The holiday season is all about indulgence, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a variety of delicious Christmas desserts. From spiced cookies to festive cakes, these classic treats will make your Christmas celebrations even sweeter. Here are six more traditional Christmas desserts that you can add to your holiday menu.
1. Eggnog Pie
If you love the rich and creamy taste of eggnog, then this pie is the perfect holiday dessert for you. Eggnog pie takes all the comforting flavors of traditional eggnog—spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon—and transforms it into a silky, custard-like pie. This dessert is perfect for eggnog lovers looking for a unique twist on their favorite holiday drink.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 2 cups eggnog
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and pre-bake the pie crust for 10 minutes until golden.
- In a saucepan, whisk together the eggnog, sugar, and cornstarch over medium heat until the mixture thickens.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually pour in the hot eggnog mixture while whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the stove and cook for another 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and nutmeg. Pour the filling into the pie crust and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Top with whipped cream before serving.
2. Candy Canes
Candy canes are not only a Christmas candy classic but also one of the most recognizable symbols of the holiday season. These striped peppermint treats are often used as decorations for Christmas trees or enjoyed as sweet snacks. Though making homemade candy canes can be a bit tricky, the results are a festive treat that can be shared with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red food coloring
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
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- In a saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Continue cooking without stirring until the mixture reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer.
- Remove from heat and stir in the peppermint extract. Divide the mixture into two bowls and add red food coloring to one bowl.
- On a greased surface, roll both mixtures into long strips. Twist the red and white strips together to form candy canes. Let them cool and harden.
- Dust with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
3. Pfeffernüsse
Pfeffernüsse are traditional German and Dutch cookies that are often served during the Christmas season. These small, spiced cookies are packed with flavors like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, and are typically coated in powdered sugar for a sweet, snowy look. Their distinct spiced flavor makes them a favorite holiday treat in many European households.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper.
- In a separate bowl, mix the molasses, melted butter, and sugar.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Once the cookies have cooled slightly, roll them in powdered sugar and allow them to cool completely.
4. Fruitcake
Fruitcake is one of the most iconic Christmas desserts, loved by some and, admittedly, avoided by others. This dense cake is packed with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, and is often soaked in alcohol like rum or brandy to enhance the flavor. Fruitcake is traditionally made well in advance of Christmas, as the flavors deepen over time, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, cranberries)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts)
- 1/4 cup rum or brandy
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and line a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, soak the dried fruits in rum or brandy for at least 1 hour.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well.
- Stir in the flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Fold in the soaked fruits and nuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 2 hours. Once cooled, wrap the fruitcake in foil and let it sit for at least a week before serving.
5. Trifle
A classic British dessert, Trifle is a layered dessert that’s perfect for any holiday gathering. Made with layers of sponge cake, custard, fruit, jelly, and whipped cream, this sweet and creamy treat is often prepared in a large glass bowl to showcase its beautiful layers. Trifle can be customized with your favorite flavors, making it a versatile dessert that can be tailored to your holiday spread.
Ingredients
- 1 store-bought sponge cake, cut into cubes
- 1 cup berry jam
- 1 packet jelly (prepared as per instructions)
- 2 cups custard
- 1 cup fresh berries
- 1 1/2 cups whipped cream
Instructions
- In a large glass bowl, layer the bottom with half of the sponge cake cubes.
- Spread half of the berry jam over the cake, then pour half of the prepared jelly over the top.
- Layer half of the custard over the jelly, followed by a handful of fresh berries.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous topping of whipped cream.
- Garnish with additional berries or sprinkles before serving.
6. Chocolate Bark
Chocolate bark is a simple yet festive Christmas dessert that can be made with just a few ingredients. Melted chocolate is spread thin and topped with a variety of add-ins like nuts, dried fruit, candy canes, or sprinkles. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for gift-giving or as a quick holiday snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- Crushed candy canes or sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until fully melted.
- Spread the melted chocolate evenly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- If using white chocolate, melt it in the same way and drizzle over the dark chocolate.
- Sprinkle the nuts, dried cranberries, and crushed candy canes over the melted chocolate.
- Let the chocolate harden in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Once set, break it into pieces and enjoy.
These festive Christmas desserts are sure to bring holiday cheer to your home. Whether you’re craving the creamy richness of eggnog pie or the crunchy sweetness of chocolate bark, each of these treats will make your Christmas celebration even sweeter. Happy baking, and Merry Christmas!
