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75 Festive Christmas Desserts to Bring Holiday Cheer This Season

Sweet treats are the best gift of all!

By Erin Cavoto and Kara Zauberman
christmas dessert recipes chocolate peppermint sheet cake
David Malosh

We’ve waited all year to break out our favorite Christmas dessert recipes! From Christmas cookies to peppermint treats, there's nothing that gets us more in the holiday spirit than a day of baking holiday goodies! For Ree Drummond, Christmastime is all about making a variety of cookies. "I set aside one day and bake a few different kinds, so the cookie platters look more fun," she says. Of course, there's more than just cookies on this list of Christmas desserts. Here, you’ll find Christmas pies, cakes, brownies, Christmas cheesecakes, and yes some of The Pioneer Woman's best cookie recipes. There are even desserts that double as sweet edible Christmas gifts!

Along with classics like a traditional yule log, you'll find fun new winter desserts that might just surprise you like hot chocolate cookies, gingerbread cinnamon rolls, and peppermint cheesecake. Plus, there are plenty of Christmas treats with festive red and green colors, like the Crock-Pot candy or the pinwheel cookies decorated with red and green sprinkles. Most of these recipes are easy enough that novice bakers can master them. And, even your kids will want to get involved in making them as a fun Christmas tradition.

Pick a few to add to your Christmas dinner, or whip some up throughout the season for any holiday party, cookie exchange, or neighborhood potluck. There are plenty of sweet ideas to go around!

1

Gingerbread-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls

christmas desserts gingerbread spiced cinnamon rolls
Caitlin Bensel

For a twist on classic cinnamon rolls, this recipe adds the warm spiced flavors of Christmas gingerbread in the filling and a coconut cream cheese icing on top.

Get the Gingerbread-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls recipe.

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2

Panna Cotta

christmas desserts panna cotta
Caitlin Bensel

This Italian dessert will look so elegant on your holiday dinner table. But little will your guests know, it's as easy as making Jell-O! Top it off with fresh fruit, raspberry sauce, or caramel for even more sweetness.

Get the Panna Cotta recipe.

3

Rum Balls

christmas desserts rum balls
Caitlin Bensel

The flavors of chocolate and dark rum make this dessert a boozy treat. You can get creative with the toppings by rolling them in shredded coconut, finely chopped pecans, or nonpareils.

Get the Rum Balls recipe.

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4

Mississippi Mud Pie

christmas desserts mississippi mud pie
Caitlin Bensel

Take your chocolate pie to the next level by making this recipe that starts with a chocolate crust and has layers of chocolate brownie filling and chocolate pudding.

Get the Mississippi Mud Pie recipe.

5

White Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding

christmas desserts white chocolate croissant bread pudding
Caitlin Bensel

This bread pudding uses buttery croissants instead of bread. It's a fun twist on a classic dessert that's sure to impress.

Get the White Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding recipe.

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6

Homemade Marshmallows

christmas desserts homemade marshmallows
Caitlin Bensel

Once you try homemade marshmallows, you'll never go back to the store-bought kind again! They're big, pillowy, soft, and they can even be dipped in chocolate!

Get the Homemade Marshmallows recipe.

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7

Crock-Pot Hot Chocolate

christmas desserts crockpot hot chocolate
Caitlin Bensel

Planning a big Christmas tree trimming party? Look no further than this Crock-Pot hot chocolate! It's the easiest way to whip up the chocolate drink for a crowd.

Get the Crock-Pot Hot Chocolate recipe.

8

Mexican Wedding Cookies

christmas desserts mexican wedding cookies
Caitlin Bensel

These buttery pecan cookies are covered in powdered sugar so they're sometimes referred to as snowball cookies. But no matter what name you use, they're sure to be a festive addition to a Christmas cookie plate.

Get the Mexican Wedding Cookies recipe.

9

Eclair Cake

christmas desserts eclair cake
Caitlin Bensel

You're oven will likely be working overtime during the holiday season, so give it a break with this easy no-bake dessert! It layers vanilla pudding with graham crackers and a rich chocolate ganache.

Get the Eclair Cake recipe.

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10

Crock-Pot Candy

christmas desserts crockpot candy
Caitlin Bensel

These cute candies are the perfect balance of sweet and salty. The chocolate melts and combines with salty, roasted peanuts, potato chips, and pretzels for a crunchy bite that's so festive.

Get the Crock-Pot Candy recipe.

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11

Cheesecake Brownies

christmas desserts cheesecake brownies
Caitlin Bensel

It's not all about cookies on Christmas! You can make brownies even more special by swirling a creamy cheesecake layer on top!

Get the Cheesecake Brownies recipe.

12

Pecan Pralines

christmas desserts pecan pralines
Caitlin Bensel

This traditional Southern candy is loaded with pecans, but you can also use cashews, walnut halves, or peanuts if you prefer. No matter what, they'll be sweet, salty, and perfectly nutty.

Get the Pecan Pralines recipe.

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13

Pumpkin Bars

christmas desserts pumpkin bars
Caitlin Bensel

Think of these bars as a mash-up between a cake and a blondie in terms of texture. And as for the flavor—well, they’re full-on pumpkin spice!

Get the Pumpkin Bars recipe.

14

Texas Sheet Cake Cookies

christmas desserts texas sheet cake cookies
Brian Woodcock

Calling all chocolate lovers! These chocolate cake-like cookies have a chocolate glaze that's perfectly rich and decadent. You'll definitely want to serve them up with a glass of milk!

Get the Texas Sheet Cake Cookies recipe.

15

Ice Cream Sandwich Cake

christmas desserts ice cream sandwich cake
Caitlin Bensel

Ice cream might not be the first thing you think of for a Christmas dessert but don't worry, this one is loaded with festive, minty flavor. You can even top it with peppermint candies to really make it pop.

Get the Ice Cream Sandwich Cake recipe.

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16

Candy Cane Cookies

christmas desserts candy cane cookies
Will Dickey

These shortbread cookies don't just look like adorable candy canes, but they're full of peppermint flavor, too! It's all thanks to a bit of peppermint and vanilla extract.

Get the Candy Cane Cookies recipe.

17

German Chocolate Cake

christmas desserts german chocolate cake
Caitlin Bensel

This moist chocolate cake has a sweet filling made with coconut and chopped pecans. You can get as creative with the decorations as you'd like, but we went with a simple border of whole pecans.

Get the German Chocolate Cake recipe.

18

Rainbow Cookies

christmas desserts rainbow cookies
Caitlin Bensel

You can make these cookies any time of year, but they're especially pretty on a Christmas cookie platter. The red and green colors are just perfect for the holidays.

Get the Rainbow Cookies recipe.

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19

Buttermilk Pie

christmas desserts buttermilk pie
Caitlin Bensel

This pie isn't shy about using butter! In fact, it stars with an all-butter pie crust, then gets a a buttery, vanilla custard for the filling. A touch of lemon helps to brighten it up!

Get the Buttermilk Pie recipe.

20

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

christmas desserts chocolate crinkle cookies
Brian Woodcock

The powdered sugar surface of these crinkle cookies is what makes them so unique! You don't have to worry about them looking perfect since they're supposed to look crackly!

Get Ree's Chocolate Crinkle Cookies recipe.

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