The holidays are my excuse to turn the kitchen into a winter wonderland—minus the snow and with way more chocolate. Christmas desserts? Oh, they’re not just food; they’re a love language.
This year, I’ve rounded up the ultimate list of treats to make your dessert table look like Santa’s own sweet shop. Whether you’re into classic flavors or wild new creations, there’s something here that’ll make everyone go, “Wow, who made this?” (You’ll be humble, of course, but we all know it was you.)
1. Peppermint Mocha Cookie Bars
If you’ve ever wished your favorite holiday coffee could magically transform into a dessert, these Peppermint Mocha Cookie Bars are the answer. Layers of fudgy chocolate cookies, a hint of espresso, and a cool peppermint topping make each bite a holiday symphony. They’re festive, indulgent, and ridiculously easy to share—if you don’t finish them yourself first.
2. Peppermint Meltaways
These delicate cookies are pure holiday magic. They’re buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats infused with peppermint goodness and topped with a powdered sugar glaze. Their pastel colors and frosty look make them perfect for cookie platters or gift boxes. One bite, and you’ll understand why they’re called “meltaways.”
3. Puppy Chow Truffles
Think of everything you love about puppy chow—crunchy cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar—rolled into a bite-sized truffle. These no-bake treats are an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. They’re easy to whip up and even easier to pop into your mouth, making them the ultimate party snack.
4. Cannoli Cream Pie
Why choose between pie and cannoli when you can have both? This dessert layers a crisp cookie crust with creamy, sweet ricotta filling, studded with chocolate chips and a hint of orange zest. It’s elegant, indulgent, and will have everyone thinking you spent hours perfecting it—when really, it’s wonderfully simple.
5. Japanese Christmas Cake
This festive dessert is a Japanese tradition and for a good reason. It features light and fluffy sponge cake layers, filled with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. The minimalist decoration gives it a chic holiday vibe and the taste? Pure, delicate perfection. It’s ideal for those who want a lighter dessert option.
6. Layered Candy Cane Dessert
Candy canes take center stage in this layered masterpiece. A crunchy cookie base supports layers of peppermint-flavored mousse, whipped cream, and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for that signature holiday crunch. It’s as visually striking as it is delicious, making it a showstopper on any dessert table.
7. Coconut Bonbons
These little bites of paradise are a holiday twist on classic bonbons. A creamy coconut filling is enveloped in smooth chocolate, creating a perfect balance of sweet and rich flavors. They’re easy to customize with toppings like sprinkles or a drizzle of white chocolate, making them as pretty as they are tasty.
8. Peanut Butter Fudge
Rich, creamy, and oh-so-decadent, peanut butter fudge is the definition of holiday comfort. Made with just a handful of ingredients, it’s a no-fail treat that comes together quickly. The smooth peanut butter flavor pairs perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.
9. Chocolate Swiss Roll
This classic dessert gets a festive makeover with its chocolate sponge cake and creamy filling. Rolled to perfection, it’s light yet indulgent, with a hint of cocoa bitterness to balance the sweetness. Dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle with ganache for that ultimate holiday centerpiece vibe.
10. Grasshopper Pie
Mint and chocolate lovers, this one’s for you. Grasshopper Pie features a crunchy chocolate cookie crust filled with a creamy, minty mousse and topped with whipped cream. It’s refreshing, rich, and a little retro in the best way possible. It’s also a no-bake, so you’ll have more time for holiday fun.
11. Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
No holiday is complete without cut-out sugar cookies. Rolled thin and cut into festive shapes, these cookies are as much about the decorating as the eating. The buttery, slightly crisp cookies are the perfect canvas for icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter. They’re a holiday tradition everyone loves.
12. Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
Why settle for one dessert when you can have two? This genius mashup combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the fruity warmth of apple pie. The crust is made from swirled cinnamon rolls, giving every bite a sweet, spiced kick that perfectly complements the tender apple filling.
13. Fruitcake Cookies
Love it or hate it, fruitcake is a holiday staple—but these cookies might just win over the skeptics. Packed with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, they capture the essence of traditional fruitcake in a chewy, handheld form. They’re a delightful way to rethink a classic treat.
14. Holiday Haystacks
These no-bake wonders are as simple as they are addictive. Crispy chow mein noodles are coated in a mix of melted butterscotch and peanut butter and then shaped into little stacks. They’re salty, sweet, and perfect for munching while wrapping gifts or watching holiday movies.
15. Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Classic sugar cookies get a chocolatey upgrade in this festive twist. With their deep cocoa flavor and slightly chewy texture, these cookies are as versatile as they are delicious. Leave them plain, dust them with powdered sugar, or go all out with colorful icing—your call!
16. Oreo Cheesecake
This creamy, dreamy dessert is a surefire crowd-pleaser. A crunchy Oreo crust supports a rich cheesecake filling, dotted with crushed cookies for extra texture. It’s indulgent, simple to make, and guaranteed to disappear faster than Santa’s cookies.
17. Bourbon Balls
These boozy, bite-sized treats are a holiday favorite for adults. Made with crushed cookies, cocoa, powdered sugar, and a generous splash of bourbon, they’re rich, flavorful, and pack just the right amount of kick. Serve them with coffee, and watch them become the star of your dessert spread.
18. Watergate Salad
Retro recipes always bring a sense of nostalgia, and Watergate Salad is no exception. This pistachio pudding-based “salad” is mixed with pineapple, marshmallows, and whipped topping, creating a sweet, creamy dessert with a light, airy texture. It’s quirky, green, and totally festive.
19. Brittle
Brittle is the ultimate sweet-and-salty holiday snack. Made with caramelized sugar and nuts, it’s crunchy, buttery, and dangerously addictive. Break it into shards for easy sharing, or package it up as homemade gifts. Either way, it’s a classic treat everyone loves.
20. Eggnog Bread Pudding
Eggnog fans, this one’s for you. Thick slices of bread are soaked in a rich eggnog custard and baked until golden and custardy. Add a drizzle of rum-spiked sauce or a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ve got a dessert that tastes like holiday cheer in every bite.
21. Red Velvet Brownies
Who doesn’t love red velvet during the holidays? These brownies are a vibrant twist on a classic favorite. With their velvety texture, subtle cocoa flavor, and cream cheese frosting, they’re almost too pretty to eat—almost.
22. Struffoli
This Italian dessert is as fun to make as it is to eat. Tiny balls of fried dough are coated in honey and piled into a festive pyramid, then decorated with sprinkles. Sweet, sticky, and crunchy, Struffoli is a dessert that feels like a celebration all on its own.
23. Chocolate Toffee Cookie Bars
These bars are pure decadence. A buttery cookie base is layered with rich chocolate and crunchy toffee bits, creating a treat that’s chewy, crunchy, and utterly addictive. Perfect for holiday parties or as a gift for your favorite sweet tooth, they bring together the best of chocolate and caramel flavors.
24. Tiramisu Cake
Imagine your favorite tiramisu but in cake form. Layers of sponge cake are soaked in coffee and layered with creamy mascarpone frosting, dusted generously with cocoa powder. It’s elegant and luxurious, with a flavor that feels like an edible hug. Serve this to impress your guests—they’ll be raving for days.
25. Scotcheroos
These no-bake bars are a classic for a reason. Made with crispy rice cereal, peanut butter, and a layer of melted chocolate and butterscotch, they hit the perfect balance between chewy and crunchy. They’re quick to make and always a hit, especially with kids (and adults with a sweet tooth!).
26. Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies
Eggnog takes these classic cut-out cookies to the next level. The dough is infused with the creamy, spiced flavors of the holiday favorite, making each bite taste like Christmas. Decorate them with festive icing, or keep them simple with a dusting of powdered sugar—they’re irresistible either way.
27. Rum Balls
A holiday party isn’t complete without rum balls. These no-bake treats combine crushed cookies, cocoa, and a splash of rum for a rich, chocolatey bite. Rolled in powdered sugar or cocoa powder, they’re perfect for adding a little festive flair to your dessert spread.
28. Pumpkin Bars
Pumpkin isn’t just for fall—these bars are perfect for winter too. With a spiced pumpkin base and a creamy frosting layer, they’re a soft, moist treat that pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee. Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon on top for extra holiday flavor.
29. Chocolate-and-Citrus Cassata
This Sicilian-inspired dessert is a citrusy twist on a chocolatey classic. Layers of sponge cake are soaked in orange liqueur and layered with a creamy ricotta filling, studded with chocolate chips. It’s bright, rich, and perfect for anyone looking to impress with an international flair.
30. Doughnut Croquembouche
Why settle for plain doughnuts when you can turn them into a croquembouche? Mini doughnuts are stacked into a festive tower, held together with caramel, and drizzled with chocolate. It’s a show-stopping centerpiece that tastes as amazing as it looks—guaranteed to wow your guests.
31. Vegan Coconut-Ginger Caramels
Who says vegans can’t enjoy decadent holiday treats? These caramels are creamy, chewy, and packed with flavor from coconut milk and a zing of ginger. They’re dairy-free, gluten-free, and so good you’ll forget they’re vegan. Wrap them up as a thoughtful holiday gift or keep them for yourself.
32. Tropical Mendiants
These elegant chocolate discs are decorated with tropical fruits like dried mango, pineapple, and toasted coconut, giving them a sunny twist for the holidays. They’re simple to make yet look incredibly sophisticated, making them perfect for gifting or serving at a classy holiday party.
33. Cocoa Cola Bundt Cake
This quirky dessert combines Coca-Cola with cocoa for a moist, fluffy cake with a unique depth of flavor. The Bundt shape gives it a festive touch and a glossy chocolate glaze takes it over the top. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to bake as it is to eat.
34. Basque Cheesecake
This burnt cheesecake might look rustic, but its flavor is pure sophistication. With a creamy, caramelized crust and a rich, velvety center, it’s a dessert that’s as impressive as it is indulgent. Serve it as-is or with a dollop of whipped cream for a holiday twist.
35. Gingerbread Roll with Cinnamon Cream
This dessert rolls the best parts of gingerbread and cream into one irresistible treat. A soft, spiced gingerbread cake is wrapped around a cinnamon-infused cream filling, creating a swirl of holiday flavors in every slice. It’s festive, flavorful, and guaranteed to steal the show at your dessert table.
Wrapping It All Up
So, there you have it—a sleighful of Christmas dessert ideas that’ll make your holidays sweeter than ever. Go ahead, pick a few, or go full elf mode and try them all. Just don’t blame me if you run out of counter space! This season, let’s bake up some memories—messy aprons and all.
Your turn: Which one’s going on your must-make list?