Holiday sweets deserve sparkle, shine, and flavors that feel celebratory. Here you’ll find desserts draped in chocolate, dotted with peppermint, spiced with cinnamon, and topped with elegant finishes. Presentation matters too—dustings of sugar, ribbons of glaze, and festive shapes bring charm. Every treat feels like a centerpiece. Christmas becomes sweeter with every slice, bite, or spoonful.

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These classic snowball cookies are buttery, tender, and packed with toasted pecan flavor. A dusting of powdered sugar gives them their signature snowy look and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness. Made with just a few ingredients, they’re wonderfully simple to prepare. They’re the perfect choice when you want something rich, delicate, and nostalgic.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Old-fashioned Ginger Cookies

Old-fashioned Ginger Cookies. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These ginger cookies offer the perfect mix of crisp edges and soft centers, with just the right amount of warming spice. Their cozy, traditional flavor makes them especially comforting during the holidays. A subtle twist in the seasoning adds a touch of uniqueness. They’re irresistibly delicious and hard to stop at just one.
Get the Recipe: Old-fashioned Ginger Cookies

Red Crinkle Cookies

Red Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These vibrant red cookies are soft, chewy, and rolled in powdered sugar for a festive crinkled finish. They carry a light cocoa flavor and a rich, buttery taste. Fun to bake and even more fun to share, they brighten any cookie tray. Perfect for adding holiday color to your dessert spread.
Get the Recipe: Red Crinkle Cookies

Red Velvet Cake Cookies

Red Velvet Cake Cookies. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These red velvet cookies are soft, chewy, and full of decadent cocoa flavor. A mix of white and semi-sweet chocolate chips adds sweetness and texture in every bite. They deliver the classic taste of red velvet cake in cookie form. A delightful treat for chocolate lovers and holiday bakers alike.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Cake Cookies

Reindeer Sugar Cookies

Reindeer Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These adorable sugar cookies bring festive charm with chocolate antlers, bright noses, and simple decorations. They’re easy to assemble, making them great for family baking. Their playful appearance makes them irresistible to kids and adults. They’re sure to become a cherished holiday baking tradition.
Get the Recipe: Reindeer Sugar Cookies

Sugar Cookie Recipe for Rolled and Cut-Out Cookies. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This easy sugar cookie recipe is perfect for rolling, cutting, and decorating with the family. The cookies bake up soft and sweet, ready for icing and sprinkles. Simple frosting makes decorating fun and quick. A classic recipe for holiday cookie-making days.
Get the Recipe: Sugar Cookie Recipe for Rolled and Cut-Out Cookies

Thumbprint Cookies with Chocolate

Thumbprint Cookies with Chocolate. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These chocolate thumbprint cookies offer a rich twist on the traditional version. The buttery chocolate dough stays soft and tender, while the center fills with silky ganache. Every bite is indulgent and smooth, perfect for chocolate fans. They’re simple enough for everyday baking yet special enough for holidays.
Get the Recipe: Thumbprint Cookies with Chocolate

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These cookies combine creamy white chocolate with tart dried cranberries for a balanced, sweet-tangy flavor. They’re easy to make and bake up soft and chewy. Each bite offers festive color and a burst of flavor. A great treat for holidays or anytime you want something bright and delicious.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Eggnog Cheesecake

A slice of eggnog cheesecake topped with nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.
Eggnog Cheesecake. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

This decadent cheesecake blends the creamy richness of classic cheesecake with the warm flavor of eggnog. It’s smooth, festive, and perfect for holiday celebrations. Each slice tastes like your favorite Christmas drink in dessert form. A must-make for eggnog fans.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Cheesecake

Filipino Leche Flan

Leche flan caramel creme brulee on a plate with a spoon.
Filipino Leche Flan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This single-serve leche flan captures the silky sweetness of the beloved Filipino dessert. It’s simple to prepare and bakes into a smooth, custardy treat. The smaller portion makes it perfect when you want something indulgent without going overboard. A delicious, elegant addition to any dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Leche Flan

Snowflake Date Cookies

Side view of three cookies on a dark plate.
Snowflake Date Cookies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

These soft date cookies offer nostalgic flavor without complicated steps. They’re chewy, simple, and perfect for quick weeknight baking. The recipe delivers sweetness and comfort in every bite. Ideal for when you want an easy dessert that still feels special.
Get the Recipe: Snowflake Date Cookies

Eggnog Crème Brûlée

A serving of eggnog creme brulee with sugared cranberries on top.
Eggnog Crème Brûlée. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This crème brûlée infuses classic custard with eggnog flavors like nutmeg and subtle rum notes. With only five ingredients, it feels elegant yet easy to make. It’s perfect for Christmas dinner or any holiday gathering. Torch the sugar just before serving for a beautiful festive finish.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Crème Brûlée

Peppermint Fudge

Peppermint fudge on a cutting board.
Peppermint Fudge. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

This festive fudge combines smooth white chocolate with cool peppermint for a refreshing holiday treat. Crushed sugar-free peppermint candies add color and crunch. With only one net carb per serving, it’s a great option for low-carb dessert lovers. Simple to make and visually striking, it’s perfect for holiday gifting.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Fudge

Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies

Chocolate oatmeal no-bake cookies on a white plate.
Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These no-bake cookies come together quickly for a fast chocolatey treat. Oats add texture while the chocolate mixture gives them rich flavor. They’re great when you want dessert without turning on the oven. Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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