20 Easy-to-Make Christmas Desserts: Delightful!

Delicious treats that make people happy are a big part of the holiday season. The recipes for these simple and tasty Christmas desserts make them perfect for everyone to enjoy the holiday sweetness.

1. Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
2. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add molasses and egg; mix well.
3. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
4. Divide the dough, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 2 hours.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough, cut shapes, and bake for 8-10 minutes.
6. Cool completely before decorating.

If you have trouble finding the ingredients, here’s a list of online stores where you can find all you need:

• Gourmet Food World
• Sous Chef
• Greens International
• Nordic Expat Shop
• Mastebaker Studio

2. Peppermint Bark

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 12 ounces white chocolate, chopped
• Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies

Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt semi-sweet chocolate using a double boiler or microwave. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and refrigerate until set.
3. Melt the white chocolate and pour it over the hardened semi-sweet chocolate layer.
4. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top. Chill until set, then break into pieces.

3. Apple Cider Donuts

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup apple cider
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix apple cider, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix.
5. Transfer the batter to a piping bag or spoon into the donut pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
6. Cool slightly before removing from the pan. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar.

4. Chocolate Truffles

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Cocoa powder, powdered sugar, or chopped nuts for coating (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the cream until hot but not boiling.
2. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth.
3. Chill the mixture until firm enough to scoop, about 2 hours.
4. Scoop small portions and roll them into balls.
5. Roll the truffles in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, or chopped nuts if desired.
6. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

5. Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 9-inch pie crust (pre-made or homemade)
• 1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup evaporated milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, brown sugar, spices, and salt.
3. Beat in the eggs, then gradually stir in evaporated milk until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes or until the center is set.
6. Cool completely before serving.

6. Sugar Cookies with Festive Icing

Cookie Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Icing Ingredients:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• Food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles or decorations (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla; mix well.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
4. Roll out the dough, cut shapes, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.
5. For the icing, mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
6. Decorate cooled cookies with icing and sprinkles.

7. Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

Filling Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Icing Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. In a separate bowl, heat milk until warm. Add the melted butter and the egg, mix well.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients until a dough forms. Knead until smooth, then let it rise in a warm place for an hour.
4. Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top.
5. Roll the dough tightly, then slice into rolls.
6. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for 30 minutes.
7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. Let them cool slightly before icing.

8. Festive Rice Krispie Treats

Ingredients:

• 6 cups crispy rice cereal
• 4 cups mini marshmallows
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Food coloring (optional)
• Festive sprinkles (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until melted.
2. Remove from heat, add food coloring if desired, and mix well.
3. Quickly fold in crispy rice cereal until evenly coated.
4. Press the mixture into a greased pan and flatten with a spatula.
5. Decorate the top with festive sprinkles if desired. Let it cool before cutting into squares.

9. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

Ingredients:

• Fresh strawberries, washed and dried
• Dark or milk chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
3. Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off.
4. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and let them cool until the chocolate hardens.

10. Snowball Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla.
3. Gradually add flour, salt, and chopped nuts, mixing until dough forms.
4. Shape the dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes. While still warm, roll cookies in powdered sugar.

11. Banana Bread with Walnuts

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, mashed bananas, yogurt, and vanilla; mix well.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Fold in chopped walnuts if using.
5. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

12. Red Velvet Cupcakes

Cupcake Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with liners.
2. In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla; mix well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk and red food coloring.
5. Divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake for 15-18 minutes.
6. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla; mix until creamy. Frost the cooled cupcakes.

13. Coconut Macaroons

Ingredients:

• 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix shredded coconut, condensed milk, and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, beat egg whites and salt until stiff peaks form.
4. Gently fold the egg whites into the coconut mixture.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden. Let them cool before serving.

14. Strawberry Shortcake

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup milk
• Whipped cream
• Fresh strawberries, sliced

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk until just combined.
4. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.
5. Cool the shortcakes, then slice in half. Fill with whipped cream and sliced strawberries.

15. Lemon Bars

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Lemon Filling Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
2. Mix flour, softened butter, and powdered sugar until crumbly. Press into the prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes.
3. In another bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, eggs, lemon juice, zest, flour, and baking powder.
4. Pour the lemon mixture over the baked crust and return to the oven for 20-25 minutes.
5. Cool completely, dust with powdered sugar, and cut into squares before serving.

16. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 3/4 cup raisins

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; mix well.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
5. Stir in oats and raisins.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

17. No-Bake Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Mix graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a springform pan.
2. In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; mix well.
3. In another bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
4. Spread the filling over the crust and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set. You can top it with any fruit or fruit jam you want.

18. Mixed Berry Crisp

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
2. In a bowl, mix mixed berries with granulated sugar and cornstarch. Spread in the baking dish.
3. In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly.
4. Sprinkle the oat mixture over the berries. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and the berries are bubbly. You can add some whipped cream if you wish.

19. Easy Fruit Salad

Ingredients:

• Assorted fresh fruits (strawberries, grapes, pineapple, melon, etc.), chopped
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime or lemon juice
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped fruits.
2. In a small bowl, mix honey and lime/lemon juice.
3. Drizzle the honey-lime dressing over the fruits and toss gently to coat.
4. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired. Serve chilled.

20. Chocolate Banana Pops

Ingredients:

• Bananas, peeled and cut into halves
• Dark or milk chocolate chips
• Assorted toppings (chopped nuts, shredded coconut, sprinkles)

Instructions:

1. Insert a popsicle stick into each banana half.
2. Melt chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
3. Dip each banana into the melted chocolate, then roll in toppings if desired.
4. Place on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until the chocolate hardens.

Conclusion

These 20 easy-to-make Christmas desserts come in a wide range of flavors and textures that are perfect for the holiday season. Each holiday dessert brings its own special charm, from the warm smell of cinnamon to the sweetness of chocolate.

Read the Top 20 Christmas Gifts if you like Christmas.

FAQs

Can beginners make these desserts?

Absolutely! These recipes are designed to be simple and beginner-friendly.

Are these desserts suitable for gifting?

Yes, many of these desserts can be beautifully packaged and gifted during the holidays.

Can I adjust these recipes for dietary preferences?

Some recipes can be adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free options, but the perfect result is not always guaranteed.

Are these Christmas desserts suitable for large gatherings?

Certainly! Many of these desserts can be made in larger quantities for holiday parties or gatherings.

Can I prepare these desserts in advance?

Yes, several of these desserts can be made ahead and stored properly for convenience during the busy holiday season.