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    Festive Christmas Desserts (That Aren’t Cookies!)

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    Burnt out on Christmas cookies? This list of 20+ cookie-free Christmas desserts will satisfy your festive sweet tooth–no rolling pin or cookie cutters required!

    Christmas Desserts Collage that includes gingerbread cake, peppermint cheesecake, bread pudding, star bread and peppermint marshmallows

    Cookie-Free Christmas Desserts

    I don’t know about you, but by the time Christmas rolls around, I’m eager to dig into Christmas desserts of the non-cookie variety. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE Christmas cookies, but after weeks of prepping (and eating) cookie dough and freezing, eating, and gifting cookies (and cookie mix!), I’m ready for something a bit different.

    If you can’t ever get enough cookies, check out my 12 days of cookies email series. Everyone else, let’s dig into these Christmas desserts of the cake, candy, and bread variety!

    If I had to pick a favorite item from this list, it would have to be my gingerbread layer cake. I love this cake not just because gingerbread cookies are my favorite Christmas cookies, but because it is just SO festive and cozy. If gingerbread isn’t your thing, don’t worry–I have plenty of peppermint, chocolate, and cranberry themed Christmas desserts too!

    1. Gingerbread Cake

    Transform one of the most classic Christmas desserts into a gorgeous layer cake! This would make the perfect Christmas birthday cake, especially when topped with sugared cranberries!

    Slice of gingerbread layer cake topped with cream cheese frosting and sugared cranberries.
    Gingerbread Layer Cake
    So festive and cozy, this gingerbread layer cake combines soft, spiced cake with a brown sugar cream cheese frosting.
    GINGERBREAD CAKE RECIPE

    2. Peppermint Cheesecake

    Smooth and creamy cheesecake meets dark and white chocolate, crunchy peppermint pieces, and a crisp Oreo crust in this festive cheesecake recipe.

    Overhead view of a peppermint bark cheesecake topped with chocolate ganache, whipped cream, and crushed peppermint candy.
    Peppermint Bark Cheesecake
    No water bath needed! This easy cheesecake is a show-stopping Christmas dessert with *just* the right amount of peppermint flavor.
    PEPPERMINT BARK CHEESECAKE RECIPE

    3. Bread Pudding

    One of the most traditional Christmas desserts, this incredible bread pudding recipe will have everyone going back for seconds.

    Overhead view of a bread pudding in a white casserole dish.
    Bread Pudding
    Customize your bread pudding with dried fruit, chocolate, or nuts, or keep it simple and serve with the irresistible butter sauce. Either way, it will be a crowd favorite!
    BREAD PUDDING RECIPE

    4. Cranberry Cake

    Tart cranberries are the perfect match for this soft, sweet, and lightly sugared cake.

    Square slice of cranberry cake with fresh cranberries in the foreground.
    Cranberry Cake
    Plush and moist sugared cranberry cake is a fast and easy Christmas dessert. It takes just 15 minutes to prep and can be served right from the pan!
    CRANBERRY CAKE RECIPE

    5. Saltine Cracker Candy

    Another classic Christmas dessert, my saltine cracker candy is incredibly easy to make (and a great last-minute option too!).

    Saltine Cracker Candy
    Saltine Cracker Candy
    Buttery, salty, and sweet Saltine cracker candy can be prepped in less than 15 minutes with just five simple ingredients!
    SALTINE CRACKER CANDY RECIPE

    6. Gingerbread

    This traditional gingerbread tastes amazing on its own, but is even better with a spoonful of warm lemon curd and a dollop of whipped cream.

    square slice of gingerbread topped with dollop of whipped cream
    Gingerbread
    Guests will be eager to dive into this timeless Christmas dessert! My version is incredibly moist and flavorful.
    GINGERBREAD RECIPE

    7. Peppermint Cake

    A stunning Christmas dessert option, this cake is perfect for feeding a crowd. If you like this recipe, also try my mint chocolate cake!

    Peppermint bark cake decorated with chocolate ganache drip, white chocolate buttercream swirls, and crushed candy canes.
    Peppermint Bark Cake
    Moist dark chocolate cake layers pair so nicely with white chocolate peppermint frosting in this festive Christmas cake recipe. Makes a perfect Christmas birthday cake!
    PEPPERMINT BARK CAKE RECIPE

    8. Toffee

    Toffee is surprisingly easy to make at home, as long as you follow my carefully-tested recipe!

    Toffee pieces
    Toffee Recipe
    You can make buttery, crunchy homemade toffee in just 15 minutes! This recipe requires a candy thermometer for the best results.
    HOMEMADE TOFFEE RECIPE

    9. Star Bread

    Perfect served among Christmas desserts or for breakfast, star bread is a stunning (and surprisingly straightforward) treat.

    Star bread on parchment paper
    Star Bread
    Star bread deserves a spot on your Christmas dessert or brunch table! It's sweet and festive without being too rich.
    STAR BREAD RECIPE

    10. Chocolate Covered Pretzels

    We love these anytime of year, but especially at Christmas with some crushed candy canes on top. Yum!

    Close up view of chocolate covered pretzels.
    Chocolate Covered Pretzels
    Crunchy chocolate covered pretzels are a welcomed salty sweet treat during Christmas cookie season. My recipe is easily customizable and makes a lovely homemade gift too!
    CHOCOLATE COVERED PRETZELS RECIPE

    11. Peppermint Bark

    Another classic Christmas dessert! Skip the store-bought version and make your own this year.

    Peppermint Bark pieces in container
    Easy Peppermint Bark
    One of the easiest homemade gifts, this is a classic Christmas dessert. It has a long shelf life, incredible flavor, and is completely customizable!
    PEPPERMINT BARK RECIPE

    12. Gingerbread Cupcakes

    The handheld version of my gingerbread cake (listed above), these gingerbread cupcakes are fast and simple to make.

    Gingerbread cupcake topped with a brown sugar cream cheese frosting and cinnamon sticks.
    Gingerbread Cupcakes
    My moist and fluffy gingerbread cupcakes are quick (less than an hour) and have beautiful domed tops. Recipe includes a cinnamon and brown sugar frosting!
    GINGERBREAD CUPCAKES RECIPE

    13. Hot Chocolate Fudge

    How cute is this fudge? It’s so smooth and creamy, and there’s absolutely no candy thermometer needed to make it!

    Hot Chocolate Fudge
    Made with real hot chocolate and adorable mini marshmallows, this smooth and creamy fudge will be a hit on your Christmas dessert table!
    HOT CHOCOLATE FUDGE RECIPE

    14. Peppermint Marshmallows

    Swirled peppermint marshmallows are perfect for snacking or topping a mug of hot chocolate ❤️

    Overhead of a pile of red-swirled peppermint marshmallows on marble
    Peppermint Marshmallows
    Peppermint marshmallows are one of our favorite seasonal candies! Add them to a hot cocoa bar or wrap them up in cellophane for a homemade gift.
    PEPPERMINT MARSHMALLOWS RECIPE

    I know, I promised no cookies in this list of Christmas desserts–but technically these are cookie bars. They are buttery, chewy, and so fun!

    Gingerbread bar on marble surface
    Gingerbread Cookie Bars
    The beauty of making cookie bars is that there's no rolling or chilling required! My version is topped with a piped cream cheese frosting for a festive flair.
    GINGERBREAD COOKIE BARS RECIPE

    16. Peppermint Fudge

    One of my favorite edible Christmas gifts! This fudge is so easy to make and has the perfect creamy consistency.

    Peppermint Bark Fudge
    No condensed milk or candy thermometer needed! This easy recipe takes just 15 minutes to prep on the stovetop.
    PEPPERMINT BARK FUDGE RECIPE

    17. Cranberry Bundt Cake

    Pops of tart cranberries punctuate soft, moist cake topped with a smooth white chocolate glaze.

    Cranberry Bundt Cake with White Chocolate Glaze
    Cranberry bundt cake is a nice alternative to all the peppermint and spiced desserts. Don't forget the white chocolate ganache glaze!
    CRANBERRY BUNDT CAKE RECIPE

    18. Peppermint Oreo Truffles

    This festive twist on traditional Oreo balls is incredibly easy to make. They make the perfect last-minute dessert!

    Peppermint oreo truffles on plate
    Peppermint Oreo Truffles
    You are just four ingredients and 30 minutes away from a festive and tasty Christmas dessert!
    PEPPERMINT OREO TRUFFLES RECIPE

    19. Rocky Road Peanut Clusters

    Also known as crockpot candy, this incredibly easy candy recipe is one of my favorite Christmas desserts!

    Crockpot Candy with sprinkles
    Rocky Road Peanut Clusters (Crockpot Candy)
    Peanuts, chocolate, marshmallows, and festive sprinkles make up this incredibly easy crockpot candy.
    CROCKPOT CANDY RECIPE

    20. Peppermint Whoopie Pies

    A festive twist on classic whoopie pies! It’s hard to eat just one of these adorable Christmas desserts.

    peppermint bark whoopie pies drizzled with chocolate and topped with crushed candy canes on gold metal cooling rack
    Peppermint Bark Whoopie Pies
    Ready in less than an hour! Mint chocolate lovers will devour these soft, cake-like treats.
    PEPPERMINT BARK WHOOPIE PIES RECIPE

    21. Gingerbread Fudge

    No candy thermometer needed! This fudge has all the flavor of gingerbread with just a few simple ingredients.

    Gingerbread Spiced Fudge
    Made with molasses and plenty of spice, this gingerbread fudge will be a new holiday favorite!
    GINGERBREAD FUDGE RECIPE

    22. Hot Chocolate Cake

    This cake combines all of the elements of a mug of hot cocoa into a decadent layer cake.

    Hot Chocolate Cake
    This cake is made with real hot chocolate, a cocoa frosting, and marshmallow buttercream. It's such a cozy cake, especially for a snow day!
    HOT CHOCOLATE CAKE RECIPE
    Three layer gingerbread cake decorated with cream cheese frosting and sugared cranberries.

    Did I miss anything? I’d love to hear what kind of Christmas desserts make their way to your family’s dessert table every year!

    Enjoy!

    If you try any of these recipes, be sure to tag me on Instagram, and you can also find me on YouTube and Facebook

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