25 Winter Desserts That’ll Make You Forget About the Cold

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

Winter is the perfect time to indulge in warm, comforting desserts. As the cold weather sets in, there’s nothing quite like cozying up with a sweet treat that warms you from the inside out. From gooey lava cakes to festive red velvet brownies, winter desserts offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures to satisfy your sweet tooth.

You’ll find a variety of options to choose from, including classics like apple crumble and chocolate cake, as well as unique creations like eggnog ice cream. These desserts feature seasonal ingredients like apples, pears, and citrus, along with warm spices and rich chocolate. Whether you’re planning a holiday party or just want a comforting snack for a cold night, these winter desserts are sure to hit the spot.

Apple Pie

Ingredients:

• 6 cups sliced apples
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 double pie crust

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.

   
   
3. 
   

   Line a 9-inch pie dish with the bottom crust.

   
   
4. 
   

   Pour the apple mixture into the crust. Dot with butter.

   
   
5. 
   

   Cover with the top crust. Seal edges and cut slits for steam.

   
   
6. 
   

   Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.

   
   
7. 
   

   Let cool before serving. Enjoy your homemade apple pie!

   
   

Chocolate Fondue

You’ll need:

• 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Heat cream and milk in a saucepan over low heat.

   
   
2. 
   

   Add chocolate and stir until melted and smooth.

   
   
3. 
   

   Mix in vanilla and salt.

   
   
4. 
   

   Transfer to a fondue pot to keep warm.

   
   
5. 
   

   Serve with your favorite dippers like fruit, marshmallows, or cake cubes.

   
   

Sticky Toffee Pudding

You’ll love this classic English dessert! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped dates
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder

For the sauce:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Soak dates in boiling water with baking soda for 15 minutes.

   
   
2. 
   

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

   
   
3. 
   

   Mix in flour and baking powder. Fold in date mixture.

   
   
4. 
   

   Pour into a greased baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes.

   
   
5. 
   

   Make the sauce: Melt butter and sugar in a pan. Add cream and simmer for 5 minutes.

   
   
6. 
   

   Pour half the sauce over the warm pudding. Serve with extra sauce and ice cream.

   
   

Enjoy your homemade sticky toffee pudding!

Bread Pudding

You’ll love this comforting winter treat! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

• 6 cups day-old bread cubes
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

   
   
2. 
   

   Place bread cubes in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

   
   
3. 
   

   In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

   
   
4. 
   

   Pour the mixture over the bread. Add melted butter and raisins if using.

   
   
5. 
   

   Gently stir to coat the bread evenly.

   
   
6. 
   

   Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and set in the center.

   
   
7. 
   

   Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your warm, sweet bread pudding!

   
   

Chocolate Lava Cake

Ingredients:

• 4 oz semisweet chocolate
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons flour
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 425°F. Butter and sugar four 6-oz ramekins.

   
   
2. 
   

   Melt chocolate and butter in the microwave. Stir until smooth.

   
   
3. 
   

   In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, egg yolks, and sugar until pale and frothy.

   
   
4. 
   

   Fold the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Add flour and salt, stirring gently.

   
   
5. 
   

   Pour the batter into the ramekins. Place them on a baking sheet.

   
   
6. 
   

   Bake for 12-14 minutes until the edges are set but the center is still jiggly.

   
   
7. 
   

   Let the cakes cool for 1 minute. Run a knife around the edges and invert onto plates.

   
   
8. 
   

   Serve immediately, while the center is still warm and gooey.

   
   

Hot Chocolate Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

   
   
2. 
   

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

   
   
3. 
   

   In another bowl, cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mix well.

   
   
4. 
   

   Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Fold in chocolate chips.

   
   
5. 
   

   Scoop dough onto baking sheet. Press a few marshmallows into each cookie.

   
   
6. 
   

   Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes.

   
   
7. 
   

   Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your warm, gooey cookies!

   
   

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 butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.

   
   
2. 
   

   Cream butter and sugar in another bowl. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla.

   
   
3. 
   

   Combine wet and dry mixtures. Chill dough for 2 hours.

   
   
4. 
   

   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

   
   
5. 
   

   Roll out dough, cut shapes. Place on lined baking sheets.

   
   
6. 
   

   Bake 8-10 minutes. Cool on wire racks.

   
   
7. 
   

   Decorate as desired with icing and candies.

   
   

Enjoy your homemade gingerbread cookies!

Eggnog Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 2 cups eggnog
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 egg yolks

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Mix eggnog, cream, sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg in a saucepan. Heat until it simmers, stirring often.

   
   
2. 
   

   Whisk egg yolks in a bowl. Slowly add some hot mixture to yolks, whisking constantly.

   
   
3. 
   

   Pour egg mixture back into the saucepan. Cook on low heat, stirring until it thickens.

   
   
4. 
   

   Strain the mixture and chill in the fridge for 2 hours.

   
   
5. 
   

   Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to machine instructions.

   
   
6. 
   

   Transfer to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.

   
   

Pecan Pie

You’ll need:

• 1 unbaked pie crust
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

   
   
2. 
   

   In a bowl, whisk eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt.

   
   
3. 
   

   Spread pecans in the pie crust.

   
   
4. 
   

   Pour the mixture over the pecans.

   
   
5. 
   

   Bake for 50-55 minutes until the filling is set.

   
   
6. 
   

   Let cool completely before slicing.

   
   

Enjoy your homemade pecan pie!

Banoffee Pie

You’ll need:

• Graham crackers
• Butter
• Sugar
• Dulce de leche or caramel
• Bananas
• Heavy cream
• Coffee powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Crush graham crackers and mix with melted butter and sugar. Press into a pie pan.

   
   
2. 
   

   Chill the crust for 30 minutes.

   
   
3. 
   

   Spread dulce de leche or caramel over the crust.

   
   
4. 
   

   Slice bananas and layer them on top of the caramel.

   
   
5. 
   

   Whip cream with a bit of sugar and coffee powder if you like.

   
   
6. 
   

   Top the pie with whipped cream.

   
   
7. 
   

   Chill for at least an hour before serving.

   
   

Enjoy your homemade banoffee pie!

Chocolate Mug Cake

You’ll need:

• 4 tablespoons flour
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 3 tablespoons oil
• Chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Mix dry ingredients in a mug.

   
   
2. 
   

   Add egg, milk, and oil. Stir well.

   
   
3. 
   

   Sprinkle in chocolate chips if desired.

   
   
4. 
   

   Microwave for 1 minute.

   
   
5. 
   

   Let it cool for a minute before enjoying!

   
   

Apple Crumble

Ingredients:

• 4 large apples, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix apples, water, lemon juice, and half the cinnamon in a baking dish.

   
   
3. 
   

   In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, melted butter, remaining cinnamon, and nutmeg.

   
   
4. 
   

   Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the apples.

   
   
5. 
   

   Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden and apples are soft.

   
   
6. 
   

   Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your warm apple crumble!

   
   

Molten Chocolate Cake

You’ll need:

• 4 oz semisweet chocolate
• 4 oz unsalted butter
• 2 eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease 4 ramekins.

   
   
2. 
   

   Melt chocolate and butter in microwave, stirring until smooth.

   
   
3. 
   

   In a bowl, whisk eggs, yolks, and sugar until light and fluffy.

   
   
4. 
   

   Fold melted chocolate into egg mixture. Gently stir in flour.

   
   
5. 
   

   Pour batter into ramekins. Bake 12-14 minutes until edges are set but centers are soft.

   
   
6. 
   

   Let cool 1 minute. Run a knife around edges and invert onto plates.

   
   
7. 
   

   Serve right away while centers are warm and gooey!

   
   

Brownies

You’ll need:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square pan.

   
   
2. 
   

   Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.

   
   
3. 
   

   Mix in cocoa, flour, salt, and baking powder until well combined.

   
   
4. 
   

   Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly.

   
   
5. 
   

   Bake for 25-30 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.

   
   
6. 
   

   Let cool before cutting into squares. Enjoy your warm, fudgy brownies!

   
   

Caramel Apple Crisp

You’ll need:

• 6 large apples, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a bowl. Spread in a baking dish.

   
   
3. 
   

   Combine flour, oats, and brown sugar. Cut in butter until crumbly.

   
   
4. 
   

   Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the apples.

   
   
5. 
   

   Bake for 35-45 minutes until golden brown.

   
   
6. 
   

   Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

   
   

Enjoy your warm, gooey caramel apple crisp!

Rice Pudding

Ingredients:

• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup Arborio rice
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: raisins or cranberries

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Mix milk, rice, sugar, cinnamon stick, and salt in a pot.

   
   
2. 
   

   Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often.

   
   
3. 
   

   Reduce heat to low and cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring regularly.

   
   
4. 
   

   Remove from heat when rice is tender and mixture is creamy.

   
   
5. 
   

   Stir in vanilla extract and optional fruit.

   
   
6. 
   

   Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your warm, comforting rice pudding!

   
   

Pear And Almond Tart

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 3-4 ripe pears
• 1/4 cup apricot jam

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Mix flour, almond flour, and sugar in a bowl.

   
   
2. 
   

   Add butter, egg, and almond extract. Blend until dough forms.

   
   
3. 
   

   Press dough into a tart pan. Chill for 30 minutes.

   
   
4. 
   

   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

   
   
5. 
   

   Peel and slice pears thinly.

   
   
6. 
   

   Arrange pear slices in a circular pattern on the dough.

   
   
7. 
   

   Bake for 35-40 minutes until crust is golden.

   
   
8. 
   

   Warm apricot jam and brush over tart.

   
   
9. 
   

   Let cool before serving. Enjoy your homemade pear and almond tart!

   
   

Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 unbaked pie crust
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix pumpkin, condensed milk, eggs, spices, and salt in a bowl until smooth.

   
   
3. 
   

   Pour the mixture into the pie crust.

   
   
4. 
   

   Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 35-40 more minutes.

   
   
5. 
   

   The pie is done when a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

   
   
6. 
   

   Let it cool before serving. You can add whipped cream on top if you like!

   
   

Warm Fruit Crisp

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed berries or sliced apples
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup oats
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix fruit, sugar, and lemon juice in a baking dish.

   
   
3. 
   

   Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.

   
   
4. 
   

   Stir in melted butter until mixture is crumbly.

   
   
5. 
   

   Sprinkle topping over fruit.

   
   
6. 
   

   Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly.

   
   
7. 
   

   Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with ice cream!

   
   

Chocolate Chip Cookies

You’ll need:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

   
   
2. 
   

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

   
   
3. 
   

   In another bowl, cream butter and sugars until fluffy.

   
   
4. 
   

   Beat in eggs and vanilla.

   
   
5. 
   

   Gradually stir in the dry ingredients.

   
   
6. 
   

   Fold in chocolate chips.

   
   
7. 
   

   Drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.

   
   
8. 
   

   Bake for 9-11 minutes until golden brown.

   
   
9. 
   

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

   
   

Cheesecake (Various Flavors)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Flavoring options:

• 1/2 cup cocoa powder for chocolate
• 1 cup pumpkin puree for pumpkin
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint for candy cane
• 1/2 cup chopped pistachios for pistachio

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Mix cookie crumbs, butter, and sugar. Press into a greased 9-inch springform pan.

   
   
2. 
   

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

   
   
3. 
   

   Stir in your chosen flavoring.

   
   
4. 
   

   Pour into crust. Bake at 325°F for 45-50 minutes.

   
   
5. 
   

   Cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

   
   

Coconut Cream Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-baked pie crust
• 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 4 egg yolks
• 2 cups shredded coconut
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Mix cornstarch, sugar, and salt in a saucepan.

   
   
2. 
   

   Add coconut milk and half-and-half. Cook over medium heat, stirring until it boils.

   
   
3. 
   

   Whisk half the hot mixture into egg yolks, then pour back into the pan.

   
   
4. 
   

   Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

   
   
5. 
   

   Remove from heat and stir in coconut, butter, and vanilla.

   
   
6. 
   

   Pour filling into the pie crust.

   
   
7. 
   

   Chill for at least 3 hours.

   
   
8. 
   

   Top with whipped cream and toasted coconut before serving.

   
   

Spiced Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. 
   

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

   
   
2. 
   

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

   
   
3. 
   

   In another bowl, blend pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla.

   
   
4. 
   

   Combine wet and dry ingredients. Stir until just mixed.

   
   
5. 
   

   Pour batter into the prepared pan.

   
   
6. 
   

   Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

   
   
7. 
   

   Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.

   
   

Red Velvet Cake

Ingredients:

• 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:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix dry ingredients in a bowl: flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.

   
   
3. 
   

   In another bowl, whisk together oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla.

   
   
4. 
   

   Combine wet and dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.

   
   
5. 
   

   Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

   
   
6. 
   

   Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes. Remove and cool completely on wire racks.

   
   
7. 
   

   Frost with cream cheese frosting and enjoy your homemade red velvet cake!

   
   

S’mores Bars

Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 4 cups mini marshmallows
• 2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and powdered sugar. Press into the pan.

   
   
3. 
   

   Bake the crust for 10 minutes.

   
   
4. 
   

   Sprinkle 3 cups of marshmallows over the hot crust. Bake for 5 more minutes.

   
   
5. 
   

   Take the pan out and sprinkle chocolate chips over the melted marshmallows.

   
   
6. 
   

   Top with the remaining marshmallows.

   
   
7. 
   

   Bake for another 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown.

   
   
8. 
   

   Let cool completely before cutting into bars.