Christmas desserts are where the season really shines, bringing together cozy flavors, nostalgic favorites, and a little extra sparkle for the holidays. From gingerbread classics and rich chocolate treats to no-bake sweets and show-stopping cakes, these desserts are made for sharing, celebrating, and sneaking seconds. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, baking with family, or just craving something festive at home, these recipes deliver big holiday cheer without unnecessary stress. Consider this your go-to collection for sweet moments all season long.
Gingerbread Cupcakes
These Gingerbread Cupcakes capture everything people love about classic holiday flavors, with warm spices and that cozy, made-from-scratch taste everyone craves this time of year. Finished with adorable mini gingerbread cookies on top, they look extra festive and instantly nostalgic, making them perfect for parties, cookie swaps, or holiday baking days at home. Best of all, they are surprisingly easy to make, so you get bakery-worthy results without a lot of fuss.
Get the recipe: Gingerbread Cupcakes
Hot Cocoa Donuts
How delicious do these Hot Cocoa Donuts look? They are perfectly light, sweet, and loaded with a rich chocolate glaze. Make some hot chocolate and dunk and dip these babies right in. These easy baked donuts are the perfect way to warm up this fall and winter. Top them with these adorable mini marshmallows for a festive touch.
Get the recipe: Hot Cocoa Donuts
Gingerbread Cheesecake Jars
Rich, creamy and full of festive flavor, gingerbread cheesecake jars from xoxoBella are a treat that looks as good as it tastes. Layers of spiced ginger cookie crumbs, smooth cheesecake filling and sweet whipped topping come together in charming individual jars as single-serve desserts. They’re quick to prepare, making them perfect for parties, gifts or a make-ahead dessert. The warm spices pair beautifully with the tangy cream cheese, while the presentation feels special without much effort. These jars are a must for holiday dessert tables.
Get the recipe: Gingerbread Cheesecake Jars
Gingerbread Trifle
Layered, glossy and warmly spiced, gingerbread trifle from xoxoBella turns simple ingredients into a gorgeous showpiece. Cubes of gingerbread cake tuck between ribbons of vanilla pudding, a light drizzle of caramel and a cloud of whipped cream. Brandy adds a grown up note while toffee bits bring crunch against the creamy layers, and a final flourish of sprinkles gives the whole bowl a festive sparkle.
Get the recipe: Gingerbread Trifle
Eggnog Cheesecake
Holiday cheesecake should taste cozy and look party ready. This eggnog cheesecake recipe from xoxoBella starts with a crunchy gingersnap crust and holds a silky filling blended with real eggnog, nutmeg and cinnamon. The texture is creamy yet light, so each slice feels rich without being heavy. A gentle water bath helps set a smooth top. Serve this holiday dessert plain or dress it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of spice.
Get the recipe: Eggnog Cheesecake
Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
This simple Nutella puff pastry Christmas tree recipe transforms two sheets of puff pastry and a jar of hazelnut spread into a golden, flaky centerpiece. Roll the pastry, spread the chocolate, then twist the branches for that signature tree shape. A quick egg wash gives shine while a dusting of sugar adds a snowy finish. It’s simple to assemble, bakes up crisp and tender, and looks impressive without complicated steps. Serve it for brunch on Christmas morning or as your Christmas dessert.
Get the recipe: Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
Cranberry Galette
A warm golden brown cranberry galette is ideal for any occasion, from Christmas or Thanksgiving to a special event like someone’s birthday. Cranberries offer a bold, tart taste and this cranberry raspberry galette also boasts orange, cream, cranberries, and raspberries for a wonderful result. You can use fresh or frozen berries and any type of pie crust you prefer.
Get the recipe: Cranberry Galette
Chocolate Hazelnut Torrone
Chocolate lovers, this is the recipe for you! My classic chocolate hazelnut torrone recipe (aka torrone dei morti) is an absolute show-stopper. It has a firmer texture than soft honey nougat, and the nuts give it a crunchy bite. What is so surprising is how incredibly easy it is to make. The silky texture and softly set rich chocolate just melt on the tongue. It’s next-level delicious, and the roasted nuts add the most incredible texture and taste. This decadent Italian fudge is a special occasion dessert to serve to friends or family (or keep for yourself!).
Get the recipe: Chocolate Hazelnut Torrone
Gingerbread Cheesecake Dip
A great holiday dip should be fast, creamy and craveable. This gingerbread cheesecake dip brings tangy cream cheese, cozy molasses and warm spice together in minutes. Beat everything smooth, fold in fluffy topping and chill while you set out dippers. It tastes like no bake cheesecake with gingerbread vibes, so it works for parties or a quiet movie night. Serve it with gingersnaps, graham crackers or fruit, then watch the bowl clear fast.
Get the recipe: Gingerbread Cheesecake Dip
White Chocolate Cranberry Cupcakes
These white chocolate cranberry cupcakes are a festive treat that taste as good as they look. With a vanilla cupcake base, tangy cranberry filling and rich white chocolate buttercream, each bite is a mix of sweet, tart and creamy, to tantalize your taste buds. Sugared cranberries and fresh rosemary give them a stunning seasonal finish. They’re such a beautiful way to bring holiday flavors together.
Get the recipe: White Chocolate Cranberry Cupcakes
Italian Chocolate Salami – Salame di Cioccolato
If you’re looking for a no-bake dessert that’s fun, rich and perfect for sharing, Italian chocolate salami – salame di cioccolato is your answer. Despite the name, there’s no meat involved, just a delicious mix of chocolate, cookies and liqueur shaped into a salami-style log. This traditional Italian treat is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just want something indulgent with minimal effort, Italian chocolate salami, or salame di cioccolato, is a sweet, nostalgic favorite.
Get the recipe: Italian Chocolate Salami – Salame di Cioccolato
Panettone Recipe – Italian Christmas Bread
Holiday breads should taste rich and feel celebratory. This panettone recipe – Italian Christmas bread builds flavor with an overnight starter, soft enriched dough and citrus-soaked fruit. Butter and egg yolks give a feathery crumb that pulls apart in strands. Orange zest adds fragrance while pearl sugar sparkles on top. The tall rise looks bakery-made, but the steps are beginner-friendly. Serve thick slices plain or toast and enjoy with a smear of butter for a cozy breakfast or brunch treat.
Get the recipe: Panettone Recipe – Italian Christmas Bread
Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cake
Deeply spiced and nostalgically soft, old fashioned gingerbread cake perfumes the kitchen from the first stir. Molasses brings mellow sweetness and a dark, burnished crumb, while cinnamon, ginger and cloves land warm and cozy. A quick splash of vinegar wakes the baking soda for a tall rise without heaviness. You’ll cream butter and sugars, stream in molasses, then fold in the dries for a velvety batter. Once cooled, a tangy cream cheese frosting crowns every slice with bakery style ease.
Get the recipe: Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cake
Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake
Pandoro is a traditional Italian cake that’s popular at Christmas. It’s known for its airy, light texture and tall, star-shaped design. It’s usually sprinkled with powdered sugar to resemble snow but in this pandoro Christmas tree cake recipe, the cake is frosted with a limoncello mascarpone and whipped cream mixture in between the layers and then decorated with pomegranate seeds and pistachios to resemble Christmas tree decorations. This festive no bake Christmas tree-shaped cake is impressive but oh-so-easy to make in less than 30 minutes!
Get the recipe: Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake
Italian Christmas Zuccotto Cake
Bring joy to your Christmas table with Italian Christmas zuccotto cake. This festive dome layers pound cake, amaretto, chocolate mousse, and mascarpone cream for a showy centerpiece that’s surprisingly simple. The striped shell looks intricate yet the method is easy to follow, and the sprinkles add a playful finish without extra work. Fold airy whipped cream into melted chocolate, whip mascarpone until cloud-light, and tuck it all inside a cake-lined bowl to make this holiday classic.
Get the recipe: Italian Christmas Zuccotto Cake
Santa Cupcakes
Bring some holiday magic to your dessert table with these whimsical Santa cupcakes. Each one features a fluffy white beard made from marshmallows, a bright red hat piped with frosting and playful candy eyes and nose. You can choose between chocolate or vanilla cake bases, making them perfect for mixed tastes. The decorating process is simple enough for kids to join in, yet the results look like they came from a bakery. They’re a festive showstopper for any holiday gathering.
Get the recipe: Santa Cupcakes
Cranberry Tartlets
These are the prettiest mini cranberry tartlets! They have the most perfect silky cranberry curd filling ever! The curd is nestled in flaky, buttery tartlet cases that just melt in the mouth. I love serving these make-ahead tarts as an easy yet incredibly impressive dessert. Your friends and family will absolutely think they’re from a pastry shop! Decorate these mini cranberry curd tarts with festive garnishes to make them extra special. Tangy and sweet cranberry curd will be your new favorite holiday dessert!
Get the recipe: Cranberry Tartlets
Christmas Tree Cake Dip
Dive into this festive dip that blends your favorite snack cake with a creamy, sweet dessert dip! It takes just 10 minutes or so to whip up this luscious and festive Little Debbie Christmas tree cake dip. Everyone will love the cute sprinkles and fun look of this sweet holiday dessert dip. Made with Debbie Snack Cakes, this no bake dessert recipe comes together in a jiffy and is the perfect sweet treat to end the meal at your holiday party. Serve it with your favorite dippers to scoop up the velvety cream cheese mixture.
Get the recipe: Christmas Tree Cake Dip
Christmas Mug Cake
Some nights call for cake without the mixing bowls and washing up afterward. This Christmas mug cake uses pantry basics and a microwave to pull off a delicious dessert in minutes. Stir everything right in the mug, add a hit of vanilla or cocoa and watch it rise. The texture is light, the flavor is cozy and cleanup is a breeze. Top with whipped cream or ice cream for a quick win. Holiday sprinkles make it look party-ready and the kids can get involved too, adding their own custom toppings.
Get the recipe: Christmas Mug Cake
Easy Reindeer Cupcakes
Make this Christmas extra special with these adorable reindeer cupcakes. Moist chocolate cupcakes are topped with rich cocoa frosting, crunchy pretzel antlers, bright red M&M noses and candy eyes. They’re a charming mix of flavor and fun, perfect for parties or a holiday bake-off. Even if you’re short on time, the simple steps and easy decorations mean you can whip up a batch in very little time. Kids and adults alike will be lining up for one of these adorable little treats.
Get the recipe: Easy Reindeer Cupcakes
Santa Hat Cupcakes
Chocolate cupcakes meet creamy buttercream in these cute Santa hat cupcakes that taste as good as they look. The rich, tender cupcakes stay moist for days, while the buttercream swirls into bright red hats with snowy white trim. They’re perfect for Christmas baking fun. With the right food coloring tips, you’ll get that deep red frosting without turning it pink. This recipe uses pantry staples, simple techniques, and a bit of patience for impressive bakery-style results every time.
Get the recipe: Santa Hat Cupcakes
Mint Milano Christmas Brownies
Festive, rich and minty, Mint Milano Christmas brownies layer chewy cocoa batter with a hidden cookie center for a fun twist. You whisk the dry mix, melt butter with chocolate, then fold everything together into a glossy batter. A single layer of Mint Milanos bakes inside so each square delivers chocolate and cool mint in one bite. Finish with piped green trees and a tiny star for sparkle. The method is simple and the result looks every bit as pretty as bakery treats.
Get the recipe: Mint Milano Christmas Brownies
Christmas Cakesicles
Christmas cakesicles take holiday treats to the next level with Golden Oreos, cream cheese and red chocolate coating for a fun, no-bake dessert. These festive Santa hat pops are easy to make and you can customize the decorations with marshmallows, sprinkles or edible glitter. The creamy center pairs perfectly with the crisp chocolate shell. Kids love decorating them as much as eating them, so they’re perfect for holiday parties, gifts or family baking days.
Get the recipe: Christmas Cakesicles
Italian Amaretti Budino Cake
This rich and rustic Italian amaretti budino cake is a nostalgic, cozy dessert with layers of texture and flavor. Ricotta and crushed amaretti cookies give it a beautifully moist, pudding-like texture, while lemon zest and a splash of rum add brightness and depth. It’s baked in a bundt pan and served simply with powdered sugar, making it an easy yet impressive cake.
Get the recipe: Italian Amaretti Budino Cake
Tiramisu Cheesecake Mini Trifles
Layers of mascarpone, cream cheese, espresso-soaked ladyfingers and cocoa powder come together in these tiramisu cheesecake mini trifles. They combine the classic Italian flavors of tiramisu with the creaminess of cheesecake, all served in single portions that look elegant and taste indulgent. The mascarpone mixture is light and airy, balanced with the rich espresso and a touch of coffee liqueur. Finished with a dusting of cocoa and chocolate shavings, these trifles bring café-style luxury, as well as seasonal fun, to your table.
Get the recipe: Tiramisu Cheesecake Mini Trifles
Hot Chocolate Cupcakes
I can’t get enough of these hot chocolate cupcakes—they’re absolutely divine! Rich and moist, these chocolate cupcakes get a delightful boost from hot cocoa mix, making them even more indulgent. The cupcakes themselves are very simple to prepare using hot cocoa mix, vanilla, and boxed devil’s food cake mix, and then you have a fluffy marshmallow frosting, candy canes, and mini marshmallows for a festive candy cane mug holder garnish. Trust me, these little treats are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face!
Get the recipe: Hot Chocolate Cupcakes
Christmas Tree Cupcakes
The cutest cupcakes with Christmas tree toppers that you’ve ever seen! These charming Christmas tree cupcakes are perfect for Christmas. They’re easy to make, and the festive Christmas tree and snow topping is inspired. The cupcakes are flavored with cocoa for a chocolatey richness, and then they’re topped with homemade buttercream, coconut flakes, and a homemade pretzel Christmas tree decoration. It’s a festive dessert for holiday parties that no one will be able to resist!
Get the recipe: Christmas Tree Cupcakes
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