49 Christmas Dessert Ideas That Might Make You Forget About the Diet Temporarily
Sometimes, the best part of Christmas is the desserts that come with it. This list of 49 Christmas dessert ideas is filled with easy-to-make options for every kind of holiday moment. From casual weeknight treats to more festive baking projects, there’s a recipe in here for every schedule. It’s all about making holiday desserts stress-free.

Rich Blueberry Cheesecake

A luscious dessert that feels perfect for the holidays, this Rich Blueberry Cheesecake is creamy beyond words and brimming with flavor. The smooth texture pairs beautifully with its fruity twist. It’s bound to draw compliments at any gathering. Don’t be surprised if there aren’t any leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Rich Blueberry Cheesecake
Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies

Nothing says Christmas like a plate of Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies. Their bright colors and classic look instantly bring holiday cheer. Whether for a party or a quiet evening at home, these cookies make everything feel festive. They’re also fun to prepare for both kids and adults.
Get the Recipe: Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies
Pecan Pie Brownies

The best of two desserts come together in this Pecan Pie Brownies recipe. Fudgy, rich brownies are topped with a luscious pecan layer that screams holiday indulgence. It’s perfect for when you can’t decide between pie or chocolate. Serve them, and watch guests ask for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Brownies
Moist Red Velvet Cake

Few desserts feel as festive as this Moist Red Velvet Cake during the holidays. Its rich, velvety texture and vibrant color make it a true showstopper. A creamy frosting takes it to the next level, adding a touch of indulgence to every bite. It’s a staple for special celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Moist Red Velvet Cake
Classic Cherry Pie

Holiday tables light up when this Classic Cherry Pie makes an appearance. The perfectly golden crust and sweet, tangy filling create an irresistible combination. It brings back warm memories of timeless family gatherings. This is one dessert that always finds its way into hearts and plates.
Get the Recipe: Classic Cherry Pie
Soft Lemon Cookies

Light and refreshing, this Soft Lemon Cookies recipe is perfect when you want holiday treats without the heaviness. They’re simple yet elegant, with just enough tang to keep it interesting. You might find they’re the first to disappear from the cookie tray.
Get the Recipe: Soft Lemon Cookies
Creamy Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream

Even in winter, this Creamy Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream feels like a breath of fresh air on the dessert table. Its blend of creaminess and delicate fruit flavors makes it stand out. Serve it alongside warmer desserts for an exciting contrast. Sometimes a little uniqueness steals the show.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Timeless and comforting, this Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe never goes out of style during the holidays. Every bite feels homey and filling, like an embrace in dessert form. Whether paired with coffee or a glass of milk, these cookies always delight.
Get the Recipe: Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Boston Cream Pie

Combining cake and pudding, this Boston Cream Pie is luxurious and full of holiday-worthy charm. Its layers of decadent cream and rich frosting create an irresistible experience. This one impresses both traditionalists and modern dessert lovers. Guaranteed crowd approval.
Get the Recipe: Boston Cream Pie
Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake

Pumpkin lovers won’t be able to resist this Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake. It brings together the iconic flavors of the season in a smooth, rich dessert. A perfect swap from the usual pumpkin pie, it’s sure to wow everyone at the table. Every forkful feels like a warm holiday hug.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake
S’mores Muffins

A nod to nostalgic campfire treats, this S’mores Muffins recipe delivers comforting holiday vibes. The gooey chocolate and marshmallow flavors feel like a cozy hug on a chilly evening. These muffins work just as well for dessert as they do for a special breakfast. Trust me, they’re a hit.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Muffins
Matcha Tiramisu

Bring something unexpected to the holiday table with this Matcha Tiramisu. Its unique flavor and creamy layers offer a refreshing twist on a classic dessert. It’s an exciting conversation starter for any gathering. For adventurous dessert lovers, this one is a standout.
Get the Recipe: Matcha Tiramisu
Eggnog Pie

Celebrate the season with this Eggnog Pie, a festive twist on a classic holiday drink. Creamy and decadently spiced, it’s like a slice of the holidays themselves. This dessert shines as a centerpiece for special occasions. Serve it, and guests may even skip the eggnog glass.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Pie
Tiramisu Brownies

For those who love rich desserts, this Tiramisu Brownies recipe feels like the ultimate indulgence. The rich brownie base is beautifully complemented by layers inspired by the classic tiramisu. It’s the kind of treat that leaves everyone talking and reaching for another.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu Brownies
Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey & Lime Dressing

After heavy holiday dishes, this Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey & Lime Dressing is a refreshing ending. The fruit bursts with natural sweetness, while the dressing ties it all together. It’s light, colorful, and a welcome break on the dessert table. Perfect for balancing indulgent meals.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey & Lime Dressing
Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls

Warm, gooey, and bursting with cozy flavors, this Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls recipe is a must-try for the holidays. The soft, pillowy rolls are perfect for any festive gathering. When paired with sweet and sticky caramel apple goodness, they might just be the star of dessert hour. A feel-good holiday treat everyone will adore.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls
Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies

What’s more fun than decorating festive treats? This Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies recipe combines a soft, fluffy cookie shell with creamy goodness in between. They look almost too cute to eat but are absolutely irresistible. You’ll have a blast sharing these whimsical desserts with family and friends.
Get the Recipe: Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies
Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

There’s something so satisfying about this Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies recipe. The buttery texture pairs perfectly with a hint of holiday spice for a comforting treat. These bars are easy to share but hard to forget once you’ve had them. Whether for gatherings or quiet nights, they’re always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
Butter Pecan Cookies

If buttery treats are your thing, this Butter Pecan Cookies recipe will win you over. The flavor is buttery, nutty, and just the right amount of sweet. It’s the kind of cookie that seems to disappear as soon as the tray hits the table. A classic option that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cookies
Festive Christmas Cheese Trees

Add something whimsical to your dessert spread with this Festive Christmas Cheese Trees recipe. Not only do these edible little trees look festive, but they’re also a delicious mix of creamy and crunchy textures. Guests won’t stop talking about how creative these are. A surefire way to add holiday cheer to any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Cheese Trees
Flaky Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices

Few desserts feel as cozy as this Flaky Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices recipe. The crisp, golden pastry layers hide a spiced apple filling that melts in your mouth. It’s a treat that feels festive without being overly fussy. Serve this warm to create a comforting moment everyone will treasure.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices
Decadent Chocolate Lasagna

Layers of chocolate goodness make this Decadent Chocolate Lasagna recipe a holiday standout. It’s creamy, rich, and full of contrasting textures that make every bite enchanting. You won’t even need ice cream on the side, though no one would blame you. A dessert this comforting will surely leave guests talking.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Lasagna
Sweet Candy Cane Fudge

Get ready to add peppermint flair to your dessert table with this Sweet Candy Cane Fudge recipe. The creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture is paired with the festive crunch of candy cane pieces. It’s an effortless way to bring holiday cheer to your day. Perfect as a gift or just to enjoy with loved ones around the tree.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Candy Cane Fudge
Gingerbread Cupcakes

Holiday spices shine bright in this Gingerbread Cupcakes recipe, making it a winter favorite. Each fluffy cupcake is filled with warm flavors and topped with a creamy finish that feels just right. They’re a perfect choice for bringing festive charm to any dessert table. These are as pretty as they are delicious.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Cupcakes
Boozy Eggnog Pudding Shots

Turn up the holiday cheer with this Boozy Eggnog Pudding Shots recipe. These creamy little treats combine the rich flavor of eggnog with a festive kick. They’re great for holiday parties and gatherings when you want something a little extra special. A playful way to bring fun to your dessert spread.
Get the Recipe: Boozy Eggnog Pudding Shots
Rich Peanut Butter Cake

Peanut butter lovers will adore this Rich Peanut Butter Cake recipe at first bite. With a bold flavor and a texture that melts in your mouth, it’s perfect for celebrating any holiday moment. Leftovers – or lack thereof – always seem to be a conversation starter. Don’t be surprised if guests ask for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Rich Peanut Butter Cake
Smooth Coconut Fudge

Bring a tropical touch to the holidays with this Smooth Coconut Fudge recipe. Creamy, rich, and perfectly textured, it’s a dessert that’s both fulfilling and indulgent. You’ll love biting into its velvety perfection, and it’s always a hit at holiday gatherings. A little taste of paradise for the season’s celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Coconut Fudge
Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake

Combining dessert with breakfast vibes, this Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake recipe is the ultimate treat for any holiday get-together. The warm cinnamon flavor and cake-like texture feel instantly comforting. Whether you’re serving it after dinner or alongside coffee, it’s bound to get rave reviews. A classic crowd-pleaser everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake
Rich Homemade Bread Pudding

Cozy up with this Rich Homemade Bread Pudding recipe when the holidays call for something classic. Soft and custardy with just the right hints of spice, it’s the perfect way to end a winter meal. This dessert feels nostalgic and timeless in all the best ways. It’s made for gatherings that feel warm and welcoming.
Get the Recipe: Rich Homemade Bread Pudding
Christmas Crack

If you’re looking for a treat that’s impossible to put down, this Christmas Crack recipe might be it. The sweet and salty combination is an instant favorite with anyone who tries it. It’s the perfect choice when you need something quick and irresistible. Add it to your dessert table and watch it disappear.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Crack
Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes

Sometimes dessert should be as fun as it is delicious. This Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s face. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they’re as much a conversation starter as they are a treat. Kids and adults alike will love their whimsical, festive charm.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes
Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Looking for a sweet treat with a holiday twist? This Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies recipe captures the playful side of the season. Bright, cheerful, and ideal for cookie exchanges, they’re sure to bring out everyone’s inner child. Expect requests for these year after year at your Christmas parties!
Get the Recipe: Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies
Burnt Basque Cheesecake

If you’ve never tried this Burnt Basque Cheesecake before, the holidays might be the perfect time to start. Its rich, caramelized surface balances beautifully with a creamy texture inside. A little different from classic cakes, it brings something unexpected to the dessert table. Serve it, and watch it disappear.
Get the Recipe: Burnt Basque Cheesecake
Sweet Blueberry Pie

Bring a classic favorite to your holiday table with this Sweet Blueberry Pie. Its juicy filling and flaky crust offer a comforting sweetness perfect for chilly winter nights. Whether served warm or cold, it’s a dessert that feels cozy and familiar during festive gatherings. A touch of simple joy in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Blueberry Pie
Easy Christmas Dump Cake

Simple desserts often steal the show, and this Easy Christmas Dump Cake is no exception. Minimal effort with maximum flavor, it’s ideal for when the kitchen is already busy preparing a holiday feast. Layers of sweetness make this a fun surprise for guests. Plus, who doesn’t love an easy clean-up?
Get the Recipe: Easy Christmas Dump Cake
Ambrosia Salad

Flip the script with this Ambrosia Salad, a classic addition to Christmas dessert spreads. Its light, fruity nature balances out heavier holiday treats, creating a refreshing option for guests. It’s vintage but timeless, making it a fun dish to introduce to younger generations. Just watch it become a family favorite!
Get the Recipe: Ambrosia Salad
Buttery Coffee Cake

There’s something special about enjoying this Buttery Coffee Cake during the holidays. It’s tender, flavorful, and versatile enough for family breakfasts or after-dinner treats. Its rich appeal makes it feel thoughtful and celebratory without being too heavy. Ideal for making moments feel a little more memorable.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Coffee Cake
Adorable Snowman Cookies

Bring the magic of the season to life with this Adorable Snowman Cookies recipe. They’re almost too cute to eat, but trust me, they’ll go fast once people take a bite. Fun for kids to decorate, they add a playful touch to holiday dessert tables. Plus, they’re a total hit for gifting!
Get the Recipe: Adorable Snowman Cookies
Sweet Churro Cheesecake

Craving something cozy and unique this Christmas? This Sweet Churro Cheesecake combines the bakery-style flavors of cinnamon sugar with a creamy cheesecake base. It’s an unexpected dessert that makes a big impression without being complicated to pull off. Let’s just say, people will ask for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Churro Cheesecake
Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies

Holiday cookies can double as decor, and this Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies recipe proves it. These multi-layered edible creations are almost too pretty to eat – but don’t let that stop you. They bring a cheerful, homey vibe to any gathering. The effort is worth the “oohs” they’ll get!
Get the Recipe: Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies
Rich Chocolate Cheesecake

For those who adore all things chocolate, this Rich Chocolate Cheesecake checks all the right boxes. Decadent, smooth, and deeply satisfying, it’s the ultimate indulgence for the season. Whether served solo or dressed up with a little whipped cream, it’s the highlight of any dessert spread.
Get the Recipe: Rich Chocolate Cheesecake
Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops

Holiday desserts should be fun, and these Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops deliver just that in the most playful way. With their whimsical design, they’re sure to bring laughter and smiles to your gatherings. Perfect for sharing or gifting, they instantly brighten up dessert tables. They’re as charming to eat as they are to look at.
Get the Recipe: Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops
Santa Cupcakes

Who can resist these playful Santa Cupcakes? Their merry designs feel almost too good to eat, but trust me, they’re worth it. Everyone loves dessert with a playful spin, and these cupcakes just say Christmas. They’re sure to spark conversations and disappear faster than you’d guess.
Get the Recipe: Santa Cupcakes
Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

Every holiday needs a touch of warmth, and these Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies might be just the thing. Their cozy flavor feels comforting alongside festive cheer. These cookies can quickly become a favorite after just one batch. Serve them once, and people will remember them for years to come.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies
Red Velvet Cupcakes

Nothing says holidays quite like Red Velvet Cupcakes on your dessert table. Their bold red color pops against festive décor and promises indulgence in every bite. People love the classic combination that feels elegant yet approachable. These cupcakes create moments worth savoring during the season.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Cupcakes
Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Designing fun and bright treats is half the fun of holiday baking, and these Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies make it easy. They combine creativity and sweetness, making them ideal for cookie swaps or dessert spreads. Every batch feels like bringing a piece of the holiday spirit to your tray. Kids and adults love them equally.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
Warm Pumpkin Spiced Muffins

Baking doesn’t get much cozier during the holidays than these Warm Pumpkin Spiced Muffins. Their inviting aroma and soft texture turn quiet mornings or gatherings into special moments. Perfect for serving alongside hot drinks, they create an unmissable treat for savoring the season. Bring a batch, and they’ll disappear quickly.
Get the Recipe: Warm Pumpkin Spiced Muffins
Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

Holiday desserts don’t have to be traditional, and this Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie proves it. Mixing familiar flavors with a festive touch, it stands out on any dessert table. Guests love the slight nostalgia of these cookies and often come back for a second bite. They’re an unexpected holiday hit for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie
Classic Pumpkin Pie

What could be better during the holidays than a Classic Pumpkin Pie? This beloved dessert feels almost mandatory for Christmas dinners and cozy celebrations. Its timeless charm earns a special place on the table year after year. People will always reach for a slice, no matter how many other options there are.
Get the Recipe: Classic Pumpkin Pie
About the Author

Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
