47 Christmas Dessert Recipe Ideas For Treats That Belong Beside the Tree Lights

The glow of Christmas lights makes every treat feel a little warmer and more inviting. All through these 47 dessert ideas, you’ll find options fit for holiday gatherings, small celebrations, and festive afternoons. Every dessert brings a piece of the season to the table. Sometimes, that extra bit of sparkle is exactly what a celebration needs.

Classic Cherry Pie

Flaky crust and a shiny red center make this Classic Cherry Pie a showstopper during the holidays. Guests watch as slices are served, eager for that first bite. I notice how quickly a whole pie disappears at winter gatherings. The tangy filling always sparks memories of simple, cozy evenings by the tree lights.
Get the Recipe: Classic Cherry Pie

Matcha Tiramisu

Dessert traditions get a modern twist with this Matcha Tiramisu. Creamy layers surprise guests who may not expect green treats at a holiday party. I like bringing something unexpected to the table for a sweet change of pace. New flavors often lead to more smiles and curious questions from everyone around.
Get the Recipe: Matcha Tiramisu

S’mores Muffins

Muffins packed with campfire memories brighten snack trays, especially with this S’mores Muffins recipe. People grab these as soon as the scent hits the room. I serve them at get-togethers where kids and adults both want a playful treat. Chocolate and marshmallow are a fun pair for festive occasions.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Muffins

Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies

Cheerful faces appear with every bite into this Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies. Sandwich cookies attract laughter and light-hearted stories while folks mingle. I take joy in seeing everyone reach for these during dessert swaps. Santa treats always add sparkle to family nights by the Christmas tree.
Get the Recipe: Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies

Eggnog Pie

Creamy and cool, this Eggnog Pie delivers classic holiday comfort. Friends gather around for a slice before the table gets crowded with other sweets. I notice there’s always someone asking for the recipe at parties. Festive flavors set the tone for a warm, happy celebration.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Pie

Sweet Christmas Poke Cake

Tables glow brighter once this Sweet Christmas Poke Cake is served. Colorful layers make it easy to spot among trays of cookies and pies. I slice generous pieces because it’s always a favorite for both kids and grown-ups. Cakes with a top secret design never last long at winter gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Christmas Poke Cake

Chocolate Pudding

Smooth chocolate comfort promises a soft ending to holiday meals with this Chocolate Pudding. Kids scoop it up while grown-ups sneak a spoonful from the fridge later. I appreciate how easy it is to serve and share, especially after a big dinner. Pudding is a timeless crowd-pleaser amid all the rich Christmas treats.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pudding

No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Dessert trays light up whenever this No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls are ready to share. Small bites turn into big conversation starters, especially for peanut butter fans. I make extra because they vanish in no time. No-bake desserts save time and always find a place beside the twinkling lights.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Tangy Lemon Cheesecake

Lemon’s bright twist in this Tangy Lemon Cheesecake brings new flavor to the dessert table. Smooth, creamy slices surprise anyone looking for a fresh bite amid chocolates and pies. I reach for this recipe when guests want something cheerful after dinner. Lively citrus makes the whole spread more interesting and fun.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Lemon Cheesecake

Sweet Kool Aid Pie

Vibrant colors pop with every slice of this Sweet Kool Aid Pie. People laugh at the name, then love the first spoonful. I show off this pie to mix up the usual holiday flavors. Childhood memories burst out as soon as the first bite gets passed around.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Kool Aid Pie

Crispy Candied Tanghulu

Sparkly fruits on a stick make this Crispy Candied Tanghulu a hit on festive tables. Guests love how the sweet crunch contrasts all the other creamy desserts. I see eyes light up with surprise as soon as these get passed around. Fruit treats look extra magical by candlelight and Christmas tree glimmers.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Candied Tanghulu

Apple and Cranberry Pie

Bright cranberries add sparkle to this Apple and Cranberry Pie, making every slice look beautiful. Tart and sweet meld together as people pick their favorite piece. I choose this for gatherings that need a pop of color beyond classics. The pretty finish draws attention next to twinkling holiday lights.
Get the Recipe: Apple and Cranberry Pie

Christmas Brownies

Holiday shapes add instant excitement to this Christmas Brownies recipe. Young and old alike reach quickly for the fun designs. I bake an extra tray since these always vanish faster than expected. Classic brownies get a Christmas upgrade perfect for late-night movies and fireside snacking.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Brownies

Thumb Print Cookie

Jam-filled centers create a pop of color inside this Thumb Print Cookie. Each bite brings a gentle blend of nostalgia and childhood fun. I pass these around when I want an easy treat that everyone grabs with a smile. Simple cookies have a special way of making the holidays sweeter.
Get the Recipe: Thumb Print Cookie

Loaded S’mores Bark

Chocolate bark layered with marshmallows brings all the fun of a campfire to this Loaded S’mores Bark. Guests snap off pieces while sipping cocoa and sharing stories. I hear the crackle as friends break off bites for themselves. S’mores flavors start conversation long after dessert is done.
Get the Recipe: Loaded S’mores Bark

Red Velvet Cupcakes

Rich color and smooth frosting make this Red Velvet Cupcakes the star on festive buffet tables. People love how every cupcake looks just as good as it tastes. I display these front and center for easy grabbing. Cupcakes packed with holiday cheer disappear in a flash.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Cupcakes

Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging

Cookie decorating gets creative with this Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging. Everyone gathers around to add sprinkles, ribbons, and their unique touch. I leave extras hanging as edible ornaments once snack time is over. Decorating turns simple cookies into sweet memories beside glowing tree lights.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging

Delicious Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

Unexpected layers wow the crowd every time this Delicious Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake is served. Slices invite people to guess what’s inside with each forkful. I love watching guests’ reactions when they discover the cozy surprise. Pie and cheesecake together means everyone finds something to love.
Get the Recipe: Delicious Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

Decadent Dubai Chocolate

Chocolate lovers crowd closer when this Decadent Dubai Chocolate comes to the dessert bar. Shiny squares catch the glow of Christmas tree lights and seem to vanish quickly. I notice these treats spark conversations about their rich, luxurious flavor. Sometimes the richest desserts shine brightest during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Dubai Chocolate

Copycat Starbucks Cake Pop

Cute design and fun colors put this Copycat Starbucks Cake Pop at the top of every snack tray. Kids and adults alike sneak a second to nibble on while chatting. I offer these for grab-and-go parties since they’re easy to pass around. Dessert on a stick feels a bit like a mini celebration.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Starbucks Cake Pop

Ambrosia Salad

Marshmallow fluff and fruit turn into comfort food with this Ambrosia Salad. Guests cheer when they spot the bowl among classic pies and cakes. I like to make extra since everyone scoops seconds for themselves. Sweet, creamy bites help people settle in for another round of holiday stories.
Get the Recipe: Ambrosia Salad

Easy Whoopie Pie

Soft cookie sandwiches fill the table thanks to this Easy Whoopie Pie. Chocolate and cream always hold their own next to rows of cakes and bars. I place these in easy reach for after-dinner snacking. Whoopie pies keep things simple and sweet at every winter dessert spread.
Get the Recipe: Easy Whoopie Pie

Sweet Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Layered treats shine bright with this Sweet Strawberry Pretzel Salad at the center. Both crunchy and creamy, it surprises dessert fans expecting only cookies. I bring this for its cheerful color and playful texture. Strawberry desserts never stay on the table for long during celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie

Chewy goodness wins everyone over with this Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie. Hearty texture gets people reaching for seconds even after a big meal. I enjoy seeing the cookie tin empty by the end of the night. Traditional cookies keep conversations going and spirits bright.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie

Fudgy Pink Snoball Brownies

Pink coconut and fudgy chocolate pack this Fudgy Pink Snoball Brownies with personality. Guests smile at the surprising color before biting into their treat. I stack these high to make sure everyone gets a square. Brownies with a twist bring excitement to the usual holiday sweets.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Pink Snoball Brownies

Christmas Crack

Salty, sweet, and crunchy come together in this Christmas Crack. Batches disappear from trays almost as soon as they appear. I always include this recipe for snacking during family movies and gift wrapping. Treats with a playful name make things feel light and festive.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Crack

Decadent Biscoff Brownies

Cookie butter adds something special in this Decadent Biscoff Brownies dessert. Swirled layers tempt everyone, especially chocolate lovers peeking at the dessert table. I choose this recipe for big parties since there’s never a crumb left. Rich brownies with an extra surprise feel right at home during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Biscoff Brownies

Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Glazed cherries and chocolate chunks guarantee this Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies get noticed. Guests pick these out first from any spread of sweets. I make extras knowing how quickly a plate will go from full to empty. Classic flavors with a fruity edge give this cookie a holiday twist.
Get the Recipe: Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Creamy Pistachio Ice Cream

Pistachio green stands out in a sea of Christmas reds at dessert time with this Creamy Pistachio Ice Cream. Cold scoops paired with pies and cakes offer a break from all the baked sweets. I add ice cream for gatherings where kids want something cool and creamy. Frozen treats offer a playful side to winter dessert spreads.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pistachio Ice Cream

Flaky Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices

Crisp pastry and warm apples join forces in these Flaky Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices. People pause to admire each swirl before lifting a slice. I serve these while friends gather near the twinkling lights. Pastry treats help make any evening feel cozy and bright.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices

Rich Banoffee Pie

Caramel and banana blend into pure comfort in this Rich Banoffee Pie. Smooth filling brings out nods and happy sighs around the holiday table. I place this next to pies and cheesecakes for a bit of variety. Sweet pies like this turn after-dinner chatter into lasting memories.
Get the Recipe: Rich Banoffee Pie

Caramelized Fried Banana

Bananas turn golden in this Caramelized Fried Banana treat, stealing the spotlight from heavier desserts. Warm, sticky slices keep guests reaching for seconds. I make these on movie nights since they’re best eaten fresh and shared in small bites. Little desserts can surprise even the most dedicated Christmas cookie fan.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Fried Banana

Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Bright green and snowy crackles help this Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies stand out at every party. Soft, sweet bites offer something new among all the reds and whites. I set these out for cookie parties where decorations matter just as much as flavor. Story-inspired treats get everyone in the holiday mood.
Get the Recipe: Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies

No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

Pretty pink colors and creamy texture make this No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake a popular choice. Slices shine next to other festive pies and cakes. I choose this for quick prep before parties where fridge space is at a premium. Easy desserts never stick around for very long.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

Sweet Little Debbie Christmas Tree Dip

Snack time feels like a party with this Sweet Little Debbie Christmas Tree Dip. Friends pause mid-conversation to scoop with cookies or pretzels. I enjoy serving this because it’s simple but always makes people smile. Eyecatching color and holiday shapes bring the dessert table to life.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Little Debbie Christmas Tree Dip

Decadent Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

Swirls of fruit and chocolate fill this Decadent Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup with rich flavor and bright color. Parties get more spirited once these show up in bowls. I like seeing guests test the layers with their spoons. Individual cups bring a sweet surprise to every bite after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies

Peanut butter adds a welcome twist to this Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies tray. Dense squares have a way of disappearing, especially among chocolate fans. I double my batch for bigger parties since there’s always someone asking for seconds. Fudge brownies make casual gatherings and dressed-up events equally fun.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies

Butterscotch Rice Treats

Crispy, chewy textures bring smiles around the kitchen with these Butterscotch Rice Treats. Golden color brightens snack trays while people swap stories and reach for more. I rely on this quick dessert for kid-friendly gatherings. Rice treats with sweet flavor win applause from the crowd every time.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Rice Treats

Warm Apple Crisp

Sweet scent of baked apples fills the house when this Warm Apple Crisp is in the oven. Dessert gets scooped out while everyone gathers near the twinkling tree. I always serve it warm for an extra bit of comfort on a cold night. Apple crisp feels just right for celebrating with loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Warm Apple Crisp

Candy Cane Hot Chocolate Stirrers

Hot drinks feel more magical with these Candy Cane Hot Chocolate Stirrers at hand. Guests laugh as the color swirls into their cups, making cocoa instantly festive. I bring out these treats for family nights when everyone’s feeling cozy. Little touches like this help make holiday memories sweeter.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Hot Chocolate Stirrers

Tangy Key Lime Bars

Zingy flavor brings a fresh jolt to dessert time with Tangy Key Lime Bars. Each square stands out on holiday platters crowded with sweets. I turn to this recipe for a bright finish after a rich dinner. Key lime keeps dessert exciting, even on colder days.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Key Lime Bars

Smooth Biscoff Ice Cream

Creamy sweetness and cookie bits make this Smooth Biscoff Ice Cream bowl a quick favorite. Guests fill their dishes high to cool off after dressier meals. I prefer serving ice cream for laid-back parties crowded with kids. Frozen desserts offer a nice change from the season’s usual cookies.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Biscoff Ice Cream

Chewy Chocolate Brownies

Deep chocolate richness gives these Chewy Chocolate Brownies a spot at every dessert line-up. People rush for the tray as soon as it hits the table. I keep two pans in rotation because demand is always high. Chewy brownies keep spirits high well after the main course ends.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Chocolate Brownies

Cranberry Curd Tart

Ruby-colored cranberries shine in every slice of this Cranberry Curd Tart. Tangy flavor makes it one of the most eye-catching treats by the holiday lights. I offer this for dessert swaps with friends who love a sweet-tart combo. Tart recipes make dessert time memorable.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Curd Tart

Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

Perfect spirals of cinnamon make this Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies a conversation starter. Plates clear fast, leaving only traces of frosting behind. I share these at parties where cookie games and swaps are the star. Cookies with bold patterns always get compliments.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

Cookie Cake

Birthday parties meet Christmas in every slice of this Cookie Cake. Chewy rounds with colorful sprinkles keep both kids and grown-ups happy. I like making these for groups who want both cookies and cake in one. Cookie cakes make every event a little more laid-back and fun.
Get the Recipe: Cookie Cake

Smooth Tiramisu Ice Cream

Creamy layers offer an instant energy boost with this Smooth Tiramisu Ice Cream. Coffee and sweet chill provide something a bit different from the usual pies. I bring out this dessert for friends who love a classic with a twist. Ice cream makes even the coldest night extra exciting.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Tiramisu Ice Cream