10 Easy Christmas Dessert Recipes to Sweeten the Season

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Getting into the holiday spirit does not just involve stringing lights, dusting, and decorating Christmas trees—it’s also about indulging in festive cooking and baking, such as a delightful Christmas cake. Christmas is a time of year when our senses are delighted by the delicious aroma of spices and baked treats wafting from the kitchen. This blog brings you a collection of 10 easy Christmas dessert recipes, including a special Christmas cake, to sate your sweet cravings during the holiday season.

From timeless favourites like cut-out sugar cookies to interesting novelties like melted snowmen cookies and gingerbread truffles, there’s something here to please every palate. Whether you’re planning a cosy family dinner or a grand Christmas party, these recipes will add a sweet finish to any festive occasion. So let’s dive in and start exploring these tantalising treats that will surely bring joy and warmth to your Christmas celebrations!

Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without classic Cut-out sugar cookies and an ugly Christmas sweater. Their simplicity belies their delightful flavour, and they’re guaranteed to bring cheer to both young and old.

Made with a buttery dough that holds its shape beautifully under the oven’s heat, these cookies are perfect for creating festive shapes like stars and boots. The cookies can be decorated creatively with royal icing, turning each one into a little work of art. This Christmas, unleash your creativity and fill your house with the sweet, comforting aroma of these baked treats.

Also read: Sugar biscuits recipe.

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

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User: @mandalapies

Imagine a warm slice of apple pie elevated by the comforting taste of cinnamon—which brings us to the delightful Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie. This twist on Ree’s cinnamon roll tradition sees an apple pie made with a dough crust that mimics the swirls and sweet taste of a cinnamon roll.

The pie not only tastes delicious but also looks stunning, making it an eye-catching centrepiece at your Christmas dessert table. The icing on the cake or, in this case, the glaze on the pastry adds an extra hit of sweetness that you’ll love. So step out of tradition this season and try your hand at this innovative recipe.

Gingerbread Truffles

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User: @maplelanekitchen

Gingerbread Truffles take the well-loved elements of traditional gingerbread cookies and elevate them to gourmand status. These no-bake treats are packed with the distinctive gingerbread flavour from its spiced blend, making them a perfect festive treat.

They have an outer coating of sweet white chocolate, which beautifully complements the warmth of the gingerbread. Decorative sprinkles add texture and visual appeal, transforming these truffles into little Christmas baubles. With just five ingredients, they’re exceptionally easy to make and so delicious you may find it hard to share!

Alos read: Chocolate Truffles Recipe.

Fruitcake Cookies

For those who aren’t fans of traditional fruitcake, enter the Fruitcake Cookies. This treat combines the flavours of fruitcake with the ease and simplicity of a cookie. These bite-sized treats are a cornucopia of flavours with bits of candied fruit and nuts mixed into the dough, mimicking the components of its namesake.

However, a sweet brandy glaze that gives it a hint of indulgent sophistication sets these cookies apart. Even fruitcake skeptics will find it hard to resist these tasty morsels. It’s an easy way to get your festive fruitcake fix without committing to a whole cake.

If you want to commit to a whole cake, do check out this rich fruit cake recipe.

Holiday Haystacks

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User: @dustinnikki

Holiday Haystacks are a nostalgic holiday treat that brings the holiday spirit to life. This treat combines the unexpected crunch of chow mein noodles with the familiar flavours of chocolate and sprinkles.

They are simple to make and require absolutely no baking. The haystacks’ rugged appearance lends a rustic charm to your Christmas dessert spread. These addictive treats also make a memorable homemade gift for loved ones during the holiday season.

Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

The much-awaited holiday season carries the magic of peppermint and sugar cookies. So, how about merging the two in a delectable treat? Let’s meet the irresistible Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars.

This recipe brings together two classic holiday flavours to create the ultimate Christmas dessert. The soft sugar cookie recipe is topped with a creamy peppermint frosting, yielding a confection that is both refreshing and indulgently sweet. Plus, the bars themselves are incredibly easy to make and transport—perfect for a Christmas potluck. With their festive look and scrumptious taste, these cookie bars are set to be the star of your dessert table.

Pecan Tassies

If you’re a fan of pecan pie, you’ll adore these mini but mighty “tassies.” Essentially bite-sized versions of the classic pecan pie, Pecan Tassies capture the wonderful nutty flavour and flaky crust of their larger counterpart.

What makes them even better is their compact size, making them a perfect pick for those occasions when you’re hosting a crowd or simply for whenever you fancy a small sweet treat. With their sublime nutty taste pleasing the mature palate and their cute miniature size delighting the kids, these tassies are a versatile dessert for the festive season.

Also read: Pecan Praline Ice cream

Cranberry Apple Crumb Pie

Nothing spells Christmas more than a homemade pie. A Cranberry Apple Crumb Pie offers the quintessential flavours of the season with an exciting twist.

This pie combines the tangy sweetness of apples with the tart pop of cranberries to create a filling that is both refreshing and comforting. The handcrafted buttery crust houses the fruit filling, offering a delicious contrast in textures. The pie is then topped with a cinnamon crumble, adding an extra layer of flavour and crunch. This festive pie is sure to become an all-time favourite at your Christmas table.

Chocolate Sugar Cookies

There’s something undeniably special about a fresh batch of Chocolate Sugar Cookies. In this delightful sugar cookies recipe, cut-out sugar cookies take a chocolaty turn. Decorated with white icing and sanding sugar, the chocolate cookies resemble pretty winter snowflakes. But it’s not just about how gorgeous they look. These cookies are also incredibly delicious.

The chocolate provides a deep richness, making every bite an indulgent experience. Whether you serve these with a glass of milk for Santa or impress your family and friends, these chocolate sugar cookies are sure to be a big hit this holiday season.

Christmas ice-cream cake

Sure, Christmas is typically associated with warming, spiced treats, but there’s something exciting about going against the grain. So, why not serve a Christmas Ice-cream Cake for dessert?

This icy treat is perfect for the Aussie holidays or for anyone desiring a lighter dessert after a hearty Christmas dinner. The ice cream cake can be customised with your favourite flavours, and can even include festive ingredients like peppermint or eggnog. Garnished with edible decorations, this cake makes an unexpected but delightful addition to your yuletide spread. Still merry and bright, but with a cool twist!

For all Cassata lovers, check out this Cassata ice cream recipe.

Conclusion

Christmas brings with it the joy of gifting, the warmth of family gatherings, and, of course, the indelible excitement for festive feasting. And what caps off a perfect feast better than an array of sweet treats? From traditional favourites like Cut-out Sugar Cookies and Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie to delightful novelties like Gingerbread Truffles, the easiest way to create delightful Festive Haystacks and other easy Christmas dessert recipes will have you and your guests licking their fingers.

So this year, why not take your Christmas celebration up a notch by trying out these delicious dessert recipes? With captivating flavours that perfectly embody the spirit of Christmas, these desserts will allow you to cherish the holiday season in the sweetest possible way. Start baking, start sharing, and most importantly, start creating wonderful memories with your loved ones this Christmas!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these recipes ahead of time?

Most of these recipes can be made ahead of time to minimize last-minute stress. Pies can be baked and frozen, cookie dough can be chilled in the fridge for several days, and no-bake desserts can often be kept refrigerated until needed.

What are some good dairy-free or vegan alternatives for these recipes?

Many Christmas desserts can be easily adapted for dietary restrictions. Almond or coconut milk can replace regular milk, and there are many vegan butter substitutes available. For egg substitutions, flaxseeds or applesauce can often be used.

What are some traditional Christmas dessert recipes?

Traditional Christmas desserts include Christmas pudding, mince pies, yule logs, and gingerbread cookies. Merging traditional ingredients with modern adaptations like Gingerbread Truffles and Microwave Christmas pudding or a rich cheesecake can also add an exciting twist to your holiday menu.

How can I incorporate seasonal flavours into my Christmas desserts?

Seasonal flavours like peppermint, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger can easily be incorporated into many Christmas desserts. Peppermint can be added to brownies or cookies, while warm spices can enhance pies and puddings. Cranberry Apple Crumb Pie is a delightful example of using seasonal fruits.