15 End-of-Year Treats That’ll Have Everyone Asking for the Recipe

byRenee N Gardner posted last updated
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The end of the year is the perfect time to share treats that bring people together and leave a lasting impression. These recipes are simple to make yet special enough to stand out at any gathering, whether it’s a party, a family dinner, or a cozy night at home. Each one is packed with flavor and sure to have everyone reaching for seconds. Get ready to make desserts that will have your guests asking for the recipe long after the plates are empty.

A plate of round, white chocolate-coated dessert balls topped with golden crumbs, arranged in a pyramid shape. Nearby, there are yellow cookies and a red checkered cloth.
Snickerdoodle Truffles. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Cranberry White Chip Cookies

Close-up of two cookie halves on a surface, showing visible chunks of nuts and dried fruit inside.
Cranberry White Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

These cookies balance tart dried cranberries with the creamy sweetness of white chocolate chips in every bite. Made with butter, sugar, and a hint of vanilla, they’re chewy and slightly crisp around the edges. Ready in about 30 minutes, they’re perfect for last-minute holiday baking. A festive treat everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry White Chip Cookies

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Horizontal overhead shot of a platter of chocolate chocolate chip cookies.
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Double chocolate chip cookies are rich, fudgy, and packed with both cocoa powder and chocolate chips for an intense chocolate flavor. Made with butter, brown sugar, and vanilla, they’re soft and gooey on the inside. These cookies take about 35 minutes to make. Perfect for chocolate lovers at any celebration.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Salted Bourbon Caramel Shortbread Cookies

One Salted Bourbon Caramel Shortbread Cookies cookie on a white plate next to a bottle of milk.
Salted Bourbon Caramel Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These shortbread cookies pair buttery, crumbly dough with a decadent salted bourbon caramel topping. Made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and cream, they’re both rich and sweet with a hint of salt. Ready in about 50 minutes, they’re a standout addition to any dessert spread. Ideal for impressing guests.
Get the Recipe: Salted Bourbon Caramel Shortbread Cookies

Maple Hazelnut Homemade Granola

Granola on a tray next to servings of granola and fresh fruit.
Maple Hazelnut Homemade Granola. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This granola blends the nutty flavor of hazelnuts with the natural sweetness of maple syrup for a crunchy, satisfying snack. Made with oats, nuts, and a touch of cinnamon, it’s great on its own or sprinkled over yogurt. Ready in 40 minutes, it’s a wholesome treat for the holiday season. A thoughtful homemade gift option.
Get the Recipe: Maple Hazelnut Homemade Granola

Christmas Pavlova Wreath with Raspberry Coulis

A Pavlova wreath adorned with strawberries, blackberries, figs, cherries, and pomegranate seeds sits elegantly on a white plate, encircled by festive rosemary sprigs—perfect for a Christmas centerpiece.
Christmas Pavlova Wreath with Raspberry Coulis. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This pavlova wreath features a light, airy meringue base topped with fresh fruit and a tangy raspberry coulis. Made with egg whites, sugar, and cream, it’s crisp on the outside and soft inside. It takes about 2 hours to prepare and decorate. A show-stopping dessert for festive gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Pavlova Wreath with Raspberry Coulis

Eggnog Crème Brûlée

Eggnog Crème Brûlée.
Eggnog Crème Brûlée. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Eggnog crème brûlée combines creamy custard with the holiday flavors of eggnog and a caramelized sugar topping. Made with cream, egg yolks, and a hint of nutmeg, it’s smooth and indulgent. This dessert takes about an hour to make, including chilling time. A rich and festive way to end your meal.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Crème Brûlée

Homemade Cinnamon Twists

Twisted pastries in a white pitcher with more delicious snacks on a cooling rack and plate in the background. The pitcher is placed on a red fabric, making these kids' treats even more inviting.
Homemade Cinnamon Twists. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These cinnamon twists are flaky, buttery pastries coated with cinnamon sugar for a sweet, spiced treat. Made with puff pastry, sugar, and cinnamon, they’re crisp on the outside and tender inside. They take about 30 minutes to bake. Perfect for holiday mornings or as a quick dessert option.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cinnamon Twists

Easy Gingerbread Cookies

Close up of gingerbread cookies on a white plate.
Easy Gingerbread Cookies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These gingerbread cookies are soft and spiced with warm flavors of molasses, cinnamon, and ginger. Made with pantry staples like flour and sugar, they’re easy to roll and cut into festive shapes. Ready in about 40 minutes, they’re perfect for decorating with family. A classic holiday tradition everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Easy Gingerbread Cookies

Mini Apple Pies

A group of baked mini lattice‑topped apple pies arranged on a baking tin and a plate.
Mini Apple Pies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Mini apple pies feature tender spiced apple filling wrapped in a flaky crust for a bite-sized dessert. Made with fresh apples, cinnamon, and sugar, they’re sweet and perfectly portioned. These pies take about 45 minutes to prepare and bake. A great option for parties or small gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Mini Apple Pies

Butterscotch Apple Crisp

A butterscotch apple crumble in a cast iron skillet on a wooden cutting board.
Butterscotch Apple Crisp. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Butterscotch apple crisp combines soft, baked apples with a buttery, crunchy oat topping and a hint of butterscotch. Made with brown sugar, oats, and fresh apples, it’s sweet and slightly caramelized. This dessert takes about an hour to prepare and bake. Serve it warm for a comforting holiday treat.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Apple Crisp

Ann’s Snickerdoodle Recipe

Overhead shot of a plate with three cookies next to a wire rack filled with cooling cookies.
Ann’s Snickerdoodle Recipe. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Snickerdoodles are soft and chewy cookies coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a warm, spiced flavor. Made with butter, sugar, and cream of tartar, they’re ready in about 30 minutes. Their classic taste makes them a favorite for any occasion. A simple, crowd-pleasing holiday treat.
Get the Recipe: Ann’s Snickerdoodle Recipe

Lemon Sugar Cookies

A stack of three lemon sugar cookies with one cookie leaning against the stack, in front of jars of milk.
Lemon Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Lemon sugar cookies are soft and slightly tangy, with bright citrus flavor from lemon zest and juice. Made with butter, sugar, and flour, they’re sweet and refreshing. These cookies take about 30 minutes to bake and cool. A lighter, flavorful option for any holiday cookie platter.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Sugar Cookies

Apple Cinnamon Rolls

A pan of freshly baked and frosted apple cinnamon rolls on a dark blue background.
Apple Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Apple cinnamon rolls are soft and fluffy, filled with spiced apples and drizzled with a sweet glaze. Made with fresh apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar, they’re a comforting holiday breakfast or dessert. These rolls take about 2 hours to prepare, including rising time. A warm and satisfying treat for chilly days.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Cookies topped with toasted marshmallows and chocolate drops on a white plate.
Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies bake with soft peanut butter centers and a chocolate top that sets as the cookies cool. The dough comes together quickly and holds its shape well in the oven. A mix of textures keeps each bite interesting without extra steps. These are the cookies people remember long after the plate is empty.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Snickerdoodle Truffles

A plate of white chocolate-coated dessert balls topped with golden cookie crumbs, stacked in a pyramid.
Snickerdoodle Truffles. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Snickerdoodle Truffles mix crushed cookies, cream cheese, and white chocolate into a no-bake treat. They set up in the fridge and slice cleanly once chilled. The cinnamon sugar coating keeps the flavor familiar without turning sweet-heavy. These truffles disappear faster than anyone expects.
Get the Recipe: Snickerdoodle Truffles

If you like desserts that don’t get forgotten, you’ll find more favorites in my dessert recipes and holiday recipes.

Recipe Creator

The food-loving recipe developer, writer, and photographer behind Renee Nicole's Kitchen. When I'm not working with food, you can find me in the garden, traveling, or enjoying the outdoors with my husband, son, and two dogs.

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