25 Christmas Dessert Recipes That’ll 100% Outshine the Tree

Holiday desserts have a magical way of making any celebration feel even more festive, and these Christmas dessert recipes are designed to do just that! While the Christmas tree might take center stage in the décor, these sweet treats are sure to steal the show on the dessert table. Each recipe is a blend of vibrant holiday colors and delicious seasonal flavors, making them as beautiful to look at as they are delightful to eat. From decadent chocolate treats and spiced cakes to peppermint-inspired creations and gingerbread goodies, there’s a dessert here for every kind of sweet tooth.

These recipes bring an extra sparkle to your holiday spread without requiring hours in the kitchen—perfect for busy holiday schedules when you want to create something special but need to keep it simple. Not only will these desserts impress your guests, but they also capture the essence of holiday cheer in every bite. So, put on your apron, bring out the mixing bowls, and let’s get started on some crowd-cheering, snow-tingling desserts that everyone will be talking about long after the Christmas lights come down!

Air Fryer Christmas Cookies

These Christmas dessert recipes are a breeze in the air fryer! With a sugary, buttery dough that bakes up quickly, these cookies are perfect for Christmas parties or gatherings. Add festive sprinkles, and you’ve got a delicious treat ready in minutes, with minimal mess and cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Christmas Cookies

Peppermint Brownies

These chewy peppermint brownies are the perfect addition to your collection of Christmas dessert recipes, with a layer of creamy peppermint frosting and a chocolatey glaze on top. They’re festive and full of holiday flavor, making them an instant favorite for any Christmas treat table.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Brownies

Fruit and Nut Christmas Cake

Nothing says holiday cheer like fruit and nut Christmas cake! This traditional option among Christmas dessert recipes is packed with walnuts, dried cherries, and raisins. The warm flavors of rum and sour cream keep this cake moist and full of festive spirit.
Get the Recipe: Fruit and Nut Christmas Cake

Ice Cream Yule Log Cake with Chocolate Ganache

This ice cream Yule log cake is a show-stopper in Christmas dessert recipes! With only five ingredients, it combines a light chocolate cake, creamy ice cream center, and rich ganache topping for a festive, fun treat everyone will love sharing.
Get the Recipe: Ice Cream Yule Log Cake with Chocolate Ganache

Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes

These chocolate peppermint cupcakes are an ideal choice for Christmas dessert recipes. With minty, festive frosting and a moist chocolate cake, they add both delicious flavor and a fun holiday pop of color to any dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes

Pecan Pie Cream Puffs

Pecan pie lovers will adore these pecan pie cream puffs as a unique take among Christmas dessert recipes. With buttery pastry and a sweet pecan filling, they offer a delicious holiday-inspired twist that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cream Puffs

Snowman Oreo Balls

These cute snowman Oreo balls make for a festive and easy Christmas dessert recipe. Perfect for kids and adults alike, these no-bake treats add holiday fun to your dessert spread.
Get the Recipe: Snowman Oreo Balls

Cranberry Bliss Bars Starbucks Copycat Recipe

These cranberry bliss bars, inspired by Starbucks, are perfect additions to your Christmas dessert recipes. Filled with white chocolate and cranberries and topped with cream cheese frosting, they bring a holiday touch without leaving home.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Bliss Bars Starbucks Copycat Recipe

Gingerbread Cheesecake Recipe

This no-bake gingerbread cheesecake is one of the easiest Christmas dessert recipes to prep. Light, airy, and full of holiday spices, it’s a crowd-pleaser that guests will be sure to love.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Cheesecake Recipe

Peppermint Cookie Pizza

A fun, easy dessert, this peppermint cookie pizza belongs among your Christmas dessert recipes. Festive and minty, it’s simple to make and great for gatherings, adding holiday flavor and cheer to any table.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Cookie Pizza

Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Christmas tree cupcakes are a festive choice in Christmas dessert recipes. Topped with coconut “snow” and a pretzel tree, these cupcakes bring both charm and delicious flavor to holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Chocolate Hazelnut Torrone

This hazelnut torrone is a luxurious treat among Christmas dessert recipes. Rich with chocolate and crunchy roasted nuts, it’s easy to make and perfect for sharing during the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Hazelnut Torrone

Easy Raspberry Candy Cane Puff Pastry for the Holidays

Shaped like a candy cane, this raspberry puff pastry adds fruity flavor to Christmas dessert recipes. It’s perfect for a holiday morning or dessert table, and quick enough to make any time.
Get the Recipe: Easy Raspberry Candy Cane Puff Pastry for the Holidays

Best English Trifle Recipe with Custard

This classic English trifle, layered with cake, custard, and whipped cream, is a show-stopping addition to Christmas dessert recipes. The sherry-soaked cake and creamy layers make it a festive and impressive holiday dessert.
Get the Recipe: Best English Trifle Recipe with Custard

Hot Chocolate Cupcakes with Marshmallow Buttercream

Cozy and soft, these hot chocolate cupcakes with marshmallow buttercream make perfect Christmas dessert recipes for a crowd. Capture the cozy feeling of hot cocoa in every holiday-inspired bite.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Cupcakes with Marshmallow Buttercream

Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

Full of festive holiday spices, this gingerbread cake with cinnamon molasses frosting is a classic among Christmas dessert recipes. The rich flavors make it a holiday staple that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

Sourdough Chocolate Peppermint Whoopie Pies

Chocolate peppermint whoopie pies are a festive favorite in Christmas dessert recipes. Their fudgy texture and minty filling make them a delightful holiday treat.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Chocolate Peppermint Whoopie Pies

Christmas Rice Krispie Treats

These Christmas Rice Krispie treats are a fun addition to your Christmas dessert recipes. With candy canes, chocolate, and marshmallows, they’re easy to make and bring a touch of holiday spirit to any dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Rice Krispie Treats

Festive Gingerbread Eggnog Cookies

Gingerbread eggnog cookies combine two holiday favorites and make an exciting option for Christmas dessert recipes. Easy to bake, they offer a delicious and unique holiday flavor.
Get the Recipe: Festive Gingerbread Eggnog Cookies

Eggnog Tres Leches Cake

This eggnog tres leches cake puts a holiday twist on a classic dessert. Among Christmas dessert recipes, it’s a creamy and festive treat that’s easy to make and perfect for holiday celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Tres Leches Cake

Christmas Ornament Cupcakes

These Christmas ornament cupcakes are adorable and festive. As one of the Christmas dessert recipes, they’re easy to make with store-bought ingredients, perfect for adding holiday cheer.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Ornament Cupcakes

Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake

This no-bake Pandoro Christmas tree cake is a delightful addition to Christmas dessert recipes. Layered with limoncello mascarpone and whipped cream, it’s a festive treat ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake

Christmas Wreath Cupcakes

Edible wreath cupcakes bring holiday cheer to your Christmas dessert recipes, decorated with frosting and candies to resemble a holiday wreath. They’re fun, festive, and tasty!
Get the Recipe: Christmas Wreath Cupcakes

Christmas Pavlova

This airy meringue pavlova is a beautiful addition to Christmas dessert recipes. With its delicate texture and holiday decorations, it’s a festive and impressive treat for any holiday dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Pavlova

Grinch Oreo Truffles

These Grinch Oreo balls are a fun way to add cheer to any holiday dessert spread! The Grinch truffles combine tangy cream cheese with red velvet Oreos. They’re then coated in bright green melted candy melts, and decorated with extra candy melt drizzle and adorable candy hearts!
Get the Recipe: Grinch Oreo Balls