Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these Christmas dessert recipes are sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. From traditional favorites to modern twists, these recipes are designed to be easy to follow and guaranteed to create sweet memories.
1. Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3 to 4 tablespoons buttermilk
Instructions
- Set the oven to 190°C, or 375°F.
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.Put aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar in a big bowl until they are creamy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Add just enough buttermilk to moisten the dough and make it soft, not wet.
- Place dough balls made from rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar.
- Preheat the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden. Place on wire racks to cool.
2. Rich Chocolate Yule Log
Ingredients
For the cake
- 4 large eggs
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
For the filling
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15 x 10 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and grease it.
- Beat the eggs until thick in a big bowl.
- Gradually add sugar and vanilla extract. Combine flour, cocoa, and baking powder; gradually fold into the egg mixture.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a light touch causes the cake to bounce back. Cake should be turned out onto a towel covered in powdered sugar. Gently peel off parchment paper. Roll up the cake in the towel, starting with a short side. Cool completely.
- Beat the cream for the filling until it starts to thicken. Beat in vanilla and sugar until firm peaks form.Unroll the cake, spread with filling, then roll up again.
- For the frosting, heat cream in a saucepan until it just begins to boil. Pour over chopped chocolate, let stand for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth. Chill until slightly thickened, then spread over the cake roll.
3. Festive Peppermint Bark
Ingredients
- 12 ounces high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
- 12 ounces high-quality white chocolate, chopped
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 8 candy canes, crushed
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a heatproof dish over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the dark chocolate and whisk until smooth. Evenly distribute the melted dark chocolate on the baking sheet. Refrigerate for approximately twenty-five minutes, or until solid.
- In a heatproof dish over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the white chocolate and whisk until smooth.
- Stir in the peppermint extract. Pour the white chocolate over the chilled dark chocolate layer, spreading evenly.
- Over the layer of white chocolate, scatter the crushed candy canes. Chill for about an hour or until totally firm. Split into fragments and preserve in a sealed container.
4. Creamy Eggnog Cheesecake
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the filling
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup eggnog
- 2 eggs
- One teaspoon of rum extract or two teaspoons of rum
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, nutmeg, and melted butter.Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with the press.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and flour until smooth. Add eggnog, eggs, rum, vanilla, and nutmeg; mix well. Pour over the crust.
Bake for fifty to sixty minutes, or until almost set in the center. Before serving, let cool fully and then place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
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FAQs
What are some easy Christmas dessert recipes for beginners?
Classic sugar cookies and peppermint bark are simple and quick to make, perfect for beginners looking to create festive treats with minimal fuss.
How can I make my Christmas sugar cookies more festive?
Garnish them with edible glitter, sprinkles, or vibrant royal icing. You can also use cookie cutters in various holiday shapes like stars, trees, and snowflakes.
Can I prepare these Christmas desserts in advance?
Yes, you may make the majority of these treats ahead of time. Sugar cookies and peppermint bark can be made a week ahead, while cheesecakes and trifles can be prepared a day or two in advance.
What are some tips for making a perfect yule log cake?
To avoid cracking, make sure the cake is rolled while still warm. Use a tea towel dusted with powdered sugar for rolling. Let it cool completely before adding the filling and frosting.
Are there any dairy-free alternatives for these recipes?
Yes, you can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like almond milk, coconut cream, and dairy-free butter. Ensure the substitutes align with the specific recipe requirements.