20 Decadent Christmas Chocolate Recipes to Satisfy Cravings

I've always believed there's something truly magical about Christmas. It's a season filled with joy, warmth, and indulgence—all of which are perfectly captured in decadent chocolate treats. Every year, I find myself diving deep into my kitchen, creating rich and luscious recipes that make the holidays even more special.

This year, I've gathered 20 of my absolute favorites to share with you. These recipes aren't just delicious; they're sure to impress your family and friends, making your festive celebrations even sweeter. So, without further ado, let's dive into 20 Decadent Christmas Chocolate Recipes to Satisfy Cravings.

1. Classic Chocolate Yule Log

A traditional French dessert, this Yule Log is a showstopper for any holiday table.

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup dark chocolate, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Beat the eggs and sugar until thick and pale.
3. Sift in the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Fold gently.
4. Spread the batter evenly on the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Let it cool.
6. For the filling, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add melted chocolate and mix well.
7. Spread the filling on the cooled cake and roll it up.
8. Dust with cocoa powder and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

2. Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

These cookies are a peppermint twist on a chocolate favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the peppermint extract.
4. Mix in the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheets.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until set. Let cool before transferring to a wire rack.

3. Chocolate-Covered Cherry Truffles

A delightful combo of cherries and rich chocolate, perfect for gifting or indulging.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 12 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup dried cherries, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup cherry liqueur (optional)
• Cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions:

1. Heat the cream in a saucepan until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat.
2. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and stir until melted.
3. Mix in the cherries and cherry liqueur.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 2 hours.
5. Scoop out small portions and roll into balls.
6. Dust with cocoa powder and chill until firm.

4. Chocolate Hazelnut Bark

Easy to make and great for sharing, this bark combines rich chocolate with crunchy hazelnuts.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup toasted hazelnuts, chopped
• Sea salt flakes

Instructions:

1. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water.
2. Stir in the toasted hazelnuts.
3. Pour the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Spread evenly and sprinkle with sea salt flakes.
5. Refrigerate until firm, then break into pieces.

5. Hot Chocolate Bombs

These bombs reveal a delightful surprise when dropped into hot milk.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• Mini marshmallows

Instructions:

1. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water.
2. Coat silicone molds with the melted chocolate and let it set.
3. Mix the cocoa powder and powdered sugar together.
4. Fill one half of each mold with the cocoa mixture and mini marshmallows.
5. Seal with another chocolate shell and smooth the edges.
6. To serve, place a bomb in a mug and pour hot milk over it.

6. Spicy Chocolate Bark

A touch of chili gives this chocolate bark an unexpected kick.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water.
2. Stir in the chili powder and cayenne pepper.
3. Pour the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.
5. Refrigerate until firm, then break into pieces.

7. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels

Sweet and salty with a satisfying crunch, these pretzels are a Christmas favorite.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz chocolate, chopped
• Pretzel rods
• Sprinkles or crushed candy canes for decoration

Instructions:

1. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water.
2. Dip each pretzel rod into the melted chocolate, coating it well.
3. Lay on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Decorate with sprinkles or crushed candy canes.
5. Let the chocolate set before serving.

8. Mint Chocolate Fudge

Creamy and refreshing, this fudge is easy to make and perfect for mint lovers.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups white chocolate chips
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon mint extract
• Green food coloring
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Line an 8-inch square pan with foil and lightly grease it.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and condensed milk.
3. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted.
4. Stir in the mint extract and food coloring.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan.
6. Melt dark chocolate chips and drizzle over the mint fudge.
7. Refrigerate until firm, then cut into squares.

9. Chocolate Mousse

Light, airy, and indulgent, chocolate mousse makes an elegant holiday dessert.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 cup water
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Melt the chocolate with water in a heatproof bowl over simmering water.
2. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Whisk the egg yolks into the chocolate mixture.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
5. Fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture.
6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and gently fold into the mixture.
7. Spoon into serving dishes and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

10. Almond Chocolate Toffee

This crunchy and sweet treat makes a great gift for the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dark chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup toasted almonds, chopped

Instructions:

1. In a heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add sugar and salt, and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns a light brown color.
3. Pour onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Immediately sprinkle the chopped chocolate over the hot toffee and spread evenly.
5. Sprinkle with toasted almonds and let cool completely.
6. Break into pieces before serving.

11. Chocolate Pots de Crème

These creamy, rich pots de crème are the sophisticated chocolate dessert you need.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 6 large egg yolks
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
2. In a saucepan, bring cream and milk to a simmer.
3. Add the chopped chocolate, stirring until melted. Remove from heat.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla until combined.
5. Gradually mix the egg mixture into the chocolate mixture.
6. Pour into ramekins and place in a baking dish.
7. Add hot water to the dish, halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cool, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

12. Chocolate-Dipped Fruit

This simple yet elegant treat is perfect for any holiday gathering.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• Assorted fresh fruits (strawberries, bananas, apples)

Instructions:

1. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water.
2. Dip each piece of fruit into the melted chocolate, coating halfway.
3. Lay on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Let the chocolate set before serving.

13. White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

These cookies are a festive mix of sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. Mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheets.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden. Let cool before transferring to a wire rack.

14. Chocolate Fondue

A fun and interactive dessert, chocolate fondue is perfect for holiday parties.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Assorted dippables (marshmallows, pound cake, fruit)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat the cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
2. Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate. Stir until melted and smooth.
3. Transfer the chocolate mixture to a fondue pot to keep warm.
4. Serve with assorted dippables.

15. Chocolate Martini

Add a boozy twist to your holiday celebrations with this chocolate martini.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz chocolate liqueur
• 1 oz cream
• Cocoa powder for rimming the glass
• Chocolate shavings for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rim a martini glass with cocoa powder.
2. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, chocolate liqueur, and cream.
3. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass.
4. Garnish with chocolate shavings.

16. Chocolate Peppermint Bark

This festive treat combines dark chocolate and peppermint for a holiday favorite.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 12 oz white chocolate, chopped
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Crushed candy canes for topping

Instructions:

1. Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Spread evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Let it set in the refrigerator.
3. Melt the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Stir in the peppermint extract.
4. Spread the white chocolate over the set dark chocolate.
5. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
6. Refrigerate until firm, then break into pieces.

17. Chocolate Espresso Brownies

Rich and fudgy brownies with a hint of espresso make a perfect holiday treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup strong brewed espresso
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter and dark chocolate over low heat until smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in sugar.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract and espresso.
5. Stir in the flour and salt.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cool before cutting into squares.

18. Chocolate Coconut Macaroons

These chewy and sweet macaroons are a delightful holiday treat.

Ingredients:

• 14 oz sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 large egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine coconut, condensed milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
3. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites and salt until stiff peaks form.
4. Fold the egg whites into the coconut mixture.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the baking sheets.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool.
7. Melt the dark chocolate and dip the bottom of each macaroon into the chocolate.
8. Let the chocolate set before serving.

19. Christmas Chocolate Bark with Dried Fruit

A colorful and festive treat loaded with dried fruits and nuts.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1/4 cup pistachios, chopped
• Sea salt flakes

Instructions:

1. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water.
2. Spread the melted chocolate on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Sprinkle with dried cranberries, apricots, and pistachios.
4. Add a pinch of sea salt flakes.
5. Refrigerate until firm, then break into pieces.

20. Chocolate Rum Balls

These rum-infused chocolate balls are a no-bake treat perfect for the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts
• 1/4 cup dark rum
• 2 tablespoons corn syrup
• Additional powdered sugar for rolling

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine crushed wafers, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and chopped nuts.
2. Stir in dark rum and corn syrup until well combined.
3. Scoop out small portions and roll into balls.
4. Roll the balls in additional powdered sugar.
5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Conclusion

And there you have it! Twenty decadent chocolate recipes to indulge in this Christmas season. Each one of these treats is sure to bring some extra joy and sweetness to your holiday festivities. Happy cooking and happy holidays!