*This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. For more information, please see our disclaimer.
Christmas is a season of joy, warmth, and celebration—and desserts are at the heart of holiday traditions. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, holiday parties, or simply enjoying cozy nights by the fire, festive sweets make the season feel complete. The best part? Holiday baking doesn’t need to be complicated.
This collection of 12 easy Christmas dessert recipes is designed for anyone—whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out. Each recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for spreading holiday cheer. You’ll find a mix of classic cookies, festive cakes, and rich puddings, all using easy-to-find ingredients.
Now, let’s get baking and make this Christmas season sweeter than ever!
No.1. Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies
When you think of holiday baking, sugar cookies instantly come to mind. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are soft in the center with slightly crisp edges, making them universally loved. What makes them truly special is the decorating process—you can cut them into festive shapes like stars, snowflakes, or Christmas trees and then decorate with colorful icing and sprinkles. It’s not just about the cookies; it’s about creating holiday memories with loved ones.
The recipe is simple: a classic sugar cookie dough flavored with vanilla and a hint of almond extract. Once baked, they become the perfect canvas for your holiday creativity. They also store well, meaning you can bake them ahead of time and bring them out for guests or cookie exchanges.
For a healthier touch, you can swap white sugar for coconut sugar or use whole wheat pastry flour.
No.2. Peppermint Bark
Few Christmas treats are as easy—or as striking—as peppermint bark. This festive dessert layers rich dark chocolate with smooth white chocolate, finished with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes. The result is a crunchy, minty, and chocolatey delight that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
One of the best things about peppermint bark is its versatility. Break it into rustic pieces, package in clear bags, and tie with festive ribbon for a quick homemade gift. Or arrange it on a dessert tray to add instant holiday charm. With no baking required, it’s the perfect recipe for busy hosts who still want something eye-catching on the table.
Beyond flavor, peppermint is naturally refreshing and may even help soothe digestion after a big Christmas dinner.
No.3. Gingerbread Men Cookies
The smell of gingerbread baking in the oven is enough to make your entire home feel like Christmas. These chewy cookies are infused with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, delivering that nostalgic flavor everyone craves during the holidays.
Shaping them into little gingerbread men is half the fun, but the decorating is where creativity shines. Kids especially love giving their gingerbread cookies personality with icing smiles, candy buttons, and edible scarves. They’re festive, playful, and perfect for holiday gatherings or cookie swaps.
From a wellness perspective, ginger is more than just a flavor—it’s known for its anti-inflammatory benefits and ability to support digestion. So while you’re enjoying these spiced cookies, you’re also getting a small boost for your body.
Want to learn more about how holiday spices can be both tasty and healthful? The Encyclopedia of Power Foods is the perfect guide.
No.4. Eggnog Cheesecake Bars
Eggnog lovers, this dessert is made just for you! Imagine the creamy richness of cheesecake combined with the cozy holiday flavors of eggnog, nutmeg, and cinnamon—all layered over a buttery graham cracker crust. These cheesecake bars are elegant yet easy, making them a great choice for both casual family gatherings and holiday dinner parties.
Bars are wonderfully practical because they can be made ahead of time and chilled until ready to serve. Simply cut them into neat squares and watch them disappear quickly at the dessert table. They also transport well, so they’re ideal if you’re contributing to a potluck.
Eggnog itself is a holiday staple, and when combined with nutrient-packed spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, you get a dessert that feels indulgent yet festive.
No.5. Chocolate Yule Log (Bûche de Noël)
A true holiday showstopper, the Yule log is as much a centerpiece as it is a dessert. This rolled chocolate sponge cake is filled with whipped cream and coated in rich chocolate ganache, decorated to look like a festive log. With a dusting of powdered sugar “snow” and sprigs of rosemary, it becomes almost too pretty to eat.
Despite its impressive appearance, the Yule log is surprisingly approachable for home bakers. The trick lies in rolling the sponge while it’s still warm, which prevents cracks and ensures that perfect swirl. The end result is light yet decadent—a balance of flavors and textures that’s impossible to resist.
Dark chocolate, the star ingredient, is high in flavonoids that support heart health and boost mood—exactly what we need during the holiday season.
No.6. Cranberry Orange Bread
For a dessert that’s refreshing and festive, cranberry orange bread is a must-try. This quick bread combines the tartness of cranberries with the bright zest of oranges, creating a flavor profile that’s both sweet and tangy. It’s not overly heavy, making it a nice balance to richer holiday desserts.
This bread is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it warm with a little butter for breakfast, serve it as a light dessert, or wrap it up as a homemade holiday gift. The vibrant red cranberries and citrus aroma also make it feel perfectly seasonal.
Cranberries are nutrient-rich, packed with antioxidants, and known for supporting urinary tract health. Oranges, meanwhile, are a great source of vitamin C.
If you’re interested in how pairing fruits like these can benefit your health, The Encyclopedia of Power Foods provides detailed insights into the nutritional power of everyday foods.
No.7. Hot Chocolate Fudge
Imagine everything you love about hot cocoa—rich chocolate, creamy texture, fluffy marshmallows—packed into one bite-sized dessert. That’s exactly what you get with hot chocolate fudge. It’s smooth, decadent, and perfect for satisfying your holiday sweet tooth.
The best part? It only takes a handful of ingredients—chocolate, condensed milk, butter, and marshmallows. Since it doesn’t require baking, it’s quick and foolproof, even for beginners. You can also get creative by adding crushed peppermint or caramel swirls for extra holiday flair.
Cocoa itself isn’t just delicious; it’s naturally rich in magnesium, which helps relax the body and reduce stress—a welcome benefit during the busy holiday season.
No.8. Pecan Snowball Cookies
Pecan snowball cookies—also known as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies—are a timeless holiday favorite. These buttery, crumbly cookies are packed with finely chopped pecans and rolled in powdered sugar, giving them the appearance of little snowballs.
They’re incredibly easy to make and don’t require fancy decorating. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them perfect alongside a cup of tea or coffee during holiday gatherings. They also hold up well for gifting or mailing, making them a thoughtful homemade present.
Pecans bring more than just flavor—they’re rich in healthy fats, fiber, and plant-based protein. That means these cookies are not only delicious but also a touch more wholesome than typical holiday treats.
No.9. Sticky Toffee Pudding
This classic British dessert is pure comfort food. Sticky toffee pudding features a moist sponge cake made with dates, topped with a rich toffee sauce and served warm with ice cream or whipped cream. It’s indulgent, cozy, and perfect for chilly December evenings.
Despite its impressive flavor, the recipe is surprisingly straightforward, making it approachable for home bakers. The natural sweetness of dates gives the cake its signature moistness while pairing beautifully with the buttery toffee sauce.
Dates are nutrient-dense, offering fiber, potassium, and natural energy, making this dessert more than just a guilty pleasure.
Curious about how simple ingredients like dates can power your body? The Encyclopedia of Power Foods explains the science behind their benefits in an easy-to-understand way.
No.10. Red Velvet Cake Trifles
Red velvet cake trifles are a festive twist on the classic cake, offering elegance without the fuss of layering. Cubes of red velvet cake are layered with cream cheese frosting and whipped cream in clear glasses, creating a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
These trifles are great for parties because they can be made in individual servings, making them both convenient and beautiful on the dessert table. Their striking red and white layers perfectly match the Christmas color palette, making them extra festive.
Beets are sometimes used as a natural dye in red velvet cake, and they’re full of nutrients that support circulation and energy.
No.11. Cinnamon Roll Wreath
Few desserts double as both a centerpiece and a sweet treat, but the cinnamon roll wreath does just that. By arranging cinnamon rolls in a circle, baking, and drizzling with icing, you create a dessert that looks stunning on any holiday table.
Warm, fluffy, and spiced with cinnamon sugar, these rolls are a hit with both kids and adults. Decorating the wreath with sugared cranberries or fresh rosemary sprigs makes it festive enough to steal the show at brunch or dessert time.
Cinnamon isn’t just a holiday spice—it’s been studied for its ability to support healthy blood sugar levels and boost circulation.
No.12. Christmas Fruitcake Bites
Fruitcake may have a mixed reputation, but these bite-sized versions will win over even skeptics. Packed with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, fruitcake bites offer all the flavor of the classic dessert in a smaller, more approachable package.
They’re perfect for gifting or for adding variety to a dessert platter. By making them bite-sized, you avoid the heaviness of a traditional fruitcake while still enjoying its festive taste. Plus, they’re easy to store and serve, making them practical for holiday entertaining.
Dried fruits like raisins, apricots, and cranberries are rich in fiber and natural energy—perfect for powering you through the holiday hustle.
If you’d like to explore more about the nutritional value of dried fruits and nuts, The Encyclopedia of Power Foods provides in-depth knowledge.
Conclusion
Christmas is a season of indulgence, but it doesn’t have to mean complicated baking. From buttery cookies to showstopping cakes and cozy puddings, these 12 easy Christmas dessert recipes are designed to bring joy, flavor, and festive spirit to your holiday table without the stress.
Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing treats for a party, or simply savoring a quiet night at home, these recipes prove that the magic of Christmas can be captured in every bite. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and a touch of creativity, you can create desserts that delight both the taste buds and the heart.
So preheat your oven, put on some holiday music, and let the scent of fresh-baked treats fill your home this Christmas season.
You May Also Like:
1. 15 Irresistible Christmas Cookies to Bake, Share, and Celebrate
2. Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe | Soft, Glazed Holiday Favorite
3. 12 Easy Christmas Appetizers for Festive Holiday Celebrations
4. 18 Festive Christmas Cocktails to Celebrate the Holiday Season
5. 15 Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas | Traditional & Modern Holiday Recipes
6. 15 Classic Christmas Party Finger Foods Everyone Will Love
7. 18 Best Christmas Side Dishes | Delicious & Festive Recipes for the Holidays
8. 15 Christmas Breakfast Ideas | Festive & Easy Holiday Morning Recipes
