25 Easy Festive Christmas Desserts to Make Your Holidays Sweeter

‘Tis the season to be jolly—and indulge in delicious holiday treats! As someone who has spent countless December evenings perfecting my baking skills, I’m thrilled to share my collection of simple yet impressive Christmas desserts that will make your holiday celebrations truly special.

The holiday season brings joy, family gatherings, and the perfect excuse to whip up some festive treats. Whether you’re hosting a grand Christmas dinner or simply want to enjoy some sweet comfort during the cold winter days, these 25 desserts are sure to delight everyone’s taste buds without keeping you trapped in the kitchen for hours.

Why Simple Desserts Win the Holidays

Before diving into recipes, let me share why I believe simple desserts are the true stars of Christmas celebrations:

1. Less stress during an already busy season
2. More time to spend with loved ones
3. Approachable recipes that even novice bakers can master
4. Equally impressive results without the complexity
5. Perfect for last-minute preparations

Now, let’s unwrap these 25 delightful Christmas dessert ideas that combine festive flavors, simple techniques, and holiday charm!

Classic Christmas Cookies

Nothing says Christmas quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. These cookie recipes strike the perfect balance between traditional and innovative.

1. Gingerbread Cookies

My gingerbread cookies have just the right balance of spice and sweetness. The dough is forgiving and perfect for cutting into festive shapes.

What You’ll Need:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Simple Steps:

1. Whisk dry ingredients together in a medium bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
3. Add egg, molasses, and vanilla, beating until combined.
4. Gradually mix in dry ingredients.
5. Divide dough, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
6. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface.
7. Cut into shapes and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
8. Cool completely before decorating with royal icing.

2. Candy Cane Cookies

These swirled red and white cookies not only look festive but also have a delightful hint of peppermint that’s quintessentially Christmas.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Red food coloring
• Crushed candy canes for sprinkling

Simple Steps:

1. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Mix in egg and extracts.
3. Gradually add flour and salt.
4. Divide dough in half and color one portion red.
5. Take small portions of each color, roll into ropes, twist together, and form a candy cane shape.
6. Bake at 375°F for 9-10 minutes.
7. While still warm, sprinkle with crushed candy canes.

3. Snowball Cookies

Also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, these melt-in-your-mouth treats look like little snowballs and are irresistibly buttery.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup finely chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)

Simple Steps:

1. Cream butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until fluffy.
2. Beat in vanilla.
3. Gradually mix in flour and salt.
4. Stir in chopped nuts.
5. Shape into 1-inch balls.
6. Bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes.
7. While still warm, roll in additional powdered sugar.
8. Once cool, roll again in powdered sugar for the perfect “snowball” effect.

4. Shortbread Star Cookies

I love making these buttery stars because they require so few ingredients yet taste absolutely divine. The simplicity of shortbread makes it perfect for cutting into festive shapes.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Decorating sugar or sprinkles (optional)

Simple Steps:

1. Whisk flour and salt together.
2. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in flour mixture.
5. Chill dough for 1 hour.
6. Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into star shapes.
7. Bake at 325°F for 12-15 minutes until edges are just golden.
8. Sprinkle with decorating sugar while still warm if desired.

5. Thumbprint Cookies with Holiday Jam

These buttery cookies with colorful jam centers look festive without requiring any fancy decorating skills.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Red and green jam (strawberry and mint or lime)

Simple Steps:

1. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add egg yolks and vanilla, beating well.
3. Gradually add flour and salt.
4. Roll dough into 1-inch balls.
5. Make an indentation in each cookie with your thumb.
6. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
7. Remove from oven, re-press indentations if needed.
8. Fill with jam and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes.

Quick No-Bake Delights

When the oven is occupied with your holiday roast, these no-bake treats come to the rescue!

6. Christmas Bark

This peppermint chocolate bark is one of my go-to treats when I need something impressive with minimal effort.

What You’ll Need:

• 12 oz semisweet chocolate chips
• 12 oz white chocolate chips
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• 3/4 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
• Holiday sprinkles (optional)

Simple Steps:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt semisweet chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
3. Spread onto the parchment paper in an even layer.
4. Refrigerate until set (about 20 minutes).
5. Melt white chocolate and stir in peppermint extract.
6. Spread over the dark chocolate layer.
7. Immediately sprinkle with crushed candy canes and holiday sprinkles.
8. Refrigerate until completely set, then break into pieces.

7. Oreo Truffle Christmas Trees

These no-bake truffles shaped into little trees are always a hit at my holiday gatherings.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 package (14.3 oz) Oreo cookies
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 12 oz white chocolate or candy melts, green
• Sprinkles for decorating
• Pretzel sticks for tree trunks

Simple Steps:

1. Crush Oreos into fine crumbs in a food processor.
2. Mix with softened cream cheese until well combined.
3. Chill mixture for 1 hour.
4. Shape into cone forms for trees.
5. Freeze for 20 minutes.
6. Melt green chocolate according to package directions.
7. Dip each tree in melted chocolate.
8. Add sprinkles before chocolate sets.
9. Insert a small pretzel stick into the bottom for the trunk.

8. Festive Rice Krispie Treats

I love adding a holiday twist to this classic treat—it’s quick, easy, and always pleases the crowd.

What You’ll Need:

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1 (10 oz) package of marshmallows
• 3 tbsp butter
• Green food coloring
• Red M&M’s
• Mini marshmallows for “snow”

Simple Steps:

1. Melt butter in a large pot over low heat.
2. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
3. Add a few drops of green food coloring.
4. Remove from heat and quickly stir in Rice Krispies.
5. Press into a greased 9×13 pan.
6. Immediately decorate with red M&M’s as ornaments and mini marshmallows as snow.
7. Allow to cool before cutting into triangles for tree shapes.

Festive Pies and Tarts

A holiday meal deserves a showstopping finale, and these pies and tarts deliver without hours of work.

9. Cranberry Orange Tart

The vibrant red cranberries make this tart visually stunning and the orange zest adds a refreshing twist to traditional holiday flavors.

What You’ll Need:
For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tbsp melted butter

For the filling:

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Simple Steps:

1. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter, then press into a tart pan.
2. Bake crust at 350°F for 10 minutes, then cool.
3. Combine cranberries, 3/4 cup sugar, orange zest, and juice in a saucepan.
4. Cook until cranberries burst and mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
5. Whisk remaining sugar, cornstarch, eggs, and cream together.
6. Gradually add some hot cranberry mixture to the egg mixture, then combine all.
7. Pour into the crust and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
8. Cool completely before serving.

10. Mini Pecan Pies

Individual servings make these classic pecan pies even more special and perfect for holiday buffets.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 refrigerated pie crusts
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
• Whipped cream for serving

Simple Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a muffin tin.
2. Cut pie crust into circles that fit your muffin cups.
3. Press dough circles into muffin cups.
4. Whisk eggs, corn syrup, sugar, butter, and vanilla until well combined.
5. Stir in pecans.
6. Fill each crust about 2/3 full with pecan mixture.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until set.
8. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then remove to a wire rack.
9. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

11. Gingerbread Cream Pie

This creamy pie with gingerbread flavors is a wonderful alternative to traditional gingerbread cookies.

What You’ll Need:
For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups gingersnap cookie crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 5 tbsp melted butter

For the filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 cups whipped topping
• Caramel sauce and gingerbread cookies for garnish

Simple Steps:

1. Mix gingersnap crumbs, sugar, and butter, then press into a pie dish.
2. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, then cool completely.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth.
4. Add powdered sugar and spices, mixing until well combined.
5. Fold in whipped topping.
6. Pour filling into cooled crust.
7. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
8. Before serving, drizzle with caramel sauce and garnish with small gingerbread cookies.

Holiday Cakes and Cupcakes

These festive cakes bring color and joy to your holiday dessert table.

12. Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

The vibrant red color of these cupcakes makes them perfect for Christmas celebrations.

What You’ll Need:
For the cupcakes:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 oz red food coloring
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Holiday sprinkles for decorating

Simple Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line muffin tins with paper liners.
2. Whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt together.
3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Mix in sour cream, milk, food coloring, and vanilla.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
7. Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes.
9. Cool completely before frosting.
10. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
11. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until fluffy.
12. Pipe frosting onto cupcakes and add festive sprinkles.

13. Eggnog Pound Cake

This dense, rich cake captures the flavor of the holidays’ favorite drink.

What You’ll Need:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup eggnog
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp rum extract (optional)

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp eggnog
• Ground nutmeg for sprinkling

Simple Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and grease a 10-inch bundt pan.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg together.
3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
5. Alternately add flour mixture and eggnog, beginning and ending with flour.
6. Stir in extracts.
7. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 60-70 minutes.
8. Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then remove to a wire rack.
9. Mix powdered sugar and eggnog to make a glaze.
10. Drizzle over cooled cake and sprinkle with nutmeg.

14. Gingerbread Cheesecake

This showstopping dessert combines two holiday favorites into one spectacular treat.

Comparison of Holiday Cheesecakes

Feature	Gingerbread Cheesecake	Peppermint Cheesecake	Eggnog Cheesecake
Base Flavor	Warm spices	Cool mint	Rich custard
Crust	Gingersnap cookies	Chocolate cookies	Graham crackers
Color	Golden brown	White with red swirls	Pale yellow
Best Served With	Caramel sauce	Chocolate ganache	Nutmeg whipped cream
Difficulty Level	Medium	Medium	Medium
Make-Ahead	Up to 2 days	Up to 3 days	Up to 2 days
Wow Factor	★★★★★	★★★★	★★★★

What You’ll Need:
For the crust:

• 2 cups gingersnap cookie crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tbsp melted butter

For the filling:

• 32 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

For the topping:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Simple Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan with foil.
2. Mix gingersnap crumbs, sugar, and butter, then press into the pan.
3. Bake crust for 10 minutes, then cool.
4. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
5. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
6. Mix in molasses and heavy cream.
7. Add flour and spices, mixing until just combined.
8. Pour over crust and bake for 60 minutes.
9. Mix sour cream, sugar, and vanilla for topping.
10. Spread over cheesecake and bake for 10 more minutes.
11. Cool completely, then refrigerate overnight.

Festive Puddings and Custards

Smooth and creamy desserts are perfect for ending a rich holiday meal.

15. Eggnog Crème Brûlée

This elegant dessert incorporates the flavors of eggnog into a classic French custard.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup eggnog
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus more for topping
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 6 large egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp rum extract (optional)

Simple Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Combine cream, eggnog, sugar, salt, and nutmeg in a saucepan.
3. Heat until it just begins to simmer.
4. Whisk egg yolks in a separate bowl.
5. Gradually add hot cream mixture to egg yolks, whisking constantly.
6. Stir in extracts.
7. Pour into ramekins and place in a water bath.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes until centers are just set.
9. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
10. Sprinkle sugar on top and caramelize with a kitchen torch.

16. Gingerbread Pudding Parfaits

These layered desserts look festive in clear glasses and can be prepared ahead of time.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant butterscotch pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 2 tbsp molasses
• 2 cups whipped topping
• 2 cups crumbled gingerbread cookies
• Caramel sauce for drizzling

Simple Steps:

1. Whisk pudding mix and milk for 2 minutes.
2. Add spices and molasses, stirring until well combined.
3. Refrigerate for 5 minutes until set.
4. Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping.
5. In clear glasses, layer pudding, cookie crumbs, and remaining whipped topping.
6. Repeat layers.
7. Drizzle with caramel sauce.
8. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

17. Cranberry White Chocolate Bread Pudding

This bread pudding takes advantage of seasonal cranberries and festive white chocolate.

What You’ll Need:

• 8 cups cubed challah or brioche bread, day-old
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Zest of one orange

For the sauce:

• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Simple Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Toss bread cubes with cranberries and white chocolate chips in the dish.
3. Whisk milk, cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and orange zest.
4. Pour over bread mixture and let stand for 15 minutes.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes until set and golden.
6. For the sauce, heat cream until just simmering.
7. Pour over white chocolate chips and stir until smooth.
8. Drizzle sauce over warm bread pudding before serving.

Quick and Easy Holiday Fudge Varieties

Fudge makes wonderful holiday gifts and requires minimal effort.

18. Peppermint Fudge

The contrast of dark chocolate and peppermint is classic and festive.

What You’ll Need:

• 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 1/2 cups crushed candy canes, divided

Simple Steps:

1. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper.
2. Melt chocolate chips and condensed milk in a saucepan over low heat.
3. Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract and 1 cup crushed candy canes.
4. Pour into prepared pan and sprinkle remaining candy canes on top.
5. Refrigerate until set (about 2 hours).
6. Cut into squares.

19. Eggnog Fudge

This white fudge has all the warm spices of holiday eggnog.

What You’ll Need:

• 3 cups white chocolate chips
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 tbsp eggnog
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp rum extract (optional)
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, plus more for sprinkling

Simple Steps:

1. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper.
2. Melt white chocolate chips, condensed milk, and butter in a saucepan over low heat.
3. Remove from heat and stir in eggnog, extracts, and nutmeg.
4. Pour into prepared pan and sprinkle with additional nutmeg.
5. Refrigerate until set (about 2 hours).
6. Cut into squares.

Frozen Holiday Treats

Even in winter, these frozen desserts are crowd-pleasers.

20. Peppermint Ice Cream Pie

This make-ahead dessert is refreshing and festive.

What You’ll Need:
For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 5 tbsp melted butter

For the filling:

• 1.5 quarts peppermint ice cream, slightly softened
• 1 cup hot fudge sauce, slightly warmed
• 1 cup crushed candy canes
• Whipped cream for garnish

Simple Steps:

1. Mix cookie crumbs, sugar, and butter, then press into a pie dish.
2. Freeze crust for 15 minutes.
3. Spread half the ice cream over the crust.
4. Drizzle with half the fudge sauce and sprinkle with half the candy canes.
5. Repeat layers.
6. Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
7. Top with whipped cream before serving.

21. Gingerbread Ice Cream Sandwiches

These cute mini sandwiches combine chewy gingerbread cookies with vanilla ice cream.

What You’ll Need:

• 24 small (2-inch) gingerbread cookies
• 1 pint vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
• 1/4 cup finely chopped crystallized ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Holiday sprinkles for rolling

Simple Steps:

1. Mix softened ice cream with crystallized ginger and cinnamon.
2. Scoop about 2 tbsp ice cream onto the flat side of a cookie.
3. Top with another cookie, flat side down.
4. Press gently and roll edges in holiday sprinkles.
5. Wrap individually and freeze for at least 2 hours.

Festive Breakfast Treats

These desserts double as breakfast for Christmas morning.

22. Overnight Gingerbread French Toast Casserole

Prepare this the night before for an effortless Christmas morning breakfast.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the topping:

• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger

Simple Steps:

1. Grease a 9×13 baking dish and add bread cubes.
2. Whisk eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, molasses, vanilla, spices, and salt.
3. Pour over bread, pressing down to absorb liquid.
4. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
5. In the morning, preheat oven to 350°F.
6. Mix topping ingredients and sprinkle over casserole.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes until puffed and golden.
8. Serve with maple syrup.

23. Cranberry Orange Scones

These festive scones are perfect for Christmas morning or holiday brunch.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, roughly chopped
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp orange juice

Simple Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest.
3. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in cranberries.
5. Whisk egg, orange juice, cream, and vanilla.
6. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until moistened.
7. Turn onto a floured surface and knead gently 8-10 times.
8. Pat into an 8-inch circle and cut into 8 wedges.
9. Place on baking sheet, brush with cream.
10. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden.
11. Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm scones.

Last-Minute Crowd Pleasers

When time is short, these quick desserts will save the day.

24. Christmas Cake Mix Cookies

With just a few ingredients, these cookies come together in minutes.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 box white cake mix
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
• Red and green food coloring
• Holiday sprinkles

Simple Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment.
2. Mix cake mix, oil, eggs, and extracts until well combined.
3. Divide dough into three portions.
4. Color one portion red, one green, and leave one white.
5. Roll tablespoonfuls of each color into balls.
6. Roll in sprinkles and place on baking sheets.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set.
8. Cool on wire racks.

Holiday Spice Variations

Spice	Flavor Profile	Best Pairings
Cinnamon	Warm, woody	Apples, chocolate, coffee
Ginger	Spicy, pungent	Molasses, orange, dark chocolate
Nutmeg	Warm, nutty	Eggnog, vanilla, cream
Cloves	Strong, aromatic	Ginger, orange, chocolate
Cardamom	Warm, herbal	Orange, chocolate, coffee
Allspice	Complex, warm	Pumpkin, apples, cranberries
Star Anise	Licorice-like	Chocolate, orange, plums
Coriander	Citrusy, warm	Cranberry, apple, orange

25. 5-Minute Microwave Fudge

When you need a last-minute dessert or gift, this fudge is the answer.

What You’ll Need:

• 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• Holiday sprinkles

Simple Steps:

1. Line an 8×8 pan