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15 Holiday Desserts That Aren’t Christmas Cookies, Because Who Doesn't Want Candy Cane Cupcakes?
When you think of traditional Christmas desserts, you automatically think of holiday cookies — that’s because Christmas and cookies are basically synonymous. The end of December is the time of year when it’s perfectly acceptable to eat cookies for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks in between, simply because they’re decorated with red sprinkles or shaped like Santa Claus.
While cookies are all well and great, I have to be honest: they’re not my first choice for dessert. I’m more of an ice cream or cupcake kind of girl. Or pie. Or cake. Or even just pudding, really. It’s not that cookies aren’t delicious, it’s just that on the dessert list, they’re not rated that high for me. I know I can’t be the only one who feels this way (right?). There are so many other holiday-appropriate desserts out there that there’s no reason you should have to deal with cookies all month if you don’t love them. Here are 15 other delicious dessert options you can make that will have everyone asking, “Christmas cookies? What are those?”
Peppermint Marshmallows
Making your own marshmallows seems really fancy to me, so why not go for it on Christmas? You can eat these giant, sweet marshmallows on their own, or you can also make hot chocolate and stick these in there for an amazing liquid dessert treat.
Image: PastryAffair.com
Easy Homemade Toffee
Everyone always bakes cakes, cookies, and pies — but few people actually make candy. Toffee is much easier to make than you would think, and it makes a different and easy dessert that anyone will appreciate. These would also be a good hostess gift.
Image: DamnDelicious.net
Peppermint Bark Popcorn
This could not be more simple, but it’s also something that will instantly be a crowd favorite because it’s popcorn! The saltiness of popcorn and the sweetness of chocolate is a really wonderful flavor combination — add some peppermint, and you’ve got the perfect holiday snack.
Image: CookieAndKate.com
Chocolate Treacle Tart
Am I the only one who thinks of Harry Potter every time I hear about a treacle tart? Either way, this dessert sounds really unique and delicious. It has a rich chocolate, caramel taste, and it’s definitely going to become your next favorite.
Image: SugarEtAl.com
Chocolate Peppermint Cake Batter Truffles
The first time I made truffles, I thought I was for sure going to have some kind of disaster. But I was actually shocked at how simple they are… and obviously how delicious they are. Make this indulgent treat to bring for dessert, and no one will be able to stop eating them.
Image: TheSimpleSweetLife.com
Reindeer Chow
Reindeer Chow is basically like the Christmas version of Chex Mix. It’s a super easy dessert to put together, and it’s great because everyone can just munch on it. You don’t even have to actually bake — just melt some stuff and pour it over your snacks.
Image: BrownEyedBaker.com
Pumpkin Bread Pudding
Pumpkin will be out of season before you know it, and it’s still totally acceptable to make it for Christmas. This bread pudding will make an awesome addition to any dessert table.
Image: LoveAndLemons.com
Hot Chocolate Cupcakes
Instead of serving warm mugs of hot chocolate, serve warm hot chocolate cupcakes. With a rich, chocolaty ganache center, a sugary frosting, and a hint of coffee flavoring, these will be an instant crowd-pleaser.
Image: ACozyKitchen.com
Gingerbread Quick Bread With Lemon Glaze
Gingerbread is a holiday staple, so why not do something traditional and make a gingerbread loaf? It’s a delicious and slightly spicy dessert that goes perfectly with a hot cup of coffee. It’s also excellent for breakfast in the morning. Just sayng.
Image: WillowBirdBaking.com
Candy Cane Cupcakes
Not only are candy canes made for the holiday season, but mint and chocolate are amazing together. These delicious cupcakes are easy to put together and look so festive. They’re my personal go-to for Christmas dessert — everyone loves cupcakes!
Image: PastryAffair.com
Momofuku Milk Bar Crack Pie
I can only imagine that something called “crack pie” must have gotten the name because of how addicting it is. And if it’s a recipe modeled after one of Momofuku’s desserts… well, yeah, it’s probably amazing. This will definitely be a little bit of a challenge, but it sounds worth it to me.
Image: HummingbirdHigh.com
Marbled Cranberry Cheesecake
Cranberries are a big holiday food, so it only makes sense to incorporate them into your dessert as well as your main course. Cheesecake is always a crowd-pleaser, and it’s actually a lot easier to make than you would think. This marbled version, all white and red, is so pretty, and it will look perfect with the rest of your decorations.
Image: ACozyKitchen.com
Eggnog Caramels
Caramel seems intimidating to make, but it’s actually not that hard. They will seem really impressive, though! This eggnog spin on the sweet treat couldn’t be more perfect for Christmas. Put these out as a small dessert, or you can even give them as gifts.
Image: BakeLoveGive.com
Cranberry Eggnog Coffee Cake
Almost everyone loves coffee cake, but it can be sort of a boring staple. You can easily spice it up and make it more festive and seasonal by adding cranberries and eggnog. This will easily be the most unique coffee cake you’ll ever make or eat.
Image: CookieMonsterCooking.com
Mini Gingerbread Cheesecakes
Gingerbread is another flavor that everyone associates with Christmas, so why not mix it with one of the best desserts ever? These will look super impressive, but shouldn’t even be that difficult to make. Between the sweet icing and the smooth, gingerbread flavor, these will definitely be a hit.
Image: BakedByRachel.com
