30 Holiday Baking Recipes

With loved ones gathered around and the festive spirit in the air, there's no better way to spread cheer than by baking something special. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a newbie with an apron, these 30 Holiday Baking Recipes will inspire your inner chef.

This blog is your go-to guide for whipping up treats that are as fun to make as they are to eat. Get ready for a mix of easy recipes, nostalgic favorites, and show-stopping desserts that will impress your guests. 

Jump to:

• 1. Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
• 2. Peanut Butter Brownies (Swirled or Filled)
• 3. Eggnog Cheesecake with Gingerbread Crust
• 4. Crinkly Fudge Brownie Cookies
• 5. Chocolate Mousse Cake
• 6. Ugly Sweater Cookies
• 7. Melting Snowman Pie
• 8. Strawberry Dust Meringues
• 9. White Poinsettia Cake
• 10. Ginger Spice Cake
• 11. Pecan Tassies
• 12. Sweater Weather Hot Cocoa Cake
• 13. Nutella Cones With Hazelnut Praline
• 14. Chocolate Cool Whip Cookies
• 15. Bûche de Noël with Mascarpone Cream and Dark Chocolate Ganache
• 16. Hot Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
• 17. Gingerbread Bundt Cake
• 18. Brownie Batter Babka Bites
• 19. Googie's Rosabelles
• 20. Chestnut Pavlova
• 21. Raspberry Ribbons
• 22. Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies
• 23. Mini Pumpkin Pies With Speculoos Crust and Whipped Cream
• 24. Pecan Snowball Cookies
• 25. Sour Cherry–Cheesecake Trifle with Black Pepper and Saba
• 26. Russian Tea Cakes
• 27. Chocolate-Chestnut Cake
• 28. Dark Chocolate Coconut Tartlets
• 29. Fruitcake Cookies
• 30. Old Fashioned Doughnut Croquembouche
• Recipe

1. Christmas Thumbprint Cookies

These Christmas Thumbprint cookies are a holiday delight, combining festive charm with incredible simplicity. Made with just five ingredients plus your favorite fillings, they’re quick to whip up and impossible to resist.

Soft, tender, buttery, their texture rivals classic Linzer cookies, making them a perfect addition to any holiday dessert spread.

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2. Peanut Butter Brownies (Swirled or Filled)

Gooey peanut butter brownies are the ultimate indulgence for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. With an ultra-fudgy texture and a rich peanut butter filling, every bite is pure decadence.

Even if you're new to baking, this recipe is a breeze. You can create this perfect homemade treat for satisfying any sweet tooth with just a few simple ingredients!

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3. Eggnog Cheesecake with Gingerbread Crust

This Eggnog Cheesecake with a Gingerbread Crust is a festive twist on a holiday favorite. The creamy, spiced filling captures the rich flavor of classic eggnog, while the gingerbread crust adds a warm, aromatic touch. Together, they create a dessert that’s as indulgent as it is celebratory, perfect for any holiday gathering!

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4. Crinkly Fudge Brownie Cookies

Crinkly, fudgy chocolate brownie cookies are the decadent treat you dream of. With minimal prep time and no need to chill the dough, they’re as easy to make as they are irresistible.

These cookies combine the rich, chewy texture of brownies with the crisp edges of a cookie for the perfect bite. Follow my simple instructions, and you’ll have a fresh batch ready to enjoy in no time—great for sharing or savoring all to yourself!

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5. Chocolate Mousse Cake

This Chocolate Mousse Cake is a dream come true for chocolate lovers. With a decadent chocolate cake base, a creamy chocolate mousse filling, and a luscious ganache topping, it’s a dessert that’s as indulgent as it is elegant. This cake is guaranteed to impress and delight, perfect for any celebration or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth!

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6. Ugly Sweater Cookies

If you're ready to outdo last year's ugly Christmas sweater, it's time to try making ugly sweater cookies. These festive treats start with simple gingerbread cutouts, but the real fun is in the decorating. With a little patience and practice, you’ll soon be piping the most adorable sweaters of the season. There's something truly special about how charming these cookies turn out—classic gingerbread never looked so good!

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7. Melting Snowman Pie

Melting Snowman Pie is the ultimate winter treat that’s almost too cute to eat! This custard pie is topped with fluffy whipped cream cheese that looks like snow, complete with a playful “melting” snowman face. It’s a whimsical dessert perfect for bringing Frosty fans together—and a fun, hands-on recipe to make with the kids!

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8. Strawberry Dust Meringues

Strawberry Dust Meringues offers a refreshing twist on holiday treats, trading heavy richness for delicate, airy sweetness. These light bites are topped with powdered freeze-dried strawberries or cranberries, adding a burst of fruity flavor and a pop of color. Perfectly crisp and melt-in-your-mouth, they’re a sophisticated addition to any dessert spread!

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9. White Poinsettia Cake

This stunning dessert combines layers of brown butter sponge, sweet-tart cranberry filling, and cloud-like whipped cream frosting with a secret twist—white chocolate pudding mix.

The flavors and textures come together beautifully, creating a treat greater than the sum of its parts. Topped with a delicate white chocolate poinsettia, it’s a true showstopper for any holiday table!

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10. Ginger Spice Cake

This cake perfectly balances warm, spiced flavors and moist, tender texture, making it a standout on any holiday dessert table. Infused with classic gingerbread spices like cinnamon, cloves, and, of course, ginger, each bite delivers cozy, festive goodness.

It’s a versatile treat that pairs beautifully with cream cheese frosting, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of caramel. Perfect for gatherings or a quiet evening by the fire, this is a seasonal favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.

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11. Pecan Tassies

These mini pecan tarts are a must-try for those who love a nutty twist on holiday sweets. Perfectly bite-sized with a rich, buttery filling, they’re an elegant treat for parties or special occasions.

A bonus? They freeze beautifully, so you can bake them ahead of time and simply thaw them hen needed. These crowd-pleasers are so irresistible you might want to make a double batch—they won’t last long!

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12. Sweater Weather Hot Cocoa Cake

Cozy by the fire with a slice of Hot Cocoa Cake, a dessert as comforting as your favorite cable-knit sweater. Infused with the rich flavor of hot cocoa mix, this moist cake captures the essence of winter warmth.

Topped with marshmallow creme frosting that mimics fluffy marshmallows in a steaming mug, it’s the perfect treat to make any chilly evening feel extra special.

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13. Nutella Cones With Hazelnut Praline

The secret to these adorable miniature “ice cream” cones is that they’re not ice cream—they’re a clever dessert twist! Mini sugar cones are filled with a creamy hazelnut-nutella mixture and crunchy homemade hazelnut praline.

After a quick chill in the freezer, these no-melt treats are ready to serve at room temperature, making them perfect for any festive occasion!

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14. Chocolate Cool Whip Cookies

These cookies are the ultimate quick and easy dessert. Made with just five simple ingredients, these soft, chewy treats are a breeze to whip up.

With only 12 minutes of active cooking time, you can quickly prepare warm, chocolaty cookies. Perfect for last-minute gatherings or satisfying a sudden sweet tooth, these cookies are as convenient as they are delicious!

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15. Bûche de Noël with Mascarpone Cream and Dark Chocolate Ganache

This holiday classic is a true showstopper. It combines a light, spongy roll with a luscious mascarpone cream filling and a decadent dark chocolate ganache coating.

Beautifully crafted to resemble a festive log, it’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your holiday table, it’s a dessert that captures the magic of the season.

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16. Hot Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

These cookies are a festive twist on a classic winter treat, combining the rich flavor of hot chocolate with a refreshing hint of peppermint.

Soft and chewy, they’re topped with gooey marshmallows and a drizzle of chocolate for extra indulgence. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights by the fire, they’re a must-bake for the season!

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17. Gingerbread Bundt Cake

This Bundt cake is a delightful twist on classic gingerbread, offering all the warm, spiced flavors you love in an easy-to-make form. It’s perfectly moist, not overly sweet, and indulgent without being heavy. Ideal for the holidays, it doubles as a cozy mid-morning treat or an afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of coffee or tea!

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18. Brownie Batter Babka Bites

These bite-sized treats bring together the rich, chocolaty goodness of brownie batter with the soft, swirled layers of traditional babka. Perfectly portioned for snacking, they’re an indulgent and fun twist on a classic dessert. With their gooey centers and flaky exterior, they make a stunning addition to holiday dessert spreads or a delightful treat for any chocolate lover!

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19. Googie's Rosabelles

Soft and chewy molasses cookies are a holiday classic, and this recipe takes them to a whole new level. Shared by one of our readers, it delivers the perfect balance of rich molasses flavor and warm spices. With just one bite, you’ll understand why it’s a standout addition to any festive cookie platter!

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20. Chestnut Pavlova

This elegant dessert features a crisp, airy meringue base topped with whipped cream and a luscious chestnut puree.

The delicate crunch of the meringue perfectly complements the creamy, nutty chestnut flavor, creating a light and indulgent dessert. A perfect choice for holiday gatherings, it’s sure to impress with its sophisticated taste and presentation!

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21. Raspberry Ribbons

These buttery, biscotti-shaped cookies hide a delightful surprise—a ribbon of raspberry jam running through the center. Once cooled, they’re finished with a drizzle of vanilla glaze for a festive touch.

Perfect for holiday gatherings, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious. Bakers and guests love them, and they’re sure to become a favorite on your Christmas cookie platter!

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22. Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

These holiday cookies combine the warm, spiced flavors of gingerbread with a creamy cinnamon-ginger filling for the ultimate festive treat. Soft and chewy, they’re the perfect balance of comforting and indulgent. Ideal for Christmas parties or cozy nights at home, these oatmeal cream pies are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tries them!

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23. Mini Pumpkin Pies With Speculoos Crust and Whipped Cream

For those still craving pumpkin pie by Christmas, these mini treats are a must-try! With a speculoos cookie crust, creamy pumpkin filling, homemade whipped cream, and a sprinkle of crystallized ginger, they offer all the flavors of the classic dessert in individual servings. Baked in a muffin pan, they’re as charming as they are delicious—perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings!

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24. Pecan Snowball Cookies

These classic holiday cookies are a delightful blend of buttery, nutty goodness and a dusting of powdered sugar that looks like freshly fallen snow. Packed with finely chopped pecans, they have a tender, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth. Perfect for cookie exchanges or festive dessert tables, they’re a timeless treat everyone loves to enjoy!

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25. Sour Cherry–Cheesecake Trifle with Black Pepper and Saba

This trifle is a stunning holiday dessert that combines layers of tangy sour cherries, creamy cheesecake filling, and soft cake. The unexpected hint of black pepper adds warmth, while a drizzle of saba (a sweet grape syrup) ties everything together with a rich, fruity finish. Elegant and unique, it’s a perfect centerpiece for festive celebrations that’s sure to impress your guests!

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26. Russian Tea Cakes

Russian tea cakes are a classic holiday cookie that resemble delicate snowballs, making them a festive addition to any Christmas treat spread. Traditionally made with pecans, they can be customized with walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts for a unique twist.

These buttery, nutty cookies are perfect for gifting—pile them on a decorative plate, wrap in colorful cellophane, and share the holiday joy with friends and family!

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27. Chocolate-Chestnut Cake

This cake takes the cozy charm of roasted chestnuts and transforms it into a decadent dessert. With a crunchy, sugar-crusted exterior, a moist chestnut-flour crumb, and a luscious layer of sweet chestnut puree, it’s a true celebration of flavor and texture. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this treat brings the warmth of the season to every bite!

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28. Dark Chocolate Coconut Tartlets

These delightful mini-tarts feature a crispy shredded coconut crust filled with a rich, no-bake chocolate mixture made with cashew butter, cocoa, and maple syrup.

Easy to prepare in a mini-muffin pan, they’re the perfect bite-sized indulgence. Make them a day ahead for convenience—if you can resist eating them all before your guests arrive! Perfect for a festive treat or holiday dessert spread.

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29. Fruitcake Cookies

These cookies bring the essence of classic fruitcake into a crowd-pleasing new form. Packed with warm spices, chopped dried fruit, crunchy nuts, and a hint of rum extract, they capture the festive flavors of the season without the heaviness of traditional fruitcake. Perfect for sharing, these bite-sized treats will convert even the biggest fruitcake skeptics!

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30. Old Fashioned Doughnut Croquembouche

This towering dessert masterpiece puts a nostalgic spin on the traditional croquembouche. Instead of cream puffs, it’s made with old-fashioned doughnuts, stacked high and held together with sticky caramel.

The golden, glossy exterior makes it a stunning centerpiece for any holiday table. Equal parts impressive and indulgent, it’s a sweet treat that’s as fun to admire as it is to eat!

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From festive classics to creative twists, these holiday treats bring joy to the table and warmth to every gathering. Whether you're baking for loved ones or simply indulging yourself, each recipe is a delicious way to celebrate the season. So grab your apron, preheat the oven, and make this holiday season sweeter!

Recipe