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10 Must-Try Christmas Desserts to Bake for the Holiday Season

sarah Mitchell photo
Published : December 6, 2025
Bring irresistible holiday magic to your table with these must-bake Christmas desserts that everyone will remember.

Looking for the best Christmas desserts to bake this December? This roundup highlights easy, festive Christmas dessert recipes perfect for parties, gifting, or cozy winter nights. From cookies and chocolate treats to elegant cakes and make-ahead holiday desserts, these ten delicious ideas will inspire your Christmas baking and bring sweetness to every celebration.

Christmas Desserts

What You’ll Find in This Christmas Dessert Roundup

The Best Christmas Dessert Recipes to Bake This December

This curated selection brings together classic cookies, elegant cakes, and simple make-ahead holiday treats. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting sweets, or planning your Christmas dinner menu, these recipes will brighten your December celebrations.

What are the best Christmas desserts to bake in December?
The best Christmas desserts to bake in December include classic cookies, chocolate fudge, gingerbread treats, peppermint desserts, festive cakes, and easy no-bake holiday recipes. These sweets are simple to prepare, perfect for gatherings, and ideal for spreading Christmas cheer.

These Vegan Cranberry Almond Shortbread Cookies blend sweet, tart, and nutty flavors in a melt in your mouth texture with a light crunch. Easy to make and ideal for holiday platters or gifting, they use simple plant based ingredients and deliver festive flavor with minimal effort. A great treat for both beginners and experienced bakers.

These Christmas Bars combine chocolate chips, marshmallows, and tart cranberries for a sweet, nostalgic treat that feels warm and festive. With only five ingredients and quick prep, they are perfect for busy holiday weeks. Soft, golden, and easy to slice, they make an ideal dessert for parties, potlucks, or gifting.

This Vegan Cranberry Curd Tart features a crunchy gingernut cookie crust and a smooth, tangy cranberry filling with vibrant color and refreshing flavor. Simple to prepare yet stunning to serve, it is ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy winter baking. Enjoy it chilled for a bright, elegant dessert that always impresses.

These Peach Cobbler Cookies capture the warm, nostalgic flavor of classic cobbler in a soft, chewy cookie. With juicy peaches, cinnamon, and buttery richness, they come together easily with simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for quick desserts, sharing, or enjoying warm with ice cream, they offer a delicious balance of sweetness and spice.

These Grinch Oreo Truffles are a fun, festive no bake treat made with crushed Oreos, cream cheese, and a bright green candy coating. Creamy, crunchy, and sweet, they come together quickly with simple ingredients. Perfect for parties, cookie boxes, or gifting, their playful colors add instant holiday cheer and always make people smile.

This Festive Christmas Bread fills your home with a warm holiday aroma and features a soft, fluffy crumb with sweet candied fruits and optional nuts. Simple to prepare and beautifully glazed, it makes a colorful centerpiece for brunch, dessert, or gifting. A comforting, classic loaf that brings cheer and tradition to any celebration.

These Gluten Free Ginger Molasses Cookies deliver warm, comforting flavor with the perfect balance of spice and sweetness. Soft and chewy with lightly crisp edges, they showcase rich molasses and aromatic spices. Easy to prepare and adaptable, they fill the kitchen with a nostalgic aroma and make a delicious treat for holidays or cozy evenings.

These Holiday themed Dessert Truffles are a fun, festive no bake treat made with Oreos, cream cheese, and melted chocolate. Creamy, crunchy, and colorful, they come together quickly and are perfect for parties, gifting, or last minute holiday desserts. Easily customizable with sprinkles or peppermint, they brighten any celebration and impress guests with minimal effort.

These Holiday Cookies bring joy to any celebration with their soft, melt in your mouth texture and warm, comforting flavor. Easy to prepare and topped with creamy vanilla frosting and colorful sprinkles, they are perfect for parties, gifting, or enjoying warm from the oven. Versatile and festive, they suit any occasion and always feel special.

This Cranberry Orange Pound Cake blends tart cranberries with bright citrus for a soft, moist, and comforting dessert. A simple glaze adds sweetness and shine, making it ideal for holidays or everyday baking. Easy to prepare yet elegant to serve, it brings warmth, color, and festive flavor to gatherings, gift boxes, or cozy winter moments.

How to Choose the Right Christmas Dessert ?

Picking the perfect Christmas dessert depends on your plans, your guests, and how much time you want to spend in the kitchen. Here are the key criteria to help you choose the best recipe for any holiday moment:
  • Consider the occasion: Large gatherings work best with shareable, easy-prep desserts like bars and cookies.
  • Match the dessert to your audience: Kids love fun, colorful treats, while adults may prefer elegant cakes or rich chocolate options.
  • Think about time and effort: When you’re busy, choose no-bake or quick-prep recipes that deliver great flavor with minimal work.
  • Choose desserts that store well: For gifting or meal planning, opt for treats that stay fresh for several days and travel easily.

Make This December Sweeter Than Ever

As you wrap up your holiday planning, these easy and festive Christmas desserts offer the perfect way to elevate every celebration. Whether you’re baking for loved ones, creating homemade gifts, or simply treating yourself to something sweet, each recipe brings warmth, flavor, and a little extra magic to your December. Save your favorites, try a new one each week, and share these irresistible treats with family and friends.

If you enjoyed this roundup, don’t forget to save it on pinterest and revisit it anytime you need fresh holiday baking inspiration. Let these desserts become traditions you’ll look forward to every Christmas season!

FAQ About Christmas desserts

What dessert should I bring to a Christmas party?

 Choose desserts that travel well, such as cookie bars, truffles, cheesecakes, or decorated holiday cookies. These treats are festive, easy to portion, and universally loved.

What are the easiest Christmas desserts to bake?

 Simple Christmas desserts include no-bake bars, peppermint bark, shortbread cookies, and chocolate truffles. These options require minimal ingredients and little preparation time.

What desserts can be made ahead for Christmas?

Cookies, cheesecakes, bars, trifles, and certain cakes store well for 24–72 hours. Make-ahead desserts help reduce stress during the busy holiday season.

What is the most popular Christmas dessert?

Sugar cookies, gingerbread, chocolate peppermint treats, and yule logs consistently top the list of popular Christmas desserts, especially in December searches.

About the Author

sarah Mitchell photo

Sarah Mitchell founder and Editorial Director of CookMinutes,  develops clear, trusted, and time-saving recipes that help home cooks prepare delicious meals with confidence, even on the busiest days.

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