Cookies, cakes, fudge squares and more—these easy Christmas desserts will entice all your guests to visit the sweets table.
64 Best Easy Christmas Desserts for a Crowd
Updated on Nov. 12, 2024
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Hot Chocolate Cookies
Total Time: 25 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Butter, eggs, all-purpose flour, semisweet chocolate chips, vanilla marshmallow bits, baking cocoa, instant hot cocoa mix
Level: Easy
These cheery cookies are guaranteed to please a crowd. For best results, use instant cocoa mix. If you don’t usually drink hot chocolate, you can use up the rest of the box in these clever recipes using hot chocolate mix.
“Using hot chocolate mix and marshmallow bits in the cookie dough really makes these cookies taste like hot cocoa.” —Recipe contributor Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
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Easy Peanut Brittle
Total Time: 30 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Sugar, unsalted dry roasted peanuts, light corn syrup, butter
Level: Easy
This peanut brittle recipe is simple enough for beginners to master, especially if you have a candy thermometer. That way, you can ensure the sugar mixture reaches the right temperature, giving the brittle a texture that everyone will love.
“Whenever my grandmother was in the kitchen, everything had to be ‘just so’ to guarantee her time-tested results. Watching her make this peanut brittle is one of my favorite memories, and I’m glad I can pass on this delicious recipe.” —Recipe contributor Karen Grenzow, Sumas, Washington
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Cinnamon Bagel Bread Pudding
Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes + standingMain Ingredients: Cinnamon crunch bagels, brown sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, milk
Level: Easy
This holiday-worthy bread pudding can be prepped in only 20 minutes, but we recommend letting it rest in the refrigerator for an hour before baking. Resting helps the flavors come together, so the cinnamon flavor really shines.
“My son works at a bagel shop and always brings home leftover cinnamon bagels. We hate to waste food since we are a large family with five kids, so I came up with this incredible-tasting bread pudding that everyone loves.” —Recipe contributor Rebecca Moreland, Bristol, Tennessee
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Bread Pudding Pie
Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Dough for a single-crust pie, cubed bread, eggs, milk
Level: Easy
You can make this unique dessert with any store-bought or homemade pie crust. After baking, you’ll chill the pie for a few hours to help the bread pudding set. If you want to enjoy it warm, gently reheat it in the oven before serving.
“This unique dessert, a combination of pie and bread pudding, was created by my paternal grandmother’s family. They had a farm and made their own bread, which made this a low-cost dessert.” —Recipe contributor Kelly Barnes, Lexington, Indiana
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Pecan Pie Bars
Total Time: 45 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: All-purpose flour, sugar, chopped pecans, sweetened condensed milk, milk chocolate toffee bits
Level: Easy
These bars have the perfect balance of crunchy topping and ooey-gooey filling. If you can’t find milk chocolate toffee bits at the store, try substituting smashed pieces of your favorite toffee candy bar.
“These bars are decadently rich—just like pecan pie! They’re sure to disappear from the dessert table at your next gathering, so you might want to save one for later before putting them out.” —Recipe contributor Carolyn Custer, Clifton Park, New York
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Cranberry Amaretto Bread Pudding
Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes + standingMain Ingredients: Ground cinnamon, dried cranberries, day-old French bread, white baking chips, amaretto
Level: Easy
Amaretto (an almond-flavored liqueur) is mixed with melted butter and white baking chips to create a decadently sweet sauce. Drizzle it over the cranberry bread pudding, then stand back and watch your guests devour this seasonal treat.
“This is an update to a recipe that’s been in our family for three generations. The combination of white chocolate and amaretto mingled with seasonal cranberry is my favorite way to end any meal.” —Recipe contributor Jennifer Evans DaCastello, Virginia Beach, Virginia
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Eggnog Pie
Total Time: 40 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Dough for single-crust pie, eggnog, cornstarch, unflavored gelatin
Level: Intermediate
This creamy, custardy pie is a great way to use up any extra eggnog. Sprinkle it with a bit of nutmeg and top it off with whipped cream to make it a real showstopper.
“Even better than holiday eggnog in a glass is eggnog on a plate! This creamy pie delivers all that rich, wonderful flavor. It’s pretty, too, with a sprinkling of nutmeg on top.” —Recipe contributor Florence Shaw, East Wenatchee, Washington
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Raspberry Bars with Coconut
Total Time: 50 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Chopped walnuts, sweetened shredded coconut, raspberry preserves, white baking chips
Level: Easy
Raspberry, white chocolate and coconut—what more could you want in a dessert? If you don’t have a big sweet tooth, try swapping in tart blackberries for raspberries.
“While mixing a batch of plain bars, I was inspired to add raspberry preserves and flaked coconut to the dough…and wound up with these yummy treats, now a family favorite.” —Recipe contributor Amanda Denton, Barre, Vermont
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Holiday Rum Balls
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Confectioners’ sugar, baking cocoa, vanilla wafers, chopped walnuts, rum
Level: Intermediate
After making the rum balls, we roll them in confectioners’ sugar to give them a snow-dusted appearance. Of course, you can always mix things up with cocoa powder, shredded coconut, crushed nuts or chocolate sprinkles. Store the balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll last up to two weeks.
“I use this recipe for special occasions with my wonderful family and friends. The treats are so easy to make and pack a festive rum punch.” —Recipe contributor Diane Duschanek, Council Bluffs, Iowa
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Peppermint Puff Pastry Sticks
Total Time: 30 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Frozen puff pastry, crushed peppermint candies, chocolate candy coating
Level: Easy
These impressive-looking sweets are made with frozen puff pastry, so they’re ready in a flash. They taste fantastic as an after-dinner treat, especially when dunked in coffee or hot chocolate with marshmallows.
“I wanted to impress my husband’s family with something you’d expect to find in a European bakery, and these chocolaty treats are what I came up with. The flaky pastry melts in your mouth.” —Recipe contributor Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
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Shortbread Cookies
Total Time: 40 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Unsalted butter, sugar, all-purpose flour
Level: Easy
These cookies are made with only three ingredients, so make sure to use high-quality sugar, butter and flour. We recommend European-style butter like Kerrygold butter because it contains more butterfat.
“With only a few ingredients, these butter shortbread cookies are so simple to prepare.” —Recipe contributor Pattie Prescott, Manchester, New Hampshire
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Peanut Butter Snowballs
Total Time: 15 minutes + freezingMain Ingredients: Creamy peanut butter, white candy coating, confectioners’ sugar
Level: Easy
These adorable peanut butter snowballs require no baking whatsoever. They can be made in only 15 minutes, plus a little freezing time to help them set.
“These creamy treats are a nice change from the typical milk chocolate and peanut butter combination. I once prepared them for a bake sale at my granddaughter’s school, and I’ve also put them in gift boxes to share with neighbors at Christmas.” —Recipe contributor Wanda Regula, Birmingham, Michigan
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Layered Candy Cane Dessert
Total Time: 25 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Oreo cookies, cream cheese, frozen whipped topping, crushed candy canes, white chocolate pudding
Level: Intermediate
If you’re short on oven space, put this festive no-bake dessert on the menu. The irresistible layers of cream cheese, white chocolate pudding and whipped topping are made even better with a crunchy Oreo cookie crust.
“This fabulous dessert has the magical flavor of candy canes plus the bonus of an Oreo cookie crust. And it looks like a winter wonderland.” —Recipe contributor Dawn Kreuser, Green Bay, Wisconsin
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Christmas Fudge
Total Time: 25 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Evaporated milk, milk chocolate chips, unsweetened chocolate, miniature marshmallows, toasted walnuts
Level: Easy
This recipe is fantastic as an edible gift—it makes 96 squares of fudge! Before you get started, check to make sure you’re using evaporated milk vs. condensed milk. Condensed milk contains added sugar that isn’t necessary for the already-sweet dessert.
“This fudge is virtually foolproof and so creamy you won’t believe it. I’ve searched for years for the richest fudge, and this one does it for me. You can add just about anything you like to customize it.” —Recipe contributor Barbara Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota
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Cranberry Shortbread Stars
Total Time: 35 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Butter, all-purpose flour, confectioners’ sugar, dried cranberries
Level: Easy
The recipe has six ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand in the pantry. Of course, chopped dried cranberries are the star of the show. You can use any Christmas cookie cutter if you don’t have a star-shaped cutter.
“My family loves shortbread, and I love cranberries, so I decided to put the two together. The star shape is a festive addition to my holiday cookie tray.” —Recipe contributor Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
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Pecan Banana Bundt Cake
Total Time: 55 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Yellow cake mix, ripe banana, Chinese five-spice powder, pecans
Level: Easy
We love a good store-bought shortcut, and this treat uses a package of yellow cake mix as a time-saving ingredient. It also contains Chinese five-spice powder, which gives the cake an extra boost of flavor that will make your guests rave.
“My daughter, Liz, often made this cake for us. It was delicious and different. She discovered the five-spice ingredient during a culinary class field trip.” —Recipe contributor Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
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Church Window Cookies
Total Time: 20 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Semisweet chocolate chips, miniature marshmallows, walnuts, flaked coconut
Level: Easy
These cookies look like they were made by a professional baker, but they’re easily replicated at home with just five ingredients. One reader suggests rolling the cookies in confectioners’ sugar if you aren’t a fan of coconut.
“This is a hit with kids—the little ones just love the colored marshmallows!” —Recipe contributor Emmilie Gaston, Wabash, Indiana
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Goody-Goody Gumdrops
Total Time: 20 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Unflavored gelatin, sugar, peppermint extract, red and green food coloring
Level: Easy
Christmas is all about snacking, so I like to strategically place these treats in decorative bowls wherever my guests gather. I love using red and green food coloring for the holidays, but you can use any colors you like.
“My jewel-toned squares are softer than store-bought gumdrops, and their terrific taste has a true old-fashioned quality people love. You can’t eat just one!” —Recipe contributor Richard Bunt, Painted Post, New York
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Lacy Brandy Snaps
Total Time: 40 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Brandy, all-purpose flour, sugar, heavy whipping cream, ground ginger
Level: Intermediate
You can store unfilled brandy snaps in an airtight container for up to five days, then fill each cookie with whipped cream right before eating. If you have any extra brandy, use it to make these equally tasty black-bottom brandy bites.
“These cream-filled crisps are the perfect sweet treat. Include them on a holiday cookie platter or serve at the end of the meal with coffee or tea.” —Recipe contributor Natalie Bremson, Plantation, Florida
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Ribbon Fantasy Fudge
Total Time: 20 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Evaporated milk, marshmallow creme, semisweet chocolate chips, peanut butter
Level: Easy
This fudge is made by combining gooey marshmallow cream with chocolate and peanut butter. The dreamy fudge is just as good for gifting as it is for snacking.
“I developed this recipe, especially for my husband, who likes anything that has chocolate and peanut butter together!” —Recipe contributor Marsha Ransom, South Haven, Michigan
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Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Total Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Cream cheese, butter, sugar, all-purpose flour, eggs
Level: Easy
No one will guess that this decadent pound cake uses only six ingredients. Top the finished product with fresh fruit, whipped cream and confectioners’ sugar.
“Warm a slice of this cake in the microwave for about 25 seconds. Then serve it with a scoop of butter pecan ice cream, fresh fruit or alone.” —Recipe contributor Betty Smith, Evans, Georgia
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Reindeer Cookies
Total Time: 45 minutes + standingMain Ingredients: Nutter Butter cookies, dark chocolate candy coating, miniature marshmallows, M&Ms, pretzels
Level: Easy
Kids will love decorating these cookies! Use marshmallows to form the eyes, M&Ms for the nose and pretzel pieces for the antlers.
“Gather ’round the tree on Christmas Eve and feast on these adorable reindeer cookies. If you listen closely, you might heard reindeer hoofs on the roof!” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Frozen Peppermint Delight
Total Time: 25 minutes + freezingMain Ingredients: Oreo cookies, peppermint ice cream, crushed peppermint candy, frozen whipped topping
Level: Intermediate
Calling all overachievers: You can make this simple frozen dessert up to two months in advance and stash it in the freezer for unexpected guests. There’s more than enough for everyone to have seconds (and thirds!).
“If you’re looking for a dessert that’s festive, delicious and easy to make, this is the one for you. Drizzled in hot fudge sauce and loaded with pretty peppermint pieces, this almost tempting treat will have guests asking for seconds.” —Recipe contributor Pam Lancaster, Willis, Virginia
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Cinnamon Star Cutouts
Total Time: 30 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Ground cinnamon, all-purpose flour, butter, sugar, eggs
Level: Easy
If you have a few pantry ingredients and a star cookie cutter, you can whip up these sweet, rustic cookies anytime. Enjoy them plain, or dress them up with icing, sprinkles and sugared pearls.
“These cookies fill your home with an irresistible aroma as they bake. My grandmother made them every Christmas when I was a child. I have fond memories of helping her in the kitchen.” —Recipe contributor Jean Jones, Peachtree City, Georgia
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Pretzel Strawberry Bark
Total Time: 10 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Ruby chocolate candy bars, crushed pretzels, freeze-dried strawberries
Level: Easy
This vibrant Christmas dessert bark will last up to three months in the freezer. If you plan to eat it right away, store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to two weeks.
“This is my candy version of the classic strawberry pretzel dessert. It uses ruby chocolate, which is fairly new on the market. If you can’t find it, you can substitute white chocolate in its place.” —Recipe contributor James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
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Swedish Butter Cookies
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Butter, sugar, maple syrup, confectioners’ sugar
Level: Easy
These butter cookies have a rich, decadent flavor thanks to maple syrup. This Swedish treat is one of our favorite cookies from around the world.
“It’s impossible to eat just one of these treats. Naturally, they’re a favorite with my Swedish husband and children—but anyone with a sweet tooth will appreciate these Swedish cookies. My recipe is ‘well-traveled’ among our friends and neighbors.” —Recipe contributor Sue Soderland, Elgin, Illinois
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Chocolate Almond Crescents
Total Time: 30 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: All-purpose flour, butter, sugar, chopped almonds, baking cocoa, semisweet chocolate chips
Level: Easy
You don’t need cookie cutters or special tools to make these moon-shaped sweets. Pop them in a cookie tin lined with parchment paper for a thoughtful gift, or serve them with coffee after Christmas dinner.
“If you like chocolate-covered almonds, you’re in for a treat. These buttery, crumbly cookies make a thoughtful holiday gift.” —Vicki Raatz, Waterloo, Wisconsin
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Sugarplums
Total Time: 15 minutes + standingMain Ingredients: Raisins, pitted dried plums, dried mixed fruit, chopped pecans
Level: Easy
Bring your visions of sugarplums to life! If you have a food processor, these date and nut balls are a breeze to make. They’re fantastic as a simple after-dinner sweet, but you can also serve them for breakfast.
“When our kids read about sugarplums in a holiday tale, they were intrigued … and I was too. I figured out a no-bake way to make the sweets from dried fruits and nuts.” —Recipe contributor Suzanne McKinley, Lyons, Georgia
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White Candy Bark
Total Time: 20 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: White baking chips, walnut halves, cranberries, ground nutmeg
Level: Easy
Your party guests will think you bought this bark at a fancy bakery, but it’s actually deceptively simple to make. Just melt the chocolate in the microwave, add the remaining ingredients and spread the mixture into a baking pan. If you need it to set fast, pop the pan into the freezer for about 20 minutes.
“This speedy candy recipe can be varied depending on the type of fruit or nuts you have on hand. Since we have a walnut tree, I use walnuts, but pecans could also be substituted, as well as dried cherries in place of the cranberries.” —Recipe contributor Marcia Snyder, Grand Junction, Colorado
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Pizzelle Cookies
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Aniseed, vanilla extract, anise extract, all-purpose flour, eggs, butter, sugar
Level: Easy
You’ll need a pizzelle iron to make these traditional Italian waffle cookies. It only takes a cookie or two to get the hang of the new tool, so you’ll be a pro in no time.
“These lovely, golden brown anise pizzelle cookies have a crisp texture and delicate anise flavor. I create them using a pizzelle iron.” —Recipe contributor Barbara Colucci, Rockledge, Florida
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Three-Chip English Toffee
Total Time: 45 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Milk chocolate chips, semisweet chocolate chips, white baking chips, chopped walnuts
Level: Easy
Crunchy and complex, buttery English toffee is layered with three kinds of melted chips and a sprinkling of walnuts. Place the pieces in Christmas cookie tins for coworkers, neighbors, family and friends.
“With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and scrumptiously rich flavor, this is the ultimate toffee! Layered on top are three kinds of melted chips plus a sprinkling of walnuts. Packaged in colorful tins, these pretty pieces make impressive gifts.” —Recipe contributor Lana Petfield, Richmond, Virginia
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Vanilla-Butter Sugar Cookies
Total Time: 45 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Butter, sugar, eggs, cream of tartar, baking soda, vanilla extract
Level: Intermediate
Searching for the quintessential sugar cookie recipe? Look no further. These cookies are perfectly sweet and buttery, with a tender-crisp texture. Keep in mind that they will get crispier the longer they bake, so remove them from the oven when the edges begin to brown.
“These are some of my favorite cookies to bake for Christmas. The dough recipe is versatile, and you can use it for other holidays, too. Children like to help with decorating.” —Recipe contributor Cynthia Ettel, Glencoe, Minnesota
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Maple Pralines
Total Time: 20 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Sugar, heavy whipping cream, maple syrup, chopped pecans
Level: Easy
Easy dessert recipes with five ingredients or less are perfect when you need a last-minute holiday dessert. You might as well make a double batch of these pralines—they store well and can be used as edible gifts.
“This recipe rekindles memories of my grandfather and his love for making maple syrup. When I was in college, my mother would send me a package of her pralines during sugaring season. They were so popular with my friends that I barely managed to tuck away a few for myself.” —Recipe contributor Mary Beth Cool, Canajoharie, New York
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Gooey Chocolate-Peanut Bars
Total Time: 30 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough, chocolate-covered peanuts, miniature marshmallows, butterscotch ice cream topping
Level: Easy
These tasty bars couldn’t be easier to make. Simply press refrigerated cookie dough into a baking pan, add chocolate-covered peanuts and miniature marshmallows, and bake until the bars are ooey, gooey and delicious.
“These are so easy to make and take no time at all. They’re great to package up for those college kids looking for something from home. Everyone will want this recipe.” —Recipe contributor Elaine Grimme, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
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Brown Sugar Pound Cake
Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Brown sugar, eggs, all-purpose flour, sour cream, chopped pecans
Level: Easy
To make this recipe, you’ll need a fluted tube pan or Bundt pan. Just make sure you properly grease the pan with solid shortening to prevent the cake from sticking.
“This tender pound cake is the first one I mastered. You’ll want to eat the browned butter icing by the spoonful. It tastes like pralines.” —Recipe contributor Shawn Barto, Winter Garden, Florida
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Holiday Fruitcake
Total Time: 2 hours, 20 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Red and green candied cherries, candied pineapple, golden raisins, walnut halves, all-purpose flour, eggs, shortening
Level: Easy
To elevate this classic cake, try soaking the fruit in a covered container overnight. You can use alcohol (like spiced rum or brandy) or nonalcoholic options like orange juice, apple juice or spiced tea. Then, drain the liquid before adding the fruit to the recipe.
“This is my own fruitcake recipe, and it’s a family favorite. I think it has just the right mix of nuts and fruit.” —Recipe contributor Allene Spence, Delbarton, West Virginia
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Butterscotch Gingerbread Cookies
Total Time: 25 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Butterscotch pudding, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, eggs, all-purpose flour, brown sugar
Level: Easy
Here’s a secret cookie ingredient that will keep your guests guessing: butterscotch pudding. Once the cookies have cooled, decorate them with icing and edible pearls.
“Every time I make these wonderful cookies, the spicy aroma takes me back to my childhood. I helped Mom make them and delivered them to neighbors.” —Recipe contributor Kara Cook, Elk Ridge, Utah
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Total Time: 1 hourMain Ingredients: Almond extract, cranberries, chopped pecans, all-purpose flour, eggs, butter, sugar
Level: Easy
Quick, you have an hour until your guests arrive, and you’re expecting 20 people! With this foolproof big-batch dessert, you can spend less time baking and more time socializing. Serve it with homemade cranberry orange sauce to make it even more special.
“You can’t beat this recipe to showcase true fall flavor. The ruby cranberries stay bright and beautiful, and their tartness is irresistible. I’ve made this cake many times to share.” —Recipe contributor Marilyn Paradis, Woodburn, Oregon
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Date Nut Balls
Total Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Rice Krispies, chopped pistachios, pitted dates, sugar, vanilla
Level: Intermediate
These simple date balls are decadent, chewy and naturally sweet. While you can buy prechopped dates at the grocery store, our readers recommend chopping fresh dates by hand for the best texture.
“A friend gave me this recipe more than 30 years ago. It is my husband’s favorite treat. I like these with pecans or walnuts. If you do not like nuts, omit the nuts and use extra Rice Krispies.” —Recipe contributor Melinda Lord, Washington, Iowa
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Irish Creme Chocolate Trifle
Total Time: 50 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Devil’s food cake mix, Irish creme nondairy creamer, instant chocolate pudding mix, whipping topping
Level: Easy
We love any excuse to make trifle recipes, and this six-ingredient wonder doesn’t disappoint. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a shot of espresso.
“I was given a bottle of Irish cream liqueur as a gift and had leftover peppermint candy, so I created this delicious trifle. It’s always rich and decadent.” —Recipe contributor Margaret Wilson, Sun City, California
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Butter Mint Cookies
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Butter, confectioners’ sugar, peppermint extract, all-purpose flour, green colored sugar
Level: Easy
Peppermint extract gives these cookies their minty finish. The recipe makes three dozen cookies, which may sound like a lot. But they’re so delicious that everyone will gobble them up in no time.
“These delicate mint cookies were a big hit when I made them for a party at work.” —Recipe contributor Anita Epitropou, Zion, Illinois
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Cherry Surprise Cookies
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Cookie dough, chocolate kisses, candied cherry halves
Level: Easy
If you master our basic cookie dough recipe, you can make all kinds of unique cookie creations. For starters, try these colorful cuties with a chocolate surprise inside.
“I tuck a rich chocolate surprise into each of these cute bites. Candied cherries add a colorful finishing touch.” —Recipe contributor Gloria McBride, Payson, Utah
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Eggnog Cheesecake
Total Time: 1 hour + chillingMain Ingredients: Graham cracker crumbs, cream cheese, eggs, eggnog, rum extract
Level: Easy
Our favorite holiday drink meets our favorite year-round dessert. Refrigerate the cheesecake overnight for the best texture—if you can wait that long, of course.
“I make good use of extra eggnog by baking this luscious cheesecake. A bit of rum extract adds a distinctive taste.” —Recipe contributor Kristen Grula, Hazleton, Pennsylvania
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White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch
Total Time: 20 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: White candy coating, butter, canola oil, chopped peppermint candies
Level: Easy
Transform your kitchen into a high-end bakery with these sweet and crunchy treats. To make the bark taste even mintier, our readers suggest stirring a teaspoon of peppermint extract into the melted candy coating.
“This is my favorite confection to make at Christmas. Not only is it easy, it’s delicious as well. I like to fill small bags with the crunchy candy to place in gift baskets.” —Recipe contributor Nancy Shelton, Boaz, Kentucky
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Butter Pecan Fudge
Total Time: 20 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Butter, sugar, heavy whipping cream, chopped pecans, vanilla extract
Level: Easy
Instead of shopping for presents this year, give the gift of decadent butter pecan fudge. In 20 minutes, you’ll have 64 pieces ready for gifting or snacking.
“Toasted pecans add a nutty crunch to this creamy fudge, perfect for holiday giving. People always seem to rave about its wonderful caramel flavor.” —Recipe contributor Pam Smith, Alta Loma, California
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Dipped Gingersnaps
Total Time: 30 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Sugar, butter, all-purpose flour, molasses, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, white baking chips
Level: Easy
Here, a classic cookie gets a snazzy new makeover with a white chocolate drizzle. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
“I get tremendous satisfaction making and giving time-tested yuletide treats like these soft, chewy cookies. Dipping them in white chocolate makes much-loved gingersnaps even more special.” —Recipe contributor Laura Kimball, West Jordan, Utah
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Little Holiday Cakes
Total Time: 35 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Pastry for double-crust pie, seedless raspberry jam, red velvet cake mix, vanilla frosting
Level: Easy
These little cakes are adorable—and they’re super easy to make. Store-bought pie dough and red velvet cake mix do most of the heavy lifting in this recipe.
“My college friend shared this cupcake recipe that has pie crust on the bottom, raspberry jam in the middle and cake on top—scrumptious for a buffet or potluck.” —Recipe contributor Dana Beckstrom, Salt Lake City, Utah
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Jeweled Thumbprints
Total Time: 35 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Egg yolk, butter, sugar, almond extract, all-purpose flour, raspberry preserves
Level: Easy
This holiday favorite can be made ahead and frozen for later. Just layer the unfilled cookies between wax paper in freezer containers and pop them in the freezer. Thaw them a day before your event and fill them with preserves just before serving.
“When I moved here from Malta more than 20 years ago, a kind neighbor lady took me under her wing and baked many cookies for me. This is one of her recipes that I treasure.” —Recipe contributor Maria Debono, New York, New York
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Easy Peanut Butter Balls
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Light corn syrup, sugar, peanut butter, vanilla extract, cornflakes
Level: Intermediate
These peanut butter balls have a satisfying crunchy texture. They contain cornflakes, which are magical when combined with sugar and peanut butter.
“These simple peanut butter cornflake cookies are a snap to make. In fact, I can whip them up in minutes for school lunches. The little treats are a big hit with any crowd—young or old.” —Recipe contributor Marg Mitro, Grafton, Ontario
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Ginger-Walnut Tube Cake
Total Time: 1 hour + coolingMain Ingredients: All-purpose flour, brewed coffee, sour cream, molasses, chopped walnuts, ground and crystallized ginger
Level: Easy
You’ll need to toast nuts for this recipe, but don’t worry—it’s simple. Preheat the oven to 350°F, then bake the nuts for five to ten minutes. If you don’t have an oven, heat the nuts in a skillet over low heat.
“My husband, Ken, loves this tube cake with its bits of crystallized ginger. Feel free to drizzle it with a lemony glaze.” —Recipe contributor Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
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Kipplens
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Butter, sugar, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, chopped pecans
Level: Easy
Kipplens taste similar to a Mexican wedding cake. If you aren’t a fan of nuts, one reader suggests swapping the pecans for mini chocolate chips. Or, hey, you could add both for a salty and sweet mixture.
“My Great-Aunt Hilda makes this recipe every Christmas, and everybody loves them! Kipplens taste a lot like Mexican wedding cakes, but I like my aunt’s version better.” —Recipe contributor Susan Bohannon, Kokomo, Indiana
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Tender Pecan Logs
Total Time: 30 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, chopped pecans
Level: Easy
This six-ingredient recipe requires just 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes to bake, so they’re an excellent last-minute addition to your cookie tray. Serve them with coffee or tea.
“Folks always ask me to make these tender nutty logs. Not overly sweet, they’re just right with a steaming cup of coffee or tea.” —Recipe contributor Joyce Beck, Gadsden, Alabama
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Cream Cheese Spritz
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Cream cheese, eggs, sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, orange zest
Level: Easy
A cookie press is required to make spritz cookies, and there’s a bit of a learning curve. Don’t worry if the dough sticks to the mold at first. Just pop the dough back into the refrigerator and try again when it’s a bit cooler.
“A hint of orange and cinnamon highlights these Christmastime classics. I like to add colorful sprinkles before baking them. The recipe is from a booklet that came with a cookie press in the 1950s…and I still have the press!” —Recipe contributor Sarah Bedia, Lake Jackson, Texas
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Sacher Torte Squares
Total Time: 1 hour + chillingMain Ingredients: Devil’s food cake mix, dark chocolate chips, apricot preserves, apricot cake and pastry filling
Level: Intermediate
Sacher torte is an Austrian chocolate cake invented in Vienna in the 1800s. It contains apricot cake and pastry filling, which is available in the baking section of many large grocery stores.
“Sacher torte is a Viennese cake that requires several steps. My squares are an easy alternative, but they still feature the classic apricot and chocolate flavors.” —Recipe contributor Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
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Cranberry Lime Macaroons
Total Time: 30 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Egg whites, sugar, lime zest, shredded coconut, dried cranberries
Level: Easy
While macarons are a French cookie that’s fussy and tricky to make, macaroons are decidedly easier. This version is especially simple because it requires no special ingredients.
“It wouldn’t be the holidays for my family and friends if I didn’t make these chewy lime-flavored macaroons. I usually make several batches a week during the season.” —Recipe contributor Alisa Costa, Chatham, New York
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Red Velvet Spritz Cookies
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Butter, sugar, cream cheese, all-purpose flour, red paste food coloring, baking cocoa, sprinkles
Level: Easy
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas—in your kitchen, that is. Cream cheese, peppermint extract and baking cocoa make these spritz cookies exceptionally flavorful.
“I had never come across a red velvet spritz recipe, so I decided to create one. The hint of cocoa makes these taste like red velvet cake. Add peppermint flavoring for a little extra kick.” —Recipe contributor Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
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Fudgy Macaroon Bars
Total Time: 1 hour + coolingMain Ingredients: Unsweetened chocolate, sweetened shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, almond extract
Level: Intermediate
Once you’ve mastered these chewy bars, you’ll be ready to open your own bakery. One 13×9-inch baking pan makes three dozen bars, so there’s more than enough for everyone.
“Anyone with a sweet tooth will make a beeline for my dessert tray when these rich squares show up. They’re attractive on the platter and delectable with fudge and coconut.” —Recipe contributor Beverly Zdurne, East Lansing, Michigan
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Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
Total Time: 25 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Butter, creamy peanut butter, all-purpose flour, milk chocolate kisses, brown sugar
Level: Easy
It doesn’t get more traditional than this Christmas favorite. Try making them with crunchy peanut butter to switch up the texture, or make homemade peanut butter to give the cookies a homey touch.
“Here’s proof that peanut butter and chocolate just belong together. These peanut butter blossoms are an easy family favorite and never fail to make my children smile.” —Recipe contributor Tammie Merrill, Wake Forest, North Carolina
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Caramel Candy
Total Time: 40 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Butter, sugar, dark corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk
Level: Easy
Great for game night and sitting around the fireplace, these melt-in-your-mouth caramels are about a billion times better than store-bought. Use a candy thermometer for the best taste and texture.
“I discovered this caramel recipe in a local newspaper years ago and have made these soft, buttery caramels ever since. I make them for Christmas, picnics and charity auctions. They are so much better than store-bought caramels. Once people have a taste, they ask for the recipe.” —Recipe contributor Marcie Wolfe, Williamsburg, Virginia
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Miniature Christmas Fruitcakes
Total Time: 50 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Raisins, candied fruit, chopped nuts, butter, sugar, eggs, all-purpose flour
Level: Intermediate
What’s even better than fruitcake? Adorable mini fruitcakes! These tiny treats are ready to eat in less than an hour.
“I’ve found that people who normally won’t eat fruitcake make an exception when they sample these. Using mini muffin pans for baking creates fun, single-serving cakes.” —Recipe contributor Libby Over, Phillipsburg, Ohio
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Chocolate Butterscotch Haystacks
Total Time: 25 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Semisweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, crispy chow mein noodles
Level: Intermediate
Crispy chow mein noodles are the secret ingredient in these three-ingredient haystacks. To avoid dirtying a saucepan, melt the chocolate in the microwave.
“My grandmother made these haystack cookies and gave them to my cousin Vonnie and me when our parents didn’t want us to have any more sweets.” —Recipe contributor Christine Schwester, Divide, Colorado
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Berry Dream Cake
Total Time: 45 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: White cake mix, cherry gelatin, cream cheese, strawberries, whipped topping
Level: Easy
Cream cheese, white cake mix and cherry gelatin create a moist and fluffy cake that tastes like, well, a dream. Serve it with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream.
“I use cherry gelatin to give a boxed cake mix an eye-appealing marbled effect. It’s so festive-looking. Top it with whatever fruit you like!” —Recipe contributor Margaret McNeil, Germantown, Tennessee
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Matcha Bark
Total Time: 10 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: White baking chips, matcha, sesame rice crackers, culinary lemon oil
Level: Easy
Matcha bark is the unexpected treat that everyone will ask about. White baking chips combine with culinary lemon oil, matcha (green tea powder) and sesame rice crackers to create a brilliant green bark that will steal the show.
“How could you not love this brilliant green color? The flavor is a little earthy, and it pairs well with lemon.” —Recipe contributor James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
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Rainbow S’moreo Cookies
Total Time: 25 minutes + freezingMain Ingredients: Butter, sugar, eggs, all-purpose flour, baking cocoa, marshmallow creme, rainbow sprinkles
Level: Easy
There’s no cookie cutter or rolling pin needed for these homemade Oreo-style cookies. Just roll the dough into 1-inch balls and flatten them with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar. Feel free to use Christmas-colored sprinkles if that’s what you have on hand.
“Homemade Oreo-style cookies are pretty great on their own, but they’re even better when you add graham cracker crumbs to the cookie dough, stuff them with marshmallow creme and roll them in sprinkles. You can change the color of the sprinkles depending on the holiday or occasion.” —Recipe contributor Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
