If your idea of holiday cheer includes some (okay, a lot of) chocolate, then you're definitely not alone! I have rounded up 20 of my most requested cocoa-filled confections from show-stopping truffles to a lava cake that melts your stress away! So grab a warm drink and let's get a little more decadent!
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1) Velvety Chocolate Truffles
While these look like they came from a fancy chocolatier, the truth is they only take about 10 minutes to make!
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Velvety Chocolate Truffles
Ingredients
Method
- Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
- Heat the cream and butter in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer, then pour over the chocolate.
- Let it sit for two minutes, then whisk smooth and stir in the vanilla.
- Cover and chill until firm, about 2 hours.
- Scoop small spoonfuls and roll into balls with your hands.
- Roll each ball in cocoa powder and chill until ready to serve.
Notes
2) Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark
Every December, my kids always ask me to make these super quick, ultra minty treats that are simply impossible to eat just one!
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark
Ingredients
Method
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt the dark chocolate gently and spread it into an even layer on the parchment.
- Chill for 10 minutes until just set.
- Melt the white chocolate, stir in the peppermint extract, and spread it over the dark layer.
- Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the top and press gently.
- Chill until fully firm, then break into irregular shards.
3) Classic Chocolate Yule Log
Although it looks stunning, I promise that rolling the cake is more easy than it seems.
Classic Chocolate Yule Log
Ingredients
Method
- Beat the eggs and sugar until pale and thick, then fold in the flour and cocoa.
- Spread onto a lined sheet pan and bake at 375F for 12 minutes.
- Turn the warm cake onto a towel and roll it up loosely to set its shape.
- Once cool, unroll, spread with whipped cream, and roll back up without the towel.
- Melt the chocolate with a splash of cream and frost the log, dragging a fork to mimic bark.
- Chill for 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
4) Decadent Hot Chocolate Mix
Stash a jar of this on your counter, and you’ll be only two minutes away from the coziest cup of the season!
Decadent Hot Chocolate Mix
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk all the ingredients together in a large bowl until evenly combined.
- Transfer to an airtight jar for storage.
- To serve, stir three tablespoons of mix into a mug of hot milk.
- Top with marshmallows or whipped cream as desired.
Notes
5) White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge
This fudge embodies Christmas with its soft and creamy texture, tart flavor, and brilliant cranberry pieces.
White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge
Ingredients
Method
- Line an 8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Melt the white chocolate chips with the condensed milk over low heat, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
- Fold in the dried cranberries.
- Spread into the pan and chill until firm, about 2 hours.
- Cut into small squares.
6) Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars
Every time I get that sweet and salty combination it's great, and these bars offer it in a gooey layered form.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the flour, butter, and sugar into a dough and press into a lined 8-inch pan.
- Bake at 350F for 18 to 20 minutes until lightly golden, then cool.
- Pour the caramel sauce over the shortbread and spread evenly.
- Top with the melted chocolate and smooth the surface.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Chill until set, then slice into bars.
Notes
7) Spicy Mexican Chocolate Cookies
With just a hint of warmth from cinnamon and a touch of spicy heat from cayenne pepper, an otherwise ordinary chocolate cookie is transformed into a truly memorable experience.
Spicy Mexican Chocolate Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk together the flour, cocoa, cinnamon, and cayenne.
- Cream the butter and sugar, then beat in the egg.
- Stir the dry ingredients into the wet until a dough forms.
- Roll into balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 350F for 10 to 11 minutes until set at the edges.
- Cool on the pan for five minutes before transferring.
Notes
8) Classic Chocolate Fondue
Place this at your holiday event, and you'll see the whole crowd gather around the pot like moths to a flame.
Classic Chocolate Fondue
Ingredients
Method
- Warm the cream and sugar in a saucepan over low heat until steaming.
- Add the chopped chocolate and stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla and a pinch of salt.
- Transfer to a fondue pot or small slow cooker to keep warm.
- Serve with strawberries, banana slices, and marshmallows for dipping.
Notes
9) Mocha Chocolate Mousse
The chocolate flavor is elevated by a hint of espresso. Don't worry! It won't taste like coffee, and the texture is like a cloud.
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Mocha Chocolate Mousse
Ingredients
Method
- Melt the chocolate with two tablespoons of the cream and the espresso powder, then let cool slightly.
- Whip the remaining cold cream with the sugar and vanilla to soft peaks.
- Gently fold a third of the whipped cream into the chocolate to lighten it.
- Fold in the rest until no streaks remain.
- Spoon into serving glasses and chill for at least an hour.
10) Nutty Chocolate Biscotti
Before you get started, be sure to brew a good pot of coffee because you're going to want to dunk these crunchy cookies!
Nutty Chocolate Biscotti
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk together the flour, cocoa, sugar, and baking powder.
- Beat in the eggs until a stiff dough forms, then fold in the almonds.
- Shape into two logs on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350F for 25 minutes.
- Cool slightly, then slice the logs into diagonal pieces.
- Lay the slices cut-side down and bake another 15 minutes until crisp.
- Cool completely on a rack.
Notes
11) Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprints
Bite-size cookies with a chocolate-mint filling center. These are fun to make and eat!
Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprints
Ingredients
Method
- Cream the butter and sugar, then beat in the egg.
- Mix in the flour and cocoa to form a dough.
- Roll into balls and press a deep well into the center of each with your thumb.
- Bake at 350F for 10 to 12 minutes, then cool.
- Melt the chocolate with the peppermint extract and spoon into each well.
- Let the filling set before serving.
Notes
12) Rich Chocolate Rum Balls
These little bites are made for grown-ups and they get even better after a day in the fridge, and the best part? You won't even need to turn on the oven!
Rich Chocolate Rum Balls
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the crushed cookies, powdered sugar, and cocoa in a bowl.
- Stir in the rum and corn syrup until the mixture holds together.
- Roll into small balls with your hands.
- Roll each ball in cocoa powder to coat.
- Chill for at least an hour before serving.
Notes
13) Black Forest Gateau
Chocolate, cream, and cherries stacked up high to the sky, this is the cake that will make a holiday dinner feel special.
Black Forest Gateau
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk together the flour, cocoa, and sugar.
- Beat in the eggs and milk until smooth, then divide between two lined cake pans.
- Bake at 350F for 30 minutes, then cool completely.
- Place one layer on a plate and top with whipped cream and half the cherries.
- Add the second layer and frost the top with more whipped cream.
- Spoon the remaining cherries over the top and chill before slicing.
Notes
14) Gooey Chocolate Lava Cake
The molten center that oozes out when you cut into it never gets old! Plus, it comes together quicker than dessert delivery!
Ingredients
Method
- Butter and lightly flour four ramekins.
- Melt the chocolate and butter together until smooth.
- Whisk the eggs, yolks, and sugar until pale, then fold in the chocolate.
- Gently fold in the flour until just combined.
- Divide among the ramekins and bake at 425F for 11 to 12 minutes until the edges are set.
- Let rest one minute, then invert onto plates and serve immediately.
Notes
15) Orange Zest Chocolate Tart
This shiny tart made with chocolate and orange has a beautiful winter shine to it as chocolate and orange are a classic combination for the winter.
Orange Zest Chocolate Tart
Ingredients
Method
- Blend the flour, butter, and sugar into a dough and press into a tart pan.
- Bake the crust at 350F for 15 minutes, then cool.
- Heat the cream until steaming and pour over the chopped chocolate.
- Stir smooth and mix in the orange zest.
- Pour the ganache into the crust and smooth the top.
- Chill until set, about 2 hours, before slicing.
Notes
16) Mint Chocolate Cheesecake
When you're at the holiday table, you'll want to save some space to enjoy this deliciously cool, creamy, and minty dessert.
Mint Chocolate Cheesecake
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the cookie crumbs and melted butter and press into a springform pan.
- Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then add the eggs one at a time.
- Stir in the peppermint extract and the melted chocolate.
- Pour the filling over the crust.
- Bake at 325F for about 55 minutes until the center is just set.
- Cool, then chill at least 4 hours before slicing.
Notes
17) Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Rods
These are what I turn to when the kids want to get involved since dipping and sprinkling are essentially their dream jobs.
Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Rods
Ingredients
Method
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Dip each pretzel rod two-thirds of the way into the melted chocolate.
- Let the excess drip off, then sprinkle with holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes.
- Lay the rods on the parchment to set.
- Chill for 10 minutes until the chocolate is firm.
Notes
18) Luscious Chocolate Cake Pops
A little fussy but worth it, these pops will disappear immediately when you put them out.
Luscious Chocolate Cake Pops
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the crumbled cake with the frosting until it holds together.
- Roll into small balls and chill for 30 minutes.
- Dip a stick tip in melted coating and insert into each ball.
- Dip each pop fully into the melted coating and let the excess drip off.
- Add sprinkles before the coating sets and stand upright to dry.
Notes
19) Double Chocolate Macarons
Chocolate macarons may seem intimidating, but all it takes is practice. These are extra good to practice with!
Double Chocolate Macarons
Ingredients
Method
- Sift together the almond flour, powdered sugar, and cocoa.
- Whip the egg whites with the granulated sugar to stiff peaks.
- Fold the dry mixture into the whites until the batter flows like lava.
- Pipe small rounds onto a lined sheet and rest 30 minutes until a skin forms.
- Bake at 300F for 16 minutes, then cool completely.
- Sandwich pairs with chocolate ganache.
Notes
20) Creamy Chocolate Panna Cotta
A silky, easy to make and wobbly dessert allows you to enjoy your party.
Creamy Chocolate Panna Cotta
Ingredients
Method
- Sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it bloom for five minutes.
- Warm the cream, milk, and sugar in a saucepan until steaming.
- Add the chopped chocolate and stir until melted and smooth.
- Whisk in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
- Pour into ramekins or glasses and chill at least 4 hours until set.
- Top with berries or shaved chocolate to serve.