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A Collection of Dessert Recipes that Feel Like the Holidays

by Magnolia
Published on November 26, 2024

Chocolate bundt cake dusted with powdered sugar on cake stand

O Christmas treat, O Christmas treat…

How lovely is the holiday season! Rooted in centuries of rich tradition, Christmastime designates a few special days worth looking forward to, year after year—a time for reunion, companionship, giving, and celebration. The holidays can also be a window from the past, renewing our appreciation for where we’ve already been and the season we’re currently in.

Below, we’re sharing some of our favorite recipes to embrace the sweetness of the yuletide season. From classic flavors like peppermint and caramel to show-stopping confections like croquembouche, these desserts evoke the nostalgia and comfort of Christmas. Gather your loved ones for a baking day—or box up these festive treats to give as a gift!

Butter thumbprint cookies with jam filling

Butter Thumbprint Cookies with Jam Filling

By Elizabeth Poett

Buttery cookies rolled in sparkling sugar and topped with fruit jam.

Chocolate peppermint bark

White Chocolate Peppermint Bark

By Joanna Gaines

Semisweet chocolate layered with peppermint-infused almond bark and crushed peppermint.

Chocolate and espresso bundt cake with chocolate glaze on a white cake stand

Kahlua Chocolate Bundt Cake

By Joanna Gaines

An espresso-flavored chocolate bundt cake, glazed and topped with homemade whipped cream.

Croquembouche, or cream puffs, on white serving platter

Croquembouche

By Zoë François

Pâte à choux (cream puff) pastry dough filled with a chocolate cream and dipped in a homemade caramel.

Skillet cookie sprinkled with salt

Salted Chocolate Chip and Almond Skillet Cookie

By Katie Button

Simple sweet-and-nutty skillet sprinkled with salt.

Chocolate Raspberry Linzer cookies dusted with powdered sugar on metallic serving platter

Chocolate Raspberry Linzer Cookies

By Zoë François

Sugar-dusted hazelnut cookies topped with chocolate ganache and raspberry preserves.

Homemade banana pudding in a glass trifle bowl

Aunt Opal’s Banana Pudding

By Joanna Gaines

Smooth vanilla pudding layered with vanilla wafers, banana slices, and homemade whipped cream.

Christmas chocolate truffles on silver serving platter

Chocolate Truffles

By Elizabeth Poett

Creamy melted chocolate mixture rolled in chef’s choice of coating (such as crushed nuts, sprinkles, or sugar mixed with spices).

A slice of cheesecake topped with whipped cream and served with strawberries on a grey scalloped plate

Classic Cheesecake

By Joanna Gaines

A simple, sweetened cream cheese filling baked in a buttery graham cracker crust.


Holiday baking is a piece of cake with the right supplies. Bring home serveware, bakeware, storage, and more:

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