) Chocolate-Dipped Orange Slices
An elegant treat that is actually the simplest one on the list.
Chocolate-Dipped Orange Slices
Candied orange slices with dark chocolate and sea salt.
Ingredients
Method
- Simmer the sugar and water until dissolved, then add the orange slices and poach gently for 45 minutes.
- Lay the slices on a rack to dry overnight or in a low oven until tacky.
- Dip each slice halfway into the melted dark chocolate.
- Sprinkle with flaky salt while the chocolate is wet.
- Let set on parchment until firm, about 20 minutes.
Notes
Candying the oranges takes time, so start a day ahead.
16) Rosemary Shortbread
An adult version of shortbread that has herbs in it and goes really well with tea.
Rosemary Shortbread
Shortbread infused with fresh rosemary is crumbly and buttery.
Ingredients
Method
- Cream the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Mix in the rosemary, then the flour and salt until a dough forms.
- Press into a parchment-lined pan or roll and cut into rounds.
- Chill 20 minutes, then prick all over with a fork.
- Bake at 325F for 16 to 18 minutes until pale gold; cool before cutting.
Notes
Finely chop the rosemary so it distributes evenly.
17) Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
They have the most beautiful pops of red color, they are also crackly and soft.
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Soft red velvet cookies with a powdered sugar crust that is crinkled.
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and food coloring until smooth.
- Stir in the flour, cocoa, and baking powder to form a sticky dough.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
- Roll into balls, then roll generously in powdered sugar.
- Bake at 350F for 10 to 12 minutes until cracked and set; cool on the sheet.
Notes
A heavy coat of powdered sugar gives the best crackle.
18) Christmas Stollen
A holiday German bread filled with fruits and containing a marzipan surprise.
Christmas Stollen
A buttery, yeast-leavened bread with a marzipan center, mixed dried fruits, and nuts.
Ingredients
Method
- Dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and let it foam.
- Mix in the flour, butter, sugar, and dried fruit to form a soft dough; knead until smooth.
- Cover and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
- Roll out, lay a log of marzipan down the center, and fold the dough over it.
- Bake at 350F for 35 to 40 minutes until golden.
- Brush with butter and dust heavily with powdered sugar while warm.
Notes
Resist slicing until it cools so the marzipan stays put.
19) Pfeffernuesse Cookies
Little spiced cookies with a sweet glaze that the Germans really know how to do right!
Pfeffernuesse Cookies
Cookies that have been spiced round and coated in a white sugar glaze that is crackly.
Ingredients
Method
- Warm the molasses, brown sugar, and butter together, then cool slightly.
- Stir in the egg, then the flour, mixed spice, and black pepper to form a dough.
- Chill 30 minutes, then roll into small balls and place on a lined sheet.
- Bake at 350F for 10 to 12 minutes; cool completely.
- Whisk the powdered sugar with a little water and dip the tops, then let the glaze set.
Notes
The pinch of black pepper is what makes them authentic.
20) Panettone
Worth every minute of rising time, this fluffy Italian Christmas bread is phenomenal!
Ingredients
Method
- Foam the yeast in warm milk, then mix in the flour, sugar, butter, and eggs.
- Knead into a soft sticky dough, then fold in the candied fruit and raisins.
- Cover and let rise 2 hours until doubled.
- Shape into a tall paper panettone mold and let rise 1 hour more.
- Bake at 350F for 40 to 45 minutes until deeply golden.
- Cool fully before slicing into tall wedges.
Notes
Let it cool upside down if you have a tall mold to keep the dome.
21) Turtle Pretzel Bites
Each of these three-bite wonders contains salty pretzels, gooey caramel, and chocolate.
Turtle Pretzel Bites
Mini pretzels topped with caramel and pecans finished with a chocolate drizzle.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 250F and arrange the pretzels on a lined sheet.
- Place a caramel candy on each pretzel.
- Warm in the oven 4 to 5 minutes until the caramels soften.
- Press a pecan half into each soft caramel.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate and let set before serving.
Notes
Don't overheat or the caramels will run everywhere.
22) Almond Toffee Bark
Toffee crunch is buttery with a delightful snap.
Almond Toffee Bark
Toffee that you make at home, and top with wondrous chocolate and deliciously toasted almonds, is very crunchy.
Ingredients
Method
- Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Melt the butter, sugar, and salt in a saucepan, stirring constantly until deep amber.
- Pour onto the parchment and spread thin; let cool 2 minutes.
- Scatter the chocolate chips over the hot toffee and spread as they melt.
- Sprinkle with toasted almonds and press in gently.
- Chill until set, then break into shards.
Notes
Stir the toffee constantly so it doesn't scorch.
23) Pumpkin Spice Cake Pops
They are fun to make and eat! Little stick cakes with spiced cake and icing.
Pumpkin Spice Cake Pops
Moist pumpkin spice cake balls that are coated in white chocolate.
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the crumbled cake with the frosting until it holds together.
- Roll into balls and chill 30 minutes.
- Dip a lollipop stick in melted chocolate and push into each ball.
- Dip each pop fully into the white chocolate, letting the excess drip off.
- Add orange sprinkles before the coating sets, then stand upright to dry.
Notes
Chill the balls well so they don't fall off the sticks.
24) Rum Balls
No-bake, boozy, and a classic for a reason.
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the wafer crumbs, powdered sugar, cocoa, and nuts in a bowl.
- Stir in the rum and corn syrup until the mixture holds together.
- Roll into small balls.
- Roll each in granulated sugar to coat.
- Chill at least 1 hour and let them sit a day for the flavor to mellow.
Notes
They taste even better after a day or two in the fridge.
25) Amaretti Cookies
Naturally gluten-free chewy almond cookies that you will be hooked on.
Amaretti Cookies
Crispy and chewy almond cookies covered with powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the egg whites until frothy, then stir in the sugar and almond extract.
- Fold in the almond flour until a sticky dough forms.
- Roll into balls, then roll generously in powdered sugar.
- Place on a lined sheet and gently flatten.
- Bake at 325F for 15 to 18 minutes until lightly golden and crackled.
Notes
The powdered sugar gives them their signature cracked tops.
26) Mincemeat Tarts
Buttery little pastries with spiced fruit inside that are an absolute holiday must-have!
Mincemeat Tarts
Mincemeat tarts are made of flaky pastry and are filled with spiced fruit mincemeat.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375F and grease a muffin tin.
- Cut rounds from the pastry and press into the tin cups.
- Spoon mincemeat filling into each.
- Cut small star shapes from the remaining pastry and place on top.
- Brush with beaten egg and bake 18 to 20 minutes until golden.
- Cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
Pastry stars make them look adorable and festive.
27) White Chocolate Raspberry Bars
It has that mouth watering sweetness and tangy tartness. Plus it has an adorable pink swirl!
White Chocolate Raspberry Bars
Raspberry jam and white chocolate make blonde brownies just that much better!
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350F and line a 9x9 pan with parchment.
- Whisk the melted butter, sugar, and eggs, then stir in the flour and white chocolate chips.
- Spread half the batter in the pan, then dollop on the raspberry jam.
- Spoon the remaining batter over and swirl with a knife.
- Bake 25 to 30 minutes until set; cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
Don't over-swirl or you'll lose the marble effect.
28) Brandy Snaps
Lacy rolls that crackle and melt as soon as you take a bite.
Ingredients
Method
- Melt the butter, sugar, and golden syrup together, then stir in the flour, ginger, and brandy.
- Drop small spoonfuls far apart on a lined sheet and bake at 350F for 8 to 10 minutes until lacy and golden.
- Let cool 1 minute, then quickly wrap each around a wooden spoon handle to shape a tube.
- Slide off and let set firm.
- Just before serving, pipe whipped cream into each tube.
Notes
Work fast while warm; they harden quickly.
29) Speculaas Cookies
Crispy spiced cookies that bring the taste of the Dutch Christmas markets.
Ingredients
Method
- Cream the butter and brown sugar, then beat in the egg.
- Stir in the flour, speculaas spice, and baking powder to form a firm dough.
- Wrap and chill 1 hour.
- Roll thin and cut into shapes or press into a speculaas mold.
- Bake at 350F for 10 to 12 minutes until crisp and golden; cool on a rack.
Notes
Roll the dough thin for that signature snap.
30) Clementine Sorbet
A great palate cleanser after all that richness during the holidays.
Ingredients
Method
- Simmer the sugar and water until the sugar dissolves, then cool this syrup.
- Stir the clementine juice, lemon juice, and zest into the cooled syrup.
- Chill the mixture thoroughly in the fridge.
- Churn in an ice cream maker until thick, or freeze in a shallow dish and scrape with a fork every 30 minutes.
- Freeze until firm, then scoop and serve.
Notes
Scraping every 30 minutes gives a fluffy texture if you don't have a churner; let it freeze a few hours total.