85 Best Christmas Desserts for a Holly Jolly Party
Whip up a sweet spread for a crowd with these unique and classic dessert recipes.
Every item on this page was chosen by a Woman's Day editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Of course, there's the quintessential plate of Christmas cookies for Santa and the classic Yule log cake to cut into on Christmas Eve, but there are so many more unique Christmas sweets to make this season: festive cake pops, Italian ice-box recipes, edible decorations, and so much more. It doesn't matter if you're hosting a Christmas party for family and friends, or are looking for a new holiday treat to enjoy after dinner, our favorite Christmas desserts call for seasonal flavors and all your favorite holiday ingredients, whether that's peppermint or gingerbread.
If you typically host a crowd for Christmas dinner, then decorating a Christmas sheet cake or stacking gingerbread cookies to form a giant tree may be the way to go. But if you're looking for smaller individual treats to make, you'll find those here too. We've also got easy recipes you can whip up all winter-long (a.k.a. a great way to use up any leftover Christmas candy).
So, put on your baker's hat (not to be confused with your elf's hat!), and get to baking these Christmas desserts that are perfect for every skill level (read: if the recipe for traditional Christmas tree cupcakes looks too complicated, try the Charlie Brown version instead).
Santa and Elf Cookies
Celebrate the hard work of Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elves with these festive cookies.
Get the Santa and Elf Cookies recipe.
White Chocolate Candy Train
The kids won't be able to decide whether they want to play with this treat or eat it with a glass of milk.
Get the White Chocolate Candy Train recipe.
Reindeer and Tree Cookies
During the holidays, there's no such thing as going over the top with Christmas-themed treats. These reindeer and tree cookies are as festive as Santa Claus himself.
Get the Reindeer and Tree Cookies recipe.
'Charlie Brown' Christmas Tree Cupcakes
These trees may be smaller than your typical pine, but they don't skimp on the chocolate-y sweet flavor.
Gingerbread Polar Bears and Frosted Stars
Top off these easy-to-make polar bear and star-shaped gingerbread cookies with snowy white icing to add the perfect finishing touch to your Christmas dessert.
Gingerbread Men Smore's
Replace the graham cracker with handmade gingerbread cookies, and the individual slab of chocolate and marshmallow with a marshmallow-cream cheese and chocolate frosting for the best smore's your kids will ever have.
Get the Gingerbread Men Smore's recipe.
Gear Cookies
Making these cookies will be like clockwork once you prepare it once.
Get the Gear Cookies recipe.
Eggnog Pudding
Instead of sipping on the classic winter drink, consider making it into a sweet (and fancy) dessert that your family will be eager to try.
Get the Eggnog Pudding recipe.
Olive Oil-Clementine Cake
Ginger may be one the first ingredients you think of this time of year, but citrus is right up there too, and this easy cake can be on the table in under an hour.
Get the Olive Oil-Clementine Cake recipe.
Gama's Apple Spice Cake
Apples can make an appearance in your baked goods year-round, and this spice cake recipe incorporates your favorite apple with cinnamon and citrus.
Get the Gama's Apple Spice Cake recipe.
Snowman Spoons
Jazz up your hot chocolate with these peppermint snowman spoons.
Get the Snowman Spoons recipe.
Cranberry-Pear Pecan Crumb Pie
Christmas dessert doesn't have to mean cookies, ice cream, or cake. It can me a crumbly, fruit-filled pie, too. This festive pie would also be great reheated for breakfast, as an added bonus.
Gingerbread Cookie Tree
These spiced cookies are a holiday classic and stacking them in the shape of a Christmas tree makes them that much more festive.
Get the Gingerbread Cookie Tree recipe.
Polar Bear Cupcakes
These cuties are as fun to make as a gingerbread house is, and they taste great!
Get the Polar Bear Cupcakes recipe.
Mouse King Fudge
Inspired by The Nutcracker, these fudge mice are both cute and tasty.
Get the Mouse King Fudge recipe.
Oatmeal-Brownie Bundt Cake
Almond meal and rolled oats make this cake gluten-free for those with celiac.
Get the Oatmeal-Brownie Bundt Cake recipe.
Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree Cupcakes
Tiny, candy evergreens are the perfect toppers for these festive cupcakes.
Eggnog Mousse Snowmen
If you have a little extra time on your hands, consider turning your favorite holiday drink into this adorable and deliciously creamy mousse.
Get the Eggnog Mousse Snowmen recipe.
Cream Cheese Spritzes
If you just opened a cookie press this Christmas morning (or last year for that matter), then this recipe is the one for you and your family.
Get the Cream Cheese Spritzes recipe.
Orange Slices with White Chocolate and Pistachio
These orange slices are dipped in white chocolate and pistachios, and they are absolutely gorgeous. They would be a great addition to any Christmas dessert spread.
Get the Orange Slices with White Chocolate and Pistachio recipe.
Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.
Watch Next
Christmas Tree Dessert Recipes
Gifts That Give Back to Great Causes
Unique Stocking Stuffers for Women
Unique Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Kids & Adults
