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Christmas, Holidays ·

16 Show-Stopping Christmas Desserts That Never Fail to Impress

This post shares 16 Christmas desserts with complete recipes, ingredients, and prep times. You’ll find easy cookies and bars alongside fancier cakes and chocolate treats – something for every skill level and occasion, whether you’re baking with kids or hosting holiday dinner parties.

After years of holiday baking (and plenty of kitchen disasters), I’ve learned that the best Christmas desserts balance impressive looks with flavors people actually want to eat. These recipes deliver both – they look amazing on your table but won’t leave guests politely pushing food around their plates.

The key is knowing which desserts work for different situations. Some are perfect for elegant dinner parties, others shine at casual family gatherings, and a few are ideal when you need something kids can help make without too much stress.

Christmas Cookies

1. Linzer Cookies

For inspirational purposes only – sourced from Pinterest. Click image for original link.

These traditional Austrian treats bring serious elegance without requiring pastry school skills. The almond shortbread paired with ruby-red jam creates those beautiful sandwich cookies with the signature cutout windows. I love making these ahead of time – they actually taste better after sitting for a day, which is perfect when you’re juggling multiple holiday prep tasks. The nutty cookie balances the tart jam really nicely, so they won’t overwhelm anyone after a big meal.

Linzer Cookies

Total Time: 3 hours
Serves: 24 sandwich cookies
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup finely ground almonds
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup raspberry jam
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
1. Whisk together flour, ground almonds, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
2. Cream butter and sugar until light, then beat in egg and vanilla.
3. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until dough forms. Divide in half, wrap, and chill 2 hours.
4. Roll each portion 1/4-inch thick. Cut half the cookies with solid rounds, half with center cutouts.
5. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden. Cool completely.
6. Spread jam on solid cookies, dust cutout cookies with powdered sugar, and sandwich together.

For inspirational purposes only – sourced from Pinterest. Click image for original link.

These festive bars solve the biggest problem with traditional sugar cookies – all that rolling and cutting. You get the same familiar flavor everyone loves, but in an easy sheet-pan format that feeds a crowd. These bars hold up great under thick icing, making them perfect for decorating parties with kids. I usually suggest these when you want something homey rather than fancy.

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 24 bars
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk
Green and red food coloring
2 cups powdered sugar
3-4 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Holiday sprinkles
Instructions
1. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, combine melted butter and granulated sugar, then beat in eggs, vanilla, and milk.
4. Fold in dry ingredients. Divide batter into thirds, tinting one green and one red.
5. Drop spoonfuls randomly in pan and swirl gently. Bake at 350°F for 22-25 minutes.
6. Cool completely. Mix powdered sugar with milk for glaze.
7. Spread glaze over bars and add sprinkles before glaze sets.

3. Peppermint Chocolate Cookies

For inspirational purposes only – sourced from Pinterest. Click image for original link.

Rich double-chocolate cookies deliver that classic Christmas flavor combination in a substantial treat that satisfies serious chocolate lovers. The crushed candy canes folded into the dough create the perfect cooling contrast to the deep chocolate. Their dramatic dark appearance dotted with red and white makes them really striking on cookie platters, and they travel well to exchanges without falling apart.

Peppermint Chocolate Cookies

Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 36 cookies
Ingredients
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup crushed candy canes
Extra crushed candy canes for topping
Instructions
1. Whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
2. Cream butter with both sugars until fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extract.
4. Gradually mix in dry ingredients, then fold in chocolate chips and 1/2 cup crushed candy canes.
5. Drop rounded tablespoons onto lined baking sheets, sprinkle with remaining candy canes.
6. Bake at 350°F for 9-11 minutes until centers are just set. Cool on pans 5 minutes before transferring.

Christmas Cakes and Brownies

4. Peppermint Red Velvet Cake

For inspirational purposes only – sourced from Pinterest. Click image for original link.

This showstopping layer cake works beautifully when you want something that looks stunning but won’t scare off traditional eaters. The subtle cocoa notes complement the cool peppermint perfectly, while that classic cream cheese frosting ties everything together. This always gets lots of compliments at formal holiday dinners – it’s familiar enough that people aren’t hesitant to try it, but the peppermint twist makes it feel special.

Peppermint Red Velvet Cake

Total Time: 55 minutes
Serves: 12 people
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white vinegar
For the Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Crushed candy canes for garnish
Instructions
1. Whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
2. Cream butter and sugar, beat in eggs one at a time.
3. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture.
4. Mix in food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar.
5. Divide between two greased 9-inch pans. Bake at 350°F for 22-25 minutes.
6. Cool completely. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
7. Gradually add powdered sugar and peppermint extract to frosting.
8. Frost cake and garnish with crushed candy canes.

5. Apple Crumble Cheesecake

For inspirational purposes only – sourced from Pinterest. Click image for original link.

This hybrid dessert brings together comfort and elegance in a way that really works for holiday entertaining. The spiced apple topping gives you those cozy seasonal flavors, while the creamy base provides richness without being too sweet. I’ve found this is perfect for busy hosts because you can make it completely ahead of time, and the combination of textures keeps every bite interesting.

Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Total Time: 5 hours 45 minutes
Serves: 12 people
Ingredients
Crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
6 tablespoons melted butter
Filling:
24 oz cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
Topping:
3 medium apples, peeled and diced
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/3 cup cold butter, cubed
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
1. Mix crust ingredients, press into 9-inch springform pan, chill 30 minutes.
2. Bake crust at 375°F for 15 minutes.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth, add sugar, then eggs one at a time.
4. Mix in sour cream and vanilla. Pour over crust.
5. For topping, toss apples with brown sugar and spices. Mix flour with butter pieces until crumbly.
6. Combine apples with crumb mixture, sprinkle over cheesecake.
7. Bake at 325°F for 60-70 minutes until just set.
8. Cool completely, then chill 4 hours before serving.

6. Gingerbread Tiramisu

For inspirational purposes only – sourced from Pinterest. Click image for original link.

Creative layers transform familiar gingerbread flavors into something unexpectedly sophisticated. Using soft gingerbread cookies instead of ladyfingers creates warming spice layers that feel perfect for the season. The coffee still provides that essential bitter note to balance the sweetness. This one always sparks conversation – people love the creative twist on both classics.

Gingerbread Tiramisu

Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes
Serves: 10 people
Ingredients
Gingerbread:
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 egg
Filling:
1 lb mascarpone
3/4 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup sugar
4 egg yolks
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Assembly:
1 1/2 cups strong coffee, cooled
2 tablespoons coffee liqueur
Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
1. Make gingerbread by creaming butter and brown sugar, adding molasses and egg, then dry ingredients.
2. Roll thin, cut into rectangles, bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
3. For filling, whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale, fold in mascarpone and spices.
4. Whip cream to soft peaks, fold into mascarpone mixture.
5. Combine coffee and liqueur in a shallow dish.
6. Quickly dip each gingerbread piece in coffee mixture, layer with filling in 9×13 dish.
7. Repeat layers, chill overnight.
8. Dust with cocoa powder before serving.

7. Christmas Tree Brownies

For inspirational purposes only – sourced from Pinterest. Click image for original link.

Fudgy brownies get transformed into playful holiday treats through simple triangular cutting and green frosting. They’re sturdy enough for little hands to help decorate, which makes them great for family baking sessions. The combination of serious chocolate indulgence with fun presentation hits that sweet spot between impressive and approachable.

Christmas Tree Brownies

Total Time: 65 minutes
Serves: 12 trees
Ingredients
Brownies:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Decoration:
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup softened butter
3-4 tablespoons milk
Green food coloring
Mini chocolate chips
Small candy pieces
Yellow star candies
Instructions
1. Melt butter and chocolate together, stir in sugar, then eggs.
2. Mix in flour, cocoa, and salt until just combined.
3. Spread in lined 8×8 pan, bake at 325°F for 30-35 minutes.
4. Cool completely, then cut into triangular tree shapes.
5. Beat powdered sugar, butter, and milk until smooth, tint green.
6. Pipe frosting onto trees in zigzag pattern to mimic branches.
7. Decorate with chocolate chips and candy pieces, top with yellow stars.

Chocolate Christmas Treats

8. Snowy Chocolate Pinecones

For inspirational purposes only – sourced from Pinterest. Click image for original link.

Clever construction uses chocolate-covered almonds and powdered sugar to create realistic decorations that actually taste great. The rich chocolate and crunchy almonds provide satisfying texture, while their sophisticated appearance elevates any dessert table. I often recommend these for adult parties where you want something sweet but elegant – they always get people talking.

Snowy Chocolate Pinecones

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Serves: 15 pinecones
Ingredients
12 oz dark chocolate, chopped
3 cups whole almonds
2 egg whites
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Powdered sugar for dusting
Small fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)
Instructions
1. Melt chocolate in double boiler until smooth.
2. Beat egg whites until foamy, gradually add granulated sugar and beat to soft peaks.
3. Dip each almond in egg white mixture, then arrange in pinecone shape on parchment-lined tray.
4. Start with larger almonds at base and overlap like pinecone scales, tapering to narrow end.
5. Drizzle melted chocolate over each pinecone to hold almonds together.
6. Chill 30 minutes until chocolate sets.
7. Just before serving, dust lightly with powdered sugar and insert small rosemary sprigs at the narrow end if desired.

9. White Chocolate Bark with Almonds and Raisins

For inspirational purposes only – sourced from Pinterest. Click image for original link.

Simple ingredients prove that basic can be stunning when done right. The creamy white chocolate provides a perfect canvas for the crunchy nuts and chewy fruit, creating textural interest in every piece. This is completely foolproof for beginning candy makers and works equally well as dessert or homemade gifts.

White Chocolate Bark with Almonds and Raisins

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Serves: 20 pieces
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs white chocolate, chopped
1 cup toasted almonds, roughly chopped
3/4 cup golden raisins
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
1. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt white chocolate in double boiler, stirring until smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
4. Pour melted chocolate onto prepared baking sheet, spreading to about 1/4-inch thickness.
5. Immediately sprinkle with chopped almonds and raisins, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt.
7. Refrigerate until completely set, about 2 hours.
8. Break into irregular pieces and store in airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.

10. Baileys Chocolate Truffles

For inspirational purposes only – sourced from Pinterest. Click image for original link.

Sophisticated spheres combine Irish cream liqueur with rich dark chocolate for elegant after-dinner treats. The creamy ganache center melts beautifully on your tongue, while the cocoa powder coating adds just enough bitter finish to prevent them from being too sweet. Their compact size lets guests enjoy something decadent without feeling overly full.

Baileys Chocolate Truffles

Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Serves: 30 truffles
Ingredients
12 oz dark chocolate (70% cacao), finely chopped
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup Baileys Irish Cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Cocoa powder for coating
Powdered sugar for coating (optional)
Instructions
1. Place chopped chocolate in a bowl.
2. Heat cream until just simmering, pour over chocolate and let sit 2 minutes.
3. Stir from center outward until smooth.
4. Mix in Baileys and butter until glossy.
5. Cover and chill until firm enough to scoop, about 3 hours.
6. Using a small scoop or spoon, form into 1-inch balls and place on parchment-lined tray.
7. Roll truffles in cocoa powder or powdered sugar to coat completely.
8. Store in refrigerator up to 1 week, bring to room temperature 15 minutes before serving.

11. Soft Homemade Caramels

For inspirational purposes only – sourced from Pinterest. Click image for original link.

These buttery treats require patience but reward you with that perfect chewy texture you just can’t get from store-bought versions. The deep, complex flavor that develops as the sugar cooks creates notes ranging from sweet vanilla to subtle smokiness. I usually suggest wrapping these individually for gifts – they’re impressive but approachable.

Soft Homemade Caramels

Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
Serves: 64 pieces
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon sea salt
Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
1. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment, leaving overhang.
2. In heavy saucepan, combine butter, both sugars, cream, and corn syrup.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture reaches 248°F on candy thermometer.
4. Remove from heat and quickly stir in vanilla and salt.
5. Pour into prepared pan immediately.
6. Let cool completely at room temperature, about 4 hours.
7. Lift out using parchment, cut into 1-inch squares with oiled knife.
8. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Wrap individual pieces in wax paper if gifting.

Creative Showstoppers

12. Chocolate Pavlova Wreath

For inspirational purposes only – sourced from Pinterest. Click image for original link.

This stunning centerpiece combines light meringue with rich chocolate for a dessert that’s surprisingly manageable after heavy holiday meals. The crispy exterior gives way to marshmallow-soft interior, while the wreath shape makes it perfect for holiday tables. You can customize the toppings with whatever seasonal fruits look good, which gives you lots of flexibility.

Chocolate Pavlova Wreath

Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Serves: 10 people
Ingredients
Meringue:
6 large egg whites
1 1/2 cups superfine sugar
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon white vinegar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
Topping:
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
6 oz dark chocolate, melted and cooled
Fresh berries
Mint leaves
Instructions
1. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form, gradually add sugar until stiff and glossy.
2. Fold in cocoa, vanilla, vinegar, and cornstarch.
3. Spoon onto parchment-lined baking sheet in wreath shape, creating a well in center.
4. Bake at 300°F for 1 hour 15 minutes.
5. Turn off oven, leave door ajar, cool completely inside oven.
6. Whip cream with powdered sugar to soft peaks.
7. Carefully transfer pavlova to serving plate. Fill center with whipped cream.
8. Drizzle with melted chocolate, and arrange berries and mint on top.

13. White Chocolate Raspberry Tart

For inspirational purposes only – sourced from Pinterest. Click image for original link.

Elegant balance brings together sweet white chocolate with tart fresh berries for a restaurant-quality dessert that’s totally achievable at home. The buttery pastry crust provides nice textural contrast to the smooth filling. This works great for formal dinners when you want something refined, and you can make it completely ahead of time.

White Chocolate Raspberry Tart

Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Serves: 10 people
Ingredients
Crust:
1 1/4 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
1 egg yolk
2-3 tablespoons ice water
Filling:
8 oz white chocolate, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
3 large eggs
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
Topping:
2 cups fresh raspberries
2 tablespoons apricot jam, warmed
Instructions
1. Mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Mix egg yolk with 2 tablespoons ice water, add to flour mixture until dough forms.
3. Press into 9-inch tart pan, chill 30 minutes.
4. Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
5. Melt chocolate with 1/2 cup cream. Whisk eggs, sugar, and vanilla, then combine with chocolate mixture and remaining cream.
6. Pour into crust, bake at 325°F for 20-25 minutes until just set.
7. Cool completely, chill 3 hours.
8. Top with raspberries and brush with warmed jam.

14. Eggnog Mousse with Spiced Cream

For inspirational purposes only – sourced from Pinterest. Click image for original link.

Light, airy texture captures all those traditional eggnog flavors without the heaviness that can weigh people down. The mousse gives you familiar tastes of nutmeg and vanilla in an elegant form, while individual glass servings make it perfect for dinner parties. The spiced cream topping adds an extra layer of seasonal flavor that really completes it.

Eggnog Mousse & Spiced Cream

Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Serves: 8 people
Ingredients
Mousse:
1 packet gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
1/2 cup milk
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons rum (optional)
Spiced Cream:
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg
Garnish:
Cinnamon sticks
Nutmeg for dusting
Instructions
1. Sprinkle gelatin over cold water, let bloom.
2. Heat milk until steaming. Whisk egg yolks with sugar until pale, slowly add hot milk.
3. Return to pan, cook until it coats spoon. Stir in bloomed gelatin until dissolved, add nutmeg, vanilla, and rum.
4. Cool completely. Whip 1 1/2 cups cream to soft peaks, fold into custard.
5. Divide among glasses, chill 4 hours.
6. For topping, whip remaining cream with powdered sugar and spices.
7. Top each mousse with spiced cream, dust with nutmeg, and garnish with cinnamon stick.

15. Rice Krispie Treats with Red and Green M&Ms

For inspirational purposes only – sourced from Pinterest. Click image for original link.

Playful nostalgia gets holiday flair through colorful candy additions that bring both visual appeal and extra sweetness. The familiar crispy texture combined with chocolate pieces creates something that appeals to both kids and adults seeking comfort food. These are incredibly easy to make with children helping – no baking required and they travel well to casual gatherings.

Rice Krispie with Red & Green M&Ms

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Serves: 24 squares
Ingredients
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 oz marshmallows
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 cup red M&Ms
1 cup green M&Ms
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper, spray with cooking spray.
2. In large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
4. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and salt.
5. Add Rice Krispies cereal and mix until evenly coated.
6. Let cool 2-3 minutes, then quickly fold in 3/4 of the M&Ms, reserving remainder for topping.
7. Press mixture firmly into prepared pan using buttered hands or wax paper.
8. Immediately sprinkle reserved M&Ms on top, pressing gently to adhere.
9. Cool completely, about 1 hour, before cutting into squares.

16. Chocolate Orange Posset

For inspirational purposes only – sourced from Pinterest. Click image for original link.

This silky British dessert delivers sophisticated flavor using just three ingredients, which makes it perfect for elegant entertaining without stress. The combination of rich cream with bright orange creates a luxurious texture that’s lighter than pudding but more substantial than mousse. Being completely make-ahead friendly and naturally gluten-free makes this ideal for dinner parties with dietary restrictions.

Chocolate Orange Posset

Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Serves: 6 people
Ingredients
2 cups heavy cream
1/3 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
2 oz dark chocolate, finely grated
Additional orange zest for garnish
Small chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
1. In heavy saucepan, combine cream and sugar.
2. Bring to rolling boil, stirring until sugar dissolves.
3. Boil for 3 minutes, then remove from heat.
4. Stir in orange juice and zest. Let cool 5 minutes.
5. Whisk in grated chocolate until completely melted and smooth.
6. Divide among 6 small glasses or ramekins.
7. Cover and refrigerate until set, at least 4 hours.
8. Before serving, garnish with additional orange zest and chocolate shavings. Serve chilled with small spoons.

Which of These Christmas Desserts Is Your Favorite?

The best Christmas desserts don’t just taste good – they create those memorable moments that make the holidays special. Whether you’re hosting formal dinners or casual family gatherings, having a mix of elegant showstoppers and comforting classics ensures everyone finds something they love.

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