Recipe Roundup

42 Christmas Desserts to Make This Holiday Season

Yes, we have cookie recipes for you—but also gingerbread and chocolate, too.

October  3, 2023
Photo by MJ Kroeger

There’s a lot to love about Christmas, but it’s hard to beat the holiday’s extensive—and beloved—dessert selection. Of course, any sweet can qualify as a Christmas dessert, but there are certain flavors and confections we find ourselves especially drawn to around the holidays. An assortment of Christmas cookies—from wintry, rosemary-infused shortbread to almond-scented, Italian rainbow cookies—is always a winning choice. You can’t go wrong with traditional chocolate roulades and mince pies. And going the extra mile to make truffles and caramels, or a showstopping Christmas cake or gingerbread tower, will never go unappreciated. Without further ado, here are 42 of our favorite Christmas desserts.


Christmas Cookies & Bars

When you think of Christmas desserts, your mind likely goes straight to cookies: They’re a classic—and arguably essential—part of the festive season. Make a single cookie variety if you’re hoping to keep things simple this year, or try several for the ultimate Christmas cookie spread.


Christmas Cakes, Pies & Tarts

Cakes and pies never go out of season. For Christmas, though, we’re especially fans of ones with rich, cozy, and sometimes boozy flavors. Think: almond, dark chocolate, warming spices, rum, and gingerbread.


Chocolates & Candies

There’s no better time of year to dabble in candy making. Maybe this is the season you finally try a no-bake chocolate salami (yes, it’s a thing), fluffy, salted caramel marshmallows, or classic chocolate truffles.


Holiday Showstoppers

If you’re really trying to wow your guests this year, try one of these desserts that are guaranteed-to-impress, like croquembouche (streamlined, thanks to Emma Laperruque’s sheet-pan method) or an impressively tall gingerbread tower.

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What's your favorite Christmas dessert? Share below!
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Anabelle Doliner

Written by: Anabelle Doliner

Staff Editor

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