15 Holiday Desserts To Make The Season Bright

One of the greatest parts of the holiday season — besides the time with your family, I guess — is definitely the delicious and indulgent treats you get to stuff your face with all month long. Luckily, there are tons of holiday dessert recipes that make the season extra sweet!

For me, the holiday season is really all about the desserts. Forget a turkey dinner or a glass of eggnog, I only need the sweet stuff to make my holiday complete. When I was younger, my mom and I would always take an afternoon to bake and decorate holiday cutouts together. Meaning my mom did all of the hard work, and I ate way too many sprinkles and spoonfuls of frosting.

As I've gotten older, we've stuck with our baking tradition. And, while we still spend way too much time decorating classic sugar cookies, we've also tried our hand at things like candies, cakes, and bars. Don't get me wrong, I'm still totally in favor of the traditional holiday cookies — and the sprinkle eating that comes along with them. After all, they're pretty much a staple of the season. But, I also don't think there's anything wrong with getting a little creative with your dessert menu.

So, if you're searching for a bunch of different treats to step up your holiday dessert game, look no further! I've pulled together 15 delicious recipes that are sure to bring some added sweetness to your holiday season.

1. Cranberry Cake

Cranberry is one of those quintessential flavors of the holiday season. So, this moist and delicious cake from The Kitchn is the perfect addition to your holiday spread.

2. Polka Dot Holiday Chocolate Log Cake

I don't care what season it is, I'm a firm believer that you can't go wrong with a super chocolatey dessert. This rich and adorable chocolate cake by Big Girls Small Kitchen? Well, it's pretty much straight out of my dreams.

3. Loaded M&M Oreo Cookie Holiday Bars

This one-bowl recipe is both delicious and easy. Plus, with red and green M&Ms, these soft and buttery holiday bars by Averie Cooks are extra festive!

4. Sugar Cookie Mini Cakes

Sugar cookies are a beloved favorite of the holiday season. But, these mini cakes by My Name Is Yeh made with stacked cookies and frosting are an adorably festive twist on the original.

5. All Purpose Holiday Cake

The great thing about this cake by Joy The Baker? You can throw it together with almost anything you have in your kitchen. This version uses apples, cranberries, and cinnamon, and it looks mouthwatering delicious.

6. Melting Snowman Cookies

Searching for an extra festive and decorative treat? Well, these snowman cookies from My Baking Addiction couldn't possibly be any cuter.

7. Gingerbread White Chocolate Chip Softies

The smooth flavor of white chocolate mixed with the spice of gingerbread? Let's just say that Dessert Now Dinner Later's gooey and delicious cookies are sure to be popular.

8. Peppermint Cream Squares

Peppermint is another one of those classic flavors of the holiday season. So, these creamy shortbread squares from The Kitchn are a fittingly festive treat!

9. Sparkly Vanilla Holiday Cookies

Nothing tops a classic sprinkled cookie for the holidays. Gluten-Free Canteen's vanilla wreaths are not only adorable — they're also gluten-free. So, everybody can indulge in this seasonal staple!

10. Classic Fruit Cake with Salted Maple Syrup

Regardless of whether it's a standard holiday treat or not, most people immediately grimace when they hear the words "fruit cake." But, Simply Delicious' version with a salted maple syrup glaze? Well, it actually looks pretty tasty. Plus, it'll definitely look festive in the middle of your holiday table!

11. Candy Cane Kiss Stuffed Pudding Cookies

Honestly, I can't even say the name of these cookies without my mouth watering a little bit. These pillowy soft pudding cookies from Taste and Tell have a delicious surprise in the center — a peppermint Hershey's Kiss!

12. Rudolph Cookies

I'm all about the super cutesy cookies that look like they're straight out of Pinterest. So, these adorable Rudolph cookies Your Cup of Cake made with pretzel antlers? Well, I'm slightly obsessed.

13. Santa Hat Party Mix

If you're aiming for something that's more of a snack than a full on dessert, then this party mix from Cookies and Cups is sure to fit the bill. Plus, you can scoop some into a cute jar with a ribbon for a simple — yet delicious — holiday gift.

14. Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bark

I make peppermint bark every year. But, this recipe by My Baking Addiction is inspiring me to take a bit of a twist on the original. Peppermint and sugar cookie? They're the dream team of desserts.

15. Hot Chocolate Cookies

Is there anything better than a mug of cocoa in the winter? Yes — taking that cocoa, and transforming it into a delectable, gooey cookie. Dreams really do come true. Averie Cooks shows you how.

Looking for more holiday cheer? Check out Bustle on YouTube.

Images: Jamie/My Baking Addiction; Faith Durand/The Kitchn (2); Cara/Big Girls Small Kitchen; Averie/Averie Cooks (2); Molly Yeh/My Name is Yeh; Joy/Joy the Baker; Amber/Dessert Now, Dinner Later; Lisa/Gluten Free Canteen; Alida Ryder/Simply Delicious; Deborah Harroun/Taste and Tell; Lizzy/Your Cup of Cake; Shelly/Cookies and Cups; Jamie/My Baking Addiction