26 Delicious Holiday Treat Recipes: Your Ultimate Guide to Festive Baking

The holiday season is a magical time of year, filled with warmth, joy, and, most importantly, an abundance of delicious treats! There’s something truly special about the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the house, inviting family and friends to gather and share in the festive spirit. Whether you’re planning a cozy night in, preparing for a grand holiday feast, or simply looking to spread some cheer with homemade gifts, a carefully crafted dessert can make all the difference.

Here in Chicago, the crisp winter air already creates a beautiful wonderland, perfectly setting the scene for a season of baking. We know many of you are already in full swing with your holiday preparations, and what better way to inspire your kitchen adventures than with a diverse collection of mouth-watering recipes? Today, we’re thrilled to share an incredible assortment of 26 delicious holiday treats, hand-picked from some of our favorite food bloggers across the web. This curated list features unique, fun, and irresistibly tasty options that are sure to satisfy every sweet tooth and add a touch of sparkle to your celebrations.

From classic cookies and decadent fudges to creative bars and celebratory drinks, this collection offers something for everyone, regardless of your baking skill level or dietary preferences. Get ready to explore new flavors, rediscover old favorites, and create lasting holiday memories, one delicious bite at a time. Dive in and let these fantastic recipes guide you through a truly sweet and festive season!

A Festive Array of Holiday Treats: Click for the Full Recipes

Click on each link below to be taken directly to the detailed recipe from these talented food bloggers!

Delightful Holiday Cookies & Biscuits

Cranberry Orange Pecan Cookies: These vibrant cookies from Rhubarb and Honey are bursting with the seasonal flavors of tart cranberries, zesty orange, and crunchy pecans. A perfect balance of sweet and tangy, they make a wonderful addition to any holiday cookie platter or a delightful snack with a cup of tea.

Gluten-Free (Dairy Free) Raspberry Almond Bars: For those seeking a healthier yet equally delicious option, Jeanette’s Healthy Living presents these fantastic Gluten-Free Raspberry Almond Bars. They combine the rich taste of almonds with the sweetness of raspberries in a convenient bar form, perfect for guilt-free indulgence.

Florentine Lace Cookies: Elegance meets deliciousness with these delicate Florentine Lace Cookies from An Edible Mosaic. Their intricate, crisp texture and subtle sweetness make them a sophisticated treat, ideal for special occasions or to impress your guests with a touch of gourmet flair.

Turtle Cookies: Indulge in the irresistible combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecans with these decadent Turtle Cookies from The Kitchen is my Playground. They capture the essence of the classic candy in a soft, chewy cookie form, promising a truly satisfying holiday experience.

Homemade Gingersnaps: Nothing says holiday comfort quite like Homemade Gingersnaps, and Karen’s Kitchen Stories delivers a recipe that’s sure to become a seasonal staple. These crispy, spicy cookies are infused with warming ginger and cinnamon, offering a nostalgic taste of holidays past.

Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars (Gluten-Free): All Day I Dream About Food offers a fantastic Gluten-Free Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars recipe. These soft, chewy bars are decorated with festive sprinkles, making them an easy and crowd-pleasing alternative to traditional cut-out cookies, perfect for any holiday gathering.

Mexican Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies: Add a unique twist to your cookie selection with Mexican Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies from Wine and Glue. Infused with a hint of cinnamon and chili, these rich chocolate cookies with a sweet filling offer a delightful spicy kick that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

Vegan Fruit and Nut Ginger Cookies: For a wholesome and flavorful option, try these Vegan Fruit and Nut Ginger Cookies from Because I Like Chocolate. Packed with nutritious fruits, nuts, and a warming ginger spice, these cookies are a fantastic choice for a feel-good holiday treat.

Andes Mint Cookies: The classic combination of chocolate and mint shines in these irresistible Andes Mint Cookies by The Law Student’s Wife. Each bite offers a burst of refreshing mint, perfectly complemented by rich chocolate, making them a festive and flavorful addition to your holiday baking list.

Peppermint Twist Kiss Cookies: Alida’s Kitchen brings us a fun and festive twist on a classic with these Peppermint Twist Kiss Cookies. Soft, buttery cookies are topped with a chocolate kiss and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint, creating an adorable and delicious treat that’s perfect for sharing.

Chewy Chocolate Cookies Hershey’s Hugs: Sink your teeth into these delightful Chewy Chocolate Cookies with Hershey’s Hugs from Stuck on Sweet. These rich, fudgy cookies are made even more special with a creamy Hershey’s Hug baked right into the center, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Chocolate Caramel Christmas Cookies: The Taylor House shares a truly indulgent recipe for Chocolate Caramel Christmas Cookies. These decadent cookies combine rich chocolate with gooey caramel, creating a luxurious treat that’s perfect for celebrating the most wonderful time of the year.

Fabulous Bars, Barks, and Fudges

Peppermint Bark: A true holiday classic, this Peppermint Bark from A Cedar Spoon is incredibly easy to make and features layers of rich dark chocolate topped with creamy white chocolate and a festive sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies. It’s a perfect treat for gifting or enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa.

Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna: Beyond Frosting offers a show-stopping Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna that layers chocolate cookie crust, cream cheese filling, chocolate pudding, and whipped cream, all infused with refreshing peppermint. It’s a no-bake dessert that promises to be a holiday hit.

Sunny Hello Dolly Bars: These cheerful Sunny Hello Dolly Bars from Farm Fresh Feasts are a delightful mix of butterscotch, chocolate chips, nuts, and coconut, all baked over a graham cracker crust. They’re incredibly simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser during the festive season.

Buckeye Bark: Chocolate, Chocolate and More shares a recipe for Buckeye Bark that captures the beloved flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a convenient bark form. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for peanut butter lovers and makes for excellent edible gifts.

Eggnog Bars: Jen’s Favorite Cookies brings us these wonderfully festive Eggnog Bars, infused with the rich, creamy flavor of traditional eggnog. They’re soft, flavorful, and a fantastic way to enjoy the classic holiday drink in dessert form.

Roasted Almond Chocolate Caramels: Elevate your candy game with these exquisite Roasted Almond Chocolate Caramels from Bake Love Give. Homemade caramels enrobed in chocolate and sprinkled with roasted almonds offer a luxurious and chewy treat that’s perfect for the holidays.

Peppermint Mocha Fudge: Home Cooking Memories presents a dreamy Peppermint Mocha Fudge that combines the rich flavors of coffee, chocolate, and refreshing peppermint. This easy fudge recipe is a fantastic choice for a quick, impressive, and utterly decadent holiday treat.

White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge: Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks shares a recipe for delightful White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge. This creamy, sweet fudge is studded with tart cranberries, offering a beautiful contrast of flavors and colors that’s perfect for the festive season.

Elegant Desserts & Festive Sips

Peppermint Cookietini Cocktail Recipe: Snappy Gourmet offers a unique way to enjoy holiday flavors with their festive Peppermint Cookietini Cocktail Recipe. This delicious drink blends the coolness of peppermint with the sweetness of cookies, making it a perfect celebratory beverage for adults.

Prosecco Cupcakes: Add a touch of sparkle to your dessert table with these elegant Prosecco Cupcakes from Kailley’s Kitchen. Infused with the bubbly joy of Prosecco, these light and festive cupcakes are ideal for ringing in the holiday season with sophistication.

Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti: Spoonful of Flavor shares a recipe for crisp and flavorful Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti. These Italian cookies are perfect for dipping in coffee or hot chocolate and feature the beautiful holiday colors of red cranberries and green pistachios.

Meyer Lemon Creme Brulee: For a truly gourmet dessert, Food Wanderings brings us a luscious Meyer Lemon Creme Brulee. This sophisticated dessert offers a creamy texture with a delightful citrusy zing, topped with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust – an impressive finish to any holiday meal.

Amaretto Cream Cheese Coffee Cake: Call Me PMC presents a rich and inviting Amaretto Cream Cheese Coffee Cake. This moist cake, with its delightful almond flavor and creamy cheese swirls, is perfect for a festive breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent dessert.

White Chocolate Peppermint Sugar Cookie Pizza: Lemons for Lulu offers a fun and creative White Chocolate Peppermint Sugar Cookie Pizza. A giant sugar cookie crust is topped with sweet white chocolate and crushed peppermint, making it an exciting and shareable holiday dessert for all ages.

We hope this comprehensive list of 26 delicious holiday treats provides you with plenty of inspiration for your festive baking endeavors. From the comforting warmth of gingersnaps to the refreshing zing of peppermint bark, and everything in between, these recipes are designed to bring joy and sweetness to your home. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, creating edible gifts for loved ones, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a special treat, these selections from talented food bloggers are sure to delight.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with new flavors or revisit cherished family traditions. The beauty of holiday baking lies in the love and care that goes into each creation. So, preheat your ovens, gather your ingredients, and embark on a delicious journey through these amazing recipes. Share your creations with us and let us know which ones became your new holiday favorites!

Happy Holidays and Happy Baking!

Julia