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

Christmas is a time for joy, family, and delicious treats. The holiday season brings with it a bounty of sweet delights that can make your taste buds dance. From classic cookies to festive cakes, Christmas desserts are a wonderful way to spread cheer and create lasting memories with your loved ones.
You don’t need to be a baking expert to whip up tasty Christmas desserts. Many recipes are simple enough for beginners to make. With a little effort and creativity, you can create beautiful and yummy treats that will impress your guests and make your holiday gatherings extra special.
Christmas Pudding
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried mixed fruit
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions:
Mix fruit, sugar, and butter in a bowl.
Beat in eggs one at a time.
Stir in flour and baking powder.
Add brandy and milk, mix well.
Pour into a greased pudding basin.
Cover with parchment paper and foil.
Steam for 3 hours.
Let cool, then serve with brandy butter or custard.
Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients:
- 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
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Mix flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.
Beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla. Mix well.
Gradually stir in dry ingredients until dough forms.
Chill dough for 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough and cut into shapes.
Bake for 8-10 minutes. Cool on wire rack.
Decorate with icing and enjoy your festive cookies!
Yule Log (Bûche de Noël)
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
Beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Fold in cocoa, flour, and salt.
Spread batter evenly in pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
Turn cake onto a towel dusted with cocoa powder. Roll up cake and towel together. Let cool.
Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Unroll cooled cake and spread with whipped cream. Roll up again without the towel.
Frost the outside with remaining whipped cream. Use a fork to create a bark-like texture.
Chill for at least 2 hours before serving. Dust with cocoa powder to finish.
Mince Pies
You’ll love these traditional British Christmas treats! Here’s how to make delicious mince pies:
Ingredients:
- 225g plain flour
- 140g cold butter, cubed
- 25g icing sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1-2 tbsp cold water
- 400g mincemeat
- 1 egg, beaten (for glazing)
- Icing sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
Mix flour and butter until crumbly. Add icing sugar, egg yolk, and water. Form into a dough.
Chill for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
Roll out dough. Cut circles for pie bases and stars for tops.
Line muffin tins with pastry circles. Fill with mincemeat.
Top with pastry stars. Brush with beaten egg.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.
Cool in tins, then dust with icing sugar.
Enjoy your homemade mince pies with a cup of tea or mulled wine!
Fruitcake
You’ll need:
- 2 cups mixed candied fruits
- 2 cups golden raisins
- 1 cup dark raisins
- 1/2 cup candied cherries
- 1/4 cup brandy or rum
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1/4 cup molasses
Instructions:
Soak fruits in brandy overnight.
Preheat oven to 300°F. Grease a 9×5 loaf pan.
Mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and molasses.
Add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Fold in soaked fruits.
Pour batter into pan. Bake for 2-3 hours until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely before slicing.
Trifle
You’ll love this easy Christmas trifle! Here’s what you need:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cake, cubed
- 2 cups vanilla pudding
- 2 cups whipped cream
- 2 cups mixed berries
- 1/4 cup sherry (optional)
Instructions:
Layer cake cubes in a glass bowl. Drizzle with sherry if using.
Spread pudding over cake layer.
Add a layer of berries.
Top with whipped cream.
Repeat layers until bowl is full.
Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
This trifle looks beautiful and tastes amazing! Your guests will be impressed.
Cheesecake
You’ll need:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Mix graham cracker crumbs and butter. Press into a 9-inch springform pan.
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla and cream.
Pour batter over crust. Bake at 325°F for 55-60 minutes until center is almost set.
Cool completely, then chill for at least 4 hours before serving. Top with festive garnishes like crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings for a Christmasy touch!
Peppermint Bark
You’ll need:
- Dark chocolate chips
- White chocolate chips
- Peppermint extract
- Candy canes, crushed
Instructions:
Melt dark chocolate in 20-second bursts in the microwave, stirring between each.
Spread melted dark chocolate on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill until set.
Melt white chocolate using the same method.
Mix peppermint extract into the white chocolate.
Pour white chocolate over the dark layer and spread evenly.
Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
Chill until fully set, then break into pieces.
Enjoy your homemade peppermint bark!
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:
Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Mix until dough forms.
Chill dough for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out dough on floured surface. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters.
Place cookies on prepared sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Decorate with icing or sprinkles once completely cooled.
Chocolate Fudge
You’ll need:
- 3 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup butter
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow creme
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Here’s how to make it:
Line a 9-inch square pan with foil and grease it.
Mix sugar, butter, and milk in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Cook for 5 minutes, stirring non-stop.
Remove from heat. Stir in chocolate chips until melted.
Add marshmallow creme and vanilla. Mix well.
Pour into your prepared pan. Let cool at room temperature.
Once set, lift the foil to remove fudge. Cut into squares.
Your homemade chocolate fudge is ready to enjoy!
Pavlova
You’ll need:
- 4 egg whites
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh berries
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
Beat egg whites until soft peaks form.
Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff and glossy.
Fold in vanilla, vinegar, and cornstarch.
Shape into a circle on parchment paper.
Bake for 1 hour, then turn off oven and let cool inside.
Whip cream until stiff.
Top pavlova with whipped cream and berries.
Serve and enjoy your festive Christmas dessert!
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the toffee sauce:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
Soak the dates in boiling water with baking soda for 15 minutes.
Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
Blend the date mixture until smooth. Add to the butter mixture.
Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt.
Pour into a greased 8-inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes.
For the sauce, melt butter and sugar in a pan. Add cream and simmer for 5 minutes.
Pour half the sauce over the warm pudding. Serve with extra sauce on the side.
Rum Balls
You’ll need:
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup rum
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. Add rum and corn syrup, stir well.
Shape into 1-inch balls. Roll in extra powdered sugar.
Chill for at least an hour before serving. Enjoy your tasty rum balls!
Pecan Pie
You’ll need:
- 1 unbaked pie crust
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Mix eggs, corn syrup, sugars, butter, vanilla, and salt in a bowl.
Stir in the pecans.
Pour the mixture into your pie crust.
Bake for 50-60 minutes until the center jiggles slightly.
Let the pie cool for at least 4 hours before serving.
Enjoy your homemade pecan pie!
Eggnog Flan
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 eggs
- 1 can condensed milk
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F.
Make caramel: Heat sugar in a pan until it melts and turns light brown. Add water carefully. Pour into a 9-inch cake pan.
Mix eggs, condensed milk, eggnog, and vanilla in a blender. Strain the mixture.
Pour the egg mixture over the caramel in the cake pan.
Place the pan in a larger baking dish. Add hot water to the larger dish, about halfway up the sides of the cake pan.
Bake for 40 minutes or until the flan is set but still jiggly.
Let it cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
To serve, run a knife around the edge and flip onto a plate.
Tiramisu
Here’s a tasty Christmas tiramisu recipe for you to try:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp rum
- 1 cup strong coffee, cooled
- 24 ladyfingers
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions:
Mix mascarpone, heavy cream, sugar, egg yolks, vanilla, and rum until smooth.
Dip ladyfingers in coffee and layer in a dish.
Spread half the cream mixture over the ladyfingers.
Repeat layers with remaining ladyfingers and cream.
Dust with cocoa powder.
Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.
Enjoy your festive tiramisu!
Chocolate Chip Cookies
You’ll need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions:
Mix flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
Beat melted butter with sugars until smooth.
Add eggs and vanilla to butter mixture. Mix well.
Gradually stir in dry ingredients.
Fold in chocolate chips.
Scoop dough onto baking sheets.
Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
Let cool on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Red Velvet Cake
You’ll need:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl: flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla.
Combine the wet and dry mixtures. Mix until smooth.
Pour the batter into the prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
Frost with cream cheese frosting and enjoy your festive red velvet cake!
Coconut Macaroons
You’ll need:
- 5 1/3 cups shredded coconut
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix coconut, condensed milk, and vanilla in a bowl.
Beat egg whites and salt until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold egg whites into the coconut mixture.
Drop spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack.
Enjoy your homemade coconut macaroons!
Spiced Rum Fruitcake
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 cup spiced rum
- 2 cups mixed dried fruit (dates, cherries, mangoes)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan.
Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
Mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl.
Add dry ingredients to butter mixture, alternating with molasses and 1/2 cup rum.
Toss fruit and nuts with a bit of flour, then fold into batter.
Pour into prepared pan and bake for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool cake for 20 minutes, then slowly pour remaining rum over top.
Let cake absorb rum and cool completely before serving.
Apple Crisp
Ingredients:
- 6 cups sliced apples
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup water
For the topping:
- 1 cup flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, cold and cubed
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix apples, sugar, cinnamon, and water in a baking dish.
In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping.
Cut in the cold butter until the mixture is crumbly.
Sprinkle the topping over the apples.
Bake for 35-45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your homemade apple crisp!
Brownies
You’ll love these festive Christmas brownies! Here’s what you need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- Green candy melts for decorating
To make the brownies:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper.
Melt butter in a large bowl. Stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
Add cocoa, flour, and salt. Mix until just combined.
Fold in chocolate chips. Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
Let cool completely. Cut into triangles for Christmas trees.
Melt green candy melts and drizzle over brownies to decorate.
Add sprinkles or candies as ornaments. Enjoy your festive treats!
Snowball Cookies
You’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
- Extra powdered sugar for coating
Instructions:
Mix butter and sugar until creamy. Add vanilla and blend well.
Stir in flour and salt. Fold in pecans.
Chill dough for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake 12-15 minutes until lightly browned.
Let cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar while still warm.
Cool completely and roll in sugar again.
Chocolate Mousse
You’ll need:
- 2 oz dark chocolate
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Break the chocolate into small pieces in a heatproof bowl.
Heat cream and butter in a small pan until steamy but not boiling.
Pour hot cream over chocolate. Stir until melted and smooth.
Let chocolate mixture cool to room temperature (about 15 minutes).
Whip remaining cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold whipped cream into cooled chocolate mixture.
Spoon mousse into serving glasses.
Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Nutmeg Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
Mix flour and brown sugar in a bowl. Add butter and blend until crumbly.
Press half the mixture into the pan. Set aside the rest.
In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, baking powder, and nutmeg.
Pour this mixture over the crust in the pan.
Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture on top. Add walnuts if using.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Let cool before slicing. Enjoy your nutmeg cake!