When it comes to throwing a memorable holiday celebration, having the right desserts can be the key to success. These 10 best holiday dessert favorites are guaranteed to impress your guests with a perfect balance of festive flavors and delightful textures, ensuring everyone leaves with a sweet smile.
For a stunning centerpiece, the Stacked Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree offers soft, gooey cinnamon rolls stacked into a festive shape, drizzled with icing, and sprinkled with holiday cheer. If you’re craving a handheld delight, Brittle Hand Pies provide a flaky, buttery crust filled with the crunch of sweet brittle—a treat that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.
The rich and creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake combines the best of fall flavors with a luscious texture that melts in your mouth, while Custard Rice Pudding brings nostalgic comfort with its smooth, velvety base, perfect for warming up on a cold winter evening.
For a burst of color and sweetness, Sugar Cookie Rainbow Bars are a playful addition, with soft sugar cookie dough topped with vibrant rainbow frosting. And for chocolate lovers, the Peppermint Cream Brownie offers decadent layers of fudgy brownie, cool peppermint cream, and a glossy chocolate ganache that adds a refreshing twist to a classic dessert.
Each of these desserts is crafted to make your holiday gathering extra special, offering your guests a mix of festive flavors and textures they’ll remember long after the party is over!
1. Stacked Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree
Transform classic cinnamon rolls into a showstopping holiday centerpiece! This Stacked Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree is made by layering soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls into a tree-shaped tower, drizzled with sweet vanilla icing, and sprinkled with festive colored sugar. Perfect for a Christmas morning treat or as a fun activity with kids, this dessert is as delicious as it is beautiful, adding a touch of holiday magic to your table.
2. Brittle Hand Pies
Take the crunch of brittle and wrap it in a buttery, flaky pastry with these irresistible Brittle Hand Pies. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures: the crisp, nutty brittle filling meets a tender, golden pie crust. Whether you fill them with peanut brittle or almond toffee, these hand pies are perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa by the fireplace.
3. Pumpkin Cheesecake
Rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced, Pumpkin Cheesecake is the ultimate fall dessert, blending the cozy flavors of pumpkin pie with the luxurious texture of cheesecake. Topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, it’s an elegant dessert that feels both indulgent and comforting. Serve it at your holiday gatherings for a crowd-pleasing finish to any meal.
4. Custard Rice Pudding
For a comforting dessert that warms you from the inside out, try this Custard Rice Pudding. Made with creamy milk, fragrant vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon, it’s the perfect blend of velvety custard and tender rice. This nostalgic dessert can be served warm or chilled, making it versatile for any occasion, and is especially lovely when garnished with a dusting of nutmeg or a dollop of whipped cream.
5. Sugar Cookie Rainbow Bars
Bring a burst of color and joy to your dessert spread with these Sugar Cookie Rainbow Bars! Soft, chewy sugar cookie bars are topped with a vibrant rainbow of frosting and sprinkles, making them a hit with kids and adults alike. These bars are fun to make and perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration that calls for a little extra sweetness and cheer.
6. Peppermint Cream Brownie
Indulge in the ultimate wintertime treat with Peppermint Cream Brownies. These decadent brownies are layered with a rich, fudgy base, a cool peppermint cream filling, and a glossy chocolate ganache on top. The refreshing mint pairs beautifully with the deep chocolate, making each bite feel like a holiday celebration. Serve these at your next gathering for a truly unforgettable dessert experience.
7. Bread Pudding
Classic comfort meets holiday decadence in this luscious Bread Pudding. Made with thick, buttery bread soaked in a rich vanilla custard, and baked until golden and crisp on top, it’s a dessert that’s both cozy and indulgent. Add a handful of raisins, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a drizzle of caramel or rum sauce for a dessert that’s perfect for a cold winter’s night.
8. Eggnog Ice Cream Dessert
Capture the spirit of the holidays in a creamy, frozen treat with Eggnog Ice Cream Dessert. This dessert combines the flavors of rich, spiced eggnog with the silky texture of homemade ice cream. Layered with graham cracker crumbs or gingerbread crumbles, this dessert is a fun and festive way to serve a classic holiday drink in a new, refreshing form.
9. Doughnuts
There’s nothing like freshly baked Doughnuts to make any day feel special. Whether you glaze them, dust them with powdered sugar, or roll them in cinnamon sugar, these soft, pillowy treats are a joy to eat. Serve them warm with coffee or hot chocolate, and they’re sure to disappear in no time. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a sweet indulgence anytime.
10. Julekage
Julekage, or “Yule Bread,” is a traditional Scandinavian Christmas bread that fills your kitchen with the warm, inviting scents of cardamom and dried fruit. This festive loaf is rich, slightly sweet, and dotted with colorful candied fruits and raisins, often topped with a creamy almond glaze for an extra touch of indulgence. Soft and tender on the inside with a golden crust, Julekage is perfectly served warm with butter or toasted for breakfast on chilly winter mornings.