We can’t quite put our finger on it, but there’s something truly magical about the holiday season. As you watch the snowflakes gently fall outside from the comfort of your warm home, there’s only one thing that could possibly make this scenario better: the sweet smell of delicious holiday desserts baking in the oven. After all, there’s no better time to indulge in some wonderful sweet treats than Christmas! And so, to help boost your Christmas spirit, here are 5 delectable dessert recipes that perfectly fit this season of magic and love.

1. Gingerbread Cookies

There’s no classic treat more iconic than the beloved gingerbread cookie during Christmas time. This year, why not make them yourself for a change?

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of flour

• 2 teaspoons of ginger, ground

• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ground

• 1 teaspoon of baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, ground

• ¼ teaspoon of salt

• ¾ cup of butter, softened

• ¾ cup of firmly packed brown sugar

• ½ cup of molasses

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract

Start by mixing together all your dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, blend the butter and sugar until smooth, then add in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. Combine the dry and wet mixtures together until they form a dough. Chill for at least 3 hours in the fridge. Then roll out and cut into your favourite Christmas shapes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or until the edges start to brown. Once cooled, decorate however you like!

Photo by Casey Chae on Unsplash

2. Peppermint Candy Cane Brownies

Chocolate and peppermint are the perfect combo that reminds us it’s Christmastime. Instead of making a typical brownie, try out our Peppermint Candy Cane Brownies for a festive twist.

Ingredients: 

• 1 box of brownie mix (plus the ingredients listed on the box)

• ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract

• 1 cup of white chocolate chips

• ½ cup of crushed candy canes

First, follow the instructions on your brownie mix, but add the peppermint extract to the batter for some extra holiday flavour. Once baked and cooled, melt the white chocolate chips and spread it over the brownie. Sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top for a crunchy finish and you’re ready to serve.

Photo by Kelly Visel on Unsplash

3. Classic Christmas Pudding

Wanting something more traditional? The Christmas Pudding is a dessert that has stood the test of time, so maybe it’s due for a try!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of flour

• 1 cup of breadcrumbs

• 1 cup of brown sugar

• 1 cup of sultanas

• 1 cup of currants

• 1 cup of chopped, mixed peel

• 1 cup of suet

• 1 apple, peeled and grated

• 2 eggs

• ½ cup of stout (like Guinness)

• 1 teaspoon of mixed spice

First, combine all of your dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl and stir until well combined. Add in your peeled and grated apple, followed by the eggs. Stir again and make sure the eggs are evenly distributed. Then, pour in your stout and sprinkle in your mixed spice. Now that your pudding mix is ready, grease your pudding dish well. Pour the mixture into the dish and cover with a layer of baking paper, then a layer of aluminum foil. Secure it with a string or rubber band. Place your pudding into a large pot filled with boiling water and steam for about 6 hours. Let cool and then it’s ready to eat!

Photo by Nik on Unsplash

4. Eggnog Cheesecake

If you love eggnog during the holiday season, why not take it to the next level with this creamy and indulgent dessert? It’ll definitely be the star during your Christmas feast.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs

• ¼ cup of melted butter

• 3 (8oz) packages of cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup of white sugar

• 3 tablespoons of flour

• ¾ cup of eggnog

• 2 eggs

• 2 tablespoons of rum

• 1 pinch of nutmeg

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Mix together the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, then press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, and flour. Beat until smooth before adding in eggnog, eggs, rum, and nutmeg. Continue to beat until smooth, then pour into the prepared crust. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until the center is set. Allow it to fully cool before removing the pan. 

Photo by Tina Guina on Unsplash

5. Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Perfectly capturing the essence of Christmas coziness, these delicious cupcakes will taste like drinking a comforting cup of hot cocoa. 

Ingredients:

• 1 box of chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)

• ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

• 1 cup of butter, softened

• 4 cups of powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons of milk

• Mini marshmallows for topping

Prepare the cupcakes as per the instructions on the cake mix box, adding the cocoa powder and vanilla extract to the batter for an extra festive kick. For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy, gradually add the powdered sugar, then add the milk until you reach your desired consistency. Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes and top with mini marshmallows.

Photo by Mike Meeks on Unsplash

With each recipe being so simple and easy to make, you’ll be whipping up a Christmas storm in your kitchen this coming holiday season. We sure hope these five recipes helped add a dash of sweetness to your holiday festivities!