18 Timeless Christmas Desserts We Love to Make Every Year
Among all the cherished traditions of Christmas, perhaps none are sweeter than the festive desserts we prepare. The memories tied to our favorite holiday cakes, pies, cookies, and candies draw us back to them year after year, as if they were a delicious time capsule. Keep scrolling to discover some of our most treasured classic Christmas recipes that never lose their charm.
Yule Log Cake
Also called a Yule log, this classic chocolate cake continues to be a showstopper in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, and other countries with historical French ties.
Mini Christmas Fruitcakes
You might think of fruitcakes as the holiday gift from that one neighbor, coworker, or relative who always brings one to your doorstep. Why not surprise them with Mini Christmas Fruitcakes as a fun twist on the classic fruitcake gift?
Russian Tea Cookies
"Bubba brought it with her when she arrived from Lithuania. I continue the tradition in the true spirit of the season," says recipe creator THEAUNT708, who shares that five generations have made these cookies as part of their Christmas celebration.
Eileen's Zesty Gingerbread Men
"I was searching for a traditional, soft, mouthwatering gingerbread cookie recipe, and I found just the one! This recipe yields a wonderfully soft dough with the perfect balance of spices." — Spongebob7
The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake
Although it’s the perfect festive red, this red velvet cake doesn’t need any food coloring, thanks to the use of non-alkalized cocoa powder. It’s finished with a classic white ermine frosting.
Aunt Teen's Silky Chocolate Fudge
"My mother always made fudge for Christmas, and although I wanted to continue that tradition, the traditional recipes were always so tough and never seemed to turn out right. I tried this recipe last year, and not only was it quick and easy, the fudge tasted amazing," says home cook HEATHERHIPPO.
Carrot Cake Delight
"This is my husband's favorite cake, but we always bought one from a bakery. I was nervous to try making it myself, especially for Christmas with his family. But the instructions were clear and easy to follow, and most importantly, it was a huge hit! Everyone loved it, especially my husband. I’d recommend this recipe to anyone!" says Ebbz Rozéfort.
French Silk Chocolate Pie
"I received rave reviews from everyone at Christmas dinner. All the ladies were asking for the recipe," says home cook DULCINEA27. "It was light and airy, and set perfectly. It pairs wonderfully with a buttery crust!"
Chantal's Classic New York Cheesecake
"I had never made cheesecake before, but after reading the glowing reviews, I decided to try it for Christmas. Wow! It was the best cheesecake I’ve ever had," says Alicia Capozzi.
Date Nut Bread
A rich brown sugar sauce elevates this moist Date Nut Loaf Cake to a whole new level. For an added twist, home cook amirasandra suggests swapping a tablespoon of water for whiskey.
Fluffy Christmas Cookies
"These cookies rose beautifully and kept their shape when cut with cookie cutters. They’re buttery without being too sweet," says home cook Bonniejo Roberts. Other reviewers also praise how easy these cookies are to bake and cut.
Grandma Ople's Apple Pie
With 10,000 reviews and an average five-star rating, this award-winning pie might just give your grandmother’s recipe a run for its money.
Overload Chocolate Cake
"This chocolate cake is incredible! I’ve been making it for about two years for countless occasions, and it always gets glowing reviews," says Ellen E. "Chocolate doesn’t get any better than this!"
Irresistible Pecan Pie
"After a successful test run with rave reviews, this pie made its grand debut at our family Christmas dinner and was one of the highlights of the night," says reviewer SARAH-NEKO.
Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake
Sticky toffee pudding is a classic British dessert infused with the flavors of cinnamon, dates, raisins, and dried currants.
Peppermint Brittle
"A festive treat! This holiday delight disappears quickly when guests arrive, and it's incredibly simple to prepare. The crisp peppermint paired with smooth white chocolate makes for a heavenly combination," says recipe creator HONDA.
Classic Old-Fashioned Gingerbread
"If I could rate this 10 stars, I would. It was my first time making gingerbread, and now I have to bake it every Christmas. Everyone absolutely loved it." — Randi Johnsen
Festive Rum Balls
Dark rum, dark chocolate, and cocoa powder elevate simple brownies into a decadent dessert.
More Christmas Dessert Ideas
- Cut Into This Bundt Cake for a Festive Surprise With Every Slice
- 25 Fancy Christmas Cookies That Are Gifts All by Themselves
- Browse All Christmas Dessert Recipes
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