Christmas Sweets: 36 Holiday Desserts Perfect for Gifting and Sharing

The holidays invite bakers of every skill level to fire up the oven, dust off the cookie cutters, and share something sweet. Classic flavors such as ginger, peppermint, and warm spices signal the season the moment they hit the table. Global traditions join the lineup, offering everything from buttery Greek cookies to fluffy Swedish saffron buns. Below are thirty-six festive treats that bring cheer to cookie swaps, office parties, and cozy nights at home.

1. Classic Gingerbread Men

Molasses and brown sugar give these cookies their deep flavor and signature color. A blend of ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves adds gentle heat that pairs perfectly with a mug of cocoa. After baking, the cookies cool quickly, making them ideal for decorating with royal icing. Punch in raisins or candies for buttons and hang a few on the tree with ribbon.

2. Peppermint Bark

This no-bake favorite layers dark chocolate and white chocolate before receiving a blizzard of crushed candy canes. A quick chill in the refrigerator sets the bark so it snaps cleanly. Break it into irregular pieces for gift tins or party bowls. The mint spark complements rich holiday desserts and keeps well for two weeks when stored airtight.

3. Buche de Noël (Yule Log Cake)

This French showpiece starts with a light chocolate sponge cake that’s rolled around whipped cream or buttercream. A cocoa-rich frosting is raked with a fork to mimic tree bark. Dust with powdered sugar “snow” and garnish with sugared cranberries for extra sparkle. Although impressive, it can be assembled a day ahead and kept chilled until serving.

4. Italian Panettone

Panettone’s airy crumb comes from a slow, yeast-driven rise and plenty of butter. Studded with citrus peel and raisins, this dome-shaped loaf is as welcome at breakfast as it is after dinner. Italians often toast leftover slices and pair them with espresso or sweet wine. Because it keeps moist for days, panettone is a reliable edible gift.

5. German Stollen

Stollen is a dense, buttery bread enriched with candied fruit, almonds, and warm spices. A log of marzipan baked inside melts slightly, adding a sweet almond surprise to every slice. Once cooled, the loaf is brushed with melted butter and blanketed in sugar for a crisp outer layer. Wrapped tightly, it matures over a week, deepening both flavor and aroma.

6. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Cocoa powder and melted chocolate team up to create an intensely fudgy center. Rolling the dough in powdered sugar before baking produces a striking crackled exterior. The cookies stay soft for several days, making them excellent for shipping. A pinch of instant espresso powder elevates the chocolate without adding coffee flavor.

7. Snowball Cookies (Russian Tea Cakes)

These buttery nut cookies crumble delicately with every bite. Finely chopped pecans or walnuts lend earthy richness, while vanilla balances the flavor. They’re rolled in powdered sugar twice: once warm to create a sticky layer, then again when cool for the snowy finish. Pair them with black tea or mulled wine for an afternoon treat.

8. Eggnog Fudge

Sweetened condensed milk, white chocolate, and real eggnog form the base of this smooth fudge. A whisper of rum extract and freshly grated nutmeg captures the drink’s classic taste. The candy sets quickly in the fridge, cutting cleanly into gift-ready squares. Store it chilled for best texture and flavor.

9. Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies

Brown sugar lends caramel notes to these chewy bars, while tart dried cranberries offset the sweetness of white chocolate. The batter stirs together in one bowl, saving time during the busy season. A little orange zest brightens the flavor profile. Serve slightly warm for gooey pockets of melted chocolate.

10. Traditional Fruitcake

Good fruitcake is dense yet moist, thanks to a soak in brandy or rum that both flavors and preserves. Cherries, pineapple, raisins, and almonds create a mosaic in every slice. Aging the cake for several weeks allows the flavors to meld gracefully. Serve thin slices with strong cheese for a classic pairing.

11. Candy Cane Shortbread

Classic buttery shortbread meets peppermint crunch in this colorful cookie. A quick dip in melted white chocolate locks in extra mint flavor and gives a polished look. The dough freezes well, so you can bake just what you need. Package slices in clear bags for a simple yet charming stocking stuffer.

12. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Rods

Salty pretzels balance sweet chocolate for an addicting snackable treat. After dipping, sprinkle with crushed nuts, peppermint, or seasonal sprinkles before the coating sets. Kids can handle most of the decorating work, making this a fun family activity. Once hardened, the rods fit neatly in mugs alongside hot cocoa.

13. Rugelach

Rugelach’s tender dough is built on cream cheese, which yields a flaky, pastry-like texture. Fillings vary, yet cinnamon, brown sugar, and chopped nuts remain a holiday favorite. Small individual rolls bake quickly and travel well. Enjoy them warm for the perfect balance of crisp exterior and gooey center.

14. Pfeffernüsse

Translated as “pepper nuts,” these cookies pack a gentle kick from white pepper and anise. Honey and molasses keep them moist inside while the exterior firms up for a satisfying bite. They taste best after resting a day or two, allowing spices to bloom. Serve alongside glühwein or strong coffee.

15. Lebkuchen Hearts

Lebkuchen resembles gingerbread but leans on honey and ground nuts for depth. The dough is often aged, resulting in a tender, almost cake-like texture. A thin sugar glaze locks in moisture and adds shine. Heart shapes make them perfect for gifting to friends and neighbors.

16. Sugarplum Candies

Despite the name, these candies rarely include plums. Instead, dried fruits, toasted nuts, honey, and winter spices are blended, rolled into balls, and rolled again in sugar. They’re naturally gluten-free and require no baking. Let the rounds chill to firm up before slipping them into candy cups.

17. Mini Mince Pies

Filled with spiced fruit and a hint of brandy, these pastries deliver holiday flavor in two bites. Using store-bought mincemeat speeds up preparation without sacrificing authenticity. A shortcrust pastry shell stays flaky even after reheating. Serve them slightly warm with a spoon of clotted cream.

18. Sticky Toffee Pudding

Made with chopped dates, this British classic bakes into a moist sponge that soaks up toffee sauce like a sponge. The sauce is simply butter, brown sugar, and cream simmered together until silky. Individual servings reheat well, so they’re convenient for stress-free entertaining. A bit of sea salt on top sharpens the sweetness.

19. Scottish Tablet

Tablet sits somewhere between fudge and brittle, offering a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The recipe is simple—sugar, butter, and condensed milk boiled to a high temperature. A little vanilla rounds out the flavor. Break it into rustic chunks for a sweet nibble alongside whisky or tea.

20. Honeycomb Toffee

Baking soda reacts with hot sugar syrup to create dramatic, airy bubbles. Once cooled, the candy shatters into crisp shards with a satisfying crunch. Dip half of each piece in dark chocolate for contrast. Store it in a dry container to keep the texture light and crackly.

21. Coconut Macaroons

Sweetened shredded coconut binds together with egg whites and sugar to create chewy, golden mounds. A quick dip in melted chocolate adds richness and stabilizes the base. The cookies are naturally gluten-free, pleasing a wide range of guests. Let them cool completely so the chocolate sets firm.

22. Greek Kourabiedes

These buttery almond cookies are flavored with brandy and dusted twice in sugar for a snowy finish. Their melt-away texture comes from a generous butter ratio and a short baking time. Traditionally offered after midnight Mass, they symbolize joy and hospitality. A whole clove placed in the center adds subtle aroma.

23. Greek Melomakarona

Melomakarona blend orange juice, olive oil, and warm spices in the dough. After baking, the cookies bathe in fragrant honey syrup, soaking up sweetness without turning soggy. A final shower of toasted walnuts adds crunch. They taste even better the next day as flavors meld.

24. Spanish Polvorones

Named for their powdery texture, polvorones nearly dissolve on the tongue. Toasted flour and ground almonds provide a nutty backbone, while lard or butter binds the dough. A hint of cinnamon rounds out the flavor. Wrap them in tissue paper twists for an authentic presentation.

25. Alfajores with Dulce de Leche

Cornstarch in the dough creates tender, shortbread-like cookies that cradle thick dulce de leche filling. Rolling the edges in shredded coconut seals the sides and adds texture. These Argentine favorites store best chilled to keep the filling firm. Serve them with strong coffee for a balanced bite.

26. Swedish Saffron Buns (Lussekatter)

Saffron imparts a sunny color and delicate floral aroma to these yeasted buns. Shaped into curled “cat” forms and finished with raisins, they’re traditionally served on St. Lucia Day. The dough stays soft thanks to butter and a touch of quark or yogurt. Enjoy them warm with a smear of butter.

27. Pizzelle Waffle Cookies

A specialty iron presses these Italian waffle cookies into delicate discs. Vanilla, anise, or citrus zest flavors the simple batter. They crisp as they cool, making them perfect for ice-cream sandwiches or cannoli-style rolls. Store them in an airtight tin to maintain crunch.

28. Rosette Cookies

Rosettes use a metal iron dipped into thin batter, then plunged into hot oil for seconds. The result is a fragile, lacy cookie that feels almost weightless. A quick toss in sugar adds sweetness without heaviness. Serve immediately for maximum crispness.

29. Hand-Rolled Chocolate Truffles

Ganache made from premium chocolate and cream sets the foundation for these bite-sized indulgences. Once chilled, scoops of the mixture are rolled quickly to keep hands from melting the centers. Variety comes from coatings—think cocoa powder, nuts, or coconut. Keep them refrigerated and serve at room temperature for ideal texture.

30. Cherry Almond Biscotti

Twice-baked for maximum crunch, these biscotti balance sweet cherries with fragrant almonds. A hint of almond extract heightens the aroma. Dip ends in white chocolate for added flair. They keep for weeks in an airtight jar, ready for dunking in coffee or dessert wine.

31. Rice Krispie Treat Trees

Classic cereal treats get a holiday makeover with a dash of green food coloring and festive candies. Shaping them into cones or stacked triangles forms edible trees in minutes. Melted white chocolate drizzled on top resembles snow. They’re quick, kid-friendly, and allergen-flexible when made with plant-based marshmallows.

32. Classic Snickerdoodles

Tart cream of tartar gives snickerdoodles their signature tang and chewy center. Rolling the dough in cinnamon-sugar before baking ensures a crackly exterior. The scent alone brings holiday nostalgia to any kitchen. Bake a double batch—the cookies disappear quickly.

33. Colorful Spritz Cookies

A cookie press turns soft dough into intricate shapes in seconds. Almond or vanilla flavoring keeps the taste delicate, allowing colored sugar to take center stage. The cookies bake fast, so rotate trays for even browning. Store between parchment layers to protect fragile designs.

34. Boozy Rum Balls

Crushed cookies, cocoa, and dark rum blend into dense, fudgy spheres without baking. A day of resting deepens the flavor and firms the texture. Coat them in cocoa powder, coconut, or finely chopped nuts for variety. Keep them chilled and clearly labeled for the adults in the crowd.

35. Cranberry Orange Quick Bread

Bright citrus zest and tart cranberries lift this moist loaf above ordinary sweet bread. Buttermilk or yogurt ensures a tender crumb without excess fat. The bread freezes beautifully, so bake extra for surprise guests. Toast slices lightly and serve with honey butter for breakfast.

36. Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars

Everything loved about pecan pie—gooey filling, crunchy nuts, and a hint of vanilla—rests on a sturdy shortbread crust in these bars. A shot of bourbon adds depth without overwhelming the caramelized sweetness. Once cooled, the bars slice cleanly and travel well. They’re the perfect finish to a holiday potluck.