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Christmas is the season of sharing, and these top-rated desserts are too good not to share with your loved ones. There’s something here for every palate—whether you’re partial to spiced cheesecake or prefer a simple, chewy caramel. These beloved Christmas recipes have been vetted by thousands of home cooks and will make your family just as happy. Your holiday spread will be picture perfect with one (or many) of these confections.
Butter Cookies with Buttercream Frosting
Aimee B.
Cookies are a way of the life during the holidays, so embrace the spirit and get to baking these simple but delicious treats. Using ingredients you already have in your pantry, you’ll be able to whip up a batch for the dessert spread and have leftovers to go! Remember to keep cookie dough chilled so that cutouts are a breeze.
Raisin Squares
You’ll definitely want to make these gooey raisin squares a part of your Christmas tradition. A lovely crust tops the soft and sweet custard-like texture in the center. Reviewers recommend soaking dried cherries in orange juice if you don’t have sour cherries on hand. The comfort of warm, buttery oats, coconut, and tangy fruit awaits.
Peppermint Brittle
Quintessential holiday flavor gets the brittle treatment in this delightful candy recipe. Only 2 ingredients make a sweet and refreshing treat for you to share with your loved ones. Show your guests how much you care with smooth white chocolate and crushed peppermint candy—they’ll love the flavor and have no idea how easy it is!
Biscotti
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
A classic recipe that allows you to customize to your heart’s desire. Biscotti has it all: wonderful crunch, mellow, toasty flavor, and endless opportunity to make the recipe all your own. Reviewers recommend incorporating warming spices, berries, and nuts for an elevated holiday snack.
Aunt Teen’s Creamy Chocolate Fudge
Christmas isn’t complete without good fudge, and this top-rated recipe does not disappoint. “Absolutely incredible fudge,” raves Adam M. “It is perfectly smooth, creamy, chocolately, and all-around enjoyable.”
Chantal’s New York Cheesecake
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
Something about cold temperatures makes cheesecake all the more appealing. This rich dessert is a crowdpleaser that can be topped with fresh fruit for a lovely addition to your holiday spread. The familiar creaminess, tang, and sweetness will make every bite a memory to treasure.
Cannoli Dip
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This cannoli dip turns the tastes and flavors of a cannoli into a wonderful dessert or party snack!” says Allrecipes member Megan. “To serve, break up pizzelle cookies or waffle cones into chip-sized pieces to scoop cannoli dip. The dip tastes just like the filling from a cannoli, and the pizzelles act as the shell.”
Chocolate Cookie Mix in a Jar
We guarantee this won’t be regifted. This thoughtful gift of cookies-to-be is a wonderful way to share holiday cheer. Make the presentation fun by decorating your cookie mix with ribbons and adding a colorful gift tag.
Chewy Caramel
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Reviewer Janet Leigh says, “This recipe is excellent and easy to make. The caramel is rich, buttery and just plain fantastic!” Serve on a platter to guests or wrap individually for delicious take home treats. This classic candy recipe is what everyone will want for Christmas.
Chef John’s Rosemary Shortbread Cookies
Rosemary is an unexpected but delicious addition to these crisp cookies. The earthen, somewhat piney flavor of the herb elevates the buttery dough. Chef John’s shortbread cookies are scrumptious as is or dipped in a bit of dark chocolate for heightened drama.
Eggnog Gingerbread Trifle
Combining two beloved Christmas desserts and adding whipped cream on top? We’ll take it. This smooth, decadent dish would be right at home as the centerpiece of the holiday dessert table. For an extra special touch, add crushed gingerbread and cranberries as garnish.
White Fruitcake
Kim
This lovely confection has all the sweet, chewy bits you could want in a fruitcake. Even those usually resistant to this infamous dessert will be asking for a second slice. Candied orange peel, pineapple, and cherries are encased in a buttery sponge for a festive flavor.
Red Wine-Poached Pears
“Very similar to my Dutch mother’s recipe! I added 1 teaspoon ginger and 1 teaspoon cloves,” says one reviewer. This beautifully colored and comforting recipe is so simple to make ahead. All you’ll need is a good bottle of wine, firm pears, sugar, and spices for a soft, boozy holiday treat.
Peanut Butter Temptations
“Made two batches of these for a Christmas party over the weekend,” says Sherry. “Should have made five. They were the first to go and everybody kept asking for more.” Peanut butter and chocolate are a naturally delicious pair and these sweets are no exception.
Eggnog Creme Brûlée
Our favorite spiked Christmas beverage turned torched dessert. The spiced taste of the season is served in individual ramekins. Fresh, tart raspberries are the perfect foil for this rich treat. Easy to make ahead for even the most discerning guest.
Best Snowball Cookies
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“These snowball cookies are soft, buttery treats that melt in your mouth. This is my grandmother’s recipe, which she made for years,” says Allrecipes member Lori Dehn. “With a rich, nutty flavor from finely chopped pecans and a sweet white coating from confectioners’ sugar, these delicious cookies are perfect for the holidays!”
Old-Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Let it snow toasted coconut flakes! This beautiful coconut cream pie is always a winner. A creamy vanilla custard is topped with delicate whipped topping for a lighter-than-air experience. Make ahead an impressive display when guests arrive.
Linda’s Cranberry Cookies
“Cranberries and white chips put a new spin on chocolate chip cookies,” says Allrecipes member Tori. “These cookies are soft on the inside, with a little crunch around the edges. Perfect for the holidays.”
Steamed Plum Pudding
For those new to Christmas pudding, it’s actually a steamed cake with raisins and candied fruits. Allrecipes member Ryan Lorek says, “A fantastic rich and authentic tasting dessert. Perfect for finishing off any Christmas dinner.”
Molasses Cookies
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
The cookies of our Christmas dreams. “A contender for world’s best cookie. Chewy, spicy, sweet, and rich…I usually go a little long on the spices for extra kick,” says reviewer Michael Carmody. This recipe will give you the wonderful softness and cracked top that molasses cookies are famous for.
Raspberry and Almond Shortbread Thumbprints
The fruit-filled cookies are good enough to leave out for Santa. Thick, buttery dough is complemented by a dollop of raspberry jam in the center. Almond extract lends a subtle but elegant flavor. A beautifully reliable recipe that really evokes the spirit of Christmas.
Golden Rum Cake
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
This boozy Bundt cake remains moist with the help of vanilla pudding mix. A generous pour of rum and plenty of egg yolks give the dessert a richness that is perfectly paired with eggnog. A rum glaze is brushed over the top and sides of the cake for a fun, sticky finish.
Double-Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake
AllRecipes / Julia Hartbeck
Double the decadence with this top-rated cheesecake. “This was wonderful,” says reviewer Cindy. “Not an intensely spiced flavor, but a really delicious, smooth cheesecake-y pumpkin with some spice. Very lovely! It’ll be on our table regularly!”
Holiday Wreaths
CanadaKate
An easy and festive treat made from crispy rice cereal. These no-bake wreaths will entertain young cooks, and add a sweet, colorful presence to your holiday spread.
Grandma’s Gingersnap Cookies
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This recipe for gingersnaps makes gingersnap cookies that melt in your mouth! I received this ginger cookie recipe from my grandmother; it’s been enjoyed in my family since 1899,” says Allrecipes member Marie Ayers.
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