In fact, I don’t think I’ve gone a single day without firing up the oven or making a mess in my kitchen. Just because we’re not getting together this year doesn’t mean you can’t make someone’s day with a box of goodies. Think about that elderly neighbor who’s been stuck inside for weeks or your single friends who might be feeling isolated at home alone. Now is the time to reach out. And nothing brings Christmas cheer like something made with love. Roll up your sleeves and work your way through this list of 30 Christmas treats that are sure to bring some joy.
30 Best Christmas Treats Your Family Will Love
1. Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake
Bundt cakes are always a hit and look incredible when covered in a frosting or glaze. For this decadent chocolate cake, you will need good quality cocoa and some strong coffee. Coffee works wonders on chocolate, enhancing the flavor to something truly indulgent, without any bitterness. I’m in love with this dark cake sprinkled with crushed candy canes and think it would make one fantastic centerpiece. Although, I am a little obsessed with these mini-bundt pans, which would make them the perfect little gifts.
2. Gingerbread Cake
Gingerbread has such a distinct flavor, and, for some reason, it’s usually reserved for the holidays. Maybe it’s the warmth of the spices or just the fact that you don’t eat it year-round. Once it starts to get cold, I like to make up a big batch of gingerbread flavored everything. And that includes gingerbread coffee creamer! This cake uses molasses to get that depth of flavor and caramel undertones we all love. Perfectly moist alone, it pairs just right with a coffee on a cold morning.
3. Nestle Fudge Recipe
Fudge is one of my favorite things to gift during the holidays. It’s easy to make and lasts much longer than most cookies. Plus, it’s easy to transport and won’t ruin if the box gets knocked over. This recipe makes the perfect chocolate base, onto which you can sprinkle any number of festive toppings. You can create a few varieties out of just one batch, from chopped nuts and chocolate chips to crushed candy canes and Oreos.
4. Christmas Tree Cupcakes
As adorable as they are, these are the more delicate treats that don’t transport as well. Given the amount of frosting on top, they will be top-heavy and need support if you’re traveling with them. But any cupcake box will do the trick, and everyone will light up when they see these cuties. Any flavor cupcake will do here, but you will need the specific piping tips to get the tree effect.
6. Pumpkin Roll Recipe
You might think that these are too complicated to make at home. But the key to getting a perfect, smooth roll is to use a damp (clean) towel and roll your cake right away – right out of the oven. I like to dust my towel with a little powdered sugar, or sometimes cocoa or cinnamon sugar, to help prevent any sticking. Let the cake cool completely before very gently unrolling and adding your filling. Dust with extra powdered sugar to serve.
7. Pretzel M&M Hugs
I love how a recipe can be made festive just by using red and green! Recipes like this are excellent for a quick treat, year-round. Just switch out regular chocolate for white, and use red and green M&Ms to make these the perfect elf-like treats. You can make as few or as many as you need, and if you have some cute Christmas bags, they are a fast gift for classmates, co-workers, and family alike.
8. Melted Snowmen Oreo Balls
Truffle balls and cake pops have been my go-to since they burst onto the scene all those years ago. From the texture to the fact that they are so easy to make, I love gifting a variety of these for every occasion. But these snowman truffles might just be my favorite! They’re just too cute, with their little Oreo hats and piped noses. They’ll take a little more time but are so worth it.
9. Copycat Chick-fil-A Peppermint Chip Milkshake
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean we can’t all enjoy an icy milkshake by the fire. And this is the one to try. Starting with a vanilla ice-cream base, you will need to blend in peppermint bark, peppermint extract, and just enough milk to make it sippable. You can often find peppermint bark in the stores during the holidays, but why not try making your own? Make enough, and you’ll have another wonderful Christmas treat!
10. Gingerbread Men
Gingerbread men. Gingerbread people. Gingerbread dogs? Whichever you prefer, they are a must-make at Christmas. The dough will be sticky, so wrap it up and let it rest in the fridge for at least an hour. When you’re ready, roll it out between parchment for an easier and smoother transfer of cookies! Decorate with royal icing so it sets up and won’t smudge.
11. Christmas Tree Brownies
Brownies are just perfect food. They’re suitable for a summer BBQ or as a holiday dessert. It’s never a bad time for a brownie, and they’re so easy to jazz up for a special occasion. Make your favorite recipe and cool in the fridge until they’re firm. (I know it’s hard, and I won’t tell if you sneak a piece while they’re still warm!) Cut into tree shapes and use a piece of candy cane for the base. Pipe your green frosting over the top and sprinkle with holiday-colored sprinkles for super easy, fan-favorite treats.
12. Peanut Butter Penguins
Sit these on a plate beside those snowmen truffles, and there won’t be a frown in town. Not even the Grinch could resist these insanely adorable little penguins! The most effort you’ll make here is separating orange M&Ms (and trying not to eat the rest). If you can’t find candy eyes, you can always use white chocolate chips and edible pens.
13. Lofthouse Cookies
There’s a reason you see these at every gathering. They’re soft, tender, buttery, sweet, and often smothered in colorful frosting. What’s not to love? The key to getting that incredible texture is the sour cream – and the short bake! You want to pull these when they’re still pale to keep them soft. As much as I love a colorful cookie, I think a smooth cinnamon frosting would be the best option for the holidays.
14. Christmas Rice Krispies Treat Bites
I’ve never met a person who doesn’t love a Rice Krispies treat or a kid that doesn’t love getting their hands sticky! This is the one to make with the munchkins. Just be careful with the hot marshmallow! The colorful balls are great to serve a crowd, or a nice alternative would be to use a cookie-cutter and make festive shapes. Just don’t forget to spray your hands and the cookie-cutter, so it doesn’t stick too much.
15. 3-Ingredient Chocolate-Covered Raisins
I’ll admit these aren’t as fun as a plate full of snowmen truffles with mini-Oreo hats. But even I like to throw in something healthy here and there, even if it is covered in chocolate. Adding coconut oil to the chocolate will make it super glossy and give the raisins an incredible shine. Add these to a big bowl of popcorn and nuts.
16. Peppermint Bark Cheesecake
Between the chocolate cookie crust and chopped peppermint bark in the filling, this is a festive favorite you’ll make again and again. Did you make that peppermint bark for the milkshake? Now’s the time! Of course, you can buy it in the store, too, and it will be just as delicious. A little extra peppermint extract goes a long way for an icy finish everyone will love. And the best part is you can just sprinkle some extra bark over the top for a super-simple decoration that looks professional.
17. Carmelitas
Christmas cookies are fun, colorful, and make beautiful gifts. But we don’t always have time to roll and decorate. That’s why I love bars like these. You can make a big tray, and all you have to do is slice! And given my obsession with caramel, you know that these are on the top of my list. I’m going to struggle to hand these over!
18. Santa Crunch Popcorn
Remember I said how adding red and green would make most things festive? This popcorn is living proof. Not only is it extra cute with the red and green M&Ms, but it’s also extra sweet! This popcorn gets enrobed in melted marshmallows for a sticky Christmas treat that won’t last long.
19. Candy Cane Dip
If you ask me to bring chips and dip to a party, please be prepared with your own guacamole and corn chips – because I’ll be bringing this incredible candy cane dip all year! Made with just three ingredients, it comes together in a snap and can be served with fruit, cookies, or even homemade cinnamon chips.
20. Thin Mints (Copycat)
Don’t we all have a box of these in the freezer at all times? As much as I love supporting the girls, I can’t always wait until they come knocking! Making your own is easier than you think and will help you make it through the year. Be sure to let your dough chill before baking, and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to dip in the chocolate.
21. Christmas Chex Mix
This no-bake Christmas treat is a great make-ahead option that will hold in the freezer for up to three months. Sometimes it can get overwhelming to make all the cookies and treats you need in one weekend, which is why I like to get ready by making things ahead of time. This is so easy to put together, and I even portion it out before freezing, so I’m never caught out without something tasty to offer up.
22. Oreo Cookie Christmas Ornaments
Dipped Oreos might feel like cheating, but once you’ve spent the time to decorate, you’ll see that these are just as thoughtful and adorable as any homemade cookie can be! After all, Oreo already got it so right, why mess with perfection? Once you have your Oreos coated in chocolate, you can decorate with sprinkles, edible glitter, and piping. I especially love the mini-Reese’s cups and Rolos for the ornament top!
23. Chewy M&M Cookie Bars
Everything about these cookie bars is fantastic. They are thick and chewy, just like a chocolate chip cookie should be. They come together fast, with no scooping or rolling required. And they’re super festive with the red and green M&Ms. I would even make up a double batch and add chopped candy canes and white chocolate to the second half.
24. Peppermint Affogato
The Italians know how to eat, and that includes their coffee! Have you ever poured hot coffee over ice cream? Try it! Please! It works with any good coffee and any flavor ice-cream you prefer. For this recipe, you will need peppermint ice cream and peppermint creamer. Another festive option would be to use some of that gingerbread creamer from above with a spiced ice cream.
25. Vegan Champagne Donuts
These would be the perfect addition to your New Year’s celebration, but I think they would also make a great Christmas morning treat. Not only are they light and moist, they’re also vegan! Champagne will add the bubbles, and apple sauce will provide the sweetness. Top with a champagne infused glaze and sparkling sprinkles.
26. Grinch Fruit Kabobs
When you’re stuck inside because of the cold, it’s easy to forget that some blessed few are still enjoying a warm breeze over the holidays. This recipe is ideal for a warm winter’s day! Green grapes, juicy strawberries, and marshmallows are stacked on a stick for a whimsical treat that is light and healthy.
27. Snowy Chocolate Pine Cones
This recipe is admittedly a little fiddly. But if you have some extra time and feel like making something fun, give it a go! The simple effect of the chocolate Chex and the powdered sugar is all you need to serve these. Or how about trying to make a Christmas tree with green-tinted white chocolate?
28. Christmas Gumdrop Nougat
Chocolate fudge is terrific, but this white chocolate nougat is wonderfully creamy and has just the right amount of sweetness. Typically, nougat needs boiled sugar syrup, streamed carefully into egg whites once it hits the right temperature. This recipe skips over that and uses white chocolate, butter, and marshmallow for a smooth but firm finish. Dotted through with gumdrops and cut into bite-sized pieces, it looks like reindeer treats!
29. Santa Hat Cheesecake Bites
You might already be aware of my love for cheesecake, and if not, just know it runs deep. If you’re looking for a way to make an easy Christmas inspired dessert using your favorite cheesecake recipe, this is for you! I like the original filling with the Oreo crust, but you could use any recipe you want. Just be sure to bake it into a tray and let it set up completely before cutting it into squares. Top with a little whipped cream and whole strawberry for the cutest little Santa hats around.
30. Easy Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
I just can’t resist a batch of soft, chewy peanut butter cookies. Alone, they are tender, sweet, and full of peanut butter flavor (though you could substitute almond butter if you prefer). Where these are extra special is the addition of peanut butter cups! Press them into the top of the freshly baked cookie and leave to set. The only thing missing is a drizzle of dark chocolate and maybe a sprinkling of sea salt. Click on a star to rate it!
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