25+ Cheerful Christmas Treat Recipes

Christmas is the perfect time to enjoy sweet treats that bring joy and warmth to every moment. My Christmas Treat Recipes are all about celebrating the season with delicious flavors and simple steps that anyone can follow. From soft cookies and rich chocolate delights to spiced snacks and fruity desserts, each recipe is made to share and enjoy with loved ones.

Whether you are baking for a holiday party, gifting something special, or simply enjoying a cozy night at home, these recipes will fill your kitchen with the magic of Christmas. They are easy to make, full of festive flavors, and perfect for creating sweet memories. Let your holidays be filled with cinnamon, ginger, chocolate, and joy. These treats aren’t just recipes — they are little moments of happiness wrapped in holiday spirit.

Christmas Treat Recipes

Gingerbread Cookies

Source: Pinterest

A classic holiday favorite, these cookies are spiced, soft, and perfect for decorating with family and friends.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 2 tsp ground ginger

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground cloves

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¾ cup unsalted butter

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• 1 large egg

• ½ cup molasses

Steps to Make Gingerbread Cookies

• Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.

• In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy.

• Add egg and molasses, then combine with dry ingredients.

• Chill dough for 1 hour.

• Roll dough and cut shapes.

• Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.

• Cool and decorate as desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 120 | Carbs: 18g | Fat: 5g | Protein: 1g

These Gingerbread Cookies are a festive treat that fills the kitchen with the scent of Christmas.

Eggnog Cheesecake

A creamy cheesecake infused with rich eggnog and warm nutmeg — a perfect holiday dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs

• ½ cup melted butter

• 16 oz cream cheese

• 1 cup sugar

• 3 eggs

• 1 cup eggnog

• 1 tsp nutmeg

Steps to Make Eggnog Cheesecake

• Preheat oven to 325°F.

• Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into a pan for crust.

• Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

• Add eggs one at a time.

• Stir in eggnog and nutmeg.

• Pour mixture over crust.

• Bake for 50 minutes. Chill before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 250 | Carbs: 22g | Fat: 17g | Protein: 5g

Eggnog Cheesecake is a festive crowd-pleaser that brings rich holiday flavors to your table.

Sugar Cookie Bars

Source: Pinterest

Soft, buttery bars topped with sweetness — a simple holiday baking favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2½ cups flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ¾ cup butter

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Steps to Make Sugar Cookie Bars

• Preheat oven to 350°F.

• Mix flour, baking powder, and salt.

• Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.

• Add eggs and vanilla extract.

• Fold in dry ingredients.

• Spread dough into pan and bake for 25–30 minutes.

• Cool and cut into bars.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 150 | Carbs: 20g | Fat: 7g | Protein: 2g

Sugar Cookie Bars are easy to make and a perfect sweet treat for holiday gatherings.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Truffles

Rich chocolate truffles with a hint of peppermint — indulgence for the festive season.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz dark chocolate

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 tsp peppermint extract

• Cocoa powder for dusting

Steps to Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate Truffles

• Heat cream until warm.

• Pour over chopped dark chocolate and stir until smooth.

• Add peppermint extract and stir.

• Chill mixture until firm.

• Scoop into balls and roll in cocoa powder.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 100 | Carbs: 8g | Fat: 7g | Protein: 1g

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Truffles are a decadent bite perfect for gifting or cozy nights.

Christmas Bark with Nuts and Berries

 

A colorful, crunchy holiday treat with festive flavors and textures.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz white chocolate

• 8 oz milk chocolate

• ½ cup dried cranberries

• ½ cup chopped pistachios

Steps to Make Christmas Bark with Nuts and Berries

• Melt milk chocolate and spread on parchment paper.

• Chill until firm.

• Melt white chocolate and pour over milk chocolate layer.

• Sprinkle cranberries and pistachios.

• Chill until set and break into pieces.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 160 | Carbs: 15g | Fat: 10g | Protein: 2g

Christmas Bark is simple to make, festive to look at, and perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Warm, soft donuts with cinnamon sugar coating — a cozy holiday treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 cup milk

• 2 eggs

• ¼ cup melted butter

Steps to Make Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

• Preheat oven to 375°F.

• Mix dry ingredients.

• In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, and melted butter.

• Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until smooth.

• Fill donut pan with batter.

• Bake for 15 minutes.

• Toss warm donuts in cinnamon sugar mixture.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 140 | Carbs: 22g | Fat: 5g | Protein: 3g

Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are soft, flavorful, and perfect for Christmas morning.

Mini Pecan Pies

Sweet, nutty pies in a bite-size version — ideal for holiday parties.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped pecans

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• 2 eggs

• ¼ cup butter

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Mini pie crusts

Steps to Make Mini Pecan Pies

• Preheat oven to 350°F.

• Mix pecans, brown sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract.

• Pour filling into mini pie crusts.

• Bake for 20–25 minutes until filling is set.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 180 | Carbs: 22g | Fat: 9g | Protein: 2g

Mini Pecan Pies are charming and perfect for serving at holiday gatherings or gifting.

Cranberry Bliss Bars

Tangy cranberries meet creamy sweetness in this festive holiday bar.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 1 cup butter

• 2 cups cranberries

• 8 oz cream cheese

• 1 cup powdered sugar

Steps to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars

• Preheat oven to 350°F.

• Mix flour, brown sugar, and butter for crust.

• Press mixture into a pan and bake.

• Top with cranberries and cream cheese mixture.

• Bake again and cool before slicing.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 220 | Carbs: 26g | Fat: 12g | Protein: 3g

Cranberry Bliss Bars are a festive dessert with a perfect balance of tart and sweet.

Peppermint Bark

A sweet and crunchy holiday treat combining rich chocolate layers with refreshing peppermint.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz white chocolate

• 12 oz dark chocolate

• ½ cup crushed peppermint candies

Steps to Make Peppermint Bark

• Melt dark chocolate and spread on parchment paper.

• Chill until firm.

• Melt white chocolate, pour over dark chocolate layer.

• Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies.

• Chill until set, then break into pieces.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 150 | Carbs: 18g | Fat: 9g | Protein: 2g

Peppermint Bark is a festive treat perfect for gifting or sharing with loved ones.

Cranberry Orange Bread

A bright, citrusy bread with tart cranberries, perfect for a cozy holiday breakfast or snack.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 eggs

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 1 cup fresh cranberries

• Zest and juice of 1 orange

Steps to Make Cranberry Orange Bread

• Preheat oven to 350°F.

• Mix flour, baking soda, and salt.

• In another bowl, whisk sugar, eggs, and oil.

• Add orange zest and juice.

• Fold in cranberries and dry ingredients.

• Pour into a loaf pan and bake for 50–60 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 200 | Carbs: 30g | Fat: 8g | Protein: 3g

Cranberry Orange Bread offers a burst of holiday flavor that’s perfect for morning coffee.

Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes

A rich chocolate cupcake infused with peppermint, perfect for holiday parties.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour

• ½ cup cocoa powder

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ cup sugar

• ½ cup butter

• 2 eggs

• ½ cup milk

• 1 tsp peppermint extract

Steps to Make Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes

• Preheat oven to 350°F.

• Mix dry ingredients.

• Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.

• Add eggs and peppermint extract.

• Alternate adding milk and dry mix.

• Fill cupcake liners and bake for 20 minutes.

• Frost with peppermint buttercream.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 180 | Carbs: 25g | Fat: 8g | Protein: 2g

These cupcakes are a festive blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint that everyone loves.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Soft, fudgy cookies dusted with powdered sugar — a snowy holiday favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cocoa powder

• 2 cups sugar

• 4 eggs

• 2 cups flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• Powdered sugar for dusting

Steps to Make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

• Mix cocoa powder and sugar in a bowl.

• Add eggs one at a time and mix until smooth.

• Fold in flour and baking powder.

• Chill dough for at least 2 hours.

• Roll dough into balls and coat with powdered sugar.

• Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 130 | Carbs: 20g | Fat: 4g | Protein: 2g

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are deliciously fudgy with a snowy sugar coating, perfect for Christmas gifting.

Mini Eggnog Cupcakes

A moist cupcake with eggnog flavor topped with a light frosting — perfect for holiday parties.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup butter

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 eggs

• ½ cup eggnog

• ½ cup sour cream

• 1 tsp nutmeg

Steps to Make Mini Eggnog Cupcakes

• Preheat oven to 350°F.

• Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.

• Cream butter and sugar, add eggs one at a time.

• Alternate adding dry mix and eggnog with sour cream.

• Fill cupcake liners and bake for 18–20 minutes.

• Frost with nutmeg cream cheese frosting.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 160 | Carbs: 22g | Fat: 7g | Protein: 2g

Mini Eggnog Cupcakes are festive, creamy, and a delightful addition to holiday gatherings.

Chocolate Peppermint Bark

Layers of chocolate and peppermint for a rich and festive treat.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz dark chocolate

• 8 oz white chocolate

• ½ cup crushed peppermint candies

Steps to Make Chocolate Peppermint Bark

• Melt dark chocolate and spread on parchment paper.

• Chill until firm.

• Melt white chocolate, pour over dark layer.

• Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top.

• Chill until set and break into pieces.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 140 | Carbs: 16g | Fat: 8g | Protein: 2g

Chocolate Peppermint Bark is a colorful and sweet holiday treat perfect for gifting.

Cranberry Almond Biscotti

Crispy biscotti with cranberries and almonds — perfect for coffee or tea.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup dried cranberries

• ½ cup sliced almonds

Steps to Make Cranberry Almond Biscotti

• Preheat oven to 350°F.

• Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

• Add eggs and vanilla, mix into a dough.

• Fold in cranberries and almonds.

• Shape into logs and bake for 25 minutes.

• Slice and bake again for 10 minutes per side.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 120 | Carbs: 19g | Fat: 4g | Protein: 3g

Cranberry Almond Biscotti are crisp, flavorful, and perfect for cozy winter mornings.

White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Sweet cookies with a refreshing peppermint twist — a festive holiday favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• ¾ cup butter

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp peppermint extract

• 1 cup white chocolate chips

Steps to Make White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

• Preheat oven to 350°F.

• Cream butter and sugar together.

• Add eggs and peppermint extract.

• Mix flour, baking soda, and salt.

• Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.

• Stir in white chocolate chips.

• Drop spoonfuls onto baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 150 | Carbs: 21g | Fat: 7g | Protein: 2g

White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are sweet, minty, and perfect for holiday cookie exchanges.

Mini Chocolate Pecan Tarts

Rich chocolate filling with crunchy pecans in a buttery tart shell — irresistible for the holidays.

Ingredients:

• Mini tart shells

• 1 cup pecans

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Steps to Make Mini Chocolate Pecan Tarts

• Preheat oven to 350°F.

• Heat cream and pour over chocolate chips until melted.

• Stir in sugar and vanilla.

• Place pecans into tart shells and pour chocolate mixture over them.

• Chill until set.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 180 | Carbs: 20g | Fat: 10g | Protein: 2g

Mini Chocolate Pecan Tarts are elegant, indulgent, and perfect for festive celebrations.

Spiced Apple Cake

A moist cake filled with apple and warm spices — perfect for holiday dessert tables.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp nutmeg

• 1 cup sugar

• ½ cup butter

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup chopped apples

• ½ cup buttermilk

Steps to Make Spiced Apple Cake

• Preheat oven to 350°F.

• Mix flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

• Cream butter and sugar, add eggs.

• Alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk.

• Fold in apples.

• Pour into greased pan and bake for 45–50 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 200 | Carbs: 28g | Fat: 8g | Protein: 3g

Spiced Apple Cake is moist, flavorful, and a perfect dessert for holiday dinners.

Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti

Crunchy biscotti with rich chocolate and hazelnuts — ideal for holiday gifting.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour

• 1 cup sugar

• ¼ cup cocoa powder

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup chopped hazelnuts

Steps to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti

• Preheat oven to 350°F.

• Mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking powder.

• Add eggs and vanilla, mix into dough.

• Fold in hazelnuts.

• Shape into logs and bake for 25 minutes.

• Slice and bake again for 10 minutes per side.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 130 | Carbs: 18g | Fat: 6g | Protein: 3g

Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti are crunchy, rich, and perfect for enjoying with coffee during the holidays.

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

Creamy pumpkin cheesecake bites with a buttery crust — ideal for holiday parties.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese

• ½ cup pumpkin puree

• ½ cup sugar

• 1 egg

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp nutmeg

• Mini graham cracker crusts

Steps to Make Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

• Preheat oven to 325°F.

• Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

• Add pumpkin puree, egg, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

• Pour mixture into crusts.

• Bake for 20–25 minutes.

• Chill before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 160 | Carbs: 20g | Fat: 8g | Protein: 3g

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes are creamy, flavorful, and a festive addition to holiday dessert tables.

Festive Sugar Cookie Sandwiches

Soft sugar cookies filled with peppermint buttercream — perfect for holiday gifting.

Ingredients:

• Sugar cookie dough (homemade or store-bought)

• Peppermint buttercream frosting

• Crushed peppermint candies

Steps to Make Festive Sugar Cookie Sandwiches

• Bake sugar cookies according to recipe or package instructions.

• Allow cookies to cool completely.

• Spread peppermint buttercream on one cookie and sandwich with another.

• Roll edges in crushed peppermint candies.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 180 | Carbs: 24g | Fat: 9g | Protein: 2g

Festive Sugar Cookie Sandwiches are sweet, minty, and make perfect gifts for the holidays.

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Tender shortbread cookies with tart cranberries and citrus zest — a holiday delight.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour

• ½ cup sugar

• 1 cup butter

• 1 tsp orange zest

• ½ cup dried cranberries

Steps to Make Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

• Preheat oven to 325°F.

• Mix flour, sugar, and butter until crumbly.

• Add orange zest and cranberries.

• Form dough into a log and slice.

• Bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are golden.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 140 | Carbs: 16g | Fat: 8g | Protein: 2g

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are buttery, flavorful, and perfect with a cup of holiday tea.

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

A festive cookie blending tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate for holiday joy.

Ingredients:

• 2½ cups flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• ¾ cup butter

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup white chocolate chips

• 1 cup dried cranberries

Steps to Make White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

• Preheat oven to 350°F.

• Cream butter and sugar together.

• Add eggs and mix well.

• Combine flour, baking soda, and salt.

• Gradually add dry mixture to wet mixture.

• Stir in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.

• Drop spoonfuls onto baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 150 | Carbs: 21g | Fat: 7g | Protein: 2g

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are a sweet and tangy treat that brings holiday cheer to every bite.

Mini Gingerbread Loaves

Moist gingerbread loaves spiced for the perfect holiday treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 2 tsp ginger

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp cloves

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup butter

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup molasses

• 1 cup hot water

Steps to Make Mini Gingerbread Loaves

• Preheat oven to 350°F.

• Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.

• Cream butter and brown sugar, then add eggs and molasses.

• Add hot water slowly and stir until smooth.

• Pour batter into greased mini loaf pans.

• Bake for 30–35 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 180 | Carbs: 28g | Fat: 6g | Protein: 3g

Mini Gingerbread Loaves are perfect for gifting and enjoying with warm tea during Christmas.

Festive Chocolate Truffle Cups

Decadent chocolate cups filled with rich ganache — perfect for holiday indulgence.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz dark chocolate

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Cocoa powder for dusting

Steps to Make Festive Chocolate Truffle Cups

• Melt dark chocolate and form into small cups using molds.

• Chill until firm.

• Heat cream and pour over chocolate, stirring until smooth.

• Add vanilla extract and mix.

• Fill chocolate cups with ganache.

• Chill and dust with cocoa powder before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 190 | Carbs: 15g | Fat: 14g | Protein: 2g

Festive Chocolate Truffle Cups are elegant, rich, and a perfect indulgence for the holiday season.

Cinnamon Roll Bites

Soft, sweet bites perfect for breakfast or dessert during Christmas.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1 tsp yeast

• ½ tsp salt

• ¾ cup warm milk

• ¼ cup butter

• 1 egg

• Cinnamon sugar for coating

Steps to Make Cinnamon Roll Bites

• Preheat oven to 375°F.

• Mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.

• Add warm milk, butter, and egg, knead into dough.

• Roll dough, spread cinnamon sugar, and roll into log.

• Cut into bite-sized pieces.

• Place in baking dish and bake for 15–20 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 120 | Carbs: 18g | Fat: 4g | Protein: 2g

Cinnamon Roll Bites are soft, sweet, and perfect for sharing during cozy holiday mornings.

FAQ

Can I scale these recipes for large gatherings?

Yes. These recipes are versatile and can be easily doubled or tripled for larger holiday gatherings. Just ensure baking times and pan sizes are adjusted accordingly.

What is the best way to decorate Christmas Treats?

Decorating can be simple or elaborate depending on your preference. Powdered sugar, drizzled chocolate, sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or edible glitter all make excellent festive touches. Cookie cutters shaped like stars, trees, or snowflakes also add holiday charm.

Are these recipes kid-friendly?

Yes. Many of these recipes are perfect for involving kids in holiday baking. Simple decorating tasks like sprinkling sugar, adding candies, or cutting shapes make baking fun for children while creating sweet memories.