22 Incredible Holiday Desserts to Sweeten the Season!

The Holiday Season means it’s time to indulge in the joy of baking and sharing Holiday Desserts with loved ones. Here, we help make your life easier, by inspiring you with 22 spectacular Christmas dessert ideas that are not only delightful but also perfect for festive gatherings and cozy nights in.

With preparation times ranging from just 5 minutes to 4 hours and 30 minutes, there’s something for everyone, including gluten-free and vegan options among these holiday desserts and sweets.

We’ve got you fully covered, from traditional classics… to recipes with a fresh and modern twist… to a bunch of ideas pumpkin flavored holiday desserts that shouldn’t be restricted only to Thanksgiving! Because where’s the fun in that?!

So read on, and get ready to impress your family and friends with these indulgent treats!

Hot Cocoa Cookies

Hot cocoa cookies are a treat that feels like a warm mug of hot chocolate. They are soft and chewy, with a rich chocolate base. They also have marshmallows and chocolate chips for extra flavor.

The cocoa powder in these cookies brings back memories of winter. They are perfect for any holiday gathering or as a special gift for someone you care about.

To make these tasty cookies, you’ll need a few ingredients. The recipe makes about four dozen cookies. It takes about an hour and twenty minutes to make them, including baking time.

These hot cocoa cookies are a wonderful way to enjoy the holiday season, with their chocolatey goodness and warm memories.

Hot Chocolate Lasagna

The hot chocolate lasagna is a delightful layered dessert. It combines rich flavors and creamy textures. Imagine layers of creamy hot chocolate cheesecake, silky chocolate pudding, whipped cream, and mini marshmallows on a crunchy Oreo cookie crust. It’s like sipping hot cocoa on a cold winter’s evening.

Making this dish is simple and doesn’t need baking. It’s perfect for potlucks, parties, or holiday gatherings. The recipe makes 12 servings, each about 3 ½ inches by 3 inches. Here are the key ingredients for success:

This dessert is a great base for creativity. You can try adding a minty layer or even add fresh fruits. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare, with chilling time of at least 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Super easy, Super interesting, Super YUM!

Gingerbread Brownies

Gingerbread brownies are a tasty twist on holiday treats. They mix the warm flavors of gingerbread with the gooey texture of brownies. This makes a perfect dessert for festive gatherings.

The recipe uses unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and unsulphured molasses. These ingredients add a sweet, caramel-like taste and rich flavor.

Ginger, cinnamon, and a bit of nutmeg are added to boost the spice. This gives the brownies a warm, holiday feel. Making them is easy: just melt butter, mix sugars, and add spices. The result is a decadent brownie that’s perfect for winter.

These brownies bake in about 30 minutes at 350 degrees. After baking, they look great with powdered sugar on top.

For those who like to plan ahead, these brownies can be stored for a few days or a week in the fridge. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Enjoy these gingerbread brownies at holiday parties or as a cozy treat on winter nights.

Peppermint Bark Brownies

Peppermint bark brownies add a fun twist to holiday baking. They mix a gooey brownie with crunchy peppermint bark. This mix of chocolate and peppermint combines two classic Christmas flavors into one perfect holiday treat. Especially when the chocolatey smells fill your home.

Enjoy them within 2-3 days for the best taste. But if there are leftovers (That’s a big “if!”)… You can store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Or, freeze them for up to three months and thaw in the fridge overnight.

Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp

The Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp is a true traditional dessert. It highlights seasonal apples in a warm, comforting way. It uses about 10 cups of peeled, cored, and sliced apples, which is roughly eight to ten medium-sized fruits.

Granny Smith apples are perfect for this dish. They have a firm texture and a slightly tart flavor.

Making this holiday treat is easy, taking only about 20 minutes to prepare. After that, it bakes for about 40 minutes. This results in a golden, bubbling dessert that is irresistible.

The ingredients work together beautifully. Light brown sugar adds moisture and sweetness. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg bring warm, spice-filled notes.

This apple crisp is both indulgent and satisfying. Quick cooking oats add a chewy texture, while unsalted butter brings richness.

This dessert can even be made for different diets. For example, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour and oats for a gluten-free version. It’s a great way to share delicious treats with everyone, no matter their dietary needs.

Serving this apple crisp warm, with vanilla ice cream on top, is perfect for any holiday meal. Its cozy flavors and easy preparation make it a beloved classic every year. Are you drooling yet?

Peanut Butter Snowballs

Peanut Butter Snowballs are a delightful no-bake dessert that captures the spirit of the holidays. This treat stands out with its creamy peanut butter mixture expertly rolled into bite-sized balls. They are coated with shredded coconut or powdered sugar, creating a festive appearance reminiscent of snowballs. Perfect for holiday snacks, these bites offer a sweet and nutty flavor that is hard to resist.

To create these delicious peanut butter snowballs, you only need four simple ingredients! Here are the basics, but click through for the detailed recipe:

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons softened butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 pound vanilla candy coating

The entire recipe yields about 24 servings. For optimal results, store peanut butter snowballs in an airtight container. They can last at room temperature for about 5-7 days, or extend their life to up to 10 days in the refrigerator. If you want to make a batch ahead of time, a freezer-safe container will keep them good for 1-2 months. Freezing the snowballs before dipping them into the candy coating can help solidify the coating rapidly.

Customization is easy; by changing the color of the coating, these treats can fit in with various holiday themes. For instance, consider using pink for Valentine’s Day or orange for Halloween festivities. Have fun with them and get creative!

Christmas Cookie Bars

Christmas cookie bars are a fun twist on traditional cookies. They are easy to bake and serve during the holidays. These treats are chewy and buttery, with flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg that remind you of Christmas.

Adding sprinkles or chocolate chips makes them colorful and appealing. They are loved by both kids and adults.

These desserts are perfect for gatherings because they’re quick to make. You can add seasonal M&M’s or crushed peppermint to make them your own. This makes them super easy to customize.

The beauty of Christmas cookie bars is in their taste and look. They are cut into big squares, perfect for parties. Their delicious taste and attractive appearance make them a favorite at holiday gatherings.

Eggnog Cupcakes with Creamy Eggnog Frosting

Eggnog cupcakes bring the holiday spirit to life. They are moist and full of flavor, making any event special. Each cupcake has a mix of spices that reminds you of eggnog.

They are topped with creamy frosting and a sprinkle of nutmeg. This turns any holiday desserts table into a festive wonderland.

Here’s a quick overview to inspire your festive baking, but click through for a more detailed recipe:

Ingredient	Quantity
Cake Flour	1 1/4 cups (140 g)
Eggnog	1/2 cup (120 ml)
Butter (for frosting)	1/2 cup (112 g)
Cream Cheese (for frosting)	4 oz (113 g)
Powdered Sugar (for frosting)	2 1/2 cups (325 g)

Making these cupcakes is easy and quick, taking about 25 minutes. Bake them for 15-17 minutes at 350 degrees F. This makes them moist and perfect.

Let them cool completely before frosting. The frosting is made by mixing butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth. This takes about 5-7 minutes, making the frosting luxurious and creamy.

These festive eggnog cupcakes make 12 servings, perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They keep their delicious taste.

With these eggnog cupcakes, festive baking is a joy. They capture the essence of holiday flavors, making them a must-try for the season.

Christmas Sugar Cookie Truffles

Christmas Sugar Cookie Truffles are a fun twist on holiday desserts. They turn sugar cookies into creamy, chocolatey delights. This makes them a hit at any holiday party.

These are the basics, but click through to find more in-depth instructions:

1. Crush sugar cookies in a food processor until they’re fine crumbs.
2. Mix in cream cheese and vanilla until smooth.
3. Shape the mix into small balls.
4. Dip each ball in melted chocolate, like candy melts.

To get the best look, freeze the truffles for 15 minutes before chocolate. Then, freeze them again for up to a month.

These festive truffles are great for gifts or holiday parties. They’re fun to make and share. Enjoy making these treats and spreading holiday cheer!

Christmas Fudge

Christmas fudge is a rich and creamy treat that captures the holiday spirit. It’s a perfect mix of flavors and textures, making every bite a delight. The recipe includes sweetened condensed milk, white chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and vanilla extract. Festive holiday sprinkles add a cheerful touch.

This easy recipe takes just 10 minutes to make, making it great for last-minute gifts. It yields 36 servings, perfect for sharing with loved ones. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or frozen for 3 months, keeping it fresh for your gatherings.

Christmas fudge can be made with different ingredients like nuts or peppermint for extra flavor. Serve it after dinner or give it as a thoughtful gift. Its rich flavor and festive look make it a favorite at holiday gatherings, a tradition to keep year after year.

Eggnog Cream Pie

Eggnog cream pie is a delightful holiday treat. It combines the rich taste of eggnog with a creamy filling. The pie is topped with whipped cream and nutmeg, making it both festive and delicious.

This pie is great for impressing guests without spending too much time cooking. It takes about 4 hours and 10 minutes to make. So super easy, and will quickly to become a must-have holiday favorite!

Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful addition to any holiday dessert spread. They have a creamy cheesecake filling on a buttery graham cracker crust. Topped with luscious cherry pie filling, they perfectly balance sweetness and tartness. With ingredients like cream cheese, granulated sugar, and toasted sliced almonds, these festive baking treats are sure to please everyone at your holiday gatherings.

To create these cherry cheesecake bars, start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, then let it cool. Next, layer on the cheesecake mixture made from softened cream cheese, sugar, and a hint of vanilla. Top it off with half a can of cherry pie filling and a crumbly mix of reserved cookie mixture and almonds, then bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for a few hours to achieve the perfect set.

These cherry cheesecake bars not only shine in flavor but also in presentation, making them an eye-catching choice for holiday festivities. You can adjust the recipe to suit different tastes, perhaps by using graham cracker crumbs instead of cookie mix for the crust or swapping cherry filling with other berries. Perfect for those who savor fruity desserts, these cherry cheesecake bars are a must-try among the array of holiday desserts this season!

Holiday Desserts with Pumpkin!

We’re tired of Thanksgiving having a lock on Pumpkin flavor! Why can’t Thanksgiving be nice and just share with Christmas?

Well, that’s our mission. To make sure pumpkin flavors get used throughout the holiday season. Fall, winter, Christmas, holiday parties… Pumpkin should be welcome at ALL of these too!

So here are a bunch of amazing pumpkin flavored desserts. Don’t sleep on Pumpkin!

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting are a tasty fall or winter treat. They make a dozen, perfect for parties or holidays, or bring them to the office or school to share.

The classic pumpkin flavors are iconic for the season. Not just Thanksgiving, but all throughout the end of the year too!

Top with candied pecans for a nice crunch. You can store them in the fridge for up to four days…. though we all know there’s no way these are lasting that long!

Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Make your fall and winter baking special with a pumpkin bundt cake. It’s full of warm spices and rich flavors. Perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners or parties.

The bundt shape immediately signals homemade goodness and love. And the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting takes this yummy dessert to the next level.

Looks fantastic on a dessert table, and tastes even better when you dig in. Wow everyone with this spectacular choice!

This cake is great for busy parents. It’s easy to make and perfect for the season. Add glazed pecans for crunch and color. It’s a dessert that invites sharing and celebrating.

Get your ingredients ready for a pumpkin bundt cake. It’s comforting and festive. This recipe is a highlight of autumn, bringing joy to every slice. Enjoy making memories with this cake.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

Pumpkin chocolate chip bread is a hit in fall. It mixes pumpkin’s taste with chocolate’s sweetness. It’s great for breakfast or a snack or a dessert… or ANY time really!

This pumpkin bread is more than autumn’s taste. You can add nuts or try butterscotch or cinnamon chips. It can also be made into muffins that bake in 20-25 minutes.

After baking, let the bread cool. It can be stored at room temperature for days or frozen for months. The mix of pumpkin, chocolate, and spices makes it a special treat for fall and winter, and is perfect for parties, or even to give as a delicious gift!

Easy Pumpkin Fudge

Make easy pumpkin fudge for a tasty treat. It’s no-bake and great for any time. Creamy white chocolate, pumpkin, and spices mix for a yummy dessert.

Christmas Fudge is one of the most iconic holiday desserts and favorite gift, making it with pumpkin flavor just gives it a twist the people will love and remember. So good!

Classic Pumpkin Pie

Do we have to even say it? The Classic Pumpkin Pie is a favorite ANY time. And not just for Thanksgiving, but also at Christmas and Holiday Parties. It has a creamy filling with pumpkin, eggs, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

A delicious whipped cream topping is a must. Dollop on fresh when serving, or pipe it on the pie beforehand for a fancy look.

Leftover pie stays good in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. It brings pumpkin’s comforting taste back to your table. Gotta have this for your holiday desserts table for sure!

Swirled Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Pumpkin cheesecake bars are a great fall treat, but when you think about it, they’re really good throughout the winter as favorite holiday desserts. They are creamy and indulgent. You need just 12 ingredients to make them.

Basics Overview: Start with a graham cracker crust. Use 8 whole graham cracker sheets or 1 ¼ cups of crumbs. Then, mix in a cheesecake layer with 2 blocks of cream cheese, ¾ cup of pumpkin puree, and 2 large eggs.

The spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg make these bars taste like autumn. Bake them in a 9×9-inch pan for 40 to 45 minutes. Chilling them makes them even better.

This recipe makes 12 medium or 16 smaller bars. It’s perfect for parties. You can also double the recipe for a bigger pan.

These bars are not only tasty but also healthy. Each serving has 315 calories, 25g of carbs, and Vitamin A… Who knew?!

Keep the bars refrigerated because of the egg and dairy. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and put them in a freezer bag. Drizzle caramel sauce on them for a fancy touch.

Pumpkin Dump Cake

The Pumpkin dump cake is a favorite among easy holiday desserts. It mixes canned pumpkin, evaporated milk, and cake mix in one pan. This makes it a key part of Thanksgiving recipes.

It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to bake at 350°F. This simple process is why it’s loved by both new and seasoned bakers.

This pumpkin dump cake makes 12 servings, perfect for big gatherings.

They often suggest serving it warm with vanilla ice cream. This makes it a cozy dessert that everyone enjoys.

This pumpkin dump cake recipe can be made in different ways. You can use gluten-free cake mix or add chocolate chips for a treat. It has been a hit since 2011, especially during fall.

Pumpkin Lush

Enjoying a pumpkin lush dessert is a great way to get into the fall spirit. It’s a no-bake treat with creamy pumpkin pudding and a rich cream cheese layer. It’s all on top of a crunchy crust.

This dessert is easy to make. Start with a pretzel crust from crushed pretzels and melted butter. Then, mix cream cheese, sugar, and cold milk for the filling. Add pumpkin puree and spice for a warm taste.

Here’s a quick overview of the key details for your pumpkin lush dessert:

Preparation Time	25 minutes
Chill Time	At least 4 hours
Servings	10 people
Total Calories Per Serving	677 calories
Key Ingredients	Graham cracker crumbs, cream cheese, pumpkin puree, whipped topping, toffee bits

After you put it together, chill it to set. It’s best not to freeze it. But, you can change the milk or crust to fit your diet. You’ll soon make this a permanent fixture on your list of holiday desserts, since it’s great for any event or special meal.

Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

Enjoy the taste of autumn with pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies. They mix pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and sugar for a cozy treat. It’s simple, yet among the most favorite holiday desserts.

Some Basics: You’ll need unsalted butter, pumpkin puree, sugar, and dark brown sugar for these cookies. Pumpkin pie spice and cream of tartar add extra flavor. Make sure to use pure pumpkin, not pie filling!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

As fall comes, the smell of pumpkin chocolate chip cookies is amazing. They are soft and chewy. They mix pumpkin puree with semi-sweet chocolate chips.

They are easy to make. You need just 15 minutes to prepare. Then, they cook for about 12 minutes.

The dough starts with melted butter and sugars. Then, pumpkin puree and spices like cinnamon are added. Chilling the dough is key for the right texture.

Don’t forget to press chocolate chips on top. This makes them look like they came from a bakery. You’ll get about 18 cookies, and they’ll be gone fast.

These cookies keep well for a week at room temperature. Or, you can freeze them for later. They’re also great for using up leftover pumpkin.

Try adding nuts or dried fruits too! The ideas for yum are endless…