61 Brand-New Christmas Dessert Ideas

Hot Chocolate Cookies

Using hot chocolate mix and marshmallow bits in the cookie dough really makes these cookies taste like hot cocoa. — Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Hungry for more? Try these chocolate Christmas desserts.

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This recipe comes to us from Editor Lisa Kaminski. Check out our staffers’ holiday essentials.

Chocolate Yule Log

For many years, this impressive chocolate Yule log recipe has been a favorite Christmas dessert for our family— everyone just loves it! Plus, I’m always asked to bring the rich chocolaty treat to our annual church Christmas function.

Don’t forget to stock your kitchen with essential Christmas baking supplies.

Peppermint Bark Trifle

We’re always looking for those showstopping Christmas dessert ideas. This one is very impressive, but couldn’t be easier to make. No one will ever know it’s made with a store-bought angel food cake. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor

Cranberry Christmas Cake

The ruby cranberries in this recipe stay bright and beautiful, and their tartness is irresistible. I’ve made this cranberry Christmas cake many times to share. —Marilyn Paradis, Woodburn, Oregon

Dark Chocolate Bourbon Balls

Remember the days at Grandma and Grandpa’s house when you made these wonderfully traditional treats? The blended taste of bourbon and pecans is irresistible—the flavor is a must for Christmas desserts! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Cranberry Apple Sheet Pie

My husband loves pie, so I made one with apples, raspberries and cranberries. This apple cranberry slab pie is so good, I bend the rules and let the grandkids have it for breakfast. —Brenda Smith, Curran, Michigan

Peppermint Meltaways

This recipe for peppermint meltaways is very pretty and festive-looking on a cookie platter. I often cover a plate of these peppermint cookies with red or green plastic wrap and a bright holiday bow in one corner. And yes, they really do melt in your mouth! —Denise Wheeler, Newaygo, Michigan

Pumpkin Chocolate Tart with Cinnamon Whipped Cream

This recipe is from my second cookbook, The Vintage Baker, and it is a personal fave. I love the (underappreciated) combo of pumpkin and chocolate. This tart has a chocolate cookie crust, but you can substitute a different cookie for the crust if you would like. Gingersnaps would be lovely, as would vanilla wafers flavored with cinnamon. —Jessie Sheehan, Brooklyn, New York, Jessie Sheehan Bakes

Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies

These festive sugar-coated red velvet cookies are perfect for Christmas. They're just as delicious as they are beautiful. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark

Classic dark chocolate peppermint bark gets a new look by swirling dark and white chocolate together. You can also layer them if you wish. Be sure to use real peppermint oil (not extract) so your chocolate won’t seize into a big clump. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor

Armagnac Chocolate Almond Tart

I am a pecan pie lover…this is my twist on pecan pie. I use almonds instead of pecans and golden syrup instead of corn syrup. Both chocolate and Armagnac make this tart really special. Don’t skip on toasting the almonds, it brings out the nuttiness of the pie. — Phoebe Saad, Framingham, Massachusetts

Cranberry Peach Cobbler

This cobbler is a little nontraditional but it will soon be at the front of your recipe list. Serve it warm with French vanilla ice cream. —Grace Sandvigen, Rochester, New York

Hot Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

This is a variation of the cookies my mother made when I was growing up. Now my 13-year-old daughter and I bake them together. They’re always a huge hit! The taste is like rich hot chocolate baked into a scrumptious cookie. —Larry Piklor, Johnsburg, Illinois

Keto Snowball Cookies

If you’re on the ketogenic diet or just looking to lower carbs, making keto snowball cookies from scratch is a wonderful option for a sweet snack or after-dinner treat. Look for erythritol, which is made by multiple brands, near the sugar substitutes in the baking aisle. —Dawn Parker, Surrey, British Columbia

Spiced Pomegranate-Pear Cake

This Christmas dessert idea is a delicious combination of tender cake, tart fruit and rich buttercream. It is also beautiful and stays moist for days. —Kelly Koutahi, Moore, Oklahoma

Snowman Oreo Balls

Get the kids involved with making these adorable snowman Oreo balls. They can help roll, dip and decorate! A small box of these cuties makes a delicious food gift during the holidays. —Carla Giorgio, New York City, New York

Peppermint Cheesecake

People are thrilled when they see me coming with this rich, smooth cheesecake—it’s always a crowd pleaser. Not only does it look sensational, but it is so scrumptious. —Carrie Price, Ottawa, Illinois

Festive Meringue Cookies

Try these meringue cookies without cream of tartar! This Christmas dessert idea sparkles not only during the holidays but for other occasions year-round. Use colored sugar or food coloring to change things up. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Chocolate Yule Log

Christmas Pavlova

Crisp and crunchy on the outside, soft and almost marshmallowy on the inside, this elegant pavlova gets dressed up for the holidays. —James Schend Taste of Home Deputy Editor

Holiday Mocha Spritz

When I began to use my spritz press, this mocha recipe was the first flavor combination I tried. It took a few attempts to get the hang of it, but now I’m playing with a new dough and disc every time I make them. I plan on making several batches throughout the year. —Shelly L. Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon

Cranberry Nutella Sandwich Cookies

I created these cookies for my family after I realized that we had been without Nutella for far too long! The tart dried cranberries are a natural pairing to the hazelnut flavor. We can’t get enough of these sweet treats!
—Nancy Mock, Colchester, Vermont

Chocolate Velvet Dessert

This creamy concoction is the result of several attempts to duplicate a dessert I enjoyed on vacation. It looks so beautiful on a buffet table that many folks are tempted to forgo the main course in favor of this chocolaty treat. —Molly Seidel, Edgewood, New Mexico

Lingonberry-Cardamom Cake

Our family is Scandinavian, and we love using almonds, cardamom and lingonberries in desserts, as in this cardamom cake. If lingonberry jam is difficult to obtain, you can use pureed cranberry sauce with a little lemon juice to get a similar sweet-tart flavor. Whipped cream is a perfect topping for this Scandinavian-inspired dessert. —Barbara Kvale, Cologne, Minnesota

Candy Cane Souffle

Trying to think of Christmas dessert ideas? I came up with this one by modifying one of my mom’s gelatin-based recipes. The pretty pink sweet is a welcome sight on the table.—Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California

Southern Sweet Potato Tart

Our family loves sweet potatoes, so I try to incorporate them in as many dishes as I can. My secret ingredient is the bourbon—it’s what makes this tart so delicious. —Marie Bruno, Watkinsville, Georgia

Gnome Cookies

Everywhere we went on our trip through Copenhagen, these sprightly wee folk greeted us. I just had to create a cookie!
—James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

Gluten-Free Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These gluten-free chocolate crinkle cookies are a family favorite. The ground almonds make them even better. —Karen Kelly, Germantown, Maryland

Almond Custard Cake

This white cake pairs well with all sorts of frostings and fillings, but the chocolate frosting in this recipe is one of my favorites. Pressed for time? Add 1/2 tsp. of almond extract to a white cake mix instead. —Diane Shipley, Mentor, Ohio

Christmas M&M’s Cookies

These M&M Christmas cookies make any cookie platter feel festive. Swap in pastel M&M’s for Easter and orange and brown for Halloween. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Holiday Sweet Potato Cheesecake

Family and friends can’t seem to get enough of this deliciously different cheesecake that combines my two favorite desserts—sweet potato pie and cheesecake. I think the dessert tastes best if made 24-48 hours prior to serving. —Melanie Bauder, Manlius, New York

Rosemary Shortbread Christmas Tree Cookies

These lovely treats are a traditional part of our Christmas cookie platter. Because the scent of rosemary and the shape of its leaves remind me of pine needles, I cut these using a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter. They are fragile, so handle the dough and baked cookies carefully. —Amy Bartlett, Depew, New York

Air-Fryer Scottish Shortbread

Give air-fryer baking a try with this easy cookie recipe. It was my mother’s recipe, and she passed it on to me. I make a triple batch of it each year at Christmas, to enjoy and to give as gifts. —Rose Mabee, Selkirk, Manitoba

Bread Pudding with Nutmeg

I always make this bread pudding recipe for my dad on his birthday and on holidays. He says it tastes exactly like the bread pudding with nutmeg he enjoyed as a child. —Donna Powell, Montgomery City, Missouri

Tiramisu Cookies

These tiramisu cookies bring out the delicious flavors of tiramisu, sandwich-style. Pack these treats in a decorative container for an easy edible hostess gift. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Pumpkin Cannoli Cake Roll

My family has been serving this pumpkin roll every Christmas Eve for as long as I can remember. This last Christmas was no exception. Traditions are so heartwarming. This cake is not too sweet—the perfect ending to a special dinner. —Carolyn Rockwell, Milwaukie, Oregon

Italian Chocolate Spice Cookies

I recently found this old family recipe in my mom’s kitchen. I made a few adjustments to streamline the process, and the cookies turned out wonderfully. —Shawn Barto, Winter Garden, Florida

Cast-Iron White Chocolate Tart

This decadent dessert is worth every calorie. If you aren’t a fan of citrus, leave out the orange flavoring and the white chocolate will shine through. —Phoebe Saad, Framingham, Massachusetts

Glazed Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread cookies are classics and always welcome on my table. But when I want to punch up the flavor a bit, I reach for the brown sugar. It gives these tender cookies a subtle caramel flavor. —Shirley Gardiner, Clearwater, Manitoba

Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake

After making some delicious dessert bars, I was determined to turn the recipe into a chocolate peppermint cheesecake. This festive dessert is the result and one of my favorites to serve for the holidays. Whether I share it with family or give it as a gift, it always receives rave reviews. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Peppermint Cream Sandwich Cookies

My mother and I made these crisp chocolate peppermint sandwich cookies together. They are a perfect addition to any party. —Donna Williamson, Round Rock, Texas

Eggnog Tres Leches Cake

When the holidays roll around, my family eagerly anticipates sampling this cake. Its rich eggnog flavor is delightful. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois

Peanut Butter Cinnamon Snap Cookies

These peanut butter cinnamon cookies are an amazing Christmas dessert idea. Use fun cookie cutters for any occasion you are celebrating. The cookie glaze dries shiny, so they look professional. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California

Frozen Snowflake Gingerbread Cookies

These snowflake cookies will melt in your mouth as soon as they hit your tongue. Experiment with your favorite colors and give your cookie trays an unexpected twist. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Shortcut Peppermint Layer Cake

When I first made this cake it was snowing outside, the entire family was home, and we enjoyed it all together. A perfectly pretty holiday cake for a perfect holiday moment! Be sure to measure the peppermint extract carefully—it’s strong, and a little bit goes a very long way. —Mindie Hilton, Susanville, California

Buddy the Elf Bark

Drawing inspiration from one of our favorite holiday movies, this Christmas dessert idea incorporates ramen noodles with chocolate, candy and everyone’s favorite—marshmallows. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor

Orange Cranberry Cookie Bars

These cranberry cookie bars combine two beloved holiday flavors and top a delicious soft crust with cream cheese icing. We enjoy these during the holiday season. —Jennifer Blakely, Visalia, California

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake

This bourbon pecan cheesecake will wow your guests and your taste buds. Serve at any other special occasion throughout the year. —Rashanda Cobbins, Taste of Home Food Editor

Santa’s Elf Cookies

These rosy-cheeked elf cookies will make a showstopping addition to your holiday cookie tray. Or set them atop cupcakes for an extra-cute treat. —Josh Rink, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Want a fast-food Santa-inspired dessert? This year’s Krispy Kreme Christmas doughnuts include a Santa belly doughnut!

Mocha-Walnut Macarons

These mocha macarons perfectly capture the chocolate, nutty flavor of my favorite gourmet coffee. Store in an airtight container. —Christine Venzon, Peoria, Illinois

Bread Pudding Pie

This unique dessert is a bread pudding-pie combo. It was created by my paternal grandmother’s family. They had a farm and made their own bread, which made this a low-cost dessert. — Kelly Barnes, Lexington, Indiana

Winning Cranberry Cheesecake

The holidays wouldn’t be complete without cranberries and eggnog. I use them both in this flavorful cheesecake that’s the perfect finale for a special dinner. Set it out at the start of the meal, not just to solicit “oohs” and “aahs,” but to remind folks to save room for dessert! —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey

Anise Pizzelle

These lovely, golden brown anise pizzelle cookies have a crisp texture and delicate anise flavor. I create them using a pizzelle iron. —Barbara Colucci, Rockledge, Florida

Creamy Coconut Peppermint Pie

Garnished with toasted coconut and more peppermint candy, this creamy Christmas dessert welcomes the holidays! Look for premade shortbread crusts in the baking aisle of the grocery store. —Cheryl Perry, Hertford, North Carolina

Festive Meringue Christmas Trees

These meringues are eye-catching on the dessert table at a holiday party, and they taste heavenly! Look no further for the perfect treat to get you into the Christmas spirit. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Red Velvet Pound Cake

This delicious red velvet pound cake is the perfect combination of flavors. Make sure the cake has cooled before icing it; for extra crunch sprinkle some roasted pecans on top. —Robin Smith, Old Fort, North Carolina

Andes Mint Cookies

Transform your favorite candy into a baked treat! These Andes mint cookies are better than any after-dinner mint. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Apple Gingerbread Skillet Cake

This gingerbread recipe came from my grandmother, and we always ate it with warm applesauce. I adapted it into a one-pan dessert by layering the apples around the bottom of a cast-iron skillet and topping them with the gingerbread batter. The skillet creates a wonderfully thick crust on the gingerbread. —Mary M. Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina

Mint Swirl Fudge Cake

Mint pairs with a silky, mild chocolate flavor for this colorful, beautiful cake that will be the talk of the holiday party. —Heidi Kelly, Norwood, Missouri

Gingerbread Amaretti Cookies

The classic Italian cookie gets a new gingerbread twist! Don’t overbake—they should be slightly chewy. —Tina Zaccardi, Eastchester, New York