24 Creative Christmas Baking Ideas That Smell Like Joy -

Introduction

Christmas baking brings warmth, comfort, and happiness to the whole house. Whether you’re making treats for a party, gifting homemade goodies, or simply filling your kitchen with cozy aromas, these festive recipes are easy, fun, and full of holiday spirit. Here are 24 delicious bakes to brighten your season.

1. Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

These cookies bring together warm spices and a soft, chewy center that everyone loves.

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
⅓ cup molasses
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking soda
1 ½ tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
½ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp cloves
½ tsp salt
½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cream butter and sugars until fluffy.
Mix in egg, molasses, and vanilla.
Whisk flour, spices, baking soda, and salt separately.
Combine wet and dry mixtures.
Chill dough 30 minutes.
Roll into balls and coat in powdered sugar.
Bake 10–12 minutes until cracks appear.

How to Serve It

Dust with extra powdered sugar and pair with warm milk or hot cocoa.

2. Peppermint Chocolate Cake Bars

A perfect mix of rich chocolate and refreshing mint.

Ingredients

1 ¼ cups flour
½ cup cocoa powder
1 cup sugar
½ cup butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla
½ cup milk
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup chocolate chips
¼ cup crushed peppermint candies

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
Whisk eggs, sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla.
Mix dry into wet and fold in chocolate chips.
Pour into greased baking dish.
Bake 20–25 minutes.
Top with peppermint while warm.

How to Serve It

Add a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra shine.

3. Cinnamon Roll Christmas Wreath

A festive twist on classic cinnamon rolls shaped into a wreath.

Ingredients

3 cups flour
¼ cup sugar
2 ¼ tsp yeast
½ tsp salt
1 cup warm milk
¼ cup melted butter
1 egg
Filling: ½ cup brown sugar + 1 tbsp cinnamon + 3 tbsp softened butter
Icing: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk

Instructions

Mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
Add milk, butter, and egg; knead 5–7 minutes.
Rise 1 hour.
Roll dough into rectangle and spread filling.
Roll into log, slice lengthwise, twist, and shape into a wreath.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes.
Drizzle icing over warm wreath.

How to Serve It

Add sugared cranberries around the wreath for a festive touch.

4. White Chocolate Raspberry Blondies

Sweet, buttery, and bursting with color.

Ingredients

1 cup butter, melted
1 ½ cups brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup white chocolate chips
½ cup raspberry jam

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Whisk butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt.
Fold in chocolate chips.
Spread batter in pan and swirl jam on top.
Bake 25–28 minutes.

How to Serve It

Cut into large squares and dust lightly with powdered sugar.

5. Almond Snowball Cookies

Tender, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth soft.

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
1 cup finely chopped almonds
¼ tsp salt
Extra powdered sugar for coating

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cream butter and sugar.
Add vanilla, flour, almonds, and salt.
Roll into small balls.
Bake 12–14 minutes.
Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar.

How to Serve It

Serve in a bowl lined with parchment for a snowy effect.

6. Brown Sugar Pecan Shortbread Bars

Sweet, nutty, and perfect with tea.

Ingredients

1 cup butter
½ cup brown sugar
2 cups flour
¼ tsp salt
Topping: 1 cup chopped pecans + ½ cup brown sugar + 3 tbsp butter + 2 tbsp milk

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
Mix butter, sugar, flour, and salt for crust.
Press into pan and bake 15 minutes.
Melt topping ingredients and pour over crust.
Bake 20 minutes.

How to Serve It

Cut into small squares for gifting.

7. Hot Cocoa Layer Cake

A rich cake that tastes like warm cocoa in dessert form.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
¾ cup cocoa powder
1 ½ cups sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
½ cup oil
1 cup hot water
Frosting: 2 cups marshmallow crème + 1 cup butter + 3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix dry ingredients.
Add eggs, milk, oil, and mix.
Stir in hot water.
Bake 30–35 minutes in two pans.
Frost with marshmallow frosting.

How to Serve It

Top with mini marshmallows.

8. Maple Walnut Oat Muffins

Perfect for a cozy winter morning.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups flour
1 cup oats
½ cup walnuts
½ cup maple syrup
½ cup milk
⅓ cup oil
1 egg
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
Mix dry ingredients.
Combine wet ingredients.
Fold together.
Bake 18–20 minutes.

How to Serve It

Add a light maple drizzle before serving.

9. Orange Cranberry Loaf

Fresh, fruity, and festive.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
½ cup oil
¾ cup milk
1 tbsp orange zest
1 cup cranberries
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp orange juice

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Combine wet ingredients and zest.
Fold in cranberries.
Bake 45–50 minutes.
Add glaze once cool.

How to Serve It

Serve sliced with more zest sprinkled on top.

10. Chocolate-Dipped Madeleines

Light, buttery, and perfect for gifting.

Ingredients

2 eggs
½ cup sugar
1 cup flour
½ cup butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup melted chocolate (for dipping)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Beat eggs and sugar until thick.
Add vanilla, flour, salt, and baking powder.
Fold in butter.
Chill batter 30 minutes.
Bake 10–12 minutes.
Dip cooled madeleines in chocolate.

How to Serve It

Add sprinkles for a festive finish.

11. Raspberry Linzer Cookies

Classic, pretty, and filled with bright fruit flavor.

Ingredients

1 cup butter
½ cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
1 cup almond flour
¼ tsp salt
½ cup raspberry jam

Instructions

Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
Cream butter and sugar.
Add egg and vanilla.
Add dry ingredients.
Roll dough and cut shapes.
Bake 10–12 minutes.
Sandwich with jam.

How to Serve It

Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

12. Spiced Molasses Cake

Deep flavor with notes of cinnamon and ginger.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 cup brown sugar
⅓ cup molasses
1 cup milk
½ cup melted butter
2 eggs
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp salt
Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk

Instructions

Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
Mix wet ingredients.
Add dry ingredients.
Pour into pan.
Bake 35–40 minutes.
Top with glaze.

How to Serve It

Best served warm with whipped cream.

13. Pistachio Cranberry Biscotti

Crunchy, colorful, and perfect for dipping.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup pistachios
½ cup dried cranberries

Instructions

Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
Mix dry ingredients.
Add eggs and vanilla.
Fold in nuts and cranberries.
Shape log and bake 25 minutes.
Slice and bake 10 more minutes.

How to Serve It

Dip one end in chocolate for extra flair.

14. Christmas Sugar Cookie Cutouts

Fun, festive, and great for holiday decorating.

Ingredients

2 ½ cups flour
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
½ tsp almond extract
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
Icing: powdered sugar + milk

Instructions

Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
Cream butter and sugar.
Add egg and extracts.
Mix in dry ingredients.
Chill dough 1 hour.
Roll, cut, and bake 8–10 minutes.

How to Serve It

Set up a decorating station for kids.

15. Cranberry Orange Scones

Bright citrus flavor with festive berry pops.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
⅓ cup sugar
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup butter
1 egg
½ cup cream
1 cup cranberries
1 tbsp orange zest

Instructions

Preheat to 400°F (200°C).
Mix dry ingredients.
Cut in butter.
Add egg, cream, zest, berries.
Form disc, cut wedges.
Bake 15–18 minutes.

How to Serve It

Add citrus glaze when warm.

16. Chocolate Peppermint Whoopie Pies

Soft, sweet, and full of holiday flavor.

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups flour
½ cup cocoa
1 cup sugar
1 egg
½ cup oil
1 cup milk
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
Filling: 1 cup marshmallow crème + ½ cup butter + 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
Combine dry ingredients.
Mix wet ingredients.
Combine and pipe rounds.
Bake 10–12 minutes.
Fill with peppermint crème.

How to Serve It

Roll edges in crushed peppermint.

17. Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

Soft, buttery bars with classic cinnamon sugar flavor.

Ingredients

2 ½ cups flour
1 cup butter
1 ½ cups sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp cinnamon + ¼ cup sugar (topping)

Instructions

Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
Cream butter and sugar.
Add eggs and vanilla.
Mix in dry ingredients.
Spread batter and top with cinnamon sugar.
Bake 25 minutes.

How to Serve It

Serve warm for the softest texture.

18. Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

A cozy blend of apples, spices, and crunchy topping.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 ½ cups oats
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter
3 apples, diced
½ cup caramel sauce
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Cut in butter.
Press half mixture into pan.
Layer apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Add caramel and top with remaining crumble.
Bake 35–40 minutes.

How to Serve It

Serve with vanilla ice cream.

19. Chocolate Hazelnut Swirl Bread

A gorgeous loaf with ribbons of chocolate.

Ingredients

3 cups flour
¼ cup sugar
1 cup warm milk
2 ¼ tsp yeast
1 egg
¼ cup butter
½ tsp salt
¾ cup chocolate hazelnut spread

Instructions

Mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
Add milk, egg, butter; knead.
Rise 1 hour.
Roll dough, spread chocolate, roll into log.
Slice lengthwise and twist.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes.

How to Serve It

Glaze lightly with warm honey.

20. Christmas M&M Cookie Bars

Colorful and perfect for a holiday cookie box.

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups flour
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup M&Ms
1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
Cream butter and sugars.
Add eggs and vanilla.
Mix dry ingredients.
Fold in candies and chips.
Bake 25–28 minutes.

How to Serve It

Cut while warm for soft centers.

21. Spiced Apple Bundt Cake

Moist, aromatic, and beautiful on any holiday table.

Ingredients

2 ½ cups flour
1 ½ cups sugar
1 cup oil
3 eggs
2 cups diced apples
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
Mix dry ingredients.
Combine wet ingredients.
Fold in apples.
Bake 45–50 minutes.

How to Serve It

Dust with powdered sugar.

22. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Soft, vibrant, and festive.

Ingredients

1 box red velvet cake mix
2 eggs
⅓ cup oil
½ cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
Mix cake mix, eggs, and oil.
Roll in powdered sugar.
Bake 10–12 minutes.

How to Serve It

Serve with milk for a classic combo.

23. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

A cozy favorite for Christmas mornings.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 eggs
½ cup oil
3 ripe bananas
1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
Mash bananas.
Mix wet ingredients.
Add dry ingredients.
Fold in chocolate chips.
Bake 50–55 minutes.

How to Serve It

Toast slices and spread with butter.

24. Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies

Chewy, sweet, and packed with holiday flavor.

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups flour
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup dried cranberries

Instructions

Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
Cream butter and sugars.
Add eggs and vanilla.
Mix in dry ingredients.
Fold in cranberries and chocolate.
Bake 10–12 minutes.

How to Serve It

Stack in holiday tins for gifting.

Conclusion

These festive bakes bring warmth and happiness to any Christmas gathering. Choose a few favorites, try something new, or share them with friends and family. Save this list for later so you can fill your kitchen with sweet aromas all season long.

Riley Carson