25 Christmas Baking Ideas That Will Make Your Holidays Extra Sweet

I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.

The holiday season is here, and it’s time to fill your home with the sweet smells of Christmas baking. From cookies to cakes, there are so many festive treats to make. Christmas baking is a great way to spread joy and create memories with loved ones.

You don’t need to be a pro baker to whip up some delicious holiday desserts. There are plenty of easy recipes that even beginners can master. Whether you want to make classic sugar cookies or try something new like eggnog cupcakes, you’ll find lots of fun ideas to get you in the Christmas spirit.

Bûche De Noël

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz chocolate
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.

   
   
2. 
   

   Beat eggs and sugar until fluffy. Fold in flour, cocoa, and salt.

   
   
3. 
   

   Spread batter in pan. Bake 12-15 minutes.

   
   
4. 
   

   Roll cake in towel while warm. Cool completely.

   
   
5. 
   

   Make ganache: Heat cream, pour over chocolate. Stir until smooth.

   
   
6. 
   

   Whip 1 cup cream with powdered sugar and vanilla.

   
   
7. 
   

   Unroll cake, spread with whipped cream. Re-roll carefully.

   
   
8. 
   

   Cover with ganache. Create bark texture with a fork.

   
   
9. 
   

   Decorate with meringue mushrooms or sugared cranberries if desired.

   
   
10. 
    

    Chill until ready to serve. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing.

    
    

Cinnamon Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Mix flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a bowl.

   
   
2. 
   

   Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

   
   
3. 
   

   Stir in milk to form a soft dough.

   
   
4. 
   

   Roll dough into a 10×14 inch rectangle on a floured surface.

   
   
5. 
   

   Mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle over dough.

   
   
6. 
   

   Roll up tightly from the long side. Cut into 12 slices.

   
   
7. 
   

   Place slices in a greased 9-inch round pan.

   
   
8. 
   

   Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

   
   
9. 
   

   Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

   
   

Classic Mince Pies

Ingredients:

• 225g plain flour
• 100g cold butter, cubed
• 25g icing sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 2-3 tbsp cold water
• 400g mincemeat
• 1 egg, beaten (for glazing)
• Extra icing sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Mix flour and butter until crumbly. Add icing sugar, egg yolk, and water. Form into a dough.

   
   
2. 
   

   Chill for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan.

   
   
3. 
   

   Roll out dough. Cut 12 circles for bases and 12 smaller ones for lids.

   
   
4. 
   

   Line a 12-hole tin with the larger circles. Fill each with mincemeat.

   
   
5. 
   

   Wet edges of pastry, add lids, and press to seal. Brush with beaten egg.

   
   
6. 
   

   Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden. Cool in tin for 5 minutes.

   
   
7. 
   

   Remove pies and cool on a rack. Dust with icing sugar before serving.

   
   

Gingerbread Cookies

You’ll need:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add egg, molasses, and vanilla. Slowly mix in dry ingredients.

Chill dough for 2 hours or overnight. Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack.

Decorate with icing and candies once cooled. Enjoy your festive gingerbread cookies!

Christmas Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

   
   
2. 
   

   Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla.

   
   
3. 
   

   Gradually mix in dry ingredients.

   
   
4. 
   

   Chill dough for 1 hour.

   
   
5. 
   

   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

   
   
6. 
   

   Roll out dough and cut into shapes.

   
   
7. 
   

   Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

   
   
8. 
   

   Cool on wire rack before decorating.

   
   

Peppermint Bark

Ingredients:

• 12 oz dark chocolate chips
• 12 oz white chocolate chips
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• 1/4 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Melt dark chocolate in 20-second microwave bursts, stirring between each.

   
   
2. 
   

   Spread melted dark chocolate on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill until set.

   
   
3. 
   

   Melt white chocolate using the same method as dark chocolate.

   
   
4. 
   

   Mix peppermint extract into melted white chocolate.

   
   
5. 
   

   Pour white chocolate over the dark layer. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes.

   
   
6. 
   

   Chill until firm, then break into pieces.

   
   

Fruitcake

You’ll need:

• 2 cups mixed dried fruits
• 1/2 cup brandy or rum
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp mixed spice
• 1/4 cup molasses

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Soak dried fruits in brandy overnight.

   
   
2. 
   

   Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper.

   
   
3. 
   

   Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.

   
   
4. 
   

   Mix flour, baking powder, and spice. Fold into butter mixture.

   
   
5. 
   

   Stir in soaked fruits and molasses.

   
   
6. 
   

   Pour batter into pan. Bake for 2-3 hours until a skewer comes out clean.

   
   
7. 
   

   Cool in pan, then wrap in foil. Store in a cool place for at least a week before serving.

   
   

Gingerbread House

You’ll need:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 egg
• Royal icing
• Candies for decorating

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.

   
   
2. 
   

   Beat butter, sugar, and molasses until creamy. Add egg and mix well.

   
   
3. 
   

   Gradually stir in dry ingredients to form a dough. Chill for 2 hours.

   
   
4. 
   

   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough and cut house pieces.

   
   
5. 
   

   Bake for 10-12 minutes. Cool completely.

   
   
6. 
   

   Assemble house using royal icing as glue. Let dry overnight.

   
   
7. 
   

   Decorate with candies and more icing. Get creative and have fun!

   
   

Snowball Cookies

You’ll need:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Extra powdered sugar for coating

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Mix butter and sugar until creamy.

   
   
2. 
   

   Add flour, walnuts, and vanilla. Blend well.

   
   
3. 
   

   Shape dough into 1-inch balls.

   
   
4. 
   

   Bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes.

   
   
5. 
   

   Let cool for 5 minutes.

   
   
6. 
   

   Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar.

   
   
7. 
   

   Cool completely and roll again in sugar.

   
   

Christmas Cupcakes

You’ll need:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Red food coloring
• Peppermint extract
• Frosting ingredients

Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. Add wet ingredients and stir until smooth. Add red food coloring and peppermint extract to taste.

Pour batter into cupcake liners. Bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes. Let cool completely.

Make your favorite frosting and add green food coloring. Pipe onto cooled cupcakes in a tree shape. Decorate with sprinkles or small candies.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

You’ll need:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Mix flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

   
   
2. 
   

   In another bowl, beat sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.

   
   
3. 
   

   Stir dry ingredients into wet mixture until combined.

   
   
4. 
   

   Chill dough for 2 hours.

   
   
5. 
   

   Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

   
   
6. 
   

   Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then coat in powdered sugar.

   
   
7. 
   

   Place cookies 2 inches apart on baking sheets.

   
   
8. 
   

   Bake 10-12 minutes until crackled on top.

   
   
9. 
   

   Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack.

   
   

Peppermint Macarons

You’ll need:

• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 egg whites
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
• Red food coloring

For the filling:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
• 1-2 tbsp milk

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Mix almond flour and powdered sugar. Set aside.

   
   
2. 
   

   Beat egg whites until foamy. Slowly add granulated sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.

   
   
3. 
   

   Fold in almond mixture, peppermint extract, and food coloring.

   
   
4. 
   

   Pipe small circles onto a baking sheet. Let sit for 30 minutes.

   
   
5. 
   

   Bake at 300°F for 15-17 minutes.

   
   
6. 
   

   For filling, beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and milk. Mix until smooth.

   
   
7. 
   

   Once macarons are cool, sandwich with filling.

   
   
8. 
   

   Enjoy your festive peppermint macarons!

   
   

Rum Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup rum
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Extra powdered sugar for rolling

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Mix crushed wafers, sugar, cocoa, and pecans in a bowl.

   
   
2. 
   

   Add rum and honey. Stir until a moist dough forms.

   
   
3. 
   

   Shape into 1-inch balls.

   
   
4. 
   

   Roll balls in extra powdered sugar.

   
   
5. 
   

   Store in a covered container until ready to serve.

   
   

Linzer Cookies

You’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup raspberry jam
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Mix butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg yolks and vanilla.

   
   
2. 
   

   Combine flour and salt, then mix into butter mixture. Chill dough for 1 hour.

   
   
3. 
   

   Roll out dough and cut into circles. Cut small shapes in half the circles.

   
   
4. 
   

   Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Cool completely.

   
   
5. 
   

   Spread jam on whole cookies. Top with cut-out cookies.

   
   
6. 
   

   Dust with powdered sugar. Enjoy your festive treats!

   
   

Pecan Pie Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup cold butter
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 cups pecans

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Mix flour and sugar. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Press into a greased 9×13 pan. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.

   
   
2. 
   

   Whisk corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a bowl. Stir in pecans.

   
   
3. 
   

   Pour filling over crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes until set.

   
   
4. 
   

   Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

   
   

Enjoy your homemade pecan pie bars!

Tiramisu Cake

You’ll need:

• 4 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup strong coffee
• 2 tbsp rum
• 16 oz mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans.

   
   
2. 
   

   Separate egg yolks and whites. Beat yolks with 1/2 cup sugar until pale. Fold in flour.

   
   
3. 
   

   Whip egg whites to stiff peaks. Gently fold into batter.

   
   
4. 
   

   Divide batter between pans. Bake 20-25 minutes until golden.

   
   
5. 
   

   Mix coffee and rum. Brush over cooled cakes.

   
   
6. 
   

   Beat mascarpone, remaining sugar, and cream until fluffy.

   
   
7. 
   

   Layer cake, spreading mascarpone mixture between layers and on top.

   
   
8. 
   

   Dust with cocoa powder. Chill for 2 hours before serving.

   
   

Chocolate Truffles

You’ll need:

• 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• Cocoa powder for coating

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Put chocolate in a bowl.

   
   
2. 
   

   Heat cream and butter until simmering.

   
   
3. 
   

   Pour hot cream over chocolate. Let sit 5 minutes.

   
   
4. 
   

   Stir until smooth. Chill for 2 hours.

   
   
5. 
   

   Scoop and roll into balls.

   
   
6. 
   

   Roll in cocoa powder.

   
   
7. 
   

   Chill until firm. Enjoy your homemade truffles!

   
   

Stollen

You’ll need:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup candied citrus peel
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Mix yeast with warm milk and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter. Knead until smooth.

Fold in raisins, citrus peel, and almonds. Let the dough rise for 1 hour.

Shape the dough into an oval loaf. Let it rise again for 30 minutes.

Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.

Brush with melted butter and dust with powdered sugar. Enjoy your homemade stollen!

Cranberry Orange Bread

You’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.

   
   
3. 
   

   In another bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, orange juice, and zest.

   
   
4. 
   

   Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.

   
   
5. 
   

   Fold in cranberries and walnuts if using.

   
   
6. 
   

   Pour batter into the prepared pan.

   
   
7. 
   

   Bake for 50-60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

   
   
8. 
   

   Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely.

   
   

Eggnog Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup eggnog
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press into a 9-inch springform pan.

   
   
2. 
   

   Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.

   
   
3. 
   

   Stir in eggnog, vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Pour over crust.

   
   
4. 
   

   Bake at 325°F for 55-60 minutes until center is almost set.

   
   
5. 
   

   Cool on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

   
   
6. 
   

   Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg if desired. Enjoy your festive treat!

   
   

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup dried cranberries

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Mix flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.

   
   
2. 
   

   Cream butter and sugars in a separate bowl until fluffy.

   
   
3. 
   

   Beat in egg and vanilla.

   
   
4. 
   

   Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture.

   
   
5. 
   

   Fold in white chocolate chips and cranberries.

   
   
6. 
   

   Chill dough for 1 hour.

   
   
7. 
   

   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

   
   
8. 
   

   Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets.

   
   
9. 
   

   Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly browned.

   
   
10. 
    

    Cool on wire racks and enjoy your festive cookies!

    
    

Peppermint Brownies

You’ll need:

• 1 cup butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.

   
   
2. 
   

   Melt the butter in a large bowl. Stir in sugar and eggs until well mixed.

   
   
3. 
   

   Add cocoa, flour, salt, and peppermint extract. Mix until smooth.

   
   
4. 
   

   Pour batter into the pan. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.

   
   
5. 
   

   Bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cool before cutting into squares.

   
   

Enjoy your festive peppermint brownies!

Snickerdoodles

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.

   
   
3. 
   

   In another bowl, beat butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and mix well.

   
   
4. 
   

   Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the butter mixture.

   
   
5. 
   

   Shape dough into 1-inch balls.

   
   
6. 
   

   Combine 2 tablespoons sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.

   
   
7. 
   

   Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

   
   
8. 
   

   Place cookies 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.

   
   
9. 
   

   Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden.

   
   
10. 
    

    Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack.

    
    

Mini Cheesecakes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Canned pie filling (optional)

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press into the bottom of muffin liners in a muffin pan.

   
   
2. 
   

   Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.

   
   
3. 
   

   Pour batter into muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.

   
   
4. 
   

   Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, until centers are almost set.

   
   
5. 
   

   Cool completely, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

   
   
6. 
   

   Top with pie filling if desired before serving.

   
   

Gingerbread Bundt Cake

You’ll need:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-cup bundt pan.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.

   
   
3. 
   

   In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add molasses, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well.

   
   
4. 
   

   Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined.

   
   
5. 
   

   Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes.

   
   
6. 
   

   Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

   
   
7. 
   

   Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze.

   
   

Enjoy your homemade gingerbread bundt cake!