Bring the holiday spirit to your table with these 5 Christmas dessert recipes that are as sweet as the season! Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or looking for the perfect treat to share, these recipes are sure to delight your loved ones.
1. Candy Cane Brownies
Ingredients:
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a brownie mix as instructed on the box.
- Stir in peppermint extract and chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake as directed.
- Once cooled, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
Helpful Note: For an extra festive touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over the brownies before adding the candy canes.
2. Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and brown sugar, then add molasses and egg.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until combined.
- Chill the dough for 1 hour, then roll out and cut into shapes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.
Helpful Note: Decorate with icing for a personal touch. Kids love this activity!
3. Peppermint Bark
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/3 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions:
- Melt dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Spread it evenly on parchment paper and let it set.
- Melt white chocolate and stir in peppermint extract. Spread it over the set dark chocolate.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. Chill until firm, then break into pieces.
Helpful Note: Use silicone molds for cute holiday shapes like stars or trees.
4. Christmas Tree Cupcakes
Ingredients:
- 1 box cupcake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- Green food coloring
- 1 cup buttercream frosting
- Star-shaped sprinkles
Instructions:
- Bake cupcakes according to package instructions and let them cool.
- Tint buttercream frosting with green food coloring.
- Use a piping bag to swirl the frosting into a tree shape.
- Add star sprinkles on top for decoration.
Helpful Note: Add edible glitter for an extra festive sparkle!
5. Eggnog Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup eggnog
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
Instructions:
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into a lined 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggnog, eggs, vanilla, and nutmeg until smooth.
- Pour over the crust and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 30-35 minutes.
- Cool and refrigerate for 4 hours before slicing.
Helpful Note: Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg for a classic look.