Try These 27 Sweet Treats for the Holidays
The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in a variety of sweet treats. Whether you’re hosting family, attending gatherings, or just looking for something special, these desserts are sure to bring smiles. From baked goods to chilled sweets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Get ready to satisfy your cravings with these 27 easy-to-make holiday treats that are perfect for sharing.
Ice cream sandwiches with chocolate drizzle
These ice cream sandwiches feature shortbread cookies layered with rich vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate. Ready in just under 30 minutes, this dessert offers a balance of buttery shortbread and sweet ice cream, with a hint of chocolate sweetness. The crunchy shortbread complements the creamy ice cream, making each bite enjoyable. Perfect for a holiday treat, these sandwiches bring a little extra fun to your dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Ice cream sandwiches with chocolate drizzle
Butterscotch Apple Crisp
Butterscotch Apple Crisp combines tart apples with a sweet and buttery butterscotch topping. This warm dessert, which takes about an hour to bake, is packed with spiced apple goodness and a crunchy, caramelized top layer. The apples soften while the crisp adds a delightful contrast in texture. Ideal for a cozy holiday gathering, it’s sweet and comforting with every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Apple Crisp
Blackberry Crumble Pie
Blackberry Crumble Pie is filled with juicy blackberries beneath a crumbly, buttery topping. This dessert takes about 45 minutes to make and combines sweet and tangy blackberry flavor with a golden-brown crust. The crumble gives it a slightly crunchy texture that complements the soft fruit filling. A perfect addition to your holiday dessert spread, this pie is a real crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Crumble Pie
Peach Crumble Bars
Peach Crumble Bars are made with ripe peaches sandwiched between layers of buttery crumble. These bars take about 35 minutes to bake and balance sweet peaches with a crisp and buttery topping. The fruit softens while the crumble stays crispy, offering a nice contrast in every bite. They’re perfect for serving at holiday gatherings, bringing a bit of summer warmth to the season.
Get the Recipe: Peach Crumble Bars
Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
Homemade Strawberry Shortcake combines fluffy biscuits, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. Ready in about 30 minutes, this treat features sweet strawberries and light, tender biscuits, creating a classic holiday dessert. The combination of juicy berries and whipped cream makes each bite light and refreshing. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a traditional favorite with family.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
White Chocolate Fudge
White Chocolate Fudge is a creamy, sweet treat that takes just 10 minutes to prepare. With smooth white chocolate and a hint of vanilla, this fudge has a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s irresistible. The rich sweetness is balanced by the subtle vanilla flavor, making it a perfect holiday indulgence. Easy to make, it’s a great addition to your festive treat table.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Fudge
Citrus Dream Tart
The Citrus Dream Tart features a zesty citrus filling nestled in a buttery tart crust. This tart takes about an hour to make, combining bright lemon and orange flavors for a refreshing contrast to the rich crust. The creamy filling balances the sweet and tangy notes perfectly. It’s a delightful dessert for those who want something light yet satisfying during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Dream Tart
Spiked Lemonade Popsicles
Spiked Lemonade Popsicles are a refreshing and slightly boozy treat for adults during holiday gatherings. These popsicles, which take about 4 hours to freeze, mix tangy lemonade with a hint of alcohol, offering a fun twist on the classic summer treat. The balance of sweet and sour with a light alcoholic kick makes them perfect for holiday entertaining. They’re an easy and festive option when you want something cold and playful.
Get the Recipe: Spiked Lemonade Popsicles
Blueberry Ice Cream
Blueberry Ice Cream is a smooth, fruity dessert made with fresh blueberries. Taking about 2 hours to make and freeze, this ice cream combines the tartness of blueberries with a creamy base for a balanced, sweet treat. The rich and fruity flavor shines through each bite, making it a hit for any holiday table. It’s a refreshing option that stands out among other rich desserts.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Ice Cream
Spiced Pear Cobbler
Spiced Pear Cobbler brings together soft, spiced pears with a buttery biscuit topping. Ready in about an hour, the pears are cooked until tender, while the topping bakes to a golden finish. The warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg make this a perfect dessert for chilly holiday evenings. It’s comforting, fragrant, and a sweet addition to your seasonal menu.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pear Cobbler
Dipped Ice Cream Cones with Homemade Magic Shell
These dipped ice cream cones feature a rich chocolate coating that hardens instantly over scoops of ice cream. The magic shell takes just minutes to make, offering a fun and customizable dessert option for holiday celebrations. The crunch of the shell contrasts beautifully with the creamy ice cream underneath. It’s a simple yet impressive way to elevate your holiday dessert offerings.
Get the Recipe: Dipped Ice Cream Cones with Homemade Magic Shell
Pineapple Ice Cream Cakes
Pineapple Ice Cream Cakes combine tropical pineapple flavors with rich, creamy ice cream in individual servings. These cakes take about 2 hours to prepare and freeze, offering a sweet and tangy contrast that feels light and refreshing. The balance of fruit and ice cream makes them a standout among heavier holiday treats. They’re perfect for adding a tropical touch to your winter festivities.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Ice Cream Cakes
3-Ingredient Pavlova Recipe (Chewy & Crunchy!)
The 3-Ingredient Pavlova is light, airy, and crispy with a soft, marshmallow-like center. Ready in about 1 hour, this simple dessert combines just egg whites, sugar, and cream, offering a chewy and crunchy texture that melts in your mouth. Topped with fruit or cream, it’s a great centerpiece for holiday dinners. The minimal ingredients let the natural sweetness shine through, making it a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Pavlova Recipe (Chewy & Crunchy!)
Butter Pecan Cookies
Butter Pecan Cookies are soft, buttery, and packed with toasted pecans. These cookies take about 25 minutes to bake, offering a warm, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with holiday coffee or tea. The pecans add a slight crunch to the soft cookie texture. Ideal for holiday cookie exchanges or as a sweet snack during family gatherings, they’re simple but satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cookies
Bourbon Caramel Popcorn
Bourbon Caramel Popcorn mixes sweet caramel with a hint of bourbon, offering a grown-up twist on the classic snack. This treat takes about 1 hour to prepare and bake, creating a crunchy, sticky mix that’s perfect for holiday movie nights. The caramel coats each kernel with a rich, buttery sweetness. It’s a fun and festive option for snacking during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Caramel Popcorn
Blackberry Lime Tart with Edible Flowers
The Blackberry Lime Tart blends tart blackberries with zesty lime in a buttery crust. Ready in about 2 hours, this dessert combines a rich fruit filling with a tangy lime twist, topped off with delicate edible flowers. The contrast of the sweet berries and tangy lime makes each bite bright and flavorful. It’s a visually stunning treat that’s perfect for impressing guests during holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Lime Tart with Edible Flowers
Cranberry Orange Poppy Seed Bread
Cranberry Orange Poppy Seed Bread combines tart cranberries with the bright flavor of orange and the subtle crunch of poppy seeds. Ready in just over an hour, this quick bread is moist, sweet, and tangy, with a citrusy aroma. The cranberries add a burst of flavor to each bite, balancing the sweetness of the bread. It’s a festive option for holiday brunches or as a gift for friends and family.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Poppy Seed Bread
Spiced Shortbread Cookies
Spiced Shortbread Cookies are buttery and crisp, with a hint of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. These cookies take about 20 minutes to bake and offer a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a subtle spiced flavor. The simplicity of the shortbread makes them versatile for pairing with coffee, tea, or holiday desserts. They’re a classic addition to any holiday cookie platter, with just enough spice to feel seasonal.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Shortbread Cookies
Salted Bourbon Caramel Shortbread Cookies
Salted Bourbon Caramel Shortbread Cookies combine buttery shortbread with a rich bourbon caramel filling, topped with a sprinkle of salt. These cookies take about 45 minutes to prepare and bake, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness with a slight kick from the bourbon. The shortbread is tender and crumbly, making each bite decadent and satisfying. They’re an indulgent treat for holiday parties or gift exchanges.
Get the Recipe: Salted Bourbon Caramel Shortbread Cookies
Vanilla Creme Brûlée
Vanilla Crème Brûlée features a rich vanilla custard with a caramelized sugar topping that cracks with each bite. This dessert takes about 45 minutes to prepare and chill, offering a creamy, smooth texture that contrasts with the crispy sugar top. The vanilla flavor is subtle yet fragrant, making it a timeless favorite. It’s a great choice for a special holiday dessert that feels luxurious but is simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Creme Brûlée
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with rich chocolate chips. These cookies take about 25 minutes to bake and feature both cocoa powder and chocolate chunks, delivering a deep chocolate flavor in every bite. The cookies are dense and fudgy, making them perfect for satisfying chocolate cravings during the holidays. They’re a great addition to any dessert table, guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Homemade Cinnamon Twists
Homemade Cinnamon Twists are flaky, buttery, and coated in cinnamon sugar for a sweet and spicy flavor. Ready in about 30 minutes, these twists are light and crispy on the outside, with a soft, tender interior. The cinnamon flavor makes them a warm and cozy treat, perfect for holiday breakfasts or snacks. They’re easy to share and even easier to enjoy with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cinnamon Twists
Slow Cooker Bourbon Apple Butter
Slow Cooker Bourbon Apple Butter is a smooth, spiced spread made with slow-cooked apples and a touch of bourbon. This recipe takes about 8 hours to cook in the slow cooker, delivering a rich, concentrated apple flavor with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The bourbon adds a subtle warmth, making this apple butter perfect for spreading on toast or pairing with holiday meals. It’s a versatile addition to your holiday pantry, great for gifting or enjoying yourself.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Bourbon Apple Butter
Meyer Lemon Curd
Meyer Lemon Curd is a sweet and tangy spread made with fresh Meyer lemons, sugar, and butter. This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook, creating a smooth and creamy curd with a bright citrus flavor. The sweetness of the Meyer lemons balances the tartness, making it perfect for topping scones, cakes, or toast. It’s a refreshing treat to brighten up your holiday desserts.
Get the Recipe: Meyer Lemon Curd
Lemon Sugar Cookies
Lemon Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. These cookies take about 25 minutes to bake and feature a sweet sugar coating that adds a slight crunch to the delicate cookie. The lemon flavor is zesty and light, making these cookies a refreshing addition to the holiday cookie lineup. They’re a simple yet delightful option for anyone who loves citrus treats.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Sugar Cookies
Strawberry Crème Brûlée
Strawberry Crème Brûlée adds a fruity twist to the classic vanilla dessert with fresh strawberries hidden beneath the rich custard. This dessert takes about 45 minutes to prepare and bake, offering a creamy, smooth texture with bursts of sweet strawberry flavor. The caramelized sugar on top provides a satisfying crunch with each bite. It’s an elegant yet approachable holiday treat that will impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Crème Brûlée
Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies feature a buttery cookie base with a rich chocolate center and a drizzle of caramel. These cookies take about 30 minutes to bake and offer a delightful mix of textures, from the crisp cookie to the gooey filling. The sweetness of the caramel pairs perfectly with the slight bitterness of the chocolate. They’re a great choice for holiday cookie trays, offering a little something for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
