Bake the Halls: 50 Festive Treats to Make Your Holidays Merry

The smell of butter, sugar, and warm spices drifting through the house is half the fun of the holidays. Whether you like rolling out cookies with the kids, tinkering with candy thermometers, or tackling an impressive bread project, there’s a recipe here to keep the oven busy. Pull out the mixing bowls, queue up your favorite carols, and try one—or fifty—of these festive bakes.

1. Classic Gingerbread Men

This molasses-rich dough is spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves for an unmistakable Christmas aroma. Chill the dough so the shapes stay crisp, then decorate with royal icing once they’re cool. They double as edible tree ornaments if you punch a hole near the top before baking.

2. Peppermint Bark Brownies

Fudgy brownies meet peppermint bark for a two-in-one treat that satisfies chocolate lovers and mint fans alike. Swirl melted white chocolate over the cooled brownies and sprinkle crushed candy canes for sparkle. The bars slice cleanly once fully set in the fridge.

3. Cranberry-Orange Scones

Tart dried cranberries and fresh orange zest brighten these buttery scones. A quick orange juice glaze adds shine and extra citrus punch. Serve warm with honey butter for Christmas morning brunch.

4. German Stollen

Stollen is a yeast bread filled with rum-soaked fruit, toasted almonds, and a strip of marzipan down the center. Brushing the hot loaf with melted butter and coating it in powdered sugar keeps it tender for days. Wrap well, and flavors deepen as it rests.

5. Eggnog Pound Cake

Rich eggnog replaces part of the dairy in this dense, buttery cake and adds hints of nutmeg and vanilla. Bake in a bundt pan for easy slicing and an attractive shape. A simple eggnog glaze gives extra holiday flair.

6. Snickerdoodle Snowballs

Think Mexican wedding cookies with a snickerdoodle twist—soft, buttery, and rolled in cinnamon sugar instead of plain confectioners’. They’re quick to mix and bake, making them ideal for last-minute cookie trays. Store in an airtight tin to keep them tender.

7. Chocolate Peppermint Swiss Roll

A thin cocoa sponge is rolled around fluffy peppermint-infused whipped cream for a snow-white swirl. Dust the finished roll with cocoa powder or ganache for drama. Chill it well so slices hold their shape.

8. Linzer Raspberry Cookies

Ground almonds in the dough add a delicate nuttiness, while warm spices lend holiday vibes. Sandwich two cookies with raspberry jam so it peeks through the cut-out window. They’re as pretty as stained glass on a cookie platter.

9. Panettone Muffins

All the flavor of Italian panettone without the long rise. Orange zest, golden raisins, and candied peel speckle these fluffy muffins. Serve warm with a pat of butter and a cappuccino.

10. Spiced Molasses Bundt Cake

Deep molasses flavor pairs with ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper for a cozy crumb. The Bundt pan creates dramatic ridges that catch a simple vanilla glaze. It stays moist for several days—perfect for holiday guests.

11. Cherry Pistachio Biscotti

These colorful biscotti look like Christmas confetti. Dried tart cherries add chewiness while pistachios provide crunch. Dip one end in white chocolate for extra indulgence.

12. Sugar Cookie Cutouts with Royal Icing

A neutral vanilla dough holds its shape, making it perfect for intricate cutters. Once baked, outline and flood with royal icing, then add sanding sugar or sprinkles while wet. Let them dry overnight before stacking or packaging.

13. Sticky Toffee Pudding

Dates give this British classic its signature moist texture and caramel undertone. After baking, pour hot toffee sauce over each pudding so it soaks in. Serve slightly warm with ice cream for contrast.

14. Maple Pecan Rugelach

Flaky cream-cheese dough wraps around a filling of toasted pecans, maple syrup, and brown sugar. Roll the dough into a circle, cut into wedges, then roll up toward the point. A final brush of maple syrup before baking adds shine and flavor.

15. Chocolate Hazelnut Yule Log

The classic Bûche de Noël gets nutty with a chocolate-hazelnut buttercream filling. A quick fork drag across the ganache creates realistic bark. Add meringue mushrooms for an optional woodland touch.

16. Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies

Brown sugar gives these bars a caramel base, while tart cranberries cut the sweetness. White chocolate chips melt into creamy pockets throughout. They’re sturdy enough for cookie-swap mailing.

17. Cinnamon Star Bread

Layers of enriched dough are spread with cinnamon butter, stacked, then twisted into a show-stopping star. The shape looks intricate but is surprisingly simple once you master the twists. Tear and share straight from the oven.

18. Cardamom Almond Kringla

Soft and slightly sweet, these Norwegian pastries get their aroma from ground cardamom. A quick dip in baking soda water before baking creates a thin, chewy crust. Enjoy with coffee for an afternoon fika.

19. Brown Butter Shortbread Bars

Browning the butter adds a toasty richness to classic shortbread. Press the dough into a pan, dock with a fork, and bake until lightly golden. Cut while warm for clean edges.

20. Irish Cream Cheesecake Bars

A splash of Irish cream liqueur flavors both the creamy filling and the chocolate swirl on top. Use a chocolate cookie crust to echo the drink’s cocoa notes. Chill overnight for easiest slicing.

21. Snowflake Meringues

Whipped egg whites and sugar bake into airy, melt-in-your-mouth treats. Pipe different sizes and dust with edible silver glitter for sparkle. Store in a dry tin to keep them crisp.

22. Salted Caramel Thumbprint Cookies

A buttery base cradles spoonfuls of homemade or jarred caramel sauce. A pinch of sea salt balances the sweetness and adds crunch. Let the caramel set before stacking.

23. Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Molasses and spices make these cupcakes taste like miniature cakes of gingerbread. Tangy cream cheese frosting offers a fluffy contrast. Garnish with candied ginger for extra zing.

24. Pistachio Rosewater Madeleines

A hint of rosewater lends floral notes to the light sponge, while ground pistachios add color and flavor. Bake until the signature hump appears in the middle. Best enjoyed the same day they’re baked.

25. Chocolate Orange Babka

Sweet yeast dough is rolled with cocoa, orange zest, and dark chocolate for a fragrant twist on traditional babka. A quick sugar syrup keeps the loaf moist and shiny. Toast leftovers for an indulgent breakfast.

26. Cranberry Pistachio Snowball Fudge

This no-bake recipe comes together in minutes with sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate chips. Cranberries and pistachios provide Christmas colors and texture. Cut into small squares—richness goes a long way.

27. Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes

Espresso powder deepens the chocolate batter, echoing your favorite coffeehouse drink. Top with peppermint-flecked buttercream for a refreshing crunch. They pair perfectly with a mug of actual peppermint mocha.

28. Pecan Pie Bars

All the flavor of pecan pie without the fuss of rolling pastry. A shortbread crust supports a buttery pecan filling that bakes up chewy and rich. Cool completely before slicing for clean edges.

29. Lemon Rosemary Shortbread

Bright lemon zest and earthy rosemary create a surprisingly refreshing cookie. The dough freezes well, so you can slice and bake on demand. Dip one edge in white chocolate for extra elegance.

30. Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts

Reduced apple cider concentrates flavor in the batter, while baking instead of frying keeps things simple. Roll the warm doughnuts in cinnamon sugar for a crunchy coating. They taste like a trip to the orchard in December.

31. Coconut Rum Snowballs

Crushed vanilla wafers, condensed milk, and a splash of dark rum come together for a no-bake bite. Roll each ball in shredded coconut to resemble tiny snowballs. Chill to firm before serving.

32. Vanilla Bean Pizzelles

Using real vanilla bean seeds elevates these delicate Italian waffle cookies. A pizzelle iron presses the batter into intricate snowflake patterns. Enjoy them plain, or sandwich with Nutella for a quick dessert.

33. Chocolate Cherry Rugelach

Bittersweet chocolate chips and finely chopped dried cherries create a sweet-tart combination. The cream-cheese dough is forgiving and rolls beautifully. Sprinkle turbinado sugar on top for crunch.

34. Marzipan Stollen Bites

All the classic elements of stollen packed into portable morsels. Small pieces bake faster and make perfect party nibbles. Dust with powdered sugar once cool for a snowy look.

35. Chai-Spiced Snickerdoodles

Cinnamon meets cardamom, ginger, and cloves for a cookie that tastes like your favorite latte. Cream of tartar keeps the centers soft and chewy. They’ll fill the kitchen with warm spice scent.

36. Almond Cranberry Granola Clusters

Honey binds hearty oats, almonds, and seasonal spices into chunky clusters perfect for gifting. Bake low and slow, then break into bite-size pieces. Tie a ribbon around a jar for an edible stocking stuffer.

37. Honey Ginger Lebkuchen

German spice cookies sweetened with honey stay soft thanks to ground almonds. A quick sugar glaze locks in moisture and gives a glossy finish. The flavor improves after a day or two, so bake ahead.

38. Rum Raisin Bread Pudding

Leftover brioche or challah soaks up a custard spiked with dark rum and plump raisins. Bake until puffed and set around the edges but still soft inside. Serve warm with extra rum sauce for adults.

39. White Chocolate Cranberry Bread Twists

Enriched dough strands are filled with tart cranberries and creamy white chocolate before being braided. As they bake, chocolate melts into sweet pockets. Brush with melted butter and dust with sugar while warm.

40. Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Rolling the dough in powdered sugar creates dramatic snow-like cracks as the cookies spread. A few drops of peppermint extract give a cool finish. They’re naturally gluten-free when made with almond flour.

41. Maple-Glazed Butter Tarts

This Canadian classic gets a holiday twist with pure maple syrup enriching the filling. Flaky pastry shells hold a chewy, caramel-like center dotted with raisins or pecans. A warm maple glaze heightens the aroma.

42. Saffron Lussekatter

Traditionally baked for St. Lucia Day, these Swedish buns glow yellow from saffron threads. The soft, lightly sweet dough develops a delicate floral flavor. Enjoy with coffee or glögg.

43. Brown Sugar Bourbon Bread

Brown sugar and a splash of bourbon create a moist, aromatic loaf. Pecans provide crunch and complement the caramel notes. Wrap tightly; the flavors deepen overnight.

44. Cranberry Orange Upside-Down Cake

Fresh cranberries and orange wheels form a jewel-toned topping once flipped. A hint of cornmeal in the batter adds texture. Serve wedges slightly warm with whipped cream.

45. Speculoos Cookie Butter Bars

Crushed spiced cookies form a buttery base that supports a silky cookie-butter filling. A thin layer of chocolate seals everything together. Chill until firm, then cut into small squares.

46. Chocolate-Dipped Orange Peel Biscotti

Candied orange zest infuses the dough and decorates the chocolate dip. Double baking keeps the cookies crunchy and coffee-ready. Let the chocolate set completely before storing.

47. Cinnamon Sugar Palmiers

Store-bought puff pastry turns into elegant, flaky cookies with minimal effort. Generous cinnamon sugar caramelizes as the layers puff. Best enjoyed the day they’re baked for maximum crispness.

48. Nutella-Stuffed Snowflake Bread

A showpiece loaf formed by layering dough circles with hazelnut spread, then cutting and twisting into a snowflake. The result is both eye-catching and delicious. Serve warm so the filling stays gooey.

49. Salted Toffee Pretzel Bark

Melted chocolate is poured over a sheet of salted pretzels and sprinkled with buttery toffee pieces. Once set, break into irregular shards for easy munching. It stores well, making it perfect for gift tins.

50. Classic Mince Pies

Sweet shortcrust pastry encases spiced fruit mincemeat rich with apples, raisins, and citrus peel. Bake until bubbly and golden, then cool slightly before dusting with sugar. Serve warm with brandy butter or custard.