90 Cute Christmas Treats PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON
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Every holiday season, without fail, we gladly go overboard with our love making Pinterest-worthy, absolutely adorable creations shaped like everything from trees to candy canes, all covered in a healthy amount of red and green sprinkles. There’s a time and a place for super-fancy desserts, like chocolate soufflé, tiramisu, or macarons, but for us, Christmas ain’t it. If you too want to get in on the holiday spirit with your baking, check out our 86 best Christmas treats—they’re cuteness personified, in the most festive way possible.
The perfect way to create delightful holiday desserts is to make ones that are shaped just like all your favorite holiday things, like Christmas trees, Santa, his reindeer, snowmen, and more. Check out our ugly sweater cookies (or cake!), our Santa hat cupcakes, our Christmas tree brownies, our candy cane cookies, our Oreo coal, or our snowman cupcakes for ideas, then get creative. Our plan is to make cookies shaped like Santa this year (plus some Milano reindeer cookies too) to guarantee our spot on the nice list, but you do you. 😊
Less into the personification of your baked goods, and more into the red and green color scheme of the holiday? Try our Christmas fudge, our Christmas pinwheel cookies, our Christmas blondies, or our Rice Krispie snowballs. They use food dye, colorful candy, or red and green sprinkles to great holiday effect. Snowy blue and white is also fair game, so we’ve included it in our igloo cake, our snowflake cookies, and our frozen fudge here too.
And don’t forget about peppermint! Peppermint bark is classic, so we’ve included it in everything from cheesecake to brownies, but that’s not all the mints are good for. Our peppermint meringues, and peppermint meltaways are both great ideas. Try adding peppermint to any of your favorite bakes to make them extra festive (but start small if you’re using extract to avoid them tasting too toothpaste-y!).
Want even more holiday inspiration? Check out our favorite Christmas cookies, our best Christmas cakes, and our top Christmas no-bake desserts too.
Reese’s Rudolph Bites
If you’re looking for the perfect holiday craft-meets-snack activity to do with the whole family, look no further. True to form, these Reese’s Rudolph bites are bringing home the holiday cheer this year.
Get the Reese’s Rudolph Bites recipe.
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON
Cake Ball Ornaments
These festive cake balls are made with rich red velvet cake and tangy cream cheese frosting, and are perfect for gift-giving, bringing to a Christmas cookie swap, or serving at a holiday party. Use your own ornaments for decorating inspo to create a beautiful assortment of edible holiday cheer!
Get the Cake Ball Ornaments recipe.
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON
Deck The Halls Pop-Tart Ornaments
If you love homemade ornaments and decorating Christmas cookies this time of year, have we got the recipe for you. With ready-made pie crust, sweet fruit preserves, and a little creativity, you can create charming, edible Pop-Tart ornaments that are as fun to make as they are delicious.
Get the Deck The Halls Pop-Tart Ornaments recipe.
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON
Grinchy Pull-Apart Cupcakes
Don’t be intimidated. These pull-apart cupcakes are wayyyy easier to make than you’d think. (Just watch the video a couple times 😉) If you’re not willing to put in the work on decorating with frosting, make our Grinch Kranky Treats instead.
Get the Grinch Pull-Apart Cupcakes recipe.
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
Gingerbread Cookie Bark
If you’re a gingerbread head like me, congratulations, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe for your holiday season. This bark blends white chocolate with all your favorite holiday spices and is topped with gingerbread cookies to create a simple yet delightful treat.
Get the Gingerbread Cookie Bark recipe.
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON
Melted Snowman Cookie Dough Bites
Using our delicious edible cookie dough recipe, white chocolate ganache, and a couple of candy decorations, these melted snowman bites are the perfect sweet treat to bring to any holiday party. Plus, they’re ready in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute gifts and get-togethers.
Get the Melted Snowman Cookie Dough Bites recipe.
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
Santa Hat Cheesecake Bites
These mini cheesecake bites are the easiest way to show Santa you deserve to be on the nice list this Christmas. Bonus: You can top any holiday treat with these adorable little hats—cupcakes, cookies, Jell-O shots…
Get the Santa Hat Cheesecake Bites recipe.
PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
Oreo Coal
These Oreo truffles shaped like coal will make you wish you were on the naughty list! Make a batch and trick your friends and family this Christmas.
Get the Oreo Coal recipe.
Lindsay Conchar
Christmas Tree Cookie Stacks
All you need is store-bought sugar cookie dough, an easy homemade buttercream (colored green to nail the Christmas vibes), and your desired decorations to create these tiny edible trees. In 30 minutes, you’ll have the cutest cookie stacks that everyone will be fighting over.
Get the Christmas Tree Cookie Stacks recipe.
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON
Reindeer Berry Snacks
We’ve never met a chocolate-covered strawberry we didn’t like (nay love), and these festive reindeer berry snacks are no exception. With pretzel antlers, a red M&M for a nose, and chocolate chip ears, these easy-to-make berries just might be the cutest Christmas snack we’ve ever laid (candy) eyes on.
Get the Reindeer Berry Snacks recipe.
PHOTO: RYAN LIEBE; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON
Mini No-Bake Gingerbread Icebox Cakes
Usually, icebox cakes are built as one large treat, but for this recipe, everything is scaled down to create individually-sized icebox cakes using thin gingersnaps full of warm spices, cool cream, and adorable charm.
Get the Mini No-Bake Gingerbread Icebox Cakes recipe.
PHOTO: BRYAN GARDNER; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
Oh Fudge, Fudge
Watching The Christmas Story is a yearly tradition around these parts, and our movie night isn’t complete without eating on-theme Christmas treats while we watch. Usually we make our iconic leg lamp cookies, but this year we’re adding soap-shaped fudge to the menu (trust us!).
Get the Oh Fudge, Fudge recipe.
PHOTO: BRYAN GARDNER; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
Pull-Apart Santa Cake
Holly jolly and extremely delicious, these pull-apart cupcakes are the holiday showstopper that you’ve been looking for. To make this recipe as simple as possible, I used boxed cake mix so that you can focus on the decoration. Feel free to let your creative juices flow (we certainly did, just look at his sunglasses!).
Get the Pull-Apart Santa Cake recipe.
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
Candy Cane Cookies
These cookies look so much more complicated than they are. They’re actually just a simple sugar cookie where half of the dough gets dyed red and then twisted together. So simple!
Get the Candy Cane Cookies recipe.
PHOTO: BRYAN GARDNER; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
Letters To Santa Cookies
Set out a plate of these cookies for the big guy this Christmas Eve, and they will guarantee to keep you on his nice list for years to come! They’re cute, delicious, and super-simple to make. Sprinkled with warm cinnamon sugar and filled with decadent Nutella, these cookies have an extra touch of Christmas magic.
Get the Letters To Santa Cookies recipe.
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
Elf On The Shelf-Inspired Mischief Munch
Even if you’re not well-studied in the arts of elf antics, you can make this mischief-ful Chex mix. Your kids can even make it with you, so they can leave it out to lure their little pal. It just takes a little cereal, some M&M’s and holiday sprinkles, but you could modify it to suit your tastes.
Get the Elf On The Shelf Mischief Munch recipe.
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
Grinchy Christmas Cake Bites
This holiday season, be the who’s who of Whoville with a festive treat that even the Grinch himself couldn’t resist!. These bite-sized delights are the perfect combination of rich red velvet and the mischievous charm of the Grinch, and they’ll make your heart grow three sizes this holiday season.
Get the Grinchy Christmas Cake Bites recipe.
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON
Advent Calendar Cookies
This year, we’re excited to do things a little differently, and bake up a batch of sugar cookies to serve as our advent calendar. This cookie countdown is as fun to decorate as it is to eat, and makes a delightful gift for the holidays too.
Get the Advent Calendar Cookies recipe.
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
Reese’s Trees
In true Delish fashion, Reese’s Trees couldn’t be simpler to create. All you need are both sizes of Reese’s peanut butter cups (regular and mini), melted chocolate to act as your glue, a Hershey’s kiss as a tree topper, and lots of fun sprinkles.
Get the Reese’s Trees recipe.
PHOTO: RYAN LIEBE; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
Buddy the Elf Rice Krispies Treats
This twist on Buddy the Elf’s breakfast spaghetti is just the thing to add to your Christmas treat bucket list; plus, it’s the perfect snack while you curl up on the couch and press play. If dessert for breakfast isn’t your thing, you’ll find the same sticky goodness in Rice Krispies format with crunchy chow mein noodles, chocolate galore, and even Pop-Tarts—no spaghetti required.
Get the Buddy the Elf Rice Krispies Treats recipe.
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER
Santa’s List-Cakes
Inspired by the excitement of discovering whether you made the naughty or nice list, each cupcake here is filled with a hidden surprise of either joyful colored sprinkles or mischievous black sugar sprinkles. Topped with fluffy vanilla buttercream frosting, these cupcakes not only taste heavenly, but are also a fun, interactive treat for holiday gatherings.
Get the Santa’s List-Cakes recipe.
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER
Chocolate Truffles
Dessert truffles are not only a chocolate lover’s dream, but they’re also completely customizable and so easy to make. Top these with even more chocolate, or even Christmas toppings like candy canes or festive sprinkles to add some holiday cheer to any celebration. Hot tip: they make great gifts too!
Get the Chocolate Truffles recipe.
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON
Reindeer Tracks Fudge
I love Christmas cookies of all shapes and flavors, but when my sweet tooth is in overdrive, it’s creamy, chocolaty fudge I need. Fudge is super-versatile, and I’ll take it in any form, but crammed full of mini marshmallows, salted peanuts, and bite-size peanut butter cups, it’s next level spectacular.
Get the Reindeer Tracks Fudge recipe.
PHOTO: RYAN LIEBE; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON
Edible Pine Cones
Need a centerpiece? Edible pine cones. Kid-friendly activity? Edible pine cones. Last-minute gift for that one person you always forget? Edible pine cones. They’re the Swiss Army knife of holiday treats.
Get the Edible Pine Cones recipe.
PHOTO: BRYAN GARDNER; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
Cornflake Wreaths
Deck the halls! It’s time to get your Christmas wreaths out. And we’re not talking the kind you hang on the door. No, it’s time to make a batch of cornflake wreaths. Perfect for lovers of Rice Krispies treats, these Christmas cookies are as simple as they are delicious.
Get the Cornflake Wreaths recipe.
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE
Pillsbury Stacked Sugar Cookies
Thanks to Pillsbury’s adorable holiday-shaped sugar cookie doughs, all you need to bring out the festive vibes is two packs of dough (one with shapes, and one without) and some colorful sprinkles. Pull out your ugly Christmas sweater, put on your favorite holiday movie, and get ready to create the ultimate (and easiest!) cookie plate for Santa.
Get the Pillsbury Stacked Sugar Cookies recipe.
PHOTO: BRYAN GARDNER; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
Snowman Cupcakes
Baby, it’s cold outside! We can’t think of a better way to welcome the first snow of the season than with these adorable snowman cupcakes. Marshmallow snowmen sit atop sweet, frosted coconut cupcakes to create a dessert guaranteed to put you in a festive mood.
Get the Snowman Cupcakes recipe.
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE
Peanut Butter Snowballs
These holiday treats coat peanut butter balls in sweet melted white chocolate, before being decorated with festive holiday sprinkles. Bite-sized and too adorable, this easy dessert is a perfect last-minute addition to your holiday spread, or as the sweetest homemade food gift for any PB + chocolate lovers in your life.
Get the Peanut Butter Snowballs recipe.
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
Christmas Fudge
Nothing says the holidays quite like Christmas fudge. We made ours more chocolatey and less sugary, and it might just be the best fudge we’ve ever had.
Get the Christmas Fudge recipe.
PHOTO: LINDA PUGLIESE; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
Christmas Tree Brownies
These adorable Christmas trees are perfect for when you don’t have a ton of time but still want to make something cute and festive. They’re easy to assemble and the kids can even help decorate! Use your favorite brownie recipe or keep it simple and use a boxed brownie mix like we did here.
Get the Christmas Tree Brownies recipe.
Andrew Bui
Santa Cookies
Here’s a crazy idea that just might be brilliant: This year, leave the plate of cookies for Santa in his own image. He’ll love sliding down the chimney to see his portrait. (Try our Milano reindeer cookies instead of carrots and celery too!)
Get the Santa Cookies recipe.
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: RILEY WOFFORD
Gingerbread Cookies
For us, gingerbread should have a lot of ground ginger, a bit of cinnamon, and a tiny amount of cloves. It’s the perfect Christmas formula. But if you don’t have cloves (or really loathe them), you can just leave them out. As for the ginger, it’s necessary but negotiable. Feel free to use less.
Get the Gingerbread Cookies recipe.
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
Hot Chocolate Fudge
Rich, decadent, and topped with fluffy marshmallows (of course), hot chocolate is a fan-favorite winter drink we can always get behind. We love it so much, we decided to take the flavors of this classic bev and incorporate them into one of our other favorite holiday treats: fudge!
Get the Hot Chocolate Fudge recipe.
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites
Covered in red velvet cake crumbs, these sweet cheesecake balls are the perfect small bite for any holiday party. Just try and eat only one!
Get the Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites recipe.
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
Sugarplums
If you have “visions of sugarplums dancing in your head” this Christmas season, make the dream a reality with these festive and easy holiday treats. Made of nuts and dates, they’ve got warm spiced and just a touch of sugar to bring out the fruit’s natural sweetness.
Get the Sugarplums recipe.
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER
Christmas Tree Cake
This Christmas Tree cake is perfect for when you really want to show off. It’s the most beautiful centerpiece and all of your guests will be obsessed. It takes some patience to make, but each step along the way is never too difficult. The key is to work with cold cake layers as they are much easier to handle. You can use a box cake mix like we did or use your favorite homemade chocolate cake – or any flavor really!
Get the Christmas Tree Cake recipe.
Erik bernstein
Christmas Blondies
We can’t think of a better way to celebrate the holidays than these festive blondies loaded with M&M’s, crushed Oreos, and chocolate chips.
Get the Christmas Blondies recipe.
Parker Feierbach
Peppermint Meringues
A cookie box filled with a wide assortment of shapes, sizes, and colors is such a treat to gift during the holidays. These peppermint meringues are the perfect addition to add a pop of color and fun. They practically scream “holiday!” and they taste fantastic as well.
Get the Peppermint Meringues recipe.
PHOTO: DANE TASHIMA; FOOD STYLING: JASON SCHREIBER
Santa’s Trash Cookies
Even Santa has a snacky side. These cookies are loaded with chocolate chips, sprinkles, pretzels, and potato chips for the salty-sweet dessert of your (and his!) dreams.
Get the Santa’s Trash Cookies recipe.
Lindsay Conchar
Ugly Sweater Cake
Unlike our ugly sweater cookies, which involve some pretty serious piping skills, all you need to do for this cake is pipe a few thick lines on a store-bought (or homemade cake) to make it look like somewhat like a sweater, then go crazy with the décor!
Get the Ugly Sweater Cake recipe.
Hearst Owned
Gingerbread House
Building a gingerbread house from scratch might sounds like a huge undertaking when you can just reach for a kit—but it’s not! We’ve got the best tips for assembly, so you can get creative and focus on the decoration.
Get the Gingerbread House recipe.
Hearst Owned
Cannoli Bites
The combination of the crunchy exterior and creamy filling of a cannoli is one of the world’s best bites, and these bite-sized treats make it even easier to indulge. They’re the perfect way to serve the classic Italian treat to guests this holiday season without all the mess and stress.
Get the Cannoli Bites recipe.
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: LENA ABRAHAM
Struffoli
Struffoli are an Italian dessert traditionally served at Christmas. To make them, little balls of dough are flavored with citrus zest, deep-fried until crispy and light, tossed in honey, then 😍shaped into a wreath covered in sprinkles.
Get the Struffoli recipe.
LUCY SCHAEFFER
Ugly Sweater Cookies
Looking to wow people at the Christmas cookie swap this year? Look no further than these gorgeous cookies. We know, it sounds like an oxymoron, but these stunners truly redefine “ugly sweater.”
Get the Ugly Sweater Cookies recipe.
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: RILEY WOFFORD
Gingerbread Truffles
Truffles are the ultimate one-bite wonder, and these gingerbread ones have a delightful touch of holiday magic in each bite. Bonus: They’re rolled in crushed gingersnaps for a zippy ginger bite and a pleasingly crunchy texture.
Get the Gingerbread Truffles recipe.
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER
Brownie Brittle
If you love candy brittle and are as obsessed with brownies as we are, then this will be your new favorite snack. Crisp and crunchy with deep cocoa flavor, this sweet snack bark is both easy to make and incredibly tasty. Beware—you won’t be able to stop at just one piece!
Get the Brownie Brittle recipe.
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
These pinwheel cookies are beyond mesmerizing but also so easy to make. Make a batch of our easy sugar cookie dough, then dye one half red. Then simply roll them together to create the swirl. The sprinkles are optional, but they add so much extra fun!
Get the Christmas Pinwheel Cookies recipe.
Emily Hlavac Green
Stained Glass Cookies
Love sugar cookies but hate decorating them? These are for you! Simply fill cookie cutouts with hard candies like Jolly Ranchers, then bake. The candies will melt then turn soft and chewy after cooling, adding a bright pop of color to your holiday dessert table.
Get the Stained Glass Cookies recipe.
Erik Bernstein
Rolo Ornament Cookies
These are the perfect cookie decorating project for kids (and adults who just feel like one this time of year!). All you’ve got to do is snag some Lofthouse cookies and candy from the store, then get creative with the ornament decorations.
Get the Rolo Ornament Cookies recipe.
Yossy Arefi
Hot Chocolate Brownie Cups
It’s officially hot cocoa season, and we’ve got the cutest dessert ever to celebrate with. They look a little tricky, but they couldn’t be easier. We gave ours a Christmas spin with red and green sprinkles, but they’re perfect for any winter holiday or snow day.
Get the Hot Chocolate Brownie Cups recipe.
PHOTO: BRYAN GARDNER; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
Christmas Light Cupcakes
These cupcakes look so impressive but are actually so easy to make. You could have these done before your aunt can finish decorating her first sugar cookie.
Get the Christmas Light Cupcakes recipe.
Parker Feierbach
Holiday Cookie Pops
Everyone decorates Christmas sugar cookies with icing, and we think not enough people roll them in sugar and turn them into pops. Pro tip: Dunk ’em in your hot cocoa.
Get the Holiday Cookie Pops recipe.
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
Hot Chocolate Bombs
For those who may have missed this hot cocoa trend, you’re essentially dealing with molds of chocolate filled with homemade hot cocoa mix and marshmallows that explode after being dropped into hot milk. And although they’re extremely fun to watch unfold, it’s not just a novelty thing. The melted chocolate, along with the hot chocolate mix, makes the creamiest drink.
Get the Hot Chocolate Bombs recipe.
Andrew Bui
Eggnog Truffles
If you love eggnog (or even if you don’t!), this recipe is for you. Cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, cream wrapped in white chocolate—what could be better?
Get the Eggnog Truffles recipe.
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: JASON SCHREIBER
Spritz Cookies
These buttery cookies are named after the German word “spritzen,” which means “to squirt,” because of the cookie press used to form their signature shapes. From snowflakes to Christmas trees, spritz cookies can come in many festive forms. We use food coloring to add another level of holiday cheer—but you can also decorate them with colorful sugar and sprinkles if you’d like.
Get the Spritz Cookies recipe.
Photographer: Erik Bernstein, Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne
Santa Hat Cupcakes
Bake off your favorite cupcakes, pipe a tall swirling mound of red frosting on top, then add a little white around the edges and top. You’ll have the cutest Christmas dessert in no time, and everyone will be obsessed.
Get the Santa Hat Cupcakes recipe.
Joel goldberg
Melted Snowman Cookies
Easy sugar cookies get turned into the most heart-meltingly cute snowman cookies. Use our favorite sugar cookie icing and homemade or store-bought cookies to make these super-simple.
Get the Melted Snowman Cookies recipe.
Yossy Arefi
Tiramisu Truffles
Craving a sweet pick-me-up at the end of a meal? These tiramisu truffles are for you. Luscious espresso and mascarpone white chocolate ganache is coated in a crisp chocolate shell for a dreamy bite-sized dessert that’s sure to delight every coffee lover.
Get the Tiramisu Truffles recipe.
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON
Buddy The Elf Cookies
If you’re going to emulate Buddy’s spaghetti breakfast from the movie Elf, you might as well make it actually edible (and delish). These no-bake cookies are the perfect treat and include all the main food groups. We love taking these to cookie exchanges to switch things up!
Get the Buddy the Elf Cookies recipe.
LUCY SCHAEFFER PHOTOGRAPHY
Mince Pies
Ask your average American what a mince pie is, and they’ll likely wonder if you were talking about shepherd’s pie. Ask a Brit? They’ll tell you that it’s probably the best (and cutest!) type of holiday dessert you can ask for.
Get the Mince Pies recipe.
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: FRANCESCA ZANI
Milano Reindeer Cookies
These are the cutest upgrade to store-bought Milanos and are a fun holiday project for little kids to get in on. Swap for the mint Milanos to make them extra festive!
Get the Milano Reindeer Cookies recipe.
LUCY SCHAEFFER PHOTOGRAPHY
Christmas Tree Cookies
It isn’t Christmas without cookies, and this year, we’re starting with these trees decorated with a super-simple marbling technique that’s totally Tik Tok-worthy. It’s perfect for getting kids involved or for using on other holiday cookie shapes, like candy canes done with a red and white marble or snowflake shapes done in blue and white. The possibilities are endless!
Get the Christmas Tree Cookies recipe.
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: RILEY WOFFORD
Holiday Shortbread Bites
These shortbread bites are one of our absolute favorite cookies to bake around the holidays. They’re even easier to pull together than sugar cookies, and you can eat as many of them as you like.
Get the Holiday Shortbread Bites recipe.
Parker Feierbach
Grinch Cookies
Not everyone’s all about the Christmas cheer, and that’s okay! These adorable sugar cookies will warm hearts even if they’re 10 sizes too small this holiday season.
Get the Grinch Cookies recipe.
Andrew Bui – Hearst Owned
Peppermint Bark
Peppermint bark is a candy we cannot wait to get our hands on every holiday season. Luckily for you, you can make a batch in just 10 minutes flat.
Get the Peppermint Bark recipe.
Parker Feierbach
Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
This sugar cookie recipe is the only one you need. It embodies both form and function: Not only does it taste fantastically buttery with just the right amount of sweetness, it also holds its shape, is perfect for decorating, and will get you sharp, clean edges every time after baking.
Get the Cut-Out Sugar Cookies recipe.
Parker feierbach
Rice Krispie Snowballs
These Rice Krispie treats are the perfect holiday sweet. They’re super-easy to make, and the mini Reese’s inside make for a fun surprise. Decorate them with white or milk chocolate—just don’t forget the sprinkles!
Get the Rice Krispie Snowballs recipe.
Parker Feierbach
Kranky Cupcakes
Bake up an ode to our favorite grumpy Christmas character with these adorable cupcakes complete with a bright red Santa hat made from buttercream.
Get the Kranky Cupcakes recipe.
Joel goldberg
Gingerbread Fudge
With only five ingredients—sweetened condensed milk, white chocolate, and gingerbread spices—this holiday fudge is insanely easy to make.
Get the Gingerbread Fudge recipe.
Ethan Calabrese
Sugar Cookie Truffles
Got an excess of holiday sugar cookies? This is the BEST way to use them, even if they’re iced. If you don’t have extra sugar cookies, bake some off! The easiest route is to buy store-bought cookie dough, but if you have a recipe you love, go for it. The truffles will be even better for it.
Get the Sugar Cookie Truffles recipe.
LUCY SCHAEFFER PHOTOGRAPHY
Meringue Wreath Cookies
Make meringues into festive, mini wreaths with a little green food coloring and pull and peel Twizzlers. The sprinkles are optional, but they do add a little extra holiday flair.
Get the Meringue Wreath Cookies recipe.
Lindsay Conchar
Leg Lamp Cookies
We know you’ll be whipping up Christmas cookies this holiday season, and there’s no better way to stand out from the crowd of classic chocolate chip and basic sugar cookies than with a platter of these gams, which fans of the movie A Christmas Story might deem hotter than “electric sex” and “indescribably beautiful.” 😉
Get the Leg Lamp Cookies recipe.
Parker Feierbach
Cookies ‘N’ Cream Blossom Cookies
We took well-known peanut butter blossoms and made them holiday-worthy by swapping chocolate kisses for cookies ‘n’ cream ones. Feel free to get creative and do the same with whatever kisses you can find this year!
Get the Cookies ‘N’ Cream Blossom Cookies recipe.
Lindsay Conchar
Snowflake Cookies
These elegant snowflake cookies turn our best-ever sugar cookie dough into a magical work of art. Trust us: You don’t need any special kind of decorating expertise to pull these off—just a snowflake cookie cutter and some decorating sugar pearls.
Get the Snowflake Cookies recipe.
Andrew Bui
Peppermint Pattie-Stuffed Chocolate Cookies
As it turns out, stuffing a cookie is super simple. You just want to make sure you have a cookie dough that’s thick enough to easily work with your hands, so that you can fold it around the peppermint candy. This one is perfect because it’s made from… cake mix!
Get the Peppermint Pattie-Stuffed Chocolate Cookies recipe.
Ethan Calabrese
Peppermint Meltaways
These cookies have a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth texture and are topped with a pretty pink frosting, plus a shower of peppermints. There’s just a touch of peppermint extract in the dough to lend the cookies a festive but not overpowering taste.
Get the Peppermint Meltaways recipe.
PHOTO: DANE TASHIMA; FOOD STYLING: JASON SCHREIBER
Frozen Fudge
This fudge is perfect whether you’re a fan of the movie franchise, or just loving the winter wonderland outside. Use whatever winter-y sprinkles you can find!
Get the Frozen Fudge recipe.
LUCY SCHAEFFER PHOTOGRAPHY
Polar Bear Paw Cupcakes
Take a batch of boxed cake mix cupcakes to the next level of cuteness with some shredded coconut, M&Ms, and Oreos. These are perfect for a holiday bake sale or classroom party.
Get the Polar Bear Paw Cupcakes recipe.
Alexa Payesko
Christmas Light Cookies
Mini M&Ms, black decorating gel, and some white royal icing are all you need to make these cute holiday cookies. They’ll add a welcome pop of whimsy to any Christmas cookie table.
Get the Christmas Light Cookies recipe.
Delish
Candy Cane Whoopie Pies
Is there a better combination than peppermint and chocolate around the holidays? We don’t think so! Not only are these whoopie pies delicious, they’re also extra cute, thanks to a sweet pink frosting and crushed peppermint candies.
Get the Candy Cane Cookie Sandwiches recipe.
PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER
Grinch Kranky Treats
Only a grinch wouldn’t watch How The Grinch Stole Christmas before Christmas. If you need a snack for your umpteenth viewing, try these Rice Krispie treats. Use mini M&Ms and store-bought or homemade frosting to get the Grinch’s narrow, up-to-no-good look just right.
Get the Grinch Kranky Treats recipe.
Chelsea Lupkin
Igloo Cake
We turned two store-bought cake mixes, one 8″ cake pan, one 8″ heat-safe bowl, marshmallows, and one cake donut to create this joyful igloo cake. Check out our video for tips, and then use this recipe to spark your baking imagination.
Get the Igloo Cake recipe.
Jonathan Boulton
Candy Cane Marshmallow Dippers
These are a perfect hot chocolate accompaniment—they’re the chocolate toppings and stirrer all in one.
Get the Candy Cane Marshmallow Dippers recipe.
Jon Boulton
Krinkle Kringle Cookies
These cookies are made by swirling two types of dough made from cake mix together (red velvet and a green-dyed vanilla). Chilling both before you swirl the two flavors together really helps keep it from sticking to your fingers—and getting food coloring on your skin.
Get the Krinkle Kringle Cookies recipe.
Ethan Calabrese
Mini Gingerbread Houses
Craving a gingerbread house but don’t want to have to bake one? Use graham crackers instead! They’re just as fun to decorate but are WAY easier to assemble.
Get the Mini Gingerbread Houses recipe.
Jon Boulton
Oreo Penguins
These Oreos are TOO cute. Get them dipped yourself, then have kids help decorate them. You’ll be surprised at how creative they’ll turn out.
Get the Oreo Penguins recipe.
Alexa Payesko
Snowman Donuts
Making snowmen out of powdered donuts is WAY easier (and warmer!) than making them out of snow. We used M&M’s, sour belts, and melted chocolate for ours, but have fun with it and make them your own.
Get the Snowman Donuts recipe.
Alexa Payesko
Reindeer Bait
We could barely get this stuff photographed because we kept sneaking bites of it. Whether you make this for a holiday party, a Christmas movie marathon, or gift for your coworkers, warn those who try it that they probably won’t be able to stop. 😉
Get the Reindeer Bait recipe.
Ethan Calabrese
Sweet & Salty Holiday Toffee
This easy “toffee”turns a simple saltine into a dessert. It does bake for 15 minutes, but trust us, it’s SO easy, it won’t feel like baking at all.
Get the Sweet & Salty Holiday Toffee recipe.
Chelsea Lupkin
Oreo Christmas Tree
This will make your holiday table feel festive and bright. Bonus: It’s WAY easier to decorate than an actual tree, so get the kids involved.
Get the Oreo Christmas Tree recipe.
Jonathan Boulton
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