42 Christmas Desserts to Make This Holiday Season

There’s a lot to love about Christmas, but it’s hard to beat the holiday’s extensive—and beloved—dessert selection. Of course, any sweet can qualify as a Christmas dessert, but there are certain flavors and confections we find ourselves especially drawn to around the holidays. An assortment of Christmas cookies—from wintry, rosemary-infused shortbread to almond-scented, Italian rainbow cookies—is always a winning choice. You can’t go wrong with traditional chocolate roulades and mince pies. And going the extra mile to make truffles and caramels, or a showstopping Christmas cake or gingerbread tower, will never go unappreciated. Without further ado, here are 42 of our favorite Christmas desserts.

When you think of Christmas desserts, your mind likely goes straight to cookies: They’re a classic—and arguably essential—part of the festive season. Make a single cookie variety if you’re hoping to keep things simple this year, or try several for the ultimate Christmas cookie spread.

Cakes and pies never go out of season. For Christmas, though, we’re especially fans of ones with rich, cozy, and sometimes boozy flavors. Think: almond, dark chocolate, warming spices, rum, and gingerbread.

There’s no better time of year to dabble in candy making. Maybe this is the season you finally try a no-bake chocolate salami (yes, it’s a thing), fluffy, salted caramel marshmallows, or classic chocolate truffles.

If you’re really trying to wow your guests this year, try one of these desserts that are guaranteed-to-impress, like croquembouche (streamlined, thanks to Emma Laperruque’s sheet-pan method) or an impressively tall gingerbread tower.

More entertaining inspiration from Food52

What's your favorite Christmas dessert? Share below!