Life
There's no holiday tradition quite like baking. I’ve spent many hours baking up gingerbread men and festively icing sugar cookies. But if you’re running the gamut of holiday parties with colleagues, friends, and family, chances are you’ve encountered enough cookies for one year. I mean, even Santa would get cookie fatigue at some point. That’s why it’s a good idea to have some holiday dessert recipes that aren’t cookies on hand to shake things up a bit.
Whether you’re catering your kids’ holiday party or preparing some DIY gifts for your neighbor, these treats will help you break out of the cookie rut in a festive way. By applying classic holiday flavors like gingerbread, eggnog, and peppermint to a whole host of desserts, these recipes offer up a fresh take on traditional goods. I mean, who could turn down a peppermint donut topped with crushed candy canes? Nobody, that’s who.
From breakfast muffins to crunchy snacks to decadent desserts, these recipes are a great fit for any occasion. So read on to expand your holiday cooking repertoire and maybe find a new family favorite. You might even rediscover your love for gingerbread -- outside of cookie form.
1
Cranberry Eggnog Bread
What happens when you take two classic holiday flavors and combine them in one spectacular dessert? You get Your Cup of Cake's cranberry eggnog bread. This tasty confection uses fresh chopped cranberries and eggnog to spice up this delectable dessert. It's so on-point for the holidays that even the frosting has a dash of nutmeg.
2
White Chocolate Peppermint Holiday Cake
The Sugar Hit's White chocolate peppermint holiday cake is a layer cake bursting with seasonal flavors. Not to mentino it makes a beautiful presentation. Who wouldn't love to get a cake topped with candy canes?
3
Pomegranate Dark Chocolates
The Simple Sweet Life's pomegranate dark chocolates fall under the category of food that's almost too pretty to eat. This gorgeous recipe only uses three ingredients, and it gives you the excuse to play with gold powdered food coloring. A little tin of these would also make a fabulous holiday gift for literally anyone with taste buds.
4
Christmas Styled Cocolate Covered Pretzels
How cute are these? The salty-sweet flavor combination stands out with Christmas styled chocolate covered pretzels from The Merrythought. The festive presentation is sure to light up any holiday feast.
5
Vanilla Glazed Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins
The Comfort of Cooking's vanilla glazed pumpkin gingerbread muffins are a decadent treat that you could serve up any time of day — even breakfast. With their combination of seasonal flavors and delicate icing, these muffins would be welcome anywhere, any time.
6
Baked Peppermint Donuts
Taste and Tell's baked peppermint donuts are minty-flavored goodies topped with crushed candy canes. These would pair perfectly with a mug of eggnog or hot chocolate.
7
Krispie Treat Christmas Tree
This Krispie treat Christmas tree from Cookies & Cups is an adorable holiday twist on a classic treat. This would be especially fitting for a kid's holiday party.
Images: Taste and Tell; Your Cup of Cake; The Sugar Hit; The Simple Sweet Life; The Merrythought; The Comfort of Cooking; Taste and Tell; Cookies & Cups
