Sweet Christmas Treats for Every Sugar Craving

Sweet Christmas Treats for Every Sugar Craving

Sweet Christmas Treats for Every Sugar Craving

There is nothing like the holidays to satisfy your sweet tooth. I have collected 25 of the most amazing Christmas desserts that include pliable pudding, chewy fudge, and impressive show stopping cakes! Every dessert craving is covered! Unbutton your pants, and let's celebrate the holiday with these desserts!

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1) Peppermint Bark Fudge

Peppermint Bark Fudge on a plate

All the snaps of peppermint bark will be transformed into creamy, melt-in-your-mouth fudge.

Peppermint Bark Fudge on a plate

Peppermint Bark Fudge

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 25 pieces

Ingredients
  

Method
 

  1. Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper.
  2. Melt the white chocolate chips, condensed milk, and butter until smooth.
  3. Stir in the peppermint extract.
  4. Spread into the lined pan and smooth the top.
  5. Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the surface and press them in lightly.
  6. Chill until firm, then cut into squares.

Notes

Press the candy cane in gently so it sticks once the fudge sets.

2) Gingerbread Trifle

Gingerbread Trifle on a plate

Gingerbread layers with spiced cream and custard gently folded with whipped cream, all in a lovely bowl.

Gingerbread Trifle on a plate

Gingerbread Trifle

Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients
  

Method
 

  1. Layer half the gingerbread cubes in the bottom of a glass trifle bowl.
  2. Spoon half the custard over the cake.
  3. Whip the cream with powdered sugar and cinnamon, then spread half over the custard.
  4. Repeat the layers with the remaining gingerbread, custard, and cream.
  5. Sprinkle gingersnap crumbs over the top.
  6. Chill at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Use a clear bowl so those cozy layers are on full display.

3) Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

Now you can grab and go and enjoy all the richness of eggnog cheesecake.

Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 16 bars

Ingredients
  

Method
 

  1. Mix the graham crumbs and melted butter, then press into a lined 8x8 pan.
  2. Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
  3. Blend in the eggnog, eggs, and nutmeg until just combined.
  4. Pour the filling over the crust.
  5. Bake at 325F for about 35 minutes until the center is just set.
  6. Cool, then chill at least 3 hours before cutting into bars.

Notes

Chill them fully so they slice into clean, neat squares.

4) Cranberry Bliss Bars

These copycat bars are sweet and tangy and frosted with cream cheese frosting. They are super addictive!

Cranberry Bliss Bars

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 16 bars

Ingredients
  

Method
 

  1. Whisk the melted butter and brown sugar, then beat in the eggs.
  2. Fold in the flour, white chocolate chips, and half the cranberries.
  3. Spread into a lined 9x13 pan and bake at 350F for about 25 minutes.
  4. Cool completely.
  5. Beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and spread over the bars.
  6. Top with the remaining cranberries and cut into triangles.

Notes

A drizzle of melted white chocolate on top makes them extra pretty.

5) Chocolate Peppermint Swiss Roll

Perfectly sliced pinwheels of rolled chocolate cake with a chilled peppermint cream filling.

Chocolate Peppermint Swiss Roll

Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 47 minutes
Servings: 10 slices

Ingredients
  

  • 4 eggs
  • 0.75 cup sugar
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 cup cocoa powder
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 0.25 tsp peppermint extract
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar

Method
 

  1. Beat the eggs and sugar until thick and pale.
  2. Fold in the flour and cocoa, then spread onto a lined sheet pan.
  3. Bake at 375F for 10 to 12 minutes, then roll the warm sponge in a towel and cool.
  4. Whip the cream with peppermint extract and powdered sugar.
  5. Unroll the cooled sponge, spread the peppermint cream, and re-roll gently.
  6. Dust with cocoa and chill before slicing.

Notes

Roll the cake while warm so it won't crack when you fill it.

6) Spiced Orange Molasses Cookies

Spiced Orange Molasses Cookies on a plate

These chewy molasses cookies have a sugary, crackly top with the addition of bright orange zest.

Spiced Orange Molasses Cookies on a plate

Spiced Orange Molasses Cookies

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Total Time 26 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients
  

  • 0.75 cup butter softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 egg
  • 0.33 cup molasses
  • 1 orange zested
  • 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 0.33 cup sparkling sugar for rolling

Method
 

  1. Cream the butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
  2. Beat in the egg, molasses, and orange zest.
  3. Stir in the flour and ginger to form a soft dough.
  4. Roll the dough into balls and coat in sparkling sugar.
  5. Place on lined sheets and bake at 350F for 9 to 11 minutes.
  6. Let them set on the pan a few minutes for that chewy center.

Notes

Pull them while soft in the middle for the chewiest bite.

7) Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Cinnamon Sugar Donuts on a plate

Cinnamon sugar donuts are warm and cozy treats that are perfect for the morning.

Cinnamon Sugar Donuts on a plate

Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 12 donuts

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.75 cup sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 0.75 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 0.33 cup butter melted
  • 0.5 cup sugar for coating
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Method
 

  1. Whisk the flour, sugar, and baking powder together.
  2. Stir in the milk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
  3. Pipe the batter into a greased donut pan.
  4. Bake at 350F for 10 to 12 minutes until springy.
  5. Mix the coating sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
  6. Brush the warm donuts with butter and roll in the cinnamon sugar.

Notes

Coat them while warm so the cinnamon sugar sticks beautifully.

8) Maple Pecan Tart

Maple Pecan Tart on a plate

With a buttery crust, maple filling, and toasted pecans, it’s like having a sophisticated cousin of pecan pie!

Maple Pecan Tart on a plate

Maple Pecan Tart

Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 10 slices

Ingredients
  

  • 1.25 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup butter cold and cubed
  • 3 tbsp ice water
  • 0.75 cup maple syrup
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 cups pecans halved

Method
 

  1. Pulse the flour and cold butter, then add ice water to form a dough.
  2. Press the dough into a tart pan and chill briefly.
  3. Whisk the maple syrup, brown sugar, and eggs together.
  4. Arrange the pecans in the crust and pour the filling over.
  5. Bake at 350F for about 35 minutes until the center is just set.
  6. Cool completely before slicing into wedges.

Notes

Arrange the pecan halves face up for a pretty finished top.

9) Sticky Toffee Pudding

Sticky Toffee Pudding on a plate

The best dessert for cold nights is warm date cake smothered in toffee sauce.

Sticky Toffee Pudding on a plate

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

Pudding
  • 1 cup dates pitted and chopped
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup butter softened
  • 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 eggs
Toffee Sauce

Method
 

  1. Soak the dates in the boiling water with the baking soda for 10 minutes.
  2. Cream the butter and brown sugar, then beat in the eggs.
  3. Fold in the flour, then stir in the soaked dates and their liquid.
  4. Pour into a greased dish and bake at 350F for about 30 minutes.
  5. While pudding bakes, combine sauce butter, light brown sugar, and heavy cream in a small heavy saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-low, stirring constantly; cook about 8 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Pour the warm sauce over the cake and serve right away.

Notes

It's best warm, so reheat gently if you make it ahead.

10) Candy Cane Cookies

Twisted red and white candy canes were the cutest on the tray.

Candy Cane Cookies

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup butter softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 0.5 tsp peppermint extract
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp red food coloring
  • 0.25 cup crushed candy canes for topping

Method
 

  1. Cream the butter and powdered sugar, then beat in the egg and peppermint extract.
  2. Mix in the flour to form a soft dough, then divide it in half.
  3. Knead the red food coloring into one half of the dough.
  4. Roll a red and a white rope, twist them together, and bend into a cane shape.
  5. Place on lined sheets and bake at 350F for 9 to 10 minutes.
  6. Sprinkle with crushed candy cane right after baking.

Notes

Keep the dough cool so the twists hold their shape while baking.

11) Caramel Apple Brie Bites

These warm brie bites are sweet, gooey, and slightly savory, which causes them to vanish quickly from the platter.

Caramel Apple Brie Bites

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 12 bites

Ingredients
  

Method
 

  1. Cut the puff pastry into squares and press into a mini muffin tin.
  2. Place a cube of brie in each pastry cup.
  3. Top with diced apple tossed in cinnamon.
  4. Bake at 375F for 15 to 18 minutes until the pastry is golden.
  5. Drizzle warm caramel over each bite.
  6. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and serve warm.

Notes

Serve these warm while the brie is still gooey and soft.

12) Red Velvet Cupcakes

Red Velvet Cupcakes on a plate

Classic red velvet topped with a tall swirl of cream cheese frosting is always a hit!

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Red Velvet Cupcakes on a plate

Red Velvet Cupcakes

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 0.5 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 0.5 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tsp red food coloring
  • 1 cup cream cheese frosting
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

Method
 

  1. Whisk the flour, cocoa, sugar, and baking soda together.
  2. Beat in the oil, eggs, buttermilk, and red food coloring until smooth.
  3. Divide the batter among lined cupcake cups.
  4. Bake at 350F for 18 to 20 minutes until springy.
  5. Cool completely.
  6. Pipe cream cheese frosting on top and add festive sprinkles.

Notes

Let them cool fully before frosting so it doesn't melt.

13) White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies on a plate

The cookie plate is at risk. The chewy cookies with the sweet and sour flavor will always be the first to go.

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies on a plate

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients
  

  • 0.75 cup butter softened
  • 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
  • 0.25 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 0.75 cup white chocolate chips
  • 0.75 cup dried cranberries

Method
 

  1. Cream the butter with both sugars until fluffy.
  2. Beat in the egg until smooth.
  3. Stir in the flour and baking soda to form a soft dough.
  4. Fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
  5. Scoop onto lined sheets and bake at 350F for 10 to 12 minutes.
  6. Cool on the pan a few minutes before transferring.

Notes

Pull them when the edges set but the centers still look soft.

14) Almond Toffee Bars

With a buttery shortbread layer, crunchy toffee and toasted almonds, this bar is hard to resist.

Almond Toffee Bars

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 20 bars

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup butter softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 cup sliced almonds

Method
 

  1. Cream the butter and brown sugar, then beat in the egg yolk.
  2. Mix in the flour to form a crumbly dough.
  3. Press evenly into a lined 9x13 pan.
  4. Bake at 350F for about 20 minutes until lightly golden.
  5. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot base and let them soften, then spread.
  6. Top with toasted almonds, cool, and cut into bars.

Notes

Toast the almonds first for the deepest, nuttiest flavor.

15) S'mores Pie

A festive toasty-topped pie with all the campfire magic of s'mores!

S'mores Pie

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 10 slices

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tbsp butter melted
  • 12 oz chocolate chips
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cups mini marshmallows
  • 0.25 cup chocolate for drizzle

Method
 

  1. Mix the graham crumbs and melted butter, then press into a pie pan.
  2. Bake the crust at 350F for 8 minutes, then cool.
  3. Warm the cream and pour it over the chocolate chips, stirring into a smooth ganache.
  4. Pour the ganache into the crust and chill until set.
  5. Pile mini marshmallows on top and toast them under the broiler until golden.
  6. Drizzle with melted chocolate before serving.

Notes

Watch the marshmallows closely under the broiler; they brown fast.

16) Rum Raisin Bread Pudding

Rum Raisin Bread Pudding on a plate

Cozy classic with rum soaked raisins, and warm and custardy bread pudding.

Rum Raisin Bread Pudding on a plate

Rum Raisin Bread Pudding

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups bread cubed
  • 0.75 cup raisins
  • 0.33 cup rum
  • 3 cups milk
  • 4 eggs
  • 0.75 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Method
 

  1. Soak the raisins in the rum for at least 20 minutes.
  2. Spread the bread cubes in a greased baking dish.
  3. Whisk the milk, eggs, sugar, and cinnamon together.
  4. Stir the soaked raisins into the custard and pour over the bread.
  5. Let it sit 10 minutes so the bread soaks up the custard.
  6. Bake at 350F for about 45 minutes until set and golden.

Notes

Day-old bread soaks up the custard best for a creamy pudding.

17) Hot Cocoa Cupcakes

Chocolate cupcakes with marshmallow frosting that taste just like hot chocolate.

Hot Cocoa Cupcakes

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes

Ingredients
  

Method
 

  1. Whisk the flour, natural cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and baking powder together.
  2. Beat in the oil, eggs, and milk until smooth.
  3. Divide the batter among lined cupcake cups.
  4. Bake at 350F for 18 to 20 minutes until springy.
  5. Cool completely, then pipe marshmallow fluff on top.
  6. Toast the tops lightly and finish with mini marshmallows.

Notes

A quick pass with a kitchen torch gives the topping a toasty finish.

18) Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

Your favorite Autumn coffee drinks is transformed into a moist spiced layer cake with coffee frosting.

Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 slices

Ingredients
  

Method
 

  1. Whisk the flour and pumpkin pie spice together.
  2. Beat the pumpkin, sugar, oil, and eggs until smooth.
  3. Fold in the flour mixture and divide between two round cake pans.
  4. Bake at 350F for about 28 to 30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  5. Cool, then beat the espresso into the cream cheese frosting.
  6. Stack and frost the layers, then dust the top with pumpkin spice.

Notes

Dissolve the espresso in a teaspoon of water so it blends smoothly.

19) Brown Sugar Pecan Shortbread

Brown Sugar Pecan Shortbread on a plate

Shortbread that is buttery and crumbly. Have warm brown sugar and toasted pecans in every bite.

Brown Sugar Pecan Shortbread on a plate

Brown Sugar Pecan Shortbread

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup butter softened
  • 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.75 cup pecans finely chopped

Method
 

  1. Cream the butter and brown sugar until light.
  2. Beat in the vanilla.
  3. Stir in the flour and chopped pecans to form a stiff dough.
  4. Press the dough into a lined pan or roll and cut into rounds.
  5. Bake at 325F for 16 to 18 minutes until the edges are golden.
  6. Cool completely before slicing or breaking into pieces.

Notes

Bake low and slow so the shortbread stays pale and tender.

20) Salted Caramel Brownie Bites

Molten caramel center two-bite brownies with a dash of flaky sea salt.

Salted Caramel Brownie Bites

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 24 bites

Ingredients
  

  • 0.75 cup butter melted
  • 1.25 cups sugar
  • 0.75 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 24 caramel candies
  • 1 tsp flaky sea salt

Method
 

  1. Whisk the melted butter, sugar, and cocoa until glossy.
  2. Beat in the eggs, then fold in the flour.
  3. Spoon the batter into a greased mini muffin tin.
  4. Press a caramel candy into the center of each.
  5. Bake at 350F for 15 to 18 minutes until set.
  6. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt while warm and cool before removing.

Notes

A little flaky salt on top makes the caramel taste even richer.

21) Hazelnut Chocolate Mousse

Hazelnut Chocolate Mousse on a plate

Silky chocolate mousse with a, Serves in pretty little glasses, a nutty hazelnut twist.

Hazelnut Chocolate Mousse on a plate

Hazelnut Chocolate Mousse

Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz chocolate melted
  • 0.5 cup hazelnut spread
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 0.33 cup hazelnuts chopped

Method
 

  1. Stir the hazelnut spread into the melted chocolate and let it cool slightly.
  2. Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
  3. Gently fold half the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture.
  4. Fold in the rest until light and airy.
  5. Spoon into small glasses and chill at least 2 hours.
  6. Top with whipped cream and chopped hazelnuts before serving.

Notes

Fold gently to keep the mousse light and full of air.

22) Spiced Pear Cake

A moist cake with a nice aroma, sweet pears and cozy spices of winter.

Spiced Pear Cake

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 slices

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp ground ginger
  • 0.75 cup butter softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 pears peeled and diced

Method
 

  1. Whisk the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and ginger together.
  2. Cream the butter and sugar, then beat in the eggs.
  3. Fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
  4. Gently stir in the diced pears.
  5. Pour into a greased bundt pan and bake at 350F for about 40 minutes.
  6. Cool, then dust with powdered sugar.

Notes

Use ripe but firm pears so they hold their shape in the cake.

23) Gingerbread Cupcakes

Gingerbread Cupcakes on a plate

Cupcakes made with rich gingerbread spices and topped with a light and fluffy cream cheese frosting.

Gingerbread Cupcakes on a plate

Gingerbread Cupcakes

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.33 cup molasses
  • 0.5 cup butter softened
  • 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup cream cheese frosting

Method
 

  1. Whisk the flour, ginger, and cinnamon together.
  2. Cream the butter and brown sugar, then beat in the eggs and molasses.
  3. Fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
  4. Divide the batter among lined cupcake cups.
  5. Bake at 350F for 18 to 20 minutes until springy.
  6. Cool, then pipe cream cheese frosting on top.

Notes

A sprinkle of cinnamon on the frosting adds a cozy finishing touch.

24) Cranberry Orange Bread

Cranberry Orange Bread on a plate

A warm and tender quick-bread filled with cranberries and zesty orange.

Cranberry Orange Bread on a plate

Cranberry Orange Bread

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 10 slices

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 orange zested and juiced
  • 0.33 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 1.5 cups fresh cranberries
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar for glaze

Method
 

  1. Whisk the flour, sugar, and baking powder together.
  2. Stir in the orange zest, half the orange juice, oil, and eggs until smooth.
  3. Gently fold in the fresh cranberries.
  4. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350F for about 55 minutes.
  5. Cool, then whisk the powdered sugar with the remaining orange juice into a glaze.
  6. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread.

Notes

Toss the cranberries in a little flour so they don't sink.

25) Black Forest Yule Log

A chocolate roll cake filled with cherries and cream and decorated as a Christmas yule log.

Black Forest Yule Log

Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 52 minutes
Servings: 10 slices

Ingredients
  

  • 4 eggs
  • 0.75 cup sugar
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 cup cocoa powder
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup cherries pitted
  • 8 oz chocolate melted
  • 1 cup powdered sugar for dusting

Method
 

  1. Beat the eggs and sugar until thick, then fold in the flour and cocoa.
  2. Spread onto a lined sheet pan and bake at 375F for 10 to 12 minutes.
  3. Roll the warm sponge in a towel and let it cool.
  4. Whip the cream, fold in the cherries, then unroll and spread over the sponge.
  5. Re-roll the cake and frost the outside with melted chocolate beaten smooth.
  6. Drag a fork for bark, dust with powdered sugar, and chill before slicing.

Notes

Pat the cherries dry first so they don't water down the cream.

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