30 Festive Christmas Dessert Recipes to Wow Your Guests

Holiday season is around the corner, and there's nothing quite like the joy of sharing delicious treats with family and friends. One of my favorite parts of Christmas is the desserts—I'm always on the lookout for new recipes to dazzle my guests.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or someone who prefers quick and easy recipes, there's something here for everyone. So, I’ve curated a list of 30 Festive Christmas Dessert Recipes to Wow Your Guests. With this assortment of sweets, your holiday gatherings will surely be the talk of the town!

1. Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are a holiday staple that bring nostalgia and warmth.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup molasses

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy; add the egg and molasses.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
5. Roll out the dough, cut into shapes, and bake for 10 minutes.

2. Classic Yule Log

Yule Log or Bûche de Noël is a traditional Christmas cake that’s both beautiful and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup cake flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Whipped cream or frosting for filling

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Beat eggs and sugar until thick.
3. Sift flour, cocoa powder, and salt; fold into egg mixture.
4. Pour into a greased, parchment-lined jelly roll pan.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
6. Once baked, roll the cake with a towel and let cool.
7. Unroll, fill with cream or frosting, and re-roll.

3. Eggnog Cheesecake

Eggnog lovers will adore this creamy and rich cheesecake.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup eggnog
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Mix crumbs, sugar, and butter; press into a springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and flour until smooth.
4. Add eggnog and vanilla, then eggs one at a time.
5. Pour over crust and bake for 50-60 minutes.

4. Peppermint Bark

This no-bake treat is incredibly easy to make and perfect for gifting.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces white chocolate
• 12 ounces dark chocolate
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Crushed candy canes

Instructions:

1. Melt dark chocolate and stir in peppermint extract.
2. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let set.
3. Melt white chocolate and spread over dark chocolate layer.
4. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
5. Let cool, then break into pieces.

5. Fruitcake

A traditional fruitcake packed with dried fruits and nuts.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped nuts
• 1 cup mixed dried fruits
• 1/2 cup brandy

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Cream butter and sugar; add eggs one at a time.
3. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add.
4. Stir in nuts and fruits.
5. Pour into greased loaf pan and bake for 90 minutes.
6. Allow to cool and brush with brandy.

6. Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is a Southern classic that’s perfect for Christmas.

Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Beat corn syrup, sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla.
3. Stir in pecans; pour into crust.
4. Bake for 60-70 minutes.

7. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These soft, fudgy cookies with their crackled surface are a favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Mix cocoa, sugar, and oil.
2. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; mix into cocoa mixture.
4. Chill dough for at least 4 hours.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Roll dough into balls, coat in powdered sugar, and bake for 10 minutes.

8. Almond Biscotti

These twice-baked Italian cookies are perfect for coffee.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup sliced almonds

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Beat sugar, butter, eggs, and almond extract.
4. Gradually add flour mixture.
5. Stir in almonds.
6. Shape dough into logs; bake for 25 minutes.
7. Cool slightly, slice, and bake again for 10 minutes.

9. Sticky Toffee Pudding

A rich dessert made of dates and covered in toffee sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped dates
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup boiling water
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Soak dates in boiling water with baking soda.
3. Cream butter and sugar; beat in egg and vanilla.
4. Mix in flour and baking powder.
5. Add dates; pour into greased pan.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes.

10. Pumpkin Pie

A classic dessert with smooth, spiced pumpkin filling.

Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust
• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Mix pumpkin, condensed milk, eggs, spices, and salt.
3. Pour into crust.
4. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 35-40 minutes.

11. Chocolate Peppermint Cake

This cake combines chocolate and mint for a festive flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 3/4 cups flour
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix dry ingredients; beat in eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla.
3. Stir in boiling water.
4. Pour batter into greased pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.
5. Sprinkle with candy canes.

12. Apple Pie

Nothing says comfort like a classic apple pie.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Combine apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
3. Place in crust and dot with butter.
4. Cover with top crust, cut slits for steam, and bake for 45-50 minutes.

13. Red Velvet Cupcakes

These vibrant cupcakes are festive and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Cream cheese frosting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix dry ingredients; beat in eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla.
3. Stir in food coloring.
4. Combine vinegar and baking soda; fold into batter.
5. Fill cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes.
6. Frost with cream cheese frosting.

14. Maple Pecan Bars

These bars are sweet with a nutty crunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream butter and sugar; mix in flour and press into a pan.
3. Bake crust for 20 minutes.
4. Boil brown sugar, syrup, and cream for 1 minute.
5. Stir in pecans; pour over crust and bake for 20 minutes.

15. Linzer Cookies

These sandwich cookies are filled with jam and dusted with sugar.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Raspberry jam

Instructions:

1. Cream butter and sugar; beat in eggs and vanilla.
2. Mix in flours and salt; chill for 1 hour.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
4. Roll dough, cut shapes, and bake for 10-12 minutes.
5. Fill with jam and dust with powdered sugar.

16. Rum Balls

These no-bake treats are flavorful and boozy.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts
• 1/3 cup dark rum
• 2 tablespoons corn syrup

Instructions:

1. Mix wafers, powdered sugar, cocoa, and nuts.
2. Stir in rum and corn syrup.
3. Shape into balls and roll in powdered sugar.
4. Chill until firm.

17. Chocolate Fondue

A fun and interactive dessert for gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 12 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Dippables: fruits, marshmallows, and cookies

Instructions:

1. Heat cream until simmering; add chocolate and butter.
2. Stir until smooth; add vanilla.
3. Serve with dippables.

18. Peppermint Ice Cream

Cool and refreshing peppermint ice cream perfect for the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Red food coloring (optional)
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions:

1. Mix cream, milk, and sugar; heat until sugar dissolves.
2. Cool mixture; add peppermint extract and food coloring.
3. Churn in ice cream maker.
4. Add candy canes in the last few minutes of churning.

19. Christmas Pudding

A traditional British dessert served with brandy butter.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped mixed dried fruits
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 cup chopped suet
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Mix fruits, flour, bread crumbs, sugar, and spices.
2. Add suet, eggs, and milk.
3. Pour into a greased pudding basin.
4. Steam for 4 hours.
5. Serve with brandy butter.

20. Mincemeat Tarts

Sweet tarts filled with spiced mincemeat.

Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust
• 1 cup mincemeat
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut pie crust into circles; fit into muffin tin.
3. Fill with mincemeat and bake for 20-25 minutes.
4. Dust with powdered sugar.

21. Chocolate Yule Log

Another version of the festive cake filled with chocolate cream.

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Whipped chocolate ganache for filling

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Beat eggs and sugar until thick.
3. Sift in flour and cocoa; fold in vanilla extract.
4. Pour into a jelly roll pan; bake for 12-15 minutes.
5. Roll with a towel, let cool; unroll, fill with ganache, and re-roll.

22. Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies

Easy and delicious cookies with a raspberry jam center.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup raspberry jam
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream butter and sugar; beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. Add flour; roll dough into balls.
4. Make an indent and fill with jam.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
6. Dust with powdered sugar.

23. Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread

Classic shortbread cookies dipped in chocolate.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups flour
• 8 ounces dark chocolate

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream butter and sugar; add salt and flour.
3. Shape dough; bake for 20 minutes.
4. Melt chocolate; dip cookies halfway and let set.

24. White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Soft cookies packed with cranberries and white chocolate.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream butter and sugars; add eggs and vanilla.
3. Mix flour and baking soda; stir into wet ingredients.
4. Fold in white chocolate and cranberries.
5. Drop dough onto baking sheets; bake for 10-12 minutes.

25. Coconut Macaroons

Sweet and chewy coconut cookies perfect for the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 4 large egg whites
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups sweetened shredded coconut

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Beat egg whites and sugar until frothy.
3. Add salt, vanilla, and coconut.
4. Drop by spoonfuls onto baking sheets; bake for 20-25 minutes.

26. Cinnamon Rolls

Soft and gooey cinnamon rolls that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• Dough:
• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Filling:
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• 1/2 cup butter, softened

Instructions:

1. Mix warm milk and yeast; let sit until bubbly.
2. Add sugar, butter, eggs, flour, and salt; knead until smooth.
3. Let dough rise until doubled.
4. Roll out dough; spread with filling.
5. Roll up and cut into slices.
6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.

27. Tiramisu

An elegant dessert with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream.

Ingredients:

• - 6 large egg yolks
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup brewed espresso, cooled
• 2 tablespoons dark rum
• 24 ladyfingers
• Cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions:

1. Beat egg yolks and sugar until thick.
2. Add mascarpone cheese and mix until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold into mascarpone mixture.
4. Mix espresso and rum in a shallow dish; dip ladyfingers briefly in the mixture and layer in the bottom of a dish.
5. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
6. Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture.
7. Dust with cocoa powder and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

28. Snowball Cookies

Also known as Russian Tea Cakes, these nutty, powdered-sugar-coated cookies are always a hit.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• Additional powdered sugar for coating

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cream butter and powdered sugar; add vanilla.
3. Mix in flour, salt, and pecans.
4. Roll dough into balls and place on baking sheet.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
6. While warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar. Roll them again once they have completely cooled.

29. Gingerbread Trifle

A festive trifle with layers of gingerbread cake, custard, and whipped cream.

Ingredients:

• 1 gingerbread cake (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups vanilla custard
• 2 cups whipped cream
• Crushed ginger snap cookies for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cut gingerbread cake into cubes.
2. Layer 1/3 of the gingerbread cubes in a large trifle bowl.
3. Spoon 1/3 of the custard over the gingerbread.
4. Add a layer of whipped cream.
5. Repeat layers twice more.
6. Top with more whipped cream and garnish with crushed ginger snap cookies.

30. Buñuelos

Crispy Mexican fritters dusted with cinnamon sugar, perfect for a festive finish.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup warm water
• Oil for frying
• Cinnamon sugar for coating

Instructions:

1. Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl.
2. Stir in melted butter and warm water until dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for a few minutes until smooth.
4. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
5. Roll out dough into thin circles.
6. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C); fry the dough until golden and crispy.
7. Drain on paper towels and coat with cinnamon sugar.

Conclusion

I hope these recipes add an extra sprinkle of joy to your holiday celebrations. From timeless classics to innovative new treats, these 30 Festive Christmas Dessert Recipes to Wow Your Guests are sure to bring smiles and create lasting memories. Happy baking and happy holidays!