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The Best Christmas Desserts for Parties or Gifts

Get ideas for the best Christmas desserts to make for parties or gifts! Includes recipes for bars, cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes, truffles, fudge, cookies, and more.

Christmas Desserts

Now’s the time for complete honesty, my friends. It’s the Christmas season, and Santa isn’t going to come down your chimney if you lie. So be honest.

Your favorite thing about Christmas is the treats.

It’s okay! Because it’s mine too! All the holiday cheer, gifting, loving one another . . . it’s all great. But I just really love the cute Christmas desserts. Haha! I’m partially kidding.

But, to be honest, it’s one of the things that I look forward to every year. It’s actually one of the only times I get excited about baking, and I love to make things to bring to parties, as well as to give away as gifts.

I also like to try something new every year. I don’t want to make the same Christmas sweets every single time. I like to expand my horizons! One year I’ll try bars and the next year, truffles. Then the year after that? A tart. Because life is short, people.

If you’re looking for a great list of Christmas dessert recipes, I’d love to share these with you. These are my favorites. Take a peek at them, including some that I’ve made and posted here on the blog!

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think of these, or if you try any. Or if you have some sweets that you’d like to recommend. Keep on reading.

Christmas Bars

1
Gingerbread Cookie Bars
www.justsotasty.com
Gingerbread Cookie Bars
These easy gingerbread cookie bars have a delicious ginger molasses flavor and a soft, chewy texture. Instead of royal icing – they’re topped with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting for the perfect Christmas treat!
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2
M&M's Marshmallow Dream Bars
momontimeout.com
M&M’s Marshmallow Dream Bars
These M&M’s marshmallow dream bars are as easy as 1-2-3, and will disappear just that quickly. Made with just a handful of ingredients, no bake, five minutes max – these Christmas bars are what dessert dreams are made of!
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3
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
dashofsanity.com
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
These Christmas sugar cookie bars are a delicious, soft holiday sweet. This holiday dessert is simple to make, while being both tasty and festive.
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4
no bake christmas treats with marshmallows
Pretzel Bars
Looking for a delicious Christmas dessert you can make in just a few minutes? Try these M&M marshmallow pretzel bars! No baking required.
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5
Santa's Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
togetherasfamily.com
Santa’s Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
Christmas desserts with plenty of peanut butter are my favorite! These bars are loaded with Christmas mix peanut butter m&m's, chocolate chips, peanut butter, oats, and Christmas red & green sprinkles.
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6
thetickledtastebud.com
Peppermint Cheesecake Bars (Gluten-Free)
There's still time to bake some special for the holidays, something peppermint-y and cheesecake-y. These peppermint cheesecake bars are the perfect sweet treat to make and gift away to family and friends for Christmas.
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Christmas Cakes and Cupcakes

7
Ugly Sweater Christmas Cake
momlovesbaking.com
Ugly Sweater Christmas Cake
Make this adorable Ugly Sweater Cake for the holidays this year! It’s easy to make using your favorite cake mix. Then frost with homemade buttercream and add some crazy cute details to make it the ugliest sweater cake at the party!
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8
5minutesformom.com
How to Make a Christmas Tree Cake
Wanting to bake a special Christmas dessert? Short on time? There’s nothing wrong with going for a cake mix. Here’s a way to elevate your next boxed cake: make it a Christmas tree cake!
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9
Eggnog Cupcakes {with Buttercream Frosting}
simplystacie.net
Eggnog Cupcakes {with Buttercream Frosting}
Eggnog cupcakes are a holiday favorite cupcake that is loaded with eggnog flavor. Topped with a sweet and velvety smooth eggnog frosting to throw this into an award-winning Christmas cupcake recipe!
Get the Tutorial
10
Christmas Sugar Cookie Cake
crayonsandcravings.com
Christmas Sugar Cookie Cake
If you want a tasty Christmas dessert that the whole family will love, then this cake is perfect. Simple prep, rich and creamy frosting, and the perfect amount of colorful sprinkles.
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11
Christmas Funfetti Cheesecake Layer Cake
itsybitsykitchen.com
Christmas Funfetti Cheesecake Layer Cake
This Christmas funfetti cheesecake layer cake is delicious, fun, and full of holiday spirit. It’s a cake you MUST serve at your holidays parties!
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12
christmas wreath cupcake recipe
Christmas Wreath Cupcakes
These cute wreath Christmas cupcakes are fun for the whole family to decorate!
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13
Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake Dessert
atreatsaffair.com
Christmas Vanilla Roll Cake Dessert
Get a recipe for a simple vanilla roll cake with red and green dots and spirals of creamy buttercream. It's the perfect dessert for Christmas parties, but the family will love it at home too!
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14
Candy Cane Chocolate Crepe Cake
pupswithchopsticks.com
Candy Cane Chocolate Crepe Cake
You'll love this super festive candy cane chocolate crepe cake recipe made of crepes! It has a unique chewy soft texture and crunchy candy canes topped with a dark chocolate ganache.
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15
Peppermint Cake with White Chocolate Buttercream
itsybitsykitchen.com
Peppermint Cake with White Chocolate Buttercream
This peppermint cake with white chocolate buttercream is easy enough that anyone can make it and feel like an expert baker. Plus it’s really, really good!
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16
Christmas Poke Cake
itsybitsykitchen.com
Christmas Poke Cake
This green and red poke cake is a festive and easy Christmas dessert. Soft cake layers, creamy vanilla frosting, and lots of sprinkles make it a welcome addition to your holiday parties!
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17
Cake bars with gingerbread spice for Christmas
Spice Cake Bars
This spice cake bar recipe is perfect for the holidays – they are cake-y, moist, and sweet. And the Peeps on top make them so festive!
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Christmas Cheesecakes and Tarts

18
Eggnog Cheesecake
itsybitsykitchen.com
Eggnog Cheesecake
This no bake eggnog cheesecake is SO EASY to make. It requires little active time and is a great make-ahead dessert option for Christmas. And the gingersnap crust makes it so delicious and festive!
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19
Christmas Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake
willcookforsmiles.com
Christmas Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake
This is an amazing Christmas cheesecake to make your holiday season as delicious and magical as you imagine! This heavenly dessert is a vanilla bean cheesecake layered with an easy cranberry jam and smooth white chocolate mousse.
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20
No Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Easy Christmas Dessert
www.lifeloveandsugar.com
No Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Easy Christmas Dessert
This smooth and creamy no bake peppermint cheesecake is a festive make-ahead dessert for the holidays! It has a vanilla cookie crust, a pepperminty filling with crushed peppermint and a light whipped cream on top.
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21
No-Bake Vanilla Christmas Cheesecake
www.amytreasure.com
No-Bake Vanilla Christmas Cheesecake
Get a recipe for beautiful no-bake vanilla cheesecake with festive reindeer decoration that will bring Christmas cheer to all! This is a fun one to make with kids or bring to a family celebration.
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22
Hot Cocoa Cheesecake Minis
lollyjane.com
Hot Cocoa Cheesecake Minis
Christmas desserts just got so much cuter – these little mini cheesecakes are hot cocoa flavored, and shaped like little hot cocoa mugs! Aren't they fun?
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23
www.bunsinmyoven.com
No Bake Gingerbread Cheesecake
This gingerbread cheesecake is an easy, no-bake recipe that is perfect for the holidays! Loads of gingerbread flavor with a simple crust and a creamy filling.
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24
White Chocolate Cranberry Tart
delight-fuel.com
White Chocolate Cranberry Tart
Mmmm, this festive white chocolate cranberry tart is so incredibly smooth and creamy, you’re gonna be in heaven. It’s decadent filling is so delicious with no baking required. The perfect dessert to bring to any Christmas party.
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Christmas Cookies

25
red velvet thumbprint cookies
Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies with Cheesecake Filling
These red velvet thumbprint cookies are so rich and fluffy with the perfect amount of creamy cheesecake filling. They are perfectly festive and delicious!
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26
Italian Ricotta Christmas Cookies
lifeloveandsugar.com
Italian Ricotta Christmas Cookies
Italian ricotta cookies are soft, cake-like little cookies with lovely flavor and a tasty icing on top. They are easy to make and perfect for any holiday – especially Christmas!
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27
Breaking a Rolo cookie in half
Rolo Cookies
Rolo cookies are quick, easy, and delicious! Follow this simple Rolo cookie recipe (only requires five ingredients) to make this incredibly tasty, chocolatey, and gooey dessert! Great for a bake sale or Christmas cookie exchange.
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28
Caramel Filled Bon Bon Cookies
creationsbykara.com
Caramel Filled Bon Bon Cookies
These pretty candy like bon bon cookies are filled with a yummy caramel surprise. They are so fun to serve, and even more fun to eat!
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29
Christmas Crackers Dessert
www.smartschoolhouse.com
Christmas Crackers Dessert
Salty and sweet, what is there not to love? My Christmas crackers are deliciously delicate and adorned with holly sprinkles. Take one bite and you’ll instantly feel festive! These are easy to make, yet, look very impressive.
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30
Buttery Spritz Christmas Cookies
lifeloveandsugar.com
Buttery Spritz Christmas Cookies
These spritz cookies are buttery, tender and such festive Christmas cookies! The cookie dough is super easy to put together and there’s so many ways to decorate them. A great make-ahead cookie for a Christmas sweet.
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Christmas Fudge

31
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Fudge Recipe
printablecrush.com
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Fudge
This peppermint hot Chocolate fudge recipe just SCREAMS Christmas time! You’ll love the rich dark chocolate, tasty marshmallows, and sweet peppermint combination.
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32
Easy Rum Fudge Christmas Treat
karacreates.com
Easy Rum Fudge Christmas Treat
The classic recipe for rum balls is transformed into a delicious fudge recipe perfect for the holidays. This is an easy Christmas treat that everyone will love!
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33
5 Minute Gingerbread Fudge
www.thatswhatchesaid.net
Five Minute Gingerbread Fudge
Even if you don’t have a cute gingerbread silicone mold, this easy five minute gingerbread fudge will become a holiday favorite. Kids will love helping out because it's so easy make!
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34
Candy cane fudge
Candy Cane Fudge
If you want an easy fudge recipe, try this delicious candy cane version! You can use the same base and customize with other ingredients to make it your own.
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35
crayonsandcravings.com
Sugar Cookie Fudge
This easy-to-make, five-Ingredient, sugar cookie fudge is a combo of two of my favorite treats! Once you make this and gift it, you'll get asked for it again and again.
Get the Recipe

Christmas Truffles

36
Sugar Cookie Truffles Christmas Dessert
www.ifyougiveablondeakitchen.com
Sugar Cookie Truffles
Sugar cookie truffles are a three-ingredient no-bake recipe for the holidays that uses sugar cookies, cream cheese and white chocolate (plus, sprinkles as an option).
Get the Recipe
37
foodfolksandfun.net
Gingerbread Oreo Truffles
These gingerbread Oreo truffles are easy holiday treats that are great for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, and gifting! Turns out it makes 48 servings for only $10 too. That's pretty amazing.
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38
Chocolate Almond Truffle Recipe
www.shugarysweets.com
Chocolate Almond Truffle Recipe
Sweet and nutty homemade truffles are as easy as can be with this Chocolate Almond Truffle recipe! Learn how to make truffles at home and impress everyone with these delicious candies.
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39
beijinho de coco
Brazilian Beijinhos de Coco
Beijinhos are Brazilian coconut truffles that are incredibly easy to make – they only take four ingredients, and are amazingly sweet and delicious! Perfect for Christmas since they look like little snowballs.
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40
Red Velvet Truffles for Christmas
cakewhiz.com
Red Velvet Truffles for Christmas
Quick and easy no bake red velvet truffles recipe with cream cheese are a bite sized Christmas sweet with rich and creamy texture.
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Desserts for Gifting

41
Homemade Peppermint Marshmallows
Shanna Mallon
Homemade Peppermint Marshmallows
Homemade marshmallows are the perfect gift idea! You can eat them straight, or add them to hot cocoa – or even melt over ice cream. They are so delicious, and the peppermint makes them so Christmas-y!
Get the Recipe
42
*Better-Than-Starbucks* Cranberry Bliss Bread
thesoccermomblog.com
*Better-Than-Starbucks* Cranberry Bliss Bread
This delicious copycat Starbucks cranberry bliss bread recipe tastes just like the famous recipe, only better! It’s light and fluffy, with sweet cranberries and creamy white chocolate baked right in. It’s just the right amount of sweet, with a touch of tartness that only cranberries can bring to the table.
Get the Recipe
43
Christmas Cookie Cake Dessert
peasandcrayons.com
Christmas Cookie Cake Dessert
Delight your friends and family with this festive wreath cookie cake, perfect for holiday parties and gatherings galore! It's also great for gifting to a teacher, neighbor, or anyone else who likes Christmas sweets.
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44
Vanilla Bean Macarons with Christmas Frosting
www.kevinandamanda.com
Vanilla Bean Macarons with Christmas Frosting
These decadent vanilla bean macarons are topped with gorgeous edible glitter for a completely magical, festive holiday treat. Get creative with these vibrant Christmas pastries! Learn to make three tasty macaron variations.
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45
spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com
Peppermint Bark
Semi-sweet milk chocolate and white chocolate are layered with crushed candy canes to make this heavenly peppermint bark.
Get the Recipe
46
rice krispie christmas trees
Christmas Tree Rice Krispy Treat Recipe
This rice krispy treat recipe makes the cutest Christmas trees ever! Perfect for the holidays, tasty, and the whole family can join in to make them.
Get the Recipe

Party Desserts

47
Yule Log Cake (Buche de Noel)
bakedbyanintrovert.com
Yule Log Cake (Buche de Noel)
This tasty yule log cake recipe features a delicate chocolate sponge cake wrapped around a silky cream cheese filling and covered in whipped chocolate ganache. It's festive enough to be the centerpiece at your holiday table.
Get the Recipe
48
christmas whoopie pies
Christmas Whoopie Pies
Try this Christmas whoopie pie recipe, perfect for holiday parties or gifting.
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49
eggnog creme brulee recipe
Eggnog Creme Brulee
The crispy, burnt sugar is the best part of this easy and delicious eggnog creme brulee. This is perfect for an elegant Christmas dessert!
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50
Christmas S'mores Dip
thedecoratedcookie.com
Christmas S’mores Dip
Whip up this super easy, two-ingredient Christmas s’mores dip for a cute, fun holiday treat. It’s perfect for watching movies, serving at holiday parties, for just because.
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51
Christmas Mess with Christmas Tree Meringues
raspberricupcakes.com
Christmas Mess with Christmas Tree Meringues
If you haven't had Christmas mess, it's a delicious dessert where the layers end up "messy" no matter what. Make the little meringue trees, and how cute are these for dinner parties?
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52
Holiday Pavlova Wreath Recipe
shewearsmanyhats.com
Holiday Pavlova Wreath Recipe
This festive holiday Pavlova Wreath is such a lovely dessert and makes the perfect addition to any special occasion. Pavlova is a meringue dessert with a delicate, crispy crunchy shell with a soft light, marshmallowy, almost custard-like inside. It is traditionally served topped with whipped cream and fruit.
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53
Woodland Cake Recipe for Christmas
hearthandvine.com
Woodland Cake Recipe for Christmas
Decorating a delicious cake is just as fun as baking it, as seen in this lovely winter woodland cake that you can make all season long. It's simple yet pretty, which makes it perfect for a celebration.
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Did you enjoy these treats? I hope you’ll check out these other holiday posts as well: