10 Easy Christmas Baking Recipes to Try This Holiday Season

Hey there, fellow baking enthusiast! Picture this: snow falling outside, your kitchen smelling like cinnamon and vanilla, and a batch of warm treats fresh from the oven. If you’re like me, the holidays mean cranking up the festive tunes and whipping up goodies that make everyone smile. These 10 easy Christmas baking recipes hit that sweet spot—simple enough for a hectic schedule, yet impressive enough to wow your crew. Who wouldn’t want to bake up some magic without breaking a sweat? Grab your apron, and let’s turn your holiday season into a delicious adventure.

I remember last Christmas when I tried juggling fancy desserts and nearly burned the house down. Lesson learned: keep it easy. These picks use basic ingredients you probably already have, and they come together fast. Think cookies that vanish in minutes or bars that scream “holiday cheer.” Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something cozy, these recipes deliver big on flavor with zero fuss. Ready to bake like a pro? Let’s jump in.

1. Classic Gingerbread Cookies

Kick off your baking spree with these spicy little guys—they’re the ultimate Christmas staple. Soft, chewy, and packed with that warm ginger kick, they make decorating a family affair without any drama.

Ingredients

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a bowl—set it aside.
3. Beat butter and brown sugar until creamy, then add molasses, egg, and vanilla.
4. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thick, cut into shapes, and bake for 8-10 minutes.
6. Cool on a wire rack, then frost or decorate as you like.

Why You’ll Love It

These cookies taste like a hug from Santa himself—spicy yet sweet, with edges that crisp just right. I once added extra ginger for a bolder bite, and my friends raved about the “kick” that cut through all the holiday sweets. Perfect for gifting, they stay fresh for days, making your life easier during the chaos.

2. Peppermint Bark Bites

Craving something no-bake but still festive? These bites layer chocolate and peppermint for a cool, crunchy treat that feels fancy but takes zero effort. Seriously, who has time for complicated when this delivers holiday vibes in under 30 minutes?

Ingredients

• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 12 ounces white chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
• A pinch of sea salt (optional, but trust me—it elevates everything)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt semi-sweet chocolate in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth.
3. Spread it evenly on the sheet and let it set for 10 minutes.
4. Melt white chocolate the same way, stir in peppermint extract, and pour over the dark layer.
5. Sprinkle crushed candy canes and salt on top immediately.
6. Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes, then break into pieces.

Why You’ll Love It

The contrast of creamy chocolate and minty crunch screams Christmas without overwhelming your taste buds. Last year, I swapped half the white chocolate for dark—big mistake, it turned too bitter. Stick to the basics here, and you’ll have a crowd-pleaser that’s addictive. FYI, these make killer stocking stuffers 🙂

3. Festive Sugar Cookies

Roll out these buttery beauties and let your creativity shine with icing and sprinkles. They’re soft inside, crisp outside, and way easier than they look—ideal for involving the kids without a meltdown.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Royal icing and sprinkles for decorating

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and prep baking sheets.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together.
3. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then beat in eggs and vanilla.
4. Mix in dry ingredients gradually to form dough.
5. Roll out, cut shapes, and bake for 8-10 minutes until edges golden.
6. Cool completely before icing.

Why You’ll Love It

These cookies hold their shape like champs, making them perfect for tree ornaments or gifts. I tried almond extract once instead of vanilla—total game-changer for a nutty twist. They bake up quick, so you spend less time stressing and more time enjoying the holidays.

4. Jam-Filled Thumbprint Cookies

Thumbprints bring that homemade charm with a fruity center that pops against buttery dough. Easy to customize, they’re a sneaky way to use up leftover jam and impress without trying too hard.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup raspberry or strawberry jam

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat to 350°F, line sheets.
2. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Beat butter and sugars until light, add egg and vanilla.
4. Stir in flour mix to make dough.
5. Roll into balls, press thumbs in centers, fill with jam.
6. Bake 12-15 minutes until set.

Why You’ll Love It

The jam adds a tart surprise that balances the sweetness—think holiday confetti in every bite. I once used apricot jam, and it was meh; stick to berry for that festive red hue. These store well, so bake a batch early and pat yourself on the back.

5. Easy Chocolate Fudge

Melt, mix, and chill—that’s it for this rich, velvety fudge. Add nuts or sprinkles for a Christmas spin, and watch it disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please.”

Ingredients

• 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• Holiday sprinkles for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Line an 8×8 pan with foil and grease it.
2. Combine chocolate, milk, and butter in a saucepan over low heat.
3. Stir until melted and smooth.
4. Remove from heat, add vanilla and nuts.
5. Pour into pan, top with sprinkles.
6. Chill for 2 hours, then cut into squares.

Why You’ll Love It

This fudge melts in your mouth with zero baking drama—perfect for last-minute gifts. I added peppermint once, and it was overkill; keep it classic for pure chocolate bliss. IMO, it’s the easiest way to feel like a baking wizard.

6. Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread

Swirls of cinnamon sugar in a tender loaf make this bread a breakfast hero or afternoon snack. It bakes up moist and aromatic, filling your home with that irresistible holiday scent.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup brown sugar + 2 teaspoons cinnamon for swirl

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F, grease a loaf pan.
2. Mix flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. Whisk buttermilk, egg, oil, and vanilla; combine with dry.
4. Pour half batter into pan, sprinkle brown sugar-cinnamon mix.
5. Top with remaining batter, swirl with a knife.
6. Bake 45-50 minutes until toothpick clean.

Why You’ll Love It

The swirl creates pockets of gooey goodness that make every slice exciting. I skipped the buttermilk once and used milk—turned out dry, so don’t skimp. Slice it warm with butter, and you’ve got instant holiday comfort.

7. Snowball Cookies (Mexican Wedding Cookies)

These powdery orbs roll in sugar for a snowy look, hiding a nutty, buttery center. Quick to mix and bake, they’re a subtle nod to winter without the over-the-top flair.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat to 400°F, line sheets.
2. Beat butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creamy.
3. Mix in flour and salt, then stir in pecans.
4. Roll into 1-inch balls.
5. Bake 10-12 minutes until set but not browned.
6. Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar, cool, roll again.

Why You’ll Love It

They crumble delightfully with a nutty crunch that feels elegant yet homey. I tried almonds instead of pecans—too mild; pecans bring the depth. These sneak up on you as addictive, perfect for cookie swaps.

8. Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars

Tart cranberries meet zesty orange in a buttery shortbread base. Layer it up for bars that cut easily and look stunning on a platter—holiday baking made effortless.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice
• 3/4 cup sugar for filling
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Zest of 1 orange

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat to 375°F, grease 9×13 pan.
2. Mix flour and sugar, cut in butter until crumbly.
3. Press into pan, bake 15 minutes.
4. Simmer cranberries, orange juice, sugar, cornstarch, and zest until thick.
5. Pour over crust, bake 20-25 more minutes.
6. Cool, cut into bars.

Why You’ll Love It

The citrus cuts the tartness for a refreshing twist amid heavy holiday eats. I overcooked the filling once—turned jammy but still tasty. These bars travel well, so take them to parties and bask in the compliments :/

9. Eggnog Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Infuse cupcakes with eggnog for a boozy (or not) treat topped with tangy frosting. They bake light and fluffy, capturing that creamy holiday drink in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup eggnog
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Frosting: 8 oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 cup eggnog

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat to 350°F, line muffin tin.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, nutmeg, salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar, add eggs one by one.
4. Alternate adding dry mix and eggnog/vanilla.
5. Fill cups 2/3 full, bake 18-20 minutes.
6. Beat frosting ingredients, pipe on cooled cupcakes.

Why You’ll Love It

The nutmeg spice warms you up like a fireside chat. I added rum extract once—elevated it to adult-only status. These cupcakes moisten over time, making them ideal for make-ahead magic.

10. Simple Yule Log (Buche de Noel)

Roll up a chocolate sponge with cream filling for a showstopper that’s surprisingly straightforward. Dust with powdered sugar for “snow,” and you’ve nailed French holiday tradition on easy mode.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs, separated
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup heavy cream for filling
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Chocolate ganache for frosting

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat to 375°F, line jelly roll pan with parchment.
2. Beat egg yolks with 1/2 cup sugar until thick.
3. Sift cocoa, flour, baking powder, salt; fold in.
4. Whip whites with remaining sugar to stiff peaks, fold into batter.
5. Spread in pan, bake 12-15 minutes.
6. Roll in towel to cool, unroll, fill with whipped cream, reroll. Frost with ganache.

Why You’ll Love It

It looks pro but assembles like a dream—impress without the sweat. I skipped the ganache once for buttercream—too sweet; chocolate balances it perfectly. Slice it up for a dramatic reveal that ends your baking list on a high note.