The Best Christmas Dessert Recipes – 17 Recipes You Will Love!

Christmas desserts are a big part of what makes the holiday season feel magical. For many of us, they aren’t just something we enjoy after dinner – they are part of long standing, holiday traditions that start way before the holiday.

From the casual treats we snack on throughout December to the delicious desserts served on Christmas Day, there’s a wide range of options to fit every occasion.

Some desserts, like cookies and fudge, are great for making ahead to share with family and friends in the days leading up to Christmas. They’re perfect for cookie swaps, gifting, or simply enjoying with a warm drink while wrapping presents.

Others, like pecan or pumpkin pie, are the kind of desserts you reserve for the main event as a sweet finish to your Christmas dinner.

So this year whether you’re looking for something quick and easy to whip up to share with coworkers or a dessert that will wow your guests, this list has you covered. Organized into categories like cookies, pies, cakes, and candy, these 17 recipes will help you find the perfect treat for any holiday moment.

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Cookies – Easy Christmas Dessert Recipes

Cookies are a must-have for Christmas. They’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or cocoa. Here are some of my favorites and some not so common but delicious cookies to try this season:

Christmas Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies are the ultimate holiday cookie. Roll out the dough then cut it into festive shapes, and decorate with icing and sprinkles. It’s a family-friendly activity that doubles as a classic holiday dessert. (Recipe: Cut-Out Sugar Cookie Recipe)

Peanut Butter Blossoms
These soft, peanut butter cookies topped with a chocolate Hershey’s Kiss are a Christmas must have in my house. Their chewy texture and peanut-chocolate flavor make them a crowd favorite. (Recipe: Peanut Butter Blossoms)

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Chocolate crinkle cookies are rich, fudgy, and dipped in white chocolate and sprinkled with crushed candy cane pieces. They’re easy to make and look elegant on a cookie tray. (Recipe: Chocolate Peppermint Cookies)

Old-Fashioned No-Bake Cookies
When your oven is tied up, these no-bake cookies save the day. Made with cocoa, peanut butter, and oats, they’re simple to prepare and a nostalgic favorite. (Recipe: No Bake Cookies)

3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Criss-Cross Cookies
Another delicious and easy to make cookie, but this time you only need 3 Ingredients! A fantastic, crowd-favorite cookie recipe to make when you are short on time. (Recipe: 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies)

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Pies and Bars

Whether you’re making traditional pies or festive dessert bars, these recipes are sure to impress your family and friends.

Scotcheroos
These no-bake bars are a mix of peanut butter, butterscotch, and chocolate, layered over crispy rice cereal. They’re quick to make, easy to serve, and always a favorite at holiday gatherings. (Recipe: Scotcheroos)

Pecan Pie
A flaky crust, gooey filling, and crunchy pecans make this pie a timeless holiday treat. Serve it warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence after Christmas dinner. (Recipe: Pecan Pie)

Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is a staple Christmas dessert recipe, with its creamy filling and warm spices. It’s perfect for Christmas dinner and especially with a dollop of whipped cream on top. (Recipe: Pumpkin Pie)

Caramel Apple Pie Bars
These bars offer all the goodness of caramel apples in an easy-to-serve dessert. Top a shortbread crust with tender apples, caramel sauce, and a crumbly topping, making this dessert irresistible. (Recipe: Caramel Apple Pie Bars)

No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
This dessert combines a chocolate cookie pie crust with a creamy peanut butter filling. You will love this pie because it is a quick, no-bake recipe perfect for serving after a big holiday meal. (Recipe: No Bake Peanut Butter Pie)

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Cakes

Holiday cakes add a festive centerpiece to your dessert table. Not to mention, one recipe can feed a crowd. Here are some of my favorite Christmas desserts that come in a cake-form:

Pumpkin Cake
This moist pumpkin cake is full of seasonal spices and topped with a creamy frosting. It’s an excellent alternative to traditional pumpkin pie and a hit at holiday parties. (Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Cake)

Coffee Cake
Coffee cake isn’t just for breakfast – it’s also a wonderful dessert option. Its cinnamon-sugar streusel topping makes it both comforting and delicious, especially when served with a hot cup of coffee. (Recipe: Coffee Cake)

Apple Pie Dump Cake
This easy dessert combines all the flavors of a classic apple pie in a fuss-free dump cake. With a mix of apple pie filling, cake mix, and butter, you will have a cake that bakes up beautifully. (Recipe: Apple Pie Dump Cake)

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Candy and Fudge

Making candy at home is a fun and festive way to add something special to your dessert spread. And beyond popular belief, these Christmas dessert recipes aren’t difficult to make.

Peppermint Bark
Layered dark and white chocolate topped with crushed candy canes is the ultimate Christmas treat. It’s quick to make and perfect for gifting or snacking. (Recipe: Peppermint Bark)

Chocolate Nut Clusters
With the help of a slow cooker, you can create these delicious chocolate-covered nut clusters. They’re ideal for parties or for packing into tins as gifts. (Recipe: Chocolate Nut Clusters)

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge
Rich and creamy, peanut butter fudge is a simple recipe that everyone loves. It’s perfect for making ahead and it also adds a variety to any Christmas Cookie tray. (Recipe: Peanut Butter Fudge)

3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge
This simple fudge recipe is perfect for when you need a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert. Made with just chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and a touch of butter, it comes together in minutes. If you want to make it even more festive you can customize it by adding toppings like crushed peppermint, chopped nuts, or sprinkles for the holidays. (Recipe: 3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge)

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Tips for a Successful Christmas Holiday Dessert Spread

To make your dessert table a hit, here are a few tips:

• Plan Ahead: Many of these recipes, like pies and bars, can be made ahead of time and therefore reduce your holiday stress.
• Mix and Match: For best results, include a variety of textures and flavors, from soft cookies to crunchy candy and creamy pies.
• Think About Presentation: If you want to impress your guests arrange your desserts on festive platters or tiered trays for a professional look.
• Gift Extras: Cookies, bark, and fudge make wonderful edible gifts. Wrap them in cellophane or tins for a thoughtful gift for teachers, service workers, friends and family.

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These 17 Christmas dessert recipes will sure to bring joy to your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re looking for cookies to bake with the family, pies to serve at dinner, or candy to gift, there’s something here for everyone.

Enjoy! Mary

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