Holiday weeks get busy fast, and finding time to bake something special can feel like its own challenge. That’s why I pulled together 19 recipes that bring flavor and ease to your Christmas dessert plans. These treats rely on simple methods and ingredients you may already have on hand. You’ll feel good knowing you can still make something memorable without adding stress to the day.
Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes
Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes bake with an Oreo base and a creamy chocolate-cheesecake filling before being topped with ganache. I enjoy these because they’re rich without being complicated. The cupcakes cool evenly and hold their shape after chilling. They’re helpful when you want a small dessert that still feels special.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes
Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies fold hot-cocoa mix into the dough before baking into soft cookies with a light marshmallow topping. I like how the cocoa mix brings in flavor without extra steps. The cookies bake quickly and cool in minutes, which helps on busy evenings. They’re just right for a cold night around the tree.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
Italian Ricotta Cookies – Italian Christmas Cookie
Italian Ricotta Cookies bake into soft, cake-like treats topped with a light glaze and sprinkles that feel right at home during the holidays. I’ve made these often because the dough comes together quickly and stays easy to scoop. The cookies stay tender even after cooling. They’re a classic choice for Christmas cookie plates.
Get the Recipe: Italian Ricotta Cookies – Italian Christmas Cookie
Sugar Christmas Cookies
Sugar Christmas Cookies bake into soft cookies made with simple pantry staples and decorated with bright frosting and a bit of peppermint crunch. I enjoy making these because the dough stays easy to handle and rolls out smoothly. The cookies keep their shape and stay tender after cooling. They always help round out any holiday cookie spread.
Get the Recipe: Sugar Christmas Cookies
Nutter Butter Reindeer Cookies
Nutter Butter Reindeer Cookies come together with store-bought cookies dipped in chocolate and finished with pretzels and candies for easy holiday treats. I often make these when time is tight but we still want something festive. The chocolate coating firms up smoothly, making them simple to plate or pack. They’re fun for relaxed decorating sessions with kids.
Get the Recipe: Nutter Butter Reindeer Cookies
Christmas Tree Candy Cane Brownies
Christmas Tree Candy Cane Brownies bake into chocolatey bars that you cut into triangles and decorate before adding small candy-cane “trunks.” I like using a simple brownie base so the fun part stays in the decorating. The brownies slice cleanly and the candy canes stay in place. These travel well when you’re bringing dessert to family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Candy Cane Brownies
Gingersnap Cookies Recipe
Gingersnap Cookies Recipe bakes into crisp-edged cookies with a soft center and steady spice from ginger, cinnamon, and molasses. I turn to these when I want something classic that fills the kitchen with a holiday aroma. The dough mixes quickly and holds its shape in the oven. They’re perfect for pairing with a warm drink during quiet evenings.
Get the Recipe: Gingersnap Cookies Recipe
Dunkin Donuts Pumpkin Donuts
Dunkin Donuts Pumpkin Donuts bake into soft rings with a gentle pumpkin flavor and a glaze that sets cleanly. I reach for this recipe when I want something homemade that still feels like a bakery treat. The donuts maintain a nice crumb and come together with easy steps. They’re a cozy option for December mornings or afternoon snacks.
Get the Recipe: Dunkin Donuts Pumpkin Donuts
Nutter Butter Snowman Cookies
Nutter Butter Snowman Cookies come together without baking by dipping the cookies in melted chocolate and adding small accents to form cheerful snowmen. I often make these when I need something festive that doesn’t take oven space. The coating sets smoothly and makes the cookies easy to pack. They’re perfect for holiday tins or classroom parties.
Get the Recipe: Nutter Butter Snowman Cookies
Christmas Cookies with Peppermint
Christmas Cookies with Peppermint start with an easy cake-mix base that bakes into soft cookies topped with homemade frosting and crushed peppermint. I like how quickly these come together on busy days. The cookies cool fast and hold the frosting well. They’re a helpful option when you want something simple that still feels special.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Cookies with Peppermint
Sugar Free Christmas Cookie Recipe
Sugar Free Christmas Cookie Recipe mixes almond flour and cocoa powder into dough that bakes into soft cookies dusted with powdered sweetener. I make these when we want a lighter option that still feels homemade. The cookies stay tender and hold their shape nicely. They’re a thoughtful addition to a holiday dessert assortment.
Get the Recipe: Sugar Free Christmas Cookie Recipe
Leftover Candy Cane Cookies
Leftover Candy Cane Cookies bake into soft sugar cookies filled with white-chocolate chips and crushed candy canes. I like this recipe because it puts extra candy canes to good use after decorating season winds down. The cookies bake evenly and carry a gentle peppermint crunch. They’re a simple way to refresh leftover holiday ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Candy Cane Cookies
Chocolate Covered Pretzels Christmas Trees
Chocolate Covered Pretzels Christmas Trees come together by piping melted chocolate over pretzel sticks and adding sprinkles before the chocolate sets. I like this recipe because you can make a full tray quickly with very little cleanup. The chocolate firms up neatly, giving each piece a polished look. They’re handy when you need a quick sweet for school parties or gift boxes.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Covered Pretzels Christmas Trees
Pumpkin Bundt Cake
Pumpkin Bundt Cake mixes pumpkin puree with spices before baking into a moist cake topped with smooth cream-cheese frosting. I like making this for gatherings because it slices neatly and keeps its texture. The frosting settles into the ridges of the cake without extra work. It’s a steady dessert to prep a day ahead.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Bundt Cake
Chocolate Reindeer Cookies
Chocolate Reindeer Cookies use chocolate-covered peanut-butter cookies topped with pretzels and candies to form cute faces. I enjoy assembling these because everything comes together quickly once the cookies are prepped. The chocolate sets firmly, helping the decorations stay put. They’re great for cookie trays that need a little personality.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Reindeer Cookies
Gluten-Free Carrot Soufflé
Gluten-Free Carrot Soufflé bakes into a light dish that’s gently sweet with a soft, airy texture. I like using this recipe when I need something easy that still feels homemade, especially during holiday meals. The carrots blend smoothly and bake into a dish that holds together nicely. It’s a helpful choice when you want a dessert-style side that’s simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Carrot Soufflé
Reindeer Candy made with Peanut Butter Cups
Reindeer Candy made with Peanut Butter Cups assembles pretzels, candies, and chocolate cups into sweet little reindeer treats. I like how simple the steps stay, especially when making these with kids. They set quickly and pack well for gifting. They’re a cheerful way to fill out holiday trays.
Get the Recipe: Reindeer Candy made with Peanut Butter Cups
Santa Cupcakes
Santa Cupcakes start with baked red velvet cupcakes topped with an ice cream-cone “hat” that gives them a cheerful holiday look. I enjoy making these because the decorating steps stay approachable for all ages. The cupcakes stay moist and hold their shape after assembling the hats. They’re fun to set out when you want a dessert that brightens the table right away.
Get the Recipe: Santa Cupcakes
Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies
Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies bake into soft peanut-butter treats that are easy to decorate with the family. I like using this recipe when we want something simple that still feels festive. The cookies come out tender and hold the decorations well. They’re a great choice when you want a project that brings everyone into the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies
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