A Collection of Dessert Recipes that Feel Like the Holidays

by The Magnolia Team
Published on December 11, 2025
Person baking in the kitchen with copper bowls on a kitchen island.

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.

Magnolia Table Tiramisu

Tiramisu

By Joanna Gaines

Creamy custard layered with coffee-soaked sponge and fresh whipped cream. 

Jo's Toffee Cake

Jo’s Toffee Cakes

By Joanna Gaines

Rich mini date cakes drizzled with ooey-gooey toffee sauce.

Baking tray with aunt mary's cherry mashers truffles on a light brown paper, placed on a textured surface.

Aunt Mary’s Cherry Mashers

By Joanna Gaines

A nostalgic combination of chocolate, peanuts, and maraschino cherries topped with sprinkles.

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.

Joanna Gaines's White Chocolate Peppermint Bark

White Chocolate Peppermint Bark

By Joanna Gaines

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

Joanna Gaines' Kahlua Chocolate Bundt Cake

Kahlua Chocolate Bundt Cake

By Joanna Gaines

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

Zoe Francois' Croquembouche

Croquembouche

By Zoë François

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

Katie Button's Salted Chocolate Chip and Almond Skillet Cookie

Salted Chocolate Chip and Almond Skillet Cookie

By Katie Button

Simple sweet-and-nutty skillet sprinkled with salt.

Zoe Francois' Chocolate Raspberry Linzer Cookies

Chocolate Raspberry Linzer Cookies

By Zoë François

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

Joanna Gaines's Aunt Opal's Banana Pudding

Aunt Opal’s Banana Pudding

By Joanna Gaines

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

Chocolate Truffles

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).

Magnolia Table Classic Cheesecake

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:

SHOP KITCHEN + DINING

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