5 Easy and Delicious Christmas Desserts You Can Make

1. Gingerbread Cookies

A classic holiday treat with warm spices, perfect for decorating or gifting.

Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup dark brown sugar

• ¾ cup unsulfured molasses

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 2 teaspoons ground ginger

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground cloves

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup unsalted butter (cold)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, spices, salt, and baking soda.

2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Add the molasses, egg, and mix until a dough forms.

4. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.

5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to ¼ inch thickness.

6. Cut into festive shapes using cookie cutters and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

7. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are slightly golden. Cool and decorate as desired.

2. Chocolate Peppermint Bark

A no-bake, melt-in-your-mouth dessert perfect for gifting or festive parties.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz semisweet chocolate chips

• 12 oz white chocolate chips

• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

• Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

Instructions:

1. Melt the semisweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.

2. Pour melted chocolate into a parchment-lined baking dish and spread evenly.

3. Melt the white chocolate chips similarly, then stir in peppermint extract.

4. Pour the white chocolate over the dark chocolate layer and spread evenly.

5. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top while still warm.

6. Refrigerate for about 1 hour until firm. Break into shards and serve.

3. Eggnog Pudding

Creamy, spiced pudding infused with the flavors of Christmas eggnog.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ¾ cup sugar

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch

• 4 egg yolks

• ½ teaspoon nutmeg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup eggnog

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, whisk together milk, cream, sugar, and cornstarch. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks. Gradually add hot milk mixture to yolks, whisking constantly.

3. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Remove from heat, stir in nutmeg, vanilla, and eggnog.

5. Pour into serving cups, cover with plastic wrap (touching the surface), and chill for at least 2 hours.

6. Garnish with extra nutmeg before serving.

4. Cinnamon Sugar Cookies

Soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a perfect cinnamon-sugar coating.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 large egg

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

• ½ cup sugar (for coating)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until fluffy.

4. Mix in egg and vanilla until combined.

5. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until dough forms.

6. Mix the cinnamon with the remaining sugar in a shallow bowl.

7. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then coat in cinnamon sugar.

8. Place on baking sheet and flatten slightly.

9. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden. Cool before serving.

5. Festive Cranberry-Wrapped Cheesecake Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

• ½ cup melted unsalted butter

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Fresh cranberries for topping

• Small sprigs of mint (for garnish)

• White chocolate (optional, for drizzling)

• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until well combined, then press this mixture evenly into the bottoms of a mini muffin tin to form a crust.

3. Bake for about 8 minutes until set, then remove and let cool completely.

4. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and lemon juice, mixing well.

5. Spoon or pipe the cream cheese filling into the cooled crusts, filling each mini cup.

6. Chill the cheesecake bites in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until set.

7. Top each cheesecake with a fresh cranberry and a small sprig of mint.

8. For an extra festive touch, melt some white chocolate and drizzle over the bites, then dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired.