35 Christmas Baking Recipes That Makes the Kitchen the Best Place to Be

With 35 Christmas baking recipes waiting to be explored, there’s always something that brings everyone back into the kitchen. I love how each one adds its own kind of comfort to the season, whether you’re hosting or sharing a quiet moment. There’s a mix of nostalgic favorites and new ideas that make holiday baking feel extra special.

Chocolate whoopie pies with cream and powdered sugar. — Easy Whoopie Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Candy Cane Cookies

The swirl of red and white in these Candy Cane Cookies instantly makes any cookie platter feel festive. They’re perfect for sharing with guests or adding to holiday gift boxes. A hint of sweetness and charm make them irresistible. Plus, they’re just so fun to make with everyone.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Cookies

Burnt Basque Cheesecake

A close-up of several slices of a dense, golden-brown custard or cheesecake on parchment paper. — Burnt Basque Cheesecake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For a dessert that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy, this Burnt Basque Cheesecake hits the mark. Its caramelized top and creamy center will have everyone talking at your holiday table. Perfect for winter nights, it pairs wonderfully with a hot drink. Guests always come back for a second slice.
Get the Recipe: Burnt Basque Cheesecake

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.

If a balance of sweet and salty excites you, these Sweet Salted Honey Cookies are a must-try. Their soft texture and hint of honey make them feel cozy yet sophisticated. Great with coffee or tea, they’ll be a quick favorite. You won’t believe how simple it is to create such a comforting treat.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Salted Honey Cookies

Rich Homemade Bread Pudding

A close-up of decadent bread pudding, topped with creamy vanilla sauce, is being lifted from a serving plate. — Rich Homemade Bread Pudding. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

There’s nothing like this Rich Homemade Bread Pudding to bring comfort during the holidays. Warm spices and a tender texture make it ideal for gatherings or quiet evenings by the fire. It’s the dessert people will reminisce about long after it’s gone. Trust me, you’ll want to make extra.
Get the Recipe: Rich Homemade Bread Pudding

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.

The cozy flavors of pumpkin and chocolate come together beautifully in these Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. Every bite feels like the holidays wrapped in a cookie. They’re perfect to bake on a chilly day to fill your home with the smell of joy. Guests will love finding these on the dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies

A stack of rich peanut butter brownies with a spoonful of creamy peanut butter on the side. — Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Peanut butter and chocolate join forces in these Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies for the ultimate indulgence. They’re rich, gooey, and perfect for sharing with loved ones or keeping all to yourself. A crowd-pleaser at gatherings, these brownies disappear fast. Bake them once, and everyone will beg for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies

Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops

Reindeer cookie pops in a cup. — Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

You can’t help but smile when you see these Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops on a platter. Kids and adults alike love their adorable design and delicious taste. They’re great for gifting or as a creative holiday baking project. Plus, they’ll add so much fun to your dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops

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.

For a twist on a classic, these Buttery Pecan Pie Bars deliver all the rich flavors of pecan pie without the need for a fork. The buttery crust and nutty filling make every bite unforgettable. Great to share at potlucks or keep as a personal indulgence. Warning: they go fast.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Pecan Pie Bars

Festive Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Cupcake with green frosting, adorned with red and green candy pieces, resembling a Christmas tree. — Festive Christmas Tree Cupcakes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bring some sparkle to your dessert lineup with these Festive Christmas Tree Cupcakes. Topped with holiday decorations that look almost too good to eat, they’re as fun to make as they are to enjoy. A guaranteed hit with guests of all ages. These are picture-perfect for every holiday celebration.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Tree Cupcakes

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.

Some desserts just feel magical, and these Soft Marry Me Cookies are exactly that. Super tender and lightly sweet, they’re perfect for impressing guests at any gathering. The festive touch makes them special for Christmas, but they’re crave-worthy all year long. Once you bake them, you’ll see why.
Get the Recipe: Soft Marry Me 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.

When cheesecake meets indulgence, you get this Creamy Creme Brûlée Cheesecake. Its caramelized sugar topping and silky texture make it a show-stopping addition to your holiday desserts. Simple yet stunning, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Everyone will think you spent hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Creme Brûlée Cheesecake

Rich Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

A stack of chocolate cookies with a bottle of milk in the background on a white surface. — Rich Double Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Chocolate lovers rejoice, these Rich Double Chocolate Chip Cookies are everything you’ve dreamed of. Extra decadent and packed with chocolate in every bite, they’ll become your go-to treat for the season. Serve them warm for the ultimate comfort food experience. Trust me, there won’t be leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Rich Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Soft Garlic Knots

Close-up view of freshly baked garlic knots with parsley and seasoning, resting on a parchment-lined baking tray. — Soft Garlic Knots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Go beyond sweet treats with these Soft Garlic Knots that are totally holiday-worthy. Warm, buttery, and packed with savory goodness, they’re a crowd-pleaser as a snack or side dish. Perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining guests. These will vanish faster than you expect, make a double batch.
Get the Recipe: Soft Garlic Knots

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.

The charm of Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes isn’t just in their looks, it’s the smiles you get when serving them. These sweet treats instantly brighten the room. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they’re fun for all ages. Bring this to the table and watch everyone reach for seconds, it’s impossible to resist their festive appeal.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes

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.

Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies capture the spirit of the season with a fun twist. Their bright, cheerful color makes them the star of any Christmas spread. The soft, sweet texture is guaranteed to keep cookie lovers coming back for more. You’ll love the reactions when these playful favorites make their debut on your dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Copycat Starbucks Cake Pop

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

If you’re missing those coffee shop vibes, Copycat Starbucks Cake Pop will bring them straight to your kitchen. Bite-sized and beautifully decorated, they’re as charming as they are delicious. Great for gifting or sharing, they’re a definite crowd-pleaser. You might want to make extra, these never last long.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Starbucks Cake Pop

Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Bites

Close-up of Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Bites, dusted in a sweet layer and piled on crisp white paper. — Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Bites. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Bites are bite-sized perfection, made for cozy moments by the tree. Their warm cinnamon aroma will draw everyone to the kitchen. Great for breakfast or dessert, they’re versatile and oh-so-delicious. Serve them once, and you’ll find they quickly become your holiday favorite snack.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Bites

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.

Rich and irresistible, Buttery Shortbread Cookies will have the whole house smelling amazing. Perfectly crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth good, these classic cookies are holiday staples. Whether paired with coffee or given as gifts, they never fail to impress. The simplicity of these cookies is their secret to comforting joy.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Shortbread Cookies

Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake

A slice of pineapple cake topped with fresh raspberries on a white surface. — Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Holiday tradition meets sweetness in Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake. The rich, caramelized topping and soft interior make this dessert timeless and unforgettable. A dish with a nostalgic charm, it’s always a conversation starter at the table. Bring this to your holiday potluck, and it’s sure to steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake

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.

Whimsical and eye-catching, Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies turn dessert into decor. Layers of colorful cookies create a playful tree-like shape, all ages will love them. These are great for bringing the family together in the kitchen. Expect plenty of smiles and compliments when you serve this festive creation.
Get the Recipe: Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies

Rich Homemade Buckeyes

Close-up of homemade buckeyes, featuring chocolate-covered peanut butter balls. One is bitten to reveal the creamy peanut butter filling inside. — Rich Homemade Buckeyes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Peanut butter meets chocolate perfection with Rich Homemade Buckeyes. These bite-sized treats are as fun to eat as they are to make. A holiday classic, they’re easy to pack and share with loved ones. Be prepared, no matter the size of your batch, these always disappear in record time.
Get the Recipe: Rich Homemade Buckeyes

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.

There’s nothing better than starting a cozy holiday morning with Buttery Coffee Cake. Its soft texture and perfectly sweet crumble topping are a match made in baking heaven. Serve this with a steaming cup of coffee for ultimate holiday comfort. It’s a staple that will have everyone lingering for “just one more slice.”
Get the Recipe: Buttery Coffee 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.

Bold flavors combine beautifully in Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies, making them perfect for festive occasions. The irresistible pairing of chocolate and cherry is always a crowd-pleaser. These cookies are elegant enough for gifting but too delicious to keep to yourself. Watch as happy smiles grow with every bite of this decadent treat.
Get the Recipe: Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies

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.

Simplify your holiday dessert game with Easy Christmas Dump Cake. Easy to make yet packed with flavor, this sweet dish is a staple for busy holiday schedules. The magic happens when you see how rich and luscious it turns out, no matter your cooking skill. Bring it to any party, it’s one dessert people won’t forget.
Get the Recipe: Easy Christmas Dump Cake

Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

If you love that first bite of bakery-fresh cookies, Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies will hit the spot. They’re soft, sweet, and layered with irresistible flavor. Perfect for bringing a touch of indulgence to your holiday tray. Everyone will want to know how you made this frosted cinnamon sensation so good at home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl 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.

Fudgy Pink Snoball Brownies are vivid and decadent treats that feel like pure holiday bliss. Their fudge-rich flavor paired with a playful, pink topping is sure to stand out. Perfect for those who love festive desserts with a twist. Expect these brownies to be conversation starters long after the plates are cleaned.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Pink Snoball Brownies

Buttery Chocolate Croissant

Chocolate and pretzel rolls with powdered sugar. — Buttery Chocolate Croissant. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bring some magic to the morning table with Buttery Chocolate Croissant. Flaky layers filled with rich chocolate taste as indulgent as they sound. Whether paired with coffee or served as a treat, these pastries never fail to be the center of attention. Perfect for cozy celebrations that call for something truly special.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Chocolate Croissant

Rich Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Slice of cheesecake topped with caramel, pretzel, pecan, and sea salt on a plate, with a spoon beside it. — Rich Salted Caramel Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Calling all dessert lovers: Rich Salted Caramel Cheesecake is what holiday dreams are made of. Lush, creamy cheesecake paired with gooey salted caramel is pure bliss for your tastebuds. Perfect for family gatherings or sharing with friends, this dessert always leaves a delicious impression. Make one, and watch it vanish, it’s that good.
Get the Recipe: Rich Salted Caramel Cheesecake

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.

Turn Oreos into show-stopping fun with Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies. Decorated like holiday ornaments, these are as cheerful as they are delicious. Perfect for gift exchanges or dessert tables, they bring loads of flair to the season. Kids and adults alike will love these colorful creations with every bite they take.
Get the Recipe: Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies

Tangy Key Lime Bars

A close-up of dessert bars with a crumbly crust, creamy filling, and whipped topping, garnished with lime slices in the background. — Tangy Key Lime Bars. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Brighten up your holiday spread with Tangy Key Lime Bars. Their refreshing citrus pop is an unexpected yet refreshing twist to Christmas desserts. Great for balancing out the season’s heavier treats, they’ll have party guests raving. Everyone enjoys the light, vibrant flavors that make these bars memorable during the coldest time of year.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Key Lime Bars

Delicious Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

A slice of apple pie stuffed cheesecake on a plate with a spoon. — Delicious Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you love the classics, Delicious Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake mixes two crowd favorites into one heavenly dessert. A rich, creamy interior bursting with spiced apple goodness captures the heart of the holidays. Bring this to your festive gathering, and it’ll be the dessert everyone talks about long after the celebration ends.
Get the Recipe: Delicious Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

Christmas Crack

A plate of chocolate-covered cracker toffee squares topped with festive holiday sprinkles and decorations. — Christmas Crack. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Few treats rival the easy magic of Christmas Crack when the holidays roll around. Crunchy, salty, and sweet, this dessert is an irresistible crowd-pleaser. Great for gifting or snacking, it’s always the first thing to disappear from the table. With its simple preparation, you’ll want to make batch after batch during the season.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Crack

Rich Banoffee Pie

A slice of Banoffee pie with whipped cream and caramel. — Rich Banoffee Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dig into dessert perfection with Rich Banoffee Pie, a decadent treat that pairs caramel, banana, and cream. Its smooth texture and bold flavors make it unforgettable year-round, but especially magical during the holidays. Perfect for impressing guests without spending hours baking. You won’t find leftovers when this pie hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Rich Banoffee Pie

Sweet Strawberry Crunch Cake

A slice of crumb-topped strawberry coffee cake sits on a white plate with a spoon beside it; additional cake and plates are in the background. — Sweet Strawberry Crunch Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sweet Strawberry Crunch Cake is eye-catching and packed with flavor, bringing a pop of color to your Christmas menu. The crunch layer adds irresistible texture to soft, fluffy layers. Perfect for entertaining or simply treating yourself during the festive season. Watch your guests light up after tasting this bright and delicious dessert.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Strawberry Crunch Cake

Easy Whoopie Pie

Effortlessly delicious, Easy Whoopie Pie brings classic comfort to holiday gatherings. Fluffy, pillowy layers sandwich a sweet filling in a way that’s impossible to resist. These pies are easy to make and perfect for sharing, whether with friends or packed as gifts. You’ll love how quickly these treats create smiles and happy moments.
Get the Recipe: Easy Whoopie Pie