10+ Christmas Bake Off Ideas: Dessert Recipes to Delight Your Holiday Gatherings

The holiday season is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen, especially when it comes to baking. You can impress friends and family with delightful dessert recipes that bring festive cheer to any gathering. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday party or a cozy family dinner, there’s no shortage of fun ideas to explore.

From classic treats to modern twists, this article will inspire your holiday baking adventures. You’ll find a variety of dessert recipes that cater to every taste, making it easy to create something special for everyone. Celebrate the joy of Christmas through delicious baked goods that everyone will love!

1) Prue Leith’s Chocolate Yule Log

Prue Leith’s Chocolate Yule Log is a festive treat that’s perfect for your Christmas celebrations. This simple Swiss roll recipe features a lovely chocolate sponge, filled and decorated to look like a log. It’s laced with a hint of Irish cream liqueur for added flavor.

You start by baking a chocolate sponge, which is light and fluffy. After cooling, you can fill it with whipped cream or frosting. The piped chocolate icing creates the bark effect, making it both delicious and visually appealing.

This Yule log serves 8-10 people, so it’s great for sharing with family and friends. It takes about 1 hour and 12 minutes to make from start to finish.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 100g caster sugar
• 60g plain flour
• 40g cocoa powder
• 250ml whipped cream
• 100g dark chocolate
• 50ml Irish cream liqueur (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Whisk eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy.
3. Gently fold in flour and cocoa powder.
4. Spread the batter in a lined baking tray.
5. Bake for 12 minutes.
6. Let it cool and then spread with cream.
7. Roll it up tightly and chill.
8. Decorate with chocolate icing before serving.

2) Grinch Christmas Truffles

Grinch Christmas Truffles are a fun and easy holiday treat. They combine the sweetness of Oreos with a cheerful green coating. These tasty bites are perfect for holiday parties or just to enjoy at home.

To make these truffles, you will need just a few ingredients. Start by crushing some golden Oreos and mixing them with cream cheese. Roll the mixture into small balls, then dip them in green candy melts.

These treats are sure to bring smiles and holiday cheer.

Ingredients

• 1 package Golden Oreos
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• Green candy melts

Cooking Instructions

1. Crush the Golden Oreos in a bowl.
2. Mix the crushed cookies with cream cheese until smooth.
3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
4. Melt the green candy melts according to package instructions.
5. Dip each ball into the melted candy and place on parchment paper to set.

3) Mincemeat & Marzipan Couronne

The Mincemeat & Marzipan Couronne is a festive treat that combines the rich flavors of mincemeat and sweet marzipan. This unique bread resembles a crown and is perfect for your Christmas gatherings.

Making this couronne is a fun activity. You can enjoy both the process and the delicious smells that fill your kitchen. The layering of flavors makes each bite special.

This dessert is a lovely alternative to traditional Christmas cakes. It’s great for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season.

Ingredients

• 500g strong white bread flour
• 75g sugar
• 10g salt
• 10g dried yeast
• 300ml milk (warm)
• 50g unsalted butter (melted)
• 200g mincemeat
• 100g marzipan (diced)
• 1 egg (beaten for glazing)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Add warm milk and melted butter. Mix to form a dough.
3. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth.
4. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
5. Roll out the dough and spread mincemeat and marzipan evenly.
6. Roll the dough into a log and shape it into a circle.
7. Place on a baking tray and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
8. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
9. Brush with beaten egg before baking for 25-30 minutes. Enjoy!

4) Ruby’s Boozy Chai, Cherry & Chocolate Panettones

Ruby’s Boozy Chai, Cherry, and Chocolate Panettones are a festive treat perfect for your Christmas gatherings. These sweet bread loaves are filled with a mix of flavorful ingredients, making them a delightful addition to your dessert table.

The panettones are packed with liqueur-soaked cherries and rich dark chocolate. The warm spices from the chai add a cozy touch that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the fruit.

Making these panettones does take time. You will allow the dough to rise and soak, but the end result is well worth the wait.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup liqueur-soaked cherries
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 tsp chai spice blend
• 1/2 tsp salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Warm the milk and dissolve yeast in it.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add milk, butter, and eggs to the flour mixture.
4. Stir in chai spices, cherries, and chocolate.
5. Knead the dough and let it rise for 2 hours.
6. Shape into loaves and let rise again.
7. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 30 minutes.

5) Christmas Gingerbread Cake

The Christmas Gingerbread Cake is a delightful twist on a classic dessert. It has a warm, spicy flavor that fills your home with a festive aroma. This cake is perfect for holiday gatherings and can be a fun baking project for the family.

You can make it with various layers and frostings. Consider using cream cheese frosting to complement the gingerbread flavor. You might even add a touch of lemon for a festive zing.

For decoration, try using themed toppings like sugared cranberries or rosemary. They add a charming touch to your cake and make it visually appealing.

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup molasses

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar.
4. Add eggs and molasses to the butter mixture. Mix well.
5. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture.
6. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let it cool before frosting.

6) Mini Orange & Ginger Florentines

Mini Orange & Ginger Florentines are a delightful treat for the holiday season. These sweet bites combine the zest of orange with the warmth of ginger, giving you a perfect mix of flavors.

You can add various ingredients for extra texture. Consider using flaked almonds, dried fruits, or coconut for added taste. They are easy to make and look lovely on a dessert table.

These florentines are perfect for gifting or enjoying as a festive snack. Pair them with hot cocoa or tea for a cozy treat.

Ingredients

• 50g unsalted butter
• 50g caster sugar
• 50g golden syrup
• 50g plain flour
• 50g flaked almonds
• 50g candied orange peel
• 50g crystallised ginger

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt the butter, sugar, and syrup in a saucepan.
3. Stir in the flour, almonds, orange peel, and ginger.
4. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
6. Let cool before serving.

7) Jingle Bell Bites (Holiday Shortbread Cookies)

Jingle Bell Bites are delightful holiday cookies that bring festive cheer to your table. These small, buttery shortbread cookies are decorated with colorful green and red nonpareils, making them perfect for Christmas.

To make these tasty treats, you will need simple ingredients that create a rich flavor. You can whip them up quickly, making them a great choice for busy bakers during the holidays.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup nonpareils (red and green)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar together until smooth.
3. Gradually mix in the flour and salt until combined.
4. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
5. Press a few nonpareils into the top of each ball.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool and enjoy!

8) Chigs’ Black Forest Imprimé Dessert

Chigs’ Black Forest Imprimé Dessert is a stunning take on the classic Black Forest gâteau. This layered cake is not only beautiful but also adds a unique twist with its impressive design.

To make this dessert, you will need patience and skill. The layers of chocolate and cherries create a rich flavor that your guests will love. Enjoy each step as you assemble the layers and decorate your creation.

This dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions. With its eye-catching appearance and delicious taste, it will surely impress everyone at your table.

Ingredients

• Dark chocolate
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Sugar
• Heavy cream
• Cherry liqueur
• Cherries

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare your cake pans with butter and flour.
3. Melt dark chocolate and let it cool.
4. Whisk eggs and sugar until fluffy.
5. Fold in melted chocolate and flour.
6. Bake the layers for 25 minutes.
7. Cool the cakes completely.
8. Soak the layers in cherry liqueur.
9. Whip cream and layer it with cherries and cake.
10. Decorate as desired.

9) Peppermint Cheesecake Dip

Peppermint cheesecake dip is a fun and festive treat for your holiday gatherings. This dip is creamy and full of peppermint flavor, perfect for a sweet snack. You can whip it up in just a few minutes, making it a great option for last-minute dessert plans.

Serve it with cookies, graham crackers, or fresh fruit for dipping. It’s a delightful way to celebrate the season with friends and family. Plus, it looks great on a dessert table!

Ingredients

• 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 cup whipped topping
• Crushed candy canes for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar and peppermint extract, mixing well.
3. Then, fold in the whipped topping.
4. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
5. Serve with your favorite dippers. Enjoy!

10) Butter Pecan Cookies

Butter pecan cookies are a delightful treat for the holiday season. With their rich flavor from browned butter and toasted pecans, these cookies are sure to impress everyone.

You can easily make these cookies without a mixer. Just mix the ingredients by hand for a quick and fun baking experience. They come out chewy and buttery, perfect for sharing or enjoying at home.

To bake these cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You will love how the aroma fills your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, browned
• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups (312g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (120g) toasted pecans, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the butter and let it cool.
2. In a bowl, mix the browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
3. Add eggs and vanilla, and stir until combined.
4. In another bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
6. Then, fold in the toasted pecans.
7. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
9. Let them cool before serving.