My days of eating store-bought desserts are over. If I’m going to eat dessert, it better be worth every delicious bite. This love of sweets has made me the official baker for our family gatherings, and over the past few years, I have experimented and made many desserts perfect for the Christmas season. I’ve collected all my favorites so we can all have them in one place. Read on, and let me know which one you make first this season.
30 Holiday Drink Recipes That Steal the Show
Whether you need plenty of cookies to serve on a platter or more desserts like tiramisu cups, this list has every dessert imaginable. From simple recipes to advanced takes on classic recipes, look no further this season for your delicious treat inspiration.
Hot Chocolate Cookies
Starting the cookie part of this holiday dessert combination is one of our most requested recipes. As a big fan of soft and sweet marshmallows (and, of course, chocolate), these warm chocolate-inspired cookies with a soft center are a dessert everyone at your table will love.
Ginger Molasses Cookies
Every year, my family grabs a tin of gingersnap cookies from Trader Joe’s, and they usually go by the end of December. If you’re craving the taste of ginger molasses, there’s nothing better than these homemade cookies.
Cut and Bake Cookies
I get it—not everyone had time to spend hours in the kitchen preparing their holiday desserts. If you find yourself in a pinch this season, these cookies and bakes will be your new best friend.
Chai Chocolate Dipped Christmas Cookies
Chai spice goes well with the holiday season. With soft chocolate-dipped chai cookies, you get a balanced combination of decoration, celebration, and aroma.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
For all the peppermint mocha lovers out there—this one’s for you! Simple shortbread cookies combine with rich chocolate to transform a classic flavor pairing into a bite-sized treat. Bonus points if you pair them with crushed candy pieces.
Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies
In my eyes, pumpkin spice season is until January at the beginning. Don’t count these cookies out by the end of November—their combination of spices and slightly sweet crust make them the perfect flavor for any cold weather.
Chocolate Orange Shortbread Linzer Cookies
Everyone wants holiday desserts that look good on camera—right? If you’re looking for a show stopper, these shortbread linzer cookies with a hint of orange zest and mildly sweet chocolate are the way to go.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Like I said, pumpkin doesn’t lose its charm when the holidays roll around. This elevated take on the classic dessert is exactly what your collection needs this year—take my word for it. The key here is not (spoiler alert) chocolate chips—it’s using a chopped dark chocolate bar. Melted pools of chocolate await.
Chocolate Peppermint Snowball Cookies
These cookies are on the small side, but that doesn’t mean they lack flavor or pizzaz. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar and a melted chocolate center, these cookies are an all-around winner for the holiday season.
Chocolate Chip Tahini Shortbread Cookies
Delicious chocolate chips and creamy tahini create these amazing shortbread cookies. The best part of this recipe is how easy it is to put together.
Linzer Cookie from Birdhouse Bakery
If you add one recipe to your holiday cookie box, it should be these Linzer cookies from Elizabeth Ho at Birdhouse Bakery. These cookies use seasonal oranges in their custard paired with a sweet and soft shortbread.
Apple Ginger Pie
Move over apple pie—this apple ginger version gives the creatives a run for their money. It’s hard to beat the combination of Granny Smith and ginger hidden under a decorative and wonderful pie crust.
Classic Buttermilk Pie
Camille’s mother’s buttermilk pie deserves a place in all homemade recipes for two reasons. First, the subtle sweet interior has perfect lightness and soft texture. Second, look at those fall leaves on the pie crust!
Pumpkin Pie with Gingersnap Crust
Your search for a pumpkin pie recipe is OVER! Last year, when Camille made this pumpkin pie, we fell in love with the sweet and savory gingersnap crust and the delicious whipped cream. Needless to say, we’re still impressed.
Maple Pecan Pie
It may be difficult to move away from your family’s tried and true pecan pie, but I encourage you to give this recipe a try. With the subtle maple flavor that accompanies this crunchy and chewy nut, you’ll be transformed for good.
Bruléed Pumpkin Pie
Take your pumpkin pie to the next level with a crème brûlée style topping. Bake a pie with a traditional crust, or try a long crust like a graham cracker.
Chai Carrot Cake
Carrot cake is one of the many underrated desserts, and this recipe will bring joy to any holiday table. This cake features Indian-inspired masala chai spices with cream cheese and cardamom-based icing.
Hot Chocolate Peppermint Cake
Hot chocolate fans everywhere can agree that the drink itself is a holiday dessert. However, if you live in a warm climate where drinking hot bev isn’t always in the cards, this cake is a great option.
Spiced Potato Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
It will soon become a popular idea: sweet potatoes are the basis of the best holiday desserts. Their natural sweetness makes them perfect in combination with sour cream cheese frosting. Exhibit A: This sweet potato cake!
Pumpkin Loaf Cake
I make this bread cake at least once a month when October starts. Topped with crunchy pecans (or your nut of choice), this moist, spongy cake packs the perfect amount of delicious fall flavors and spices.
Rum & Coffee Spiced Tres Leches
Here in Texas, everyone has their own version of tres leches, and no one dares tell anyone else that their recipe is inferior. I may be biased, but I think this tres leches is a perfect recipe that stays true to the original ingredients with a little twist.
Gingerbread Streusel Bundt
Store bought bundt cakes are out! Homemade, thick, and flavorful bundt cakes with generous toppings and inventive flavors inside. If you’re a fan of gingerbread or anything during the holidays, this will be one of your go-to holiday desserts.
Walnut Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
Have this cake for breakfast, dessert, or lunch. No matter the time of day, they are the perfect bite that isn’t too sweet.
Pumpkin Snack Cake
Snack cakes are the best way to impress a crowd with what looks like a complicated recipe but takes little time. Your friends and family won’t be able to resist having one (or more) of these flavorful, moist cookies topped with delicious powdered sugar.
Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars
My family LOVES pecan pie—so much so that no holiday is complete without it. When we get tired of the old pie, these pecan pie bars are the recipe to turn to.
Cranberry Pie Bars
If you could put together a dessert with the perfect combination of sweet and tart, it would be these cranberry pie bars. They provide a holiday meal, easy to share at any gathering or holiday meal.
Funfetti Holiday Marshmallows
These homemade marshmallows are just adorable and will bring a smile to anyone this season. Colorful treats add a fun touch to any gathering, or if you prefer, they make great gifts.
Cookie Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie of any variety makes serving easy. If you’ve never tried your hand at putting together a charcuterie dessert board, we have a few variations to offer. This cookie board is my personal favorite, featuring simple shortbread cookies, chocolate chips, and marshmallows.
Pumpkin Tiramisu
The perfect balance of creamy indulgence and warm fall flavors, personalized pumpkin tiramisu cups make a simple and easy dessert that adds a personal touch to your holiday menu.
Salted Caramel Jars De Creme
Salted caramel desserts are not only enjoyed during the holiday season, but these creme pots make the perfect recipe for serving a close-knit holiday crowd. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and crushed plain sea salt, toasted pecans.