15 Festive Holiday Baking Recipes for the Family to Try This Year

Just like Santa's workshop, you'll be busy creating a winter wonderland of treats with these 15 festive holiday baking recipes. You'll discover classic desserts and new favorites. What sweet traditions will you start this year?

1. Classic Sugar Cookie Recipes

Classic sugar cookies are a timeless holiday favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
7. Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into desired shapes.
8. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Decorate with colored sugar or sprinkles as desired.

2. Gingerbread Men and Women

Classic holiday treat made with molasses and spices.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Use a cookie cutter to cut out the gingerbread men and women.
9. Place the cut-out cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
11. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Decorate the cooled cookies with icing and candy as desired.

3. Cranberry Orange Scones

Buttery Cranberry Orange Scones are perfect for a holiday breakfast.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, orange zest, and orange juice.
5. Add the cream mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until the dough just comes together.
6. Gently fold in the cranberries.
7. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and pat it into a circle that is about 1 inch thick.
8. Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out scones.
9. Gather the scraps, re-form the dough, and cut out additional scones.
10. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before serving.

4. Chocolate Peppermint Bark

Rich, velvety chocolate and invigorating peppermint come together in a simple, yet elegant treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
• 1 tablespoon shortening
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the dark chocolate chips in a double boiler or in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
3. Stir in the shortening and peppermint extract until smooth.
4. Pour the melted dark chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet.
5. Melt the white chocolate chips in a double boiler or in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
6. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the dark chocolate layer.
7. Immediately sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the top of the white chocolate layer.
8. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until set.
9. Break the bark into pieces and serve.

5. Holiday Cookie Exchange Ideas

Sugar cookie favorites for holiday exchange.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until a dough forms.
6. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into desired shapes.
7. Place cookies on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack.
10. Decorate with colored sugar or sprinkles once cookies are completely cool.

6. Easy Gingerbread House Recipes

Classic gingerbread house recipe perfect for holidays.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• Royal icing for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until well combined.
5. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until a dough forms.
6. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Use a large cookie cutter or a knife to cut out house pieces.
9. Place pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch.
11. Allow pieces to cool completely before assembling the house with royal icing.
12. Decorate the house with royal icing and candies.

7. Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes

Delicious cupcakes combining peppermint and mocha flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, milk, eggs, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Fold in crushed candy canes and chocolate chips.
6. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.

8. Snowman Oreo Cookies

Adorable snowman-themed cookies made with Oreos and festive toppings.

Ingredients

• 1 package of Oreo cookies
• 1 cup of white frosting
• 1/2 cup of black gel icing
• 1/4 cup of orange gel icing
• 1/4 cup of black sprinkles
• 1/4 cup of red sprinkles

Instructions

1. Allow the Oreos to come to room temperature for easier handling.
2. Dip the top of each Oreo into the white frosting, creating a snowy effect.
3. Use the black gel icing to draw on buttons and a mouth for the snowman.
4. Use the orange gel icing to create a nose for the snowman.
5. Use the black and red sprinkles to create a hat and scarf for the snowman.
6. Allow the cookies to dry completely before serving.

9. Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

Rich and creamy eggnog cheesecake bars with a buttery crust.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 16 ounces cream cheese
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup eggnog
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs and sugar, then stir in melted butter until well combined.
3. Press crumb mixture into prepared baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth, then add granulated sugar and beat until combined.
5. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by eggnog, vanilla extract, and nutmeg.
6. Pour cheesecake batter over baked crust and smooth top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
8. Let cool completely in pan before cutting into bars and serving.

10. Santa Hat Brownies

Rich, fudgy brownies topped with white frosting and a red stripe to resemble Santa's hat.

Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter
• 2 cups of sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup of white frosting
• 1/4 cup of red frosting

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
2. Melt the butter and sugar in a medium saucepan over low heat.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the cocoa powder until well combined.
4. Let cool slightly, then stir in the vanilla extract and eggs.
5. Add the flour and salt, stirring until just combined.
6. Stir in the chocolate chips.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
8. Let cool completely in the pan.
9. Frost the top of the brownies with the white frosting.
10. Use the red frosting to create a stripe across the top of the brownies, resembling Santa's hat.

11. Reindeer Food and Treats

Wholesome reindeer treats to delight Santa's helpers.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup golden syrup
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts
• 1/4 cup glitter edible decoration
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, syrup, and brown sugar.
3. Stir in chopped nuts and dried cranberries.
4. Spoon the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Allow the mixture to cool, then sprinkle with glitter edible decoration.
7. Break the treat into pieces and serve to reindeer.

12. Snowflake Sugar Cookies

Snowflake Sugar Cookies are a classic holiday treat with delicate designs.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness.
7. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
8. Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
10. Allow cookies to cool before decorating with colored sugar or sprinkles.

13. Hot Chocolate Cookie Sandwiches

Rich, chewy cookies filled with hot chocolate goodness.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot chocolate mix
• 1 cup marshmallow creme
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. Cream together butter and sugars in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
6. Stir in hot chocolate mix and chocolate chips.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
10. Spread a tablespoon of marshmallow creme on one cookie and top with another to create a sandwich.
11. Serve immediately and enjoy.

14. Candy Cane Pretzel Rods

Sweet and salty pretzel rods dipped in white chocolate and sprinkled with crushed candy canes.

Ingredients

• 1 bag of pretzel rods
• 1 cup of white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup of crushed candy canes
• 1 tablespoon of shortening

Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
3. Dip each pretzel rod into the melted white chocolate, coating about 2/3 of the rod.
4. Immediately sprinkle the crushed candy canes onto the white chocolate before it hardens.
5. Place the dipped pretzel rods on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the chocolate.
7. Serve and enjoy.

15. Christmas Tree Brownie Pops

Rich, fudgy brownies on a stick, shaped like Christmas trees.

Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter
• 2 cups of sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter
• Lollipop sticks or cake pops sticks
• Holiday-themed sprinkles or decorations

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Melt the butter and sugar in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cocoa powder until well combined.
4. Let the mixture cool slightly, then stir in the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time.
5. Add the flour and salt to the saucepan and stir until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan, then use the Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
9. Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
10. Dip the end of a lollipop stick into the melted chocolate and insert it into the top of each brownie tree.
11. Dip the brownie trees into the melted chocolate, using a fork or dipping tool to fully coat.
12. Decorate with holiday-themed sprinkles or decorations before the chocolate hardens.
13. Serve and enjoy!

Conclusion

You'll bake a million unforgettable treats with these 15 festive recipes! From classic sugar cookies to chocolate peppermint bark, your family will create a holiday tradition that's a thousand times more fun and delicious than ever before, making this season one to treasure forever.