35 Christmas Baking Ideas That I Share Year After Year

Holiday baking has a way of turning even the most chaotic kitchens into cozy assembly lines of laughter and sugar-dusted chaos. With 35 ideas that have stood the test of time, it’s proof that some traditions just don’t need updating. From quick fixes to family favorites, every batch brings its own charm.

A group of cookies decorated with icing and snowflakes. — Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

A close-up of several chocolate chip cookies on parchment paper, with one cookie broken in half to show the chocolate chips inside. — Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Cookie trays always empty out when these get served. Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies combine familiar flavors in each bite. Both kids and adults crowd around for seconds. They make snack time easy for any group. Try making plenty because they go fast.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Copycat Starbucks Cake Pop

Starbucks pink cake pops in a glass on a table. — Copycat Starbucks Cake Pop. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cake pops bring fun to every gathering. Copycat Starbucks Cake Pop looks just like ones from a bakery but with more joy at home. People snap photos before eating. They’re good for parties since everyone grabs at least one. Decorations make them extra special.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Starbucks Cake Pop

Candy Cane Cookies

Treats with a twist get everyone talking. Candy Cane Cookies show off a playful shape and sweet bite. Guests smile as they break off pieces to share. These cookies are a go-to for group baking. There’s never many left on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Cookies

Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Chocolate cupcakes with white frosting and small pastel-colored marshmallows on top, arranged in a group against a neutral background. — Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chocolate cupcakes make dessert time feel cozy. Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes melt in your mouth with each bite. Kids can’t wait to grab one after dinner. The creamy top gets a lot of attention. Expect these cupcakes to vanish quickly.
Get the Recipe: Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Sweet Salted Honey Cookies

A stack of three round, golden-brown cookies with chocolate flecks and a sprinkle of salt on top, resting on a cooling rack with more cookies around them. — Sweet Salted Honey Cookies. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Honey brings something fun to the dessert table. Sweet Salted Honey Cookies pair a gentle crunch with a touch of salt. Friends try them even if they’ve never had anything like it before. Each bite is great with coffee. Leftovers are rare once these are served.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Salted Honey Cookies

Creamy Creme Brûlée Cheesecake

A close-up of a slice of cheesecake with a caramelized sugar topping, resting on parchment paper with a crumbly base visible. — Creamy Creme Brûlée Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Something about a crisp top keeps guests curious. Creamy Creme Brûlée Cheesecake brings a mix of textures in every slice. Guests talk about the smooth bite and special top. Slices go fast, especially when shared after a big meal. It’s a winner every time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Creme Brûlée Cheesecake

Chewy Chocolate Brownies

Close-up image of several chocolate brownies featuring a slightly crumbly texture and a sprinkling of coarse salt on top. — Chewy Chocolate Brownies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Brownies always disappear quickly at any party. Chewy Chocolate Brownies offer a soft bite that feels just right. Everyone looks for a second piece soon after their first. People nod along, liking the classic flavor. You’ll want to slice up extra when serving these.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Chocolate Brownies

Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Close-up of sliced crumbly cakes topped with white icing. One piece is positioned vertically to show its texture. — Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bars like these draw friends together. Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies use a familiar spice that’s good for any group dessert table. People notice the sweet swirl in every square. These are easy to pack as gifts too. Plates come back empty with this one.
Get the Recipe: Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies

Three peanut butter sandwich cookies are stacked, with the top cookie showing a large bite taken out. Crumbs and cookie pieces are scattered on a parchment-lined surface. — Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Treats with crunch win points at group events. Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies stay crisp but soft inside each bite. Guests enjoy dunking them while chatting. They’re handy for packing into snack boxes. Cookie swaps always end with these running out.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies

Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes

Rudolph cupcakes featuring swirled frosting, candy eyes, a red candy nose, and pretzel antlers mimic the playful charm of a reindeer. — Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Kids always notice cute desserts first. Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes bring smiles and plenty of excitement to your dessert table. Parents snap photos and everyone tries one. They’re not just for kids, though—grownups often grab a second. No cupcake tray stays full for long.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes

Buttery Pecan Pie Bars

Two pecan-topped dessert bars are stacked on parchment paper, showing a dense, crumbly base and a caramelized nut topping. — Buttery Pecan Pie Bars. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Dessert bars make sharing easy. Buttery Pecan Pie Bars slice up for serving at group meals and potlucks. Friends like the mix of textures. The sweet, nutty flavor stands out among other treats. Every plate shows up empty after dessert.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Pecan Pie Bars

Easy Christmas Dump Cake

A plate of fruit crumble topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, accompanied by a spoon. — Easy Christmas Dump Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Simple cakes always get finished fast. Easy Christmas Dump Cake is a favorite when time is short and guests are hungry. Friends scoop up big helpings every time. This cake works for groups of any size. No one skips dessert when this is served.
Get the Recipe: Easy Christmas Dump Cake

Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Enjoy our chocolate cherry cookies, each topped with a swirl of rich chocolate frosting and a vibrant red cherry. — Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Cherry and chocolate are a match at snack tables. Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies offer a surprise with every bite. People love the soft center and hint of fruit. These cookies are great for parties and swaps. The jar always finds itself empty by the end of the evening.
Get the Recipe: Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies

No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

A stack of chocolate truffles with white icing, one cut open to reveal a peanut butter filling. — No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Quick desserts still win friends. No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls fill trays with little effort and lots of flavor. Children reach for them first, but adults do too. They pack well for gifts or party plates. Not a single ball ends up left behind.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies

A close-up of Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies, elegantly coated in white chocolate and adorned with colorful candy lights, red sprinkles, and chocolate pieces on top. — Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Ornaments aren’t just for trees when cookies look like these. Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies double as edible decorations and treats. People talk about their creative style before they dig in. Kids line up to grab the brightest ones. They’re always popular at swaps.
Get the Recipe: Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies

Buttery Coffee Cake

Close-up of eight square pieces of crumb cake with a textured, crumbly topping. — Buttery Coffee Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sweet breads go with coffee at any time. Buttery Coffee Cake brings a soft center and pairs well with hot drinks. Friends enjoy sharing extra slices. This cake is often the first dish to disappear after breakfast. Everyone looks forward to a second piece.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Coffee Cake

Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Green cookies topped with powdered sugar and red, green, and white candy shapes resembling trees and candy canes. — Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bright colors catch every guest’s eye. Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies add fun to cookie trays and make people smile. The crinkle top is fun to bite into. Parties and swaps both call for a double batch. Kids always ask for these by name.
Get the Recipe: Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Fudgy Pink Snoball Brownies

Three stacked slices of chocolate coconut candy, reminiscent of Pink Snoball Brownies, topped with pink shredded coconut. — Fudgy Pink Snoball Brownies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sweets get more fun when they look this good. Fudgy Pink Snoball Brownies use a soft center and bright color to stand out. People grab them for photos before a bite. Each slice is easy to share. The tray is empty before you can offer seconds.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Pink Snoball Brownies

Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies

A festive cookie stack resembling a Christmas tree, decorated with green frosting and pink and white edible pearls. — Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Stacks of cookies grab everyone’s attention. Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies become decorations and snacks at once. Friends talk about the bright colors and layers. They work well as centerpieces on dessert tables. Pieces always disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies

Festive Candy Cane Oreos

Two round cookies, one red and one white, are decorated with white icing drizzles and white sprinkles, placed on a wooden surface. — Festive Candy Cane Oreos. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Oreo fans look for any twist on their favorite treat. Festive Candy Cane Oreos get snapped up quickly for their unique design. Each bite brings back memories for many guests. They make a good party favor or dessert. Plates keep coming back empty.
Get the Recipe: Festive Candy Cane Oreos

Adorable Reindeer Cake Pops

Three chocolate cake pops shaped like reindeer, with pretzel antlers and red candy noses, on wooden sticks. — Adorable Reindeer Cake Pops. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Cake pops in animal shapes make dessert more fun. Adorable Reindeer Cake Pops show off cute faces and happy colors. Kids always reach for them early. Each one stands out on a treat table. These pops are often all gone before photos are done.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Reindeer Cake Pops

Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging

Four Christmas tree-shaped cookies with powdered sugar on a wooden board, decorated with red and white string. — Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Hanging cookies mean twice the fun during dessert time. Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging work as both snacks and keepsakes. Kids love the extra step of using them as ornaments. Friends always ask how to make their own at home. There’s rarely a crumb left over.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging

Sweet Christmas Poke Cake

A slice of festive Christmas Poke Cake with red swirls and pink frosting, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a cherry, sits elegantly on a plate with a fork. — Sweet Christmas Poke Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Cakes with something extra often become favorites. Sweet Christmas Poke Cake hides surprises in every slice. It keeps guests guessing after the first bite. Everyone takes a second piece when possible. It’s always finished by the time dessert plates are cleared.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Christmas Poke Cake

Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

Swirled cookies bring bakery flavor home. Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies show off their stripes and sweet aroma. Friends always try one and then come back for more. These cookies are passed around the table again and again. Plates never have any left.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

Chewy Sourdough Bagels

A plate with a bagel seasoned with seeds sits next to a baking tray holding more bagels, also topped with seeds. — Chewy Sourdough Bagels. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bagels for breakfast or snacking stay fresh with this recipe. Chewy Sourdough Bagels offer a firm outside and soft inside. People pile them with spreads or eat plain. Kids love shaping them at home. The basket is empty by the end of the day.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Sourdough Bagels

Tangy Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies

Close up image of lemon blueberry muffin cookies on a wooden board. — Tangy Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Cookies with fruit and citrus always bring a crowd. Tangy Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies mix color and a soft bite everyone loves. Each tray brightens up the table. Friends ask for the baking notes every time. They always go before other cookie options.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies

Showstopping Baked Alaska

A slice of baked Alaska with a toasted meringue exterior and green ice cream center being lifted from the dessert. — Showstopping Baked Alaska. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fancy desserts steal the spotlight fast. Showstopping Baked Alaska arrives at the table icy and sweet with a crisp touch. Guests whisper about who gets the first slice. Pictures come first, but plates are cleaned quickly. This dish is always talked about after.
Get the Recipe: Showstopping Baked Alaska

Buttery Shortbread Cookies

Close-up view of a pile of Shortbread Cookies with visible small holes on the surface. — Buttery Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Buttery cookies win big at any get-together. Buttery Shortbread Cookies crumble just enough to stand out on the cookie plate. People grab seconds without thinking. These are great for gifting or serving with warm drinks. Expect an empty tub soon after serving.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Shortbread Cookies

Swirled Cinnamon Bread

Close-up of cinnamon swirl bread slices, showcasing a spiral pattern in the texture. — Swirled Cinnamon Bread. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Warm bread makes everyone lean in for a piece. Swirled Cinnamon Bread rolls up layers of spice and sweet for the table. Friends love it fresh with a dab of butter. It works for breakfast or dessert alike. You may want to bake more than one loaf.
Get the Recipe: Swirled Cinnamon Bread

Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies

Heart-shaped cookies partially dipped in red icing, decorated with pink, white, and silver sprinkles, including stars and hearts, scattered on a white surface. — Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Heart shapes bring out big smiles during dessert time. Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies go fast at parties, swaps, and bake sales. Kids race to decorate their own. Friends always ask for the recipe. No cookie tray feels complete without them.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies

Crusty Sourdough Bread

Sliced loaf of bread on a cutting board with a knife beside it. — Crusty Sourdough Bread. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A good loaf always finishes a meal right. Crusty Sourdough Bread cuts up for sandwiches or just to have warm with a spread. The tang pairs with sweet and savory dishes. Everyone breaks off big pieces to share. You won’t have a slice left afterward.
Get the Recipe: Crusty Sourdough Bread

Soft Marry Me Cookies

A stack of four chocolate chip cookies, with the top cookie partly broken, next to a metal container and a ceramic bowl on a light surface. — Soft Marry Me Cookies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sweet bakes get talked about long after they’re gone. Soft Marry Me Cookies hold their soft bite and bring out lots of sharing. Friends ask what makes them so special. Kids like the chewy texture too. Bake a double batch to keep up with requests.
Get the Recipe: Soft Marry Me Cookies

Fudgy Cream Cheese Brownies

Brownies with a cream cheese layer in the center are cut into squares and arranged on parchment paper. — Fudgy Cream Cheese Brownies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Brownies don’t always need mix-ins to taste great. Fudgy Cream Cheese Brownies give a punch of creamy flavor in every bite. People keep reaching for another square. The swirl on top is worth a second look. These are always top picks at dessert.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Cream Cheese Brownies

Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake

Close-up of two stacked pieces of chocolate cake drizzled with caramel sauce on a plate, with more cake in the background. — Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chocolate and caramel match up in this showy treat. Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake cuts into thick, rich slices that fill every plate. Friends ask for a little extra for later. This cake is the first to run out at parties. It beats out all basic sheet cakes.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake

Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies

Cookie decorating brings everyone together. Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies sparkle with colors and shapes for every gathering. Kids join in to help make them extra bright. Each treat looks unique on the tray. Plates don’t last very long once these are served.
Get the Recipe: Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies