7 Best Christmas Desserts To Make This Holiday Season

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the joy of baking and sharing delicious Christmas desserts with loved ones. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, there's something special about creating sweet treats that bring people together. In this article, we'll explore the 7 best Christmas desserts to make this holiday season, along with their recipes and tips to help you get started.

The Importance of Christmas Desserts

Christmas desserts are an integral part of the holiday season. They add a touch of magic to our celebrations, provide a sweet respite from the hustle and bustle of the season, and offer a delicious way to show loved ones we care. Whether you're hosting a holiday party, attending a family gathering, or simply enjoying a quiet night in with loved ones, Christmas desserts are a must-have.

From traditional treats like sugar cookies and gingerbread men to modern twists on classic desserts, there's something for everyone to enjoy. And the best part? Many Christmas desserts can be made ahead of time, allowing you to focus on other holiday preparations while still enjoying the sweet treats you love.

So, without further ado, let's dive into the 7 best Christmas desserts to make this holiday season.

1. Classic Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies are a classic Christmas dessert that can be made in a variety of shapes and decorated with festive frosting and sprinkles. To make classic sugar cookies, you'll need:

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

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, then gradually add the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Divide the dough into two portions, shape into disks, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into desired shapes. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.

Decorating Sugar Cookies

To decorate your sugar cookies, you'll need:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 Tbsp milk
• Food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles or colored sugar

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to tint the frosting. Spread or pipe the frosting onto the cooled cookies, then decorate with sprinkles or colored sugar.

2. Gingerbread Men

Gingerbread men are a beloved Christmas dessert that can be made with a variety of spices and decorations. To make gingerbread men, you'll need:

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

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, then gradually add the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Divide the dough into two portions, shape into disks, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into desired shapes. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.

Decorating Gingerbread Men

To decorate your gingerbread men, you'll need:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 Tbsp milk
• Food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles or colored sugar

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to tint the frosting. Spread or pipe the frosting onto the cooled cookies, then decorate with sprinkles or colored sugar.

3. Peppermint Bark

Peppermint bark is a simple yet elegant Christmas dessert that can be made with just a few ingredients. To make peppermint bark, you'll need:

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
• 1 tsp peppermint extract

Melt the semisweet chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth. Stir in the peppermint extract. Pour the melted chocolate onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread into a thin layer. Melt the white chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth. Pour the melted white chocolate over the semisweet chocolate and spread into a thin layer. Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the top and refrigerate until set. Break into pieces and serve.

4. Eggnog Cheesecake

Eggnog cheesecake is a creamy and rich Christmas dessert that's perfect for the holiday season. To make eggnog cheesecake, you'll need:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 pounds cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup eggnog
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and beat until combined. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the eggnog and vanilla extract. Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until set. Cool completely and refrigerate until chilled.

5. Cranberry Apple Crisp

Cranberry apple crisp is a delicious and easy-to-make Christmas dessert that's perfect for the holiday season. To make cranberry apple crisp, you'll need:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups diced apples
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix together the cranberries, granulated sugar, and diced apples. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the flour mixture to the cranberry mixture and stir until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a 9x9-inch baking dish and top with the rolled oats, brown sugar, and chopped walnuts (if using). Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is tender.

6. Chocolate Yule Log

Chocolate yule log is a classic Christmas dessert that's perfect for the holiday season. To make chocolate yule log, you'll need:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, separated
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the flour, baking powder, and salt. Melt the cocoa powder and heavy cream in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth. Stir the melted chocolate into the butter mixture until well combined. Pour the batter into a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan and bake for 12-15 minutes or until set. Cool completely and refrigerate until chilled.

Assembling the Yule Log

To assemble the yule log, you'll need:

• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake, then use a serrated knife to create a log shape. Decorate with holly sprigs and red berries, if desired.

7. Snowball Cookies

Snowball cookies are a classic Christmas dessert that's perfect for the holiday season. To make snowball cookies, you'll need:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour mixture until a dough forms. If desired, stir in the chopped walnuts. Roll the dough into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden. While the cookies are still warm, roll them in confectioners' sugar to coat.