The holiday season is a wonderful time to spend a little extra time in the kitchen making homemade desserts. This collection of holiday desserts worth making includes everything from soft, chewy cookies and rich brownies to creamy cheesecakes and sweet, no-bake treats.
Slow Cooker Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Candy
Rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter come together in this simple slow cooker candy that’s packed with flavor. With very little hands-on preparation, you can make a batch of homemade candy without spending hours in the kitchen. Get the recipe for the Slow Cooker Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Candy.
Brown Butter Maple Pecan Cookies
Browned butter gives these cookies a rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet maple and crunchy pecans. They’re soft, buttery, and full of warm flavors that make them especially appealing during the colder months. Get the recipe for the Brown Butter Maple Pecan Cookies.
Peppermint Brownie Cheesecake Bars (Using Boxed Brownie Mix)
A fudgy chocolate brownie base and creamy cheesecake layer make these bars an especially rich dessert. The addition of peppermint brings a refreshing contrast to the chocolate, while boxed brownie mix helps simplify the preparation. Get the recipe for the Peppermint Brownie Cheesecake Bars.
Gingerbread Blossoms
Warm spices and a soft, chewy texture give these cookies their wonderful old-fashioned flavor. Each one is finished with a chocolate candy in the center, adding just the right amount of sweetness to the spiced dough. Get the recipe for the Gingerbread Blossoms.
Biscoff Pecan Pie Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies
These generously sized cookies combine buttery cookie dough with a creamy cheesecake filling and the rich flavors of pecans and cookie butter. Every bite has a delicious combination of textures, making them a memorable addition to your holiday baking lineup. Get the recipe for the Biscoff Pecan Pie Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies.
Caramel Peanut Ritz Cookies (Dandy-Do Cookies)
Crunchy, buttery crackers are topped with a sweet caramel peanut mixture for an irresistible combination of salty and sweet flavors. This old-fashioned no-bake treat requires just a handful of ingredients and is a nice alternative to traditional baked cookies. Get the recipe for the Caramel Peanut Ritz Cookies.
Apple Pie Cheesecake Brownies
Tender spiced apples, creamy cheesecake, and a rich brownie base come together in this layered dessert. The combination brings together several familiar flavors in one delicious bar that’s a little different from the usual holiday sweets. Get the recipe for the Apple Pie Cheesecake Brownies.
Cake Batter Oreo Peppermint Crunch Cookies
Cake mix creates a soft, tender cookie filled with crushed sandwich cookies and bits of peppermint candy. They’re sweet, colorful, and full of contrasting textures, with a fun combination of vanilla, chocolate, and mint flavors. Get the recipe for the Cake Batter Oreo Peppermint Crunch Cookies.
Pistachio and Orange Cake
The delicate nuttiness of pistachios pairs beautifully with the bright citrus flavor of fresh orange. This cake offers a lovely balance of flavors and makes a refreshing change from the heavier chocolate and caramel desserts often served during the holidays. Get the recipe for the Pistachio and Orange Cake.
Pecan Pie Brownies (Using Boxed Brownie Mix)
A rich, fudgy chocolate base is topped with a sweet, buttery pecan filling inspired by a traditional Southern dessert. Using boxed brownie mix makes the recipe easier to prepare while still delivering a wonderfully decadent combination of chocolate and toasted nuts. Get the recipe for the Pecan Pie Brownies.
No Bake Cheesecake
Smooth, creamy, and pleasantly tangy, this dessert has a light filling that pairs perfectly with its buttery crumb crust. Since there’s no oven required, it’s a convenient option when you want to prepare dessert ahead of time or keep your oven free for other dishes. Get the recipe for the No Bake Cheesecake.
Cranberry Bliss Bars
A soft, buttery blondie base is filled with sweet white chocolate and tart dried cranberries, then finished with a creamy frosting. The balance of sweet and tangy flavors makes these bars a delicious seasonal favorite with plenty of texture in every bite. Get the recipe for the Cranberry Bliss Bars.
Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars
Sweet caramel, crunchy pretzels, and a touch of salt create a delicious combination of flavors and textures. These bars offer just enough salty crunch to balance the sweetness, making them especially satisfying for anyone who enjoys sweet-and-salty desserts. Get the recipe for the Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars.
Snowman Hot Cocoa Cookies
Rich chocolate flavor gives these cookies the comforting taste of a warm mug of cocoa. Their adorable snowman decorations add a playful seasonal touch, making them a fun baking project to enjoy with family. Get the recipe for the Snowman Hot Cocoa Cookies.
Lemon Crumb Bars
A bright, tangy lemon filling adds a refreshing contrast to the buttery crust and tender crumb topping. With their balance of sweetness and citrus flavor, these bars are a welcome addition to a dessert spread filled with rich chocolates and spiced treats. Get the recipe for the Lemon Crumb Bars.
Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies
These tender cookies have a soft, cake-like texture and a generous layer of sweet, creamy frosting. They’re a simple homemade favorite that can be decorated with seasonal sprinkles or colored frosting for a festive finishing touch. Get the recipe for the Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies.
Lebkuchen Cookies (Soft German Gingerbread Cookies)
Traditional German spices give these soft cookies a wonderfully fragrant flavor, with warm notes that develop beautifully as they rest. Their tender texture and distinctive blend of spices make them a lovely choice for anyone who enjoys old-fashioned holiday baking. Get the recipe for the Lebkuchen Cookies.