Christmas Dessert Recipes

Christmas Dessert Recipes

Christmas Cakes and Puddings

Best Fruitcake Ever
Forget those horrible commercial fruitcakes. This is an easy, moist, delicious cake using dried fruits instead of the standard candied and glacéed fruits. Not only are dried fruits more readily available at your local market, but they also have a deeper and more natural flavor (not as sweet).

Image: Anna Shepulova/Shutterstock

Bûche de Noël (Chocolate Yule Log)
Try this easier, lighter version of the traditional chocolate Yule log! It’s a show-stopping dessert and fun to make.

Image: David P. Smith/Shutterstock.

Sticky Toffee Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce
A scrumptious treat for all ages, this sticky toffee pudding is sure-fire hit at any Christmas feast. Note: Normally baked in a pan but you can also make individual ramekins. 

Image: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Christmas Breads

Classic Christmas Stollen 
A lovely version of an old favorite. Tastes best served warm. Decorate with whole candied cherries, and use other candied fruit pieces to make leaves and stems.

Image: TorriPhoto/Shutterstock

Old-Fashioned Gingerbread 
This is an authentic, hundred-year-old recipe that’s wonderful served warm with a scoop of French vanilla ice cream or sprinkled with confectioners’ sugar.

Image: Marie C Fields/Shutterstock

Christmas Pies and Tarts

Mince Pies
If you don’t like mince pie, you actually haven’t had the authentic thing! Learn more about “real” mince pie and find a recipe …

Mini Cranberry-Apple Pies
These Cranberry-Applies are sweet, yet tart. What a great combination in one pie! Single-serving pies work really well at a holiday gathering or dinner party; they’re easy to make, attractive, and guests love them.

Mini-Cranberry Apple Pies.

Cranberry Dream Pie
This icy-cold Cranberry Dream Pie is sure to be a hit at any table. Made ahead of time and waiting in the freezer, it’s like having an ace up your sleeve.

Cranberry Dream Pie. Photo by Sam Jones/Quinn Brein.

Christmas Cookies and Bars

Really Old-Fashioned Gingerbread People
This recipe for “Really Old-Fashioned Gingerbread People” makes a large batch because, well, anything this good deserves to be made in bulk. A few well-placed bits of candy or nuts for eyes and a nose will give your creations delightful personalities.

Pistachio-Cranberry Icebox Cookies
With their red-and-green color scheme, these sweets are perfect for the holidays.

Image: Ginger Nikole Vaughan/Quinn Brein

Spiced Sinterklaas Cookies (Speculaas) 
Traditionally, speculaas are served on the eve of St. Nicholas Day or on the feast day itself (December 6), but we enjoy them throughout the holiday season.

Speculaas cookies. Photo by Sam Jones/Quinn Brein.

Ethel’s Sugar Cookies 
A classic sugar cookie recipe that’s perfect for making cut-outs. Super easy, too! See more Easy Sugar Cookie Recipes.

Candy Cane Dessert Squares 
This crowd-sized recipe can be served frozen or refrigerated, making it ideal for a holiday buffet.

Image: Sam Jones/Quinn Brein

Snowball Cookies
Bring the snow indoors with these classic snowball cookies! 

Image: LanaM/Shutterstock

Christmas Candy

Never-Fail Christmas Fudge 
Even if you’ve never made candy before in your life, give this easy fudge recipe a try. True to its name (thanks to the presence of marshmallows), it won’t seize or crumble or make you tear your hair out. It’s a tasty treat perfect for Christmastime!

Never-Fail Christmas Fudge. Photo by GreenArt/Shutterstock.

Peanut Brittle
Simple, yet delicious, this peanut brittle is a tasty classic. For variety, mix in a cup of almonds with the peanuts!

Image: Janet Hudson

More Christmas Recipe Collections

• Christmas Appetizer Recipes
• Christmas Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
• Christmas Dinner Recipes: Main Dishes, Sides, and Soups
• Christmas Cookie Recipes for Kids 
• Holiday Drink Recipes 
• Holiday Party Recipes 

What are your favorite holiday desserts to make (or eat)? Tell us in the comments below!