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    Home » Dessert » 30 Best Christmas Dessert Recipes

    30 Best Christmas Dessert Recipes

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    Holiday baking season is the most wonderful time of the year. From Christmas cookies perfect for a holiday cookie box, to festive holiday cakes and chocolate treats to serve after an epic Christmas dinner, I am sharing my 30 most popular and favourite Christmas dessert recipes that go beyond decorated sugar cookies (but of course, sugar cookies included too).

    Browse the top 30 most popular best Christmas dessert recipes from cookies to festive cakes and more, there is always room for dessert during the holidays. | aheadofthyme.com

    Christmas Cookies

    Gingerbread House

    This gingerbread house recipe with template is easy to make, fun to decorate, and delicious — soft and chewy, yet crunchy and sturdy with crisp edges.

    This gingerbread house recipe with template is easy to make, fun to decorate, and delicious — soft and chewy, yet crunchy and sturdy with crisp edges. | aheadofthyme.com

    Christmas Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

    Christmas sugar cookies with royal icing are golden brown and crisp on the outside, but soft and tender inside. The best and festive gourmet holiday cookie.

    Christmas sugar cookies with royal icing are golden brown and crisp on the outside, but soft and tender inside. The best and festive gourmet holiday cookie. | aheadofthyme.com

    Gingerbread Linzer Cookies with Chocolate Filling

    Soft and warmly spiced gingerbread linzer cookies with white chocolate ganache and dusted with confectioners' sugar is a delicious Christmas holiday cookie.

    Soft and warmly spiced gingerbread linzer cookies with white chocolate ganache and dusted with confectioners' sugar is a delicious Christmas holiday cookie. | aheadofthyme.com

    Soft and Chewy Ginger Cookies

    Soft chewy ginger cookies packed with ginger, molasses, and cinnamon spice is the most warm and cozy cookie ever. These holiday cookies stay soft for days.

    Soft chewy ginger cookies packed with ginger, molasses, and cinnamon spice is the most warm and cozy cookie ever. These holiday cookies stay soft for days. | aheadofthyme.com

    Gingerbread Cookies

    Classic gingerbread cookies are soft and chewy in the centre but crisp on the edges, and warmly spiced. Decorate with royal icing to complete the look on these festive holiday cookies.

    Gingerbread Cookies | aheadofthyme.com

    Linzer Cookies

    Sweet buttery linzer cookies are a classic Christmas cookie with flaky shortbread and fruit jam. The perfect festive holiday treat that melts in your mouth.

    Sweet buttery linzer cookies are a classic Christmas cookie with flaky shortbread and fruit jam. The perfect festive holiday treat that melts in your mouth. | aheadofthyme.com

    Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

    Soft tender chewy chocolate crinkle cookies are a classic Christmas cookie that tastes like a rich fudgy brownie with a crackly crust and coated in powdered sugar.

    Soft tender chewy chocolate crinkle cookies are a classic Christmas cookie that tastes like a rich fudgy brownie with a crackly crust and coated in sugar. | aheadofthyme.com

    Peppermint Snowball Cookies

    Peppermint snowball cookies are a buttery, nutty, shortbread holiday cookie that is topped with white chocolate and crushed candy canes. So festive!

    Peppermint snowball cookies are a buttery, nutty, shortbread holiday cookie that is topped with white chocolate and crushed candy canes. So festive! | aheadofthyme.com

    Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

    Soft and chewy white chocolate cranberry cookies are golden brown with crisp edges, quick and easy, and freeze well — the perfect holiday cookie.

    Soft and chewy white chocolate cranberry cookies are golden brown with crisp edges, quick and easy, and freeze well — the perfect holiday cookie. | aheadofthyme.com

    Peanut Butter Blossoms

    Soft and chewy peanut butter blossoms topped with a chocolate kiss are a classic Christmas cookie that is easy to make during the holidays or any time of year.

    Soft chewy peanut butter blossoms topped with a chocolate kiss are a classic Christmas cookie that is easy to make during the holidays or any time of year. | aheadofthyme.com

    Pecan Snowball Cookies

    Sweet and nutty pecan snowball cookies (Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies) are little melt-in-your-mouth balls of buttery shortbread with nuts.

    Sweet and nutty pecan snowball cookies (Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies) are little melt-in-your-mouth balls of buttery shortbread with nuts. | aheadofthyme.com

    Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites

    Funfetti Christmas shortbread cookie bites are little bites of buttery melt-in-your-mouth shortbread packed with festive sprinkles for a fun holiday treat.

    Funfetti Christmas shortbread cookie bites are little bites of buttery melt-in-your-mouth shortbread packed with festive sprinkles for a fun holiday treat. | aheadofthyme.com

    Snickerdoodles

    Snickerdoodles are a classic holiday cookie that are soft, puffy, and chewy with crisp edges and a cinnamon-sugar coating. Easy to make and easy to eat.

    Snickerdoodles are a classic holiday cookie that are soft, puffy, and chewy with crisp edges and a cinnamon-sugar coating. Easy to make and easy to eat. | aheadofthyme.com

    Gingersnaps

    Thin crispy gingersnaps are a classic holiday cookie loaded with festive spices and molasses flavor. It's a no chill recipe that is quick and easy to make.

    Thin crispy gingersnaps are a classic holiday cookie loaded with festive spices and molasses flavor. It's a no chill recipe that is quick and easy to make. | aheadofthyme.com

    Italian Rainbow Cookies

    Italian rainbow cookies are delicious, colorful, fluffy, and gorgeous, made with three cake layers sandwiched in between jam and covered in chocolate.

    Italian rainbow cookies are delicious, colorful, fluffy, and gorgeous, made with three cake layers sandwiched in between jam and covered in chocolate. | aheadofthyme.com

    Jam-Filled Thumbprint Cookies with Almond Glaze

    Soft, buttery, melt-in-your mouth jam-filled thumbprint cookies with almond glaze are the cutest, festive treat to make.

    Soft, buttery, melt-in-your mouth jam-filled thumbprint cookies with almond glaze are the cutest, festive treat to make. | aheadofthyme.com

    Gingerbread Truffles

    No bake gingerbread truffles with white chocolate are easy to make with just 3 simple ingredients including leftover gingersnaps. Perfect for the holidays.

    No bake gingerbread truffles with white chocolate are easy to make with just 3 simple ingredients including leftover gingersnaps. Perfect for the holidays. | aheadofthyme.com

    More Christmas Cookies

    For more Christmas cookies, browse through my 30 most popular Christmas cookies.

    Christmas Cakes

    Holiday Yule Log Cake (Bûche de Noël)

    Holiday yule log cake (Bûche de Noël) with a chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream filling, and whipped chocolate ganache coating is a classic Christmas dessert.

    Holiday yule log cake (Bûche de Noël) with a chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream filling, and whipped chocolate ganache coating is a Christmas classic. | aheadofthyme.com

    Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Maple Cinnamon Glaze

    This showstopping festive gingerbread bundt cake with maple cinnamon glaze and pecans is moist, soft, and fluffy, and packed with warm holiday spices.

    This showstopping festive gingerbread bundt cake with maple cinnamon glaze and pecans is moist, soft, and fluffy, and packed with warm holiday spices. | aheadofthyme.com

    Yogurt Fruitcake

    Perfect for the holidays, this super moist and tender, festive yogurt fruitcake is loaded with dried fruits and nuts for a burst of flavour in every bite.

    Perfect for the holidays, this super moist and tender, festive yogurt fruitcake is loaded with dried fruits and nuts for a burst of flavour in every bite. | aheadofthyme.com

    Candy Cane Layered Cake

    This minty candy cane layered cake is a gorgeous showstopper that might just be too pretty to eat.

    Looking for a showstopper at your next holiday party? Incorporate the minty taste of candy canes into this gorgeous, festive candy cane layered cake! | aheadofthyme.com

    Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Twist Bread

    Soft and fluffy sourdough cinnamon roll twist bread is buttery and layered with cinnamon sugar. Prep it the night before and freshly bake it right before serving for that fresh out of the oven experience.

    Soft and fluffy sourdough cinnamon roll twist bread is buttery and layered with cinnamon sugar. Prep it the night before and freshly bake it for breakfast. | aheadofthyme.com

    Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes

    Molten chocolate lava cakes are rich and fudgy with a classic gooey chocolate center that flows out like lava. So simple and easy to make.

    Molten chocolate lava cakes are rich and fudgy with a classic gooey chocolate center that flows out like lava. So simple and easy to make. | aheadofthyme.com

    Glazed Brown Sugar Bundt Cake

    No one will be able to resist this perfectly sweet and moist, glazed brown sugar bundt cake. Made with Greek yogurt for major decadence and richness.

    No one will be able to resist this perfectly sweet and moist, glazed brown sugar bundt cake. Made with Greek yogurt for major decadence and richness! | aheadofthyme.com

    Cranberry Sauce Swirl Cheesecake

    Cranberry sauce swirl cheesecake is creamy, smooth, and indulgent. With a gorgeous red swirl on top, it's the perfect Christmas dessert for your next party.

    Cranberry sauce swirl cheesecake is creamy, smooth, and indulgent. With a gorgeous red swirl on top, it's the perfect holiday dessert for your next party. | aheadofthyme.com

    Double Chocolate Loaf Cake

    This fudgy double chocolate loaf cake is delicious, moist, and rich. It's easy to make with a quick one-bowl batter that's ready for the oven in 10 minutes.

    This fudgy double chocolate loaf cake is delicious, moist, and rich. It's easy to make with a quick one-bowl batter that's ready for the oven in 10 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Caramel Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

    Decadent caramel pecan pie cheesecake bars with a graham cracker crust, cheesecake filling, and caramel pecan topping is perfect for Thanksgiving this fall.

    Decadent caramel pecan pie cheesecake bars with a graham cracker crust, cheesecake filling, and caramel pecan topping is perfect for Thanksgiving this fall. | aheadofthyme.com

    Gingerbread Muffins with Vanilla Glaze

    Festive gingerbread muffins with vanilla bean glaze are light, airy and fluffy with warm fragrant festive spices and rich molasses. A perfect holiday treat.

    Festive gingerbread muffins with vanilla bean glaze are light, airy and fluffy with warm fragrant festive spices and rich molasses. A perfect holiday treat. | aheadofthyme.com

    Cranberry Sauce Swirl Pound Cake

    Leftover cranberry sauce swirl pound cake is moist and tender with swirls of cranberry sauce for a sweet and tangy burst of flavour. So easy and delicious.

    Leftover cranberry sauce swirl pound cake is moist and tender with swirls of cranberry sauce for a sweet and tangy burst of flavour. So easy and delicious. | aheadofthyme.com

    Apple Cardamom Cake with Caramel Pecans

    Apple cardamom cake with caramel pecan butter frosting is the perfect holiday cake and is made by combining all your favourite fall flavours together.

    Apple cardamom cake with caramel pecan butter frosting is the perfect fall cake and is made by combining all your favourite fall flavours together. | aheadofthyme.com

    Easy No Crust Burnt Basque Cheesecake

    Easy no crust burnt Basque cheesecake is the easiest one bowl recipe. It is perfectly caramelized on the top and edges and creamy yet firm on the inside.

    Easy no crust burnt Basque cheesecake is the easiest one bowl recipe. It is perfectly caramelized on the top and edges and creamy yet firm on the inside. | aheadofthyme.com

    Christmas Pies

    Pecan Pie

    Old-fashioned pecan pie is a classic fall dessert with a homemade pie crust and sweet custard filling loaded with crunchy pecans — perfect for Thanksgiving. For such a fancy pie, it is actually embarrassingly easy to make.

    Old-fashioned pecan pie is a classic fall dessert with a homemade pie crust and sweet custard filling loaded with crunchy pecans — perfect for Thanksgiving. | aheadofthyme.com

    Sweet Potato Pie

    Sweet potato pie is warm and cozy, spiced with classic fall flavors, and delicious. Easy to make with cooked sweet potatoes or canned sweet potato puree.

    Sweet potato pie is warm and cozy, spiced with classic fall flavors, and delicious. Easy to make with cooked sweet potatoes or canned sweet potato puree. | aheadofthyme.com

    Cranberry-Apple Cobbler with Biscuits

    Sweet and tart cranberry-apple cobbler with biscuits is packed with fresh fruit and a buttery biscuit topping. This holiday favourite is easy to make.

    Sweet and tart cranberry-apple cobbler with biscuits is packed with fresh fruit and a buttery biscuit topping. This holiday favourite is easy to make. | aheadofthyme.com

    Pumpkin Pie

    Thanksgiving just isn’t the same without a slice of classic pumpkin pie. There is nothing better than a bite into that flaky crust and smooth pumpkin filling, full of those classic pumpkin spice flavours.

    Thanksgiving just isn't the same without a slice of classic Thanksgiving pumpkin pie with flaky crust, smooth pumpkin filling, and topped with whipped cream and pecans. | aheadofthyme.com

    Pecan Pie Bars

    Pecan pie bars are the best and easiest way to enjoy the flavors of pecan pie but with half the effort and in a handheld bite-sized form. One of my favorite Christmas desserts.

    Pecan pie bars are the best and easiest way to enjoy the flavors of pecan pie but with half the effort and in a handheld bite-sized form. | aheadofthyme.com

    Pumpkin Mascarpone Pie

    Pumpkin mascarpone pie is a warm and cozy holiday dessert that is incredibly easy to make with just minutes of prep work before popping into the oven.

    Pumpkin mascarpone pie is a warm and cozy holiday dessert that is incredibly easy to make with just minutes of prep work before popping into the oven. | aheadofthyme.com

    Mini Pumpkin Pies

    Small batch mini pumpkin pies with a flaky crust, delicious pumpkin pie filling, and cinnamon whipped cream, are perfect for a small Thanksgiving crowd.

    Small batch mini pumpkin pies with a flaky crust, delicious pumpkin pie filling, and cinnamon whipped cream, are perfect for a small Thanksgiving crowd. | aheadofthyme.com

    Chocolate Desserts

    Dark Chocolate Raspberry Truffles

    Dark chocolate raspberry truffles are so much easier to make than you think. It's as simple as combining quality chocolate, cream, raspberry jam, and cocoa.

    Dark chocolate raspberry truffles are so much easier to make than you think. It's as simple as combining quality chocolate, cream, raspberry jam, and cocoa. | aheadofthyme.com

    Chocolate and Peppermint Christmas Bark

    Chocolate and peppermint Christmas bark is the perfect no bake Christmas dessert to make this holiday season for your family and friends.

    Chocolate and Peppermint Christmas Bark: Chocolate and peppermint Christmas bark is the perfect treat this holiday season to wow your family and friends. | aheadofthyme.com

    Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

    Caramel cheesecake brownies are totally indulgent and worth the effort, so toss that prepared brownie mix away and bake this with a few easy ingredients.

    Caramel cheesecake brownies are totally indulgent and worth the effort, so toss that prepared brownie mix away and bake this with a few easy ingredients! | aheadofthyme.com

    Fudgy Brownies

    Fudgy brownies are rich, sweet, moist, and decadent. Plus, they're easy to make in one bowl (meaning less cleanup!) and ready in about 30 minutes.

    Fudgy brownies are rich, sweet, moist, and decadent. Plus, they're easy to make in one bowl (meaning less cleanup!) and ready in about 30 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Easy Peppermint Hot Chocolate

    Peppermint hot chocolate classifies as dessert, right? This delicious rich hot chocolate is made with crushed candy canes that melt to give a delicious festive peppermint flavour. Top it with whipped cream and more crushed candy canes.

    Make yourself a festive holiday drink in 5 minutes by combining creamy milk, chocolate, and minty candy canes for a cup of easy peppermint hot chocolate. | aheadofthyme.com

    How to Make Ahead and Store Christmas Dessert

    You can make or prepare all of these Christmas dessert recipes ahead of time. You can store the cookies at room temperature for a few days and the cakes for about 1-2 days (depending on the recipe). You can also store them in the refrigerator for up to one week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Confirm storing instructions by checking each recipe.

    To reheat any of these desserts and serve them warm as if they just came out of the oven, you can warm them up in a 300F preheated oven for about 5-15 minutes. I would check on it every 5 minutes until warmed through. If heating from frozen, let it thaw first and then reheat.

    Browse the top 30 most popular best Christmas dessert recipes from cookies to festive cakes and more, there is always room for dessert during the holidays. | aheadofthyme.com

    More Dessert Recipes

    • Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti
    • Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
    • White Chocolate Peppermint Gingerbread Cookies
    • Baked Jelly Donuts (Sufganiyot)
    • Spiced Carrot Muffins
    • Chocolate Chunk Peanut Butter Cookies
    • Vanilla Cake Pops from Scratch
    • Classic New York Cheesecake
    • Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cookies
    • Lemon Loaf with Lemon Glaze
    • The Best Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

    Did You Make Any of These Christmas Dessert Recipes?

    Please leave a comment and rating below, and let me know what you thought of this round up of recipes. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

    HUNGRY FOR MORE? Don't forget to sign up for my email newsletter so that you don't miss any recipes. You can also follow along on Instagram and Pinterest for more recipe updates.

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    Browse the top 30 most popular best Christmas dessert recipes from cookies to festive cakes and more, there is always room for dessert during the holidays. | aheadofthyme.com

    30 Best Christmas Dessert Recipes


    ★★★★★

    5 from 3 reviews

    • Author: Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme
    • Total Time: 1 hour
    • Yield: 8-10 servings
    • Diet: Vegetarian
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    Browse the top 30 most popular best Christmas dessert recipes from cookies to festive cakes and more, there is always room for dessert during the holidays.


    Instructions

    1. Make ahead and store. You can make or prepare all of these Christmas dessert recipes ahead of time. You can store most of them at room temperature for a few days, in the refrigerator for up to one week, and in the freezer for up to 3 months. Check each recipe for exact storage details.
    2. Reheat: If you would like to reheat any of these desserts and serve them warm, just place the in a 300F preheated oven for 5-10 minutes. If heating from frozen, let it thaw first and then reheat. 
    • Prep Time: 20 minutes
    • Cook Time: 40 minutes
    • Category: Dessert
    • Method: Bake
    • Cuisine: American

    Nutrition

    • Calories: 400

    Keywords: 30 best christmas dessert recipes, the best christmas dessert, christmas dessert recipes, dessert recipes, christmas recipes, christmas cookies, holiday baking

    Did you make this recipe?

    I'd love to see! Tag me @aheadofthyme on Instagram.

    30 Best Christmas Dessert Recipes
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    Comments

    1. Jacqueline Debono says

      December 07, 2020 at 2:07 am

      What a fab collection of sweet Christmas ideas! This year our Christmas is going to be really scaled down because of Covid restrictions here in Italy. But I've always wanted to make a Yule log so this is the year to try!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme says

        December 16, 2020 at 6:02 pm

        Thank you! Yes, I think it's going to be scaled down for a lot of people, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy it with all the delicious treats. This is definitely the year to try to make a yule log. Let me know how it goes! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Gunjan says

      December 06, 2020 at 7:34 pm

      Oh my gosh! This is an amazing round up. Loved reading every recipe. I have short listed a few to try over next week.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    3. Melanie says

      December 06, 2020 at 7:04 pm

      I've bookmarked this list, everything looks delicious!

      Reply
      • Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme says

        December 16, 2020 at 6:00 pm

        Thank you! Enjoy!

        Reply
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