It’s Just Not Christmas Dinner Without Dessert! Try These Sweet Recipes (2024)

It’s Just Not Christmas Dinner Without Dessert! Try These Sweet Recipes (1)

Full of colorful holiday cookies, candy-stuffed stockings and chocolate advent calendars, Christmas is arguably more about the sweets than the Christmas dinner. So round out your holiday menu with one or more of these stunning Christmas desserts, such as sugar-dusted snowball cookies, chewy bar cookies, rich gingerbread, frosting-topped Christmas cupcakes, jammy Linzer cookies and chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate.

Here, you'll find all the classic Christmas flavors: warm winter spices, sweet pumpkin, nutty pecan and so much more. Many of us wait all year for these flavors to come back into season (peppermint, anyone?) so when you're planning this year's dessert spread, don't hold back. After December 25, you'll have to wait another year to enjoy all your favorite Christmas treats — unless, of course, you make enough for leftovers!

We also included options for any diet, including gluten-free and vegan Christmas desserts, plus some healthy Christmas desserts if you're looking to add a lighter option to the table. Cooking Christmas dinner in addition to dessert? No sweat. There are easy Christmas desserts on this list (peep the White Chocolate-Dipped Madeleines, which start with store-bought cookies!) as well as bigger projects for more ambitious bakers. Don't be shy about enlisting a friend or family member to help whisk, knead, frost or decorate — or simply send them this list when they ask, "can I bring dessert?"

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1

Baked Applesauce Donuts

It’s Just Not Christmas Dinner Without Dessert! Try These Sweet Recipes (3)

Full of cinnamon-scented apple pie spice, these plush treats are perfect for the holidays.

Get the Baked Applesauce Donuts recipe.

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2

Neapolitan Cookies

It’s Just Not Christmas Dinner Without Dessert! Try These Sweet Recipes (4)

Thanks to these picture-perfect cookies, you don't have to choose between strawberry, chocolate or vanilla.

Get the Neapolitan Cookies recipe.

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3

Ricotta Cheesecake with Roasted Grapes

It’s Just Not Christmas Dinner Without Dessert! Try These Sweet Recipes (5)

The combo of rich mascarpone and fluffy ricotta creates the ultimate creamy texture in this holiday-worthy dessert.

Get the Ricotta Cheesecake with Roasted Grapes recipe.

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4

Cranberry-Pistachio Cornmeal Biscotti

It’s Just Not Christmas Dinner Without Dessert! Try These Sweet Recipes (6)

You'll want to brew a pot of coffee to go with these crunchy, dip-able cookies.

Get the Cranberry-Pistachio Cornmeal Biscotti recipe.

RELATED: The Best Coffee Beans, According to Taste Tests

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5

Ricotta-Orange Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

Oranges are in-season during the winter months and are a great way to add bright, citrusy flavor to all your Christmas treats.

Get the Ricotta-Orange Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting recipe.

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6

Jammy Walnut Rugelach

It’s Just Not Christmas Dinner Without Dessert! Try These Sweet Recipes (8)

We spiked the sugar filling with cinnamon and cloves to give these flaky pastries a holiday-friendly bite.

Get the Jammy Walnut Rugelach recipe.

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7

Shortcut Baklava Wedges

It’s Just Not Christmas Dinner Without Dessert! Try These Sweet Recipes (9)

Baklava is typically made with layers and layers of flaky filo pastry. We sped up the process with stuffed, folded tortillas so you can get your sweet fix even sooner.

Get the Shortcut Baklava Wedges recipe.

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8

Maritozzi

It’s Just Not Christmas Dinner Without Dessert! Try These Sweet Recipes (10)

Looking for a quick sweet that'll still wow? Consider these cream-filled brioche buns — you can decorate them with red and green sanding sugar or blitzed pistachios and freeze-dried fruit!

Get the Maritozzi recipe.

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9

Banana Pudding

It’s Just Not Christmas Dinner Without Dessert! Try These Sweet Recipes (11)

Bringing something to the party? Your host will likely have Christmas cookies and pies, so switch it up with this dreamy, no-bake dessert that's delicious any time of year.

Get the Banana Pudding recipe.

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10

Peanut Butter Molten Chocolate Cakes

It’s Just Not Christmas Dinner Without Dessert! Try These Sweet Recipes (12)

Hosting a smaller soirée this year? Consider this gooey chocolate cake recipe, which makes six personal-sized sweets.

Get the Peanut Butter Molten Chocolate Cakes recipe.

RELATED: Our 52 Best Chocolate Dessert Recipes That Are Irresistible and Decadent

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11

Brown Butter Crispy Rice Treats

It’s Just Not Christmas Dinner Without Dessert! Try These Sweet Recipes (13)

Brown butter gives these classic bars a caramel-like taste. Add red and green sprinkles for festive flare!

Get the Brown Butter Crispy Rice Treats recipe.

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12

Tiramisu Dip

It’s Just Not Christmas Dinner Without Dessert! Try These Sweet Recipes (14)

Even if you're full after all that prime rib, you'll still have room for this airy, whipped treat.

Get the Tiramisu Dip recipe.

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13

Matcha Snowball Cookies

It’s Just Not Christmas Dinner Without Dessert! Try These Sweet Recipes (15)

Add a pop of green to any cookie box with these light and airy bites.

Get the Matcha Snowball Cookies recipe.

RELATED: 10 Best Matcha Powders of 2023, According to Registered Dietitians

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14

Gingerbread Bundt Cake

It’s Just Not Christmas Dinner Without Dessert! Try These Sweet Recipes (16)

Freshly ground black pepper adds unexpected spice to this sweet and sticky cake.

Get the Gingerbread Bundt Cake recipe.

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15

Holly Cupcakes

It’s Just Not Christmas Dinner Without Dessert! Try These Sweet Recipes (17)

Decorate chocolate cupcakes with tuile holly cookies and candied cranberries for a sweet holiday treat.

Get the Holly Cupcakes recipe.

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16

Black Forest Cookies

It’s Just Not Christmas Dinner Without Dessert! Try These Sweet Recipes (18)

"Black Forest" refers to the flavor combo of chocolate and cherry. Whipped cream adds a decadent touch!

Get the Black Forest Cookies recipe.

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17

Chocolate and Pumpkin Ice Cream Sandwiches

It’s Just Not Christmas Dinner Without Dessert! Try These Sweet Recipes (19)

Instead of pumpkin pie — or, hey, in addition to — sandwich softened pumpkin ice cream in between chocolate graham crackers. Yep, it's that easy!

Get the Chocolate and Pumpkin Ice Cream Sandwiches recipe.

RELATED: 44 Easy Pumpkin Recipes That Are Perfect for Fall

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18

Chai Tree and Snowflake Cookies

It’s Just Not Christmas Dinner Without Dessert! Try These Sweet Recipes (20)

Not only are these cookies shaped into Christmas symbols, they incorporate some of your favorite cozy spices (like cardamom and ginger).

Get the Chai Tree and Snowflake Cookies recipe.

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19

Cupcake Wreath

It’s Just Not Christmas Dinner Without Dessert! Try These Sweet Recipes (21)

Delicious buttercream cupcakes ... in the shape of a festive Christmas wreath. So genius!

Get the Cupcake Wreath recipe.

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20

White Chocolate-Dipped Madeleines

It’s Just Not Christmas Dinner Without Dessert! Try These Sweet Recipes (22)

Here's a party trick: get store-bought madeleines, dip them in melted chocolate and sprinkle with chopped cranberries and pistachios.

Get the White Chocolate-Dipped Madeleines recipe.

It’s Just Not Christmas Dinner Without Dessert! Try These Sweet Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Why is dessert important in a meal essay? ›

Completion of the meal: Desserts serve as the final course, marking the completion of a well-rounded meal. They provide a sense of closure and satisfaction, signaling that the main course has concluded. Balancing flavors: Desserts help balance and complement the flavors of the preceding courses.

How long between dinner and dessert? ›

The 20-minute rule

If you've ever been told to wait before you take another portion or have dessert, there is a research-backed reason: It takes about 20 minutes for the brain to register fullness.

What is the history of dessert? ›

The word “dessert” emerged in the seventeenth century, derived from the French verb “desservir,” meaning “to clear the table” in English. Etiquette dictated that napkins and tablecloths be changed before the final course, which at the time was a delicate fruit course.

Why should we eat dessert? ›

Dessert Improves Your Mood

Nothing can give you pleasure and satisfaction than eating your favorite dessert. And the feeling you get is vital to your overall well-being. Constantly denying yourself such simple pleasures can make you feel sad in the long-term.

Should you have dessert with dinner? ›

Eating a huge serving of a decadent dessert will fill little tummies with calories from unnecessary sugar and fat, leaving no room for healthy dinner foods like green beans and chicken. But a small treat will not diminish their appetite for dinner foods, and can help make dinnertime more pleasant for everyone.

Is it bad to eat sugar on an empty stomach? ›

According to the Chief Dietician, it is not good for the stomach to eat sweets in the morning. This massive rise prompts the pancreas to release insulin to maintain blood sugar levels, and this in turn can lead later that day to a slump in energy. So you find yourself fatigued, irritable and unable to concentrate.

Is it better to eat sugar in the morning or at night? ›

Our bodies are better able secrete insulin, a hormone that controls blood sugar levels, in the morning. We also tend to be more insulin-sensitive early in the day, meaning our muscles are better able to absorb and utilize glucose from our bloodstreams.

Is it okay to eat sweets every day? ›

A small dessert consumed daily can be part of a healthy diet. The key is to control portion sizes. You'll also want to pay attention to other foods you eat that contain added sugars, such as cereals, protein bars, juices, bottled teas and coffees, so you don't overdo your daily sugar intake.

What is the world's most loved dessert? ›

  • Mar 31, 2023, 08:13 PM IST. 10 Most Popular Desserts in the World. ...
  • Apple Pie. This traditional American dessert is popular due to its flaky crust and sweet apple filling. ...
  • Tiramisu. ...
  • Baklava. ...
  • Crème Brûlée. ...
  • Panna Cotta. ...
  • Cheesecake. ...
  • Mochi.
Mar 31, 2023

What is America's favorite dessert? ›

Ice cream is America's favorite dessert and is a key driver of the frozen food category.

What is the best dessert to eat? ›

25 Best Desserts in the World
  • Mochi ice cream.
  • Flan.
  • New York cheesecake.
  • Dulce de leche ice cream.
  • Lamingtons.
  • Cendol.
  • Key lime pie.
  • Bingsu.
Nov 8, 2023

Why do people like to eat desserts in every meal? ›

Our ancestors evolved to crave foods that were high in sugar and fat because they provided a quick source of energy in a world where food was scarce. Desserts, which are often high in sugar and fat, are particularly appealing to us and can help us feel full after a meal.

Why is a dessert menu important? ›

Those who have a sweet tooth or children, are more likely to dine in your restaurant if you have a great dessert menu. Also, desserts containing fruit can make the desserts healthier for kids and it can also help customers to digest their food.

How important is dessert in party meal? ›

Adds Taste and Flavor to the Main Course

Dessert presentation is very critical, because it can determine the success of a dish, including features such as taste and flavor. The look of a dessert on a plate tempts your guest's eyes, making them want to taste it. When they dig in, they are not disappointed at all.

Why do you have to serve dessert before a meal? ›

Ultimately, dessert before a meal makes me feel satisfied. Having dessert first is the same idea that people like to have breakfast foods at night. It is unconventional, but it is fun. It makes you feel in control of life and reminds you not to take things so seriously and how society has presented them to us.

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