49 Christmas Dessert Recipes That Taste Exactly Like December Should

Festive tables feel brighter when you choose one of these 49 Christmas dessert options for your celebration. Every pick in this lineup brings a classic flavor or a playful twist that captures winter magic. I reach for these desserts during holiday parties and quiet nights indoors, knowing there’s a treat that draws smiles and keeps the December spirit alive.

Decadent Hot Fudge Sundae

Late night celebrations reach their peak when Decadent Hot Fudge Sundae is part of the Christmas dessert spread. Chocolate streams over ice cream, inviting smiles and lively chatter as toppings pile up. Scooping out sundaes never fails to make people feel special, whether the party is big or cozy.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Hot Fudge Sundae

Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies

Sweet faces appear on Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies to light up the holiday dessert spread. Guests smile as soon as they see each playful bite, and my table always feels more cheerful with these treats stacked high. Bringing them out during December gatherings never fails to inspire chatter and makes the dessert table feel just a bit more magical for every guest.
Get the Recipe: Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies

Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Every cookie lover at the table perks up as Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies hit the plate. Soft texture and seasonal aroma draw compliments faster than I can serve. I make sure these are part of every December get together, because one bite always invites holiday memories, and guests often ask if they can snag a few extras for the way home.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey & Lime Dressing

Rolling a bowl of Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey & Lime Dressing into the room brings a welcome change to the holiday spread. The bright colors and tangy flavors always refresh palates between rich desserts. I include this one on busy nights, helping lighten the mood and offering that crisp contrast to pies, cakes, and all the traditional Christmas sweets.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey & Lime Dressing

Creamy Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream

Scoops of Creamy Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream melt gently as people wander the dessert buffet, eager for a cool touch after oven baked treats. Friends and kids laugh about summer flavors meeting wintry cheer. I love how this dessert keeps things playful, blending nostalgia and freshness to round out my holiday sweets with something surprising and conversation friendly.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream

Showstopping Baked Alaska

The reveal of Showstopping Baked Alaska brings gasps of excitement every year, turning dessert into the main event. Flames and cool layers spark questions, stories, and camera flashes across the room. I bring this out for large December gatherings, knowing nothing else captures quite the same energy and anticipation before the last slice is served.
Get the Recipe: Showstopping Baked Alaska

Classic Cherry Pie

Bright red juices bubbling under a perfect crust make Classic Cherry Pie a seasonal staple on my holiday menu. The aroma radiates across the kitchen, while people sneak extra slices before the meal even ends. I know I can rely on this pie to fill the room with nostalgia and set off cheerful toasts each December.
Get the Recipe: Classic Cherry Pie

Matcha Tiramisu

Green hues from Matcha Tiramisu catch everyone’s eye as plates go around, sparking intrigue with each creamy bite. The unique flavor makes my Christmas spread feel trendier, while friends and family love to debate their favorites after every dinner. I keep this recipe on hand for a holiday dessert buffet that never blends into the background.
Get the Recipe: Matcha Tiramisu

Rich Blueberry Cheesecake

Bright pops of berry cheer decorate each slice of Rich Blueberry Cheesecake, making dessert a burst of color at the December table. Compliments come with every bite, and guests remember this one long after the season ends. I always find a reason to bring this cake out at least once each winter, since it brightens both the menu and everyone’s mood.
Get the Recipe: Rich Blueberry Cheesecake

Creamy Peppermint Fudge

Sheets of Creamy Peppermint Fudge invite laughter and sharing, filling the room with the scent of mint and cocoa. Kids reach for pieces while grownups reminisce about childhood holidays. This fudge recipe plays an important role in my December plans, ushering in nostalgia and the kind of cheer that keeps hands reaching back for more.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Peppermint Fudge

Buttery Coffee Cake

Serving Buttery Coffee Cake alongside coffee or cocoa helps bring people together for slow mornings or afternoon holiday breaks. Crumbly tops and soft centers get plenty of attention, sparking friendly debates over which dessert wins. I turn to this cake when I want a calm moment amid the December rush—a treat that feels as festive as it does simple.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Coffee Cake

Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Plates always empty fast when Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies join the dessert rotation. Deep colors and bold flavor combinations leave people guessing and returning for more. Friends often ask about them and hope to see them again the following December. I’ve learned these cookies keep the energy high at every holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Retro Watergate Salad

Retro charm returns each year with Retro Watergate Salad on my table. Bright colors and light texture capture guests’ attention, making it a surprise hit among classic sweets. I keep this tradition alive in December, giving gatherings a playful side while adding something that both kids and adults look forward to scooping onto their plates.
Get the Recipe: Retro Watergate Salad

Fudgy Pink Snoball Brownies

Fun shades of pink and a tender chew ensure Fudgy Pink Snoball Brownies are snapped up by kids and adults alike. People love comparing them to childhood treats, while the table bursts into chatter and laughter. I like how easily these brownies turn a winter dessert buffet into a party that feels both familiar and new.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Pink Snoball Brownies

Easy Apple Dump Cake

The oven brings magic to Easy Apple Dump Cake, filling the kitchen with apple spice and anticipation. Every scoop comes with plenty of holiday excitement as guests dash to grab the first warm serving. I bring this dessert out for low fuss celebrations, where I want a homey treat no one can resist scooping into their bowl.
Get the Recipe: Easy Apple Dump Cake

Festive Christmas Cheese Trees

Platters of Festive Christmas Cheese Trees stand out, drawing admiration well before dessert is served. Plates leave the buffet quickly as everyone sneaks extra bites before dinner officially ends. I make these treats for parties where I want bright colors, laughter, and something conversation worthy that adds an extra dose of December cheer.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Cheese Trees

Sweet Strawberry Crunch Cake

Red streaks and golden crunch transform Sweet Strawberry Crunch Cake into more than just a dessert—it becomes a centerpiece. Guests pause to admire before settling in for a slice. I like serving this at holiday potlucks, where a playful cake helps break the ice and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Strawberry Crunch Cake

Classic Tiramisu

Soft coffee soaked layers in Classic Tiramisu tempt every guest as soon as the dessert tray circulates. Those who wait longest always ask for seconds as the creamy texture stands out from heavier holiday treats. I reach for tiramisu during formal December dinners, knowing it never feels out of place or out of season.
Get the Recipe: Classic Tiramisu

Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Warm notes of spice fill the air as Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are set out for dessert. Friendly voices mention how holiday desserts don’t always need to be complicated. These blondies work their way into my December assortment every year, because the combination of chew and cinnamon feels just right for winding down after a big holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes

Smiles light up the room when Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes march onto the scene. Kids compare antlers, while grownups sneak playful bites between sips of cocoa. I never leave these off my holiday baking list as they set the mood for fun and give every guest a reason to linger at the dessert table a little longer in December.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes

Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies

Cookie towers like Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies get photographed before tasting even begins. Bright green frosting and sparkling touches draw crowds, turning my dessert table into the holiday’s biggest attraction. Bringing these out guarantees excited conversations and happy requests for take home boxes after the evening winds down.
Get the Recipe: Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies

Buttery Chocolate Croissant

Plates never stay full for long with Buttery Chocolate Croissant on display. Each bite signals comfort and tradition, sending a ripple of warmth through winter celebrations. I love bringing these out for brunch or dessert, because guests always sigh with happiness and ask for more before the last crumb has cooled on their plate.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Chocolate Croissant

Sweet Candy Cane Fudge

Shards of Sweet Candy Cane Fudge glitter on trays, catching holiday lights and the eyes of eager dessert lovers. Crumbles of minty sweetness spark nostalgia, leading people to reminisce about childhood. Including this treat in my December plans gives everyone a cheerful, conversation starting snack to nibble while gifts are being unwrapped.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Candy Cane Fudge

Easy Apple Pie Cupcakes

Cheerful portions define Easy Apple Pie Cupcakes, making passing dessert as easy as sharing greetings. Apples and spice bring classic comfort to each bite, while the cupcake format invites compliments during every holiday event. I prepare these for Christmas gatherings that need flexible, simple desserts with that unmistakably December flavor.
Get the Recipe: Easy Apple Pie Cupcakes

Decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Toffee Bark

Sweets disappear fast every time Decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Toffee Bark enters the kitchen. Lovers of crunch, chocolate, and fruit all find something to talk about as they nibble. I prepare this dessert for parties where I want my treats to break the ice, giving people something to talk about long after the evening ends.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Toffee Bark

Dense Fruit Cake

There’s always chatter when Dense Fruit Cake makes its appearance. People love debating whether it’s truly a Christmas classic or just a reason to share stories. I rely on this robust slice for gatherings where tradition and humor go hand in hand. December celebrations seem unfinished until a fruit cake anchors the center of the dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Dense Fruit Cake

Tangy Key Lime Bars

Guests wake up their palates with Tangy Key Lime Bars after sampling richer sweets. Citrus brightness cuts through winter heaviness, inviting clean plates and big smiles. I reach for these bars when my dessert selection needs a light touch and a pop of color at holiday celebrations, balancing out all those classic chocolate and spice flavors.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Key Lime Bars

Copycat Starbucks Cake Pop

Plates fill up quickly with Copycat Starbucks Cake Pop bites, making it easy for friends to enjoy dessert while mingling. My kitchen stays busy as I prep these, and the chatter about favorite flavors never really quiets. I include cake pops on my Christmas table to keep the holiday spirit playful and endlessly snackable.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Starbucks Cake Pop

Sweet Little Debbie Christmas Tree Dip

Dipping cookies into Sweet Little Debbie Christmas Tree Dip brings giggles and pure sugar joy to all ages. Bright green stripes and winter sprinkles make it feel festive even before anyone digs in. I make this dip for gatherings that need both speed and plenty of holiday fun, ensuring no dessert table goes unnoticed in December.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Little Debbie Christmas Tree Dip

Moist Chocolate Cake

Slices of Moist Chocolate Cake disappear as soon as they land on holiday plates. Debates over who gets the last piece are almost guaranteed. My celebrations always get a boost when I serve this cake, because it balances the sweeter and spicier treats, giving everyone one more excuse to gather for dessert at the end of a December night.
Get the Recipe: Moist Chocolate Cake

Fudgy Banana Pudding Brownies

Chocolate and cream meet in Fudgy Banana Pudding Brownies for a dessert that inspires questions and praise. Plates pile up during every party as guests try out an unexpected take on classic flavors. I bring these out when the room needs a dash of surprise and a sweet finish they will all talk about until next year rolls around.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Banana Pudding Brownies

Warm Apple Crisp

The scent of Warm Apple Crisp signals December comfort like nothing else. Hands reach for toppings while laughter rolls through the kitchen. I keep this dessert on repeat for those wintry nights where tradition and coziness matter most, giving everyone a chance to feel at home while sharing bites straight from the pan as snow rushes outside.
Get the Recipe: Warm Apple Crisp

Sweet Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Holiday tables brighten as soon as Sweet Strawberry Pretzel Salad appears, setting off conversation about its playful mix of sweet and salty. Familiar flavors bring people together for easy laughter and repeat servings. I use this recipe for December gatherings that call for variety and something new without leaving classics off the menu.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Caramelized Fried Banana

Plates look brighter when Caramelized Fried Banana takes its turn at dessert. Warm golden fruit brings a simple pleasure, letting each guest slow down and enjoy something different. I share this recipe when I want my Christmas gatherings to feel both comforting and just unusual enough to spark new traditions for dessert.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Fried Banana

Decadent Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

Festive nights end on a high note when Decadent Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup gets passed around. Fancy chocolate layers mingle with strawberries, sparking comments about elegance and flavor. I lean on this dessert for the December parties that need something impressive and easy to share, making every guest feel special as they enjoy each bite.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

Smooth Biscoff Ice Cream

Winter celebrations get a chilly lift from bowls of Smooth Biscoff Ice Cream. Spiced notes and creamy texture keep the conversation about desserts lively, as guests decide if this will be the new family favorite. I always include it when I want a memorable final course that cools off the evening while keeping spirits high at the Christmas table.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Biscoff Ice Cream

Crispy Candied Tanghulu

Glossy candied sticks draw people in, with Crispy Candied Tanghulu making each December sweeter and more interactive. Guests exchange tips on how to eat them without breaking a tooth, laughing over stories from past holidays. I love adding this sweet treat when I want to keep dessert playful, combining tradition with an unexpected crunch at Christmas.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Candied Tanghulu

Tangy Lemon Cheesecake

Zingy bites of Tangy Lemon Cheesecake bring natural brightness to the most indulgent holiday lineups. Slices vanish before coffee is poured, and compliments about the fresh flavor keep rolling in. I keep this cheesecake on my December menu, making sure winter celebrations balance richness out with something light, cheerful, and a bit surprising.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Lemon Cheesecake

Decadent Biscoff Brownies

Brownie platters always transform when Decadent Biscoff Brownies are introduced. The lighter spice and chocolate appeal to everyone, prompting recipe requests and lively dessert chatter. I serve these during Christmas celebrations for their ability to unite traditional and trendy flavors, guaranteeing each bite gets the attention it truly deserves.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Biscoff Brownies

Buttery Pecan Pie Bars

Holiday dessert trays take on extra color with Buttery Pecan Pie Bars stacked tall. Sweet nutty crunch gets people talking about their favorite classic treats, and guests are quick to take seconds. I prepare these for gatherings where I want easy slices and warm memories, ensuring December feels special with every bite and conversation that follows.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Pecan Pie Bars

Smooth Tiramisu Ice Cream

Soft scoops of Smooth Tiramisu Ice Cream stand out when guests want something cool and Italian inspired during Christmas dessert. Friends compare notes on favorite layers and enjoy creamy spoonsful. I lean on this recipe for December parties where comfort mixes with fresh twists on tradition, keeping spirits lifted and dessert bowls empty by night’s end.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Tiramisu Ice Cream

Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Sips of cocoa meet cake in Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes, arriving just after gifts have been opened. Everyone beams at the playful presentation, with sprinkles and frosting making every bite memorable. These cupcakes remain a favorite at my Christmas gatherings, standing out among sweets thanks to their unbeatable winter charm and vivid flavors.
Get the Recipe: Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls

Sweet rolls pull apart at every table when Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls make their entrance. People chat about the blend of fruit and bread, complimenting the warm finish that sets this dessert apart. I add these to my Christmas lineup for a cozy bake that brings comfort and novelty, with conversations often leading to requests for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls

Rich Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Festive tables shine when Rich Salted Caramel Cheesecake is sliced and served. Creamy bites and salty sweetness invite compliments that continue during the meal and linger into evening chats. I prep this dessert for big gatherings, giving everyone a reason to remember Christmas nights full of warmth, laughter, and that perfect balance of sweet and smooth.
Get the Recipe: Rich Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Chewy Strawberry Mochi

Bright boxes of Chewy Strawberry Mochi turn the dessert spread into a playful scene. Friends pause to share their thoughts on the texture and flavor, enjoying a change from heavier classics. I like including mochi at Christmas celebrations for its color and bounce, sparking stories about favorite treats and new traditions with every batch I roll out.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Strawberry Mochi

Rich Tiramisu Cheesecake

Dessert plates fill quickly with Rich Tiramisu Cheesecake at the center. Gentle coffee flavor pairs perfectly with smooth cream, winning high praise from friends and visitors. I choose this recipe for Christmas gatherings that need something both familiar and unexpected, ensuring memories are made around every rich, slightly sweet slice.
Get the Recipe: Rich Tiramisu Cheesecake

Smooth Coconut Fudge

Boxes of Smooth Coconut Fudge pass through guests’ hands, bringing conversation about tropical flavors at winter tables. The gentle sweetness wins over anyone tired from spiced treats, and extra pieces always get bagged up for later. I rely on this dessert for Christmas parties when the spread needs a touch of brightness and something easy to share.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Coconut Fudge

Boozy Eggnog Pudding Shots

When Boozy Eggnog Pudding Shots show up, the mood turns extra merry and festive chatter fills the room. Guests love the playful twist and enjoy trading stories over tiny cups. These pudding shots add novelty to my Christmas desserts, ensuring each gathering has plenty of laughter and moments worth remembering long after the party ends.
Get the Recipe: Boozy Eggnog Pudding Shots

Rich Peanut Butter Cake

Tables brighten at the scent of Rich Peanut Butter Cake, where classic flavors guarantee smiles and quick seconds. Friends share compliments as the soft cake disappears. I choose this dessert for December parties when nostalgia is key and all I want is a simple slice that feels just right for ending a night full of warmth and company.
Get the Recipe: Rich Peanut Butter Cake