Your Essential Holiday Baking List: Delicious Treats & Festive Delights

The most wonderful time of the year has officially arrived, bringing with it a whirlwind of festivities, heartwarming gatherings, and of course, the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goods. This year, the holidays seem to have snuck up on us faster than ever, and I’m thrilled to finally share my ultimate holiday baking list with you! While some of my grander cookie ambitions might have taken a backseat amidst the rush – perhaps a good excuse to revisit them in January – this collection represents a true celebration of comforting flavors and cherished family traditions. Instead of elaborate projects, my kitchen has been filled with the warmth of slow cooker vegetable soup, the enticing scent of all things chocolate and orange, and the simple joy of comforting pasta dishes. But fear not, the holiday spirit has undeniably infused our baking, and this list is packed with tried-and-true favorites.

As I prepare to head home to Washington, D.C., to spend a magical week with my beloved parents, sisters, brother-in-laws, and our extended family, my heart is already brimming with anticipation. I cannot wait to embrace this much-needed break from the everyday hustle. I’m especially looking forward to celebrating my nephew Arthur’s first Christmas, creating unforgettable memories, and taking a much-deserved pause from the computer screen. This festive interlude is also a perfect time to recharge and gear up for an exciting 2016 (and hopefully, a mild first winter in Chicago!).

In the coming weeks, stay tuned for some exciting announcements – I know, I can be a bit vague sometimes! But in the meantime, my sincerest wish is that you enjoy a truly wonderful holiday week, surrounded by friends and family, making your own sweet memories. As always, thank you for being here, for your continuous support, and for sharing in this beautiful journey. Your presence means the world!

Whether you’re hosting a festive brunch, bringing a dessert to a potluck, or simply looking for a sweet escape for a cozy evening, this collection of my all-time favorite cookie and dessert recipes, gathered over the years, is here to inspire your last-minute holiday baking. Get ready to fill your home with irresistible aromas and delightful flavors!

BREAKFAST & BRUNCH DELIGHTS: Start Your Holiday Right

The holidays are a perfect excuse for leisurely mornings filled with delicious aromas and comforting flavors. These breakfast and brunch recipes are designed to make your festive mornings extra special, whether you prefer sweet or savory, quick or a little more indulgent. Perfect for a Christmas morning feast or a relaxed Boxing Day brunch.

• No-Yeast Cinnamon Rolls – A true lifesaver for busy holiday mornings! These incredibly fast and easy cinnamon rolls skip the rising time, allowing you to enjoy warm, gooey, spiced treats in a fraction of the usual effort. A classic comfort with a modern, time-saving twist.
• Everything Bagel Cheese Twists – Inspired by the beloved flavors of the ultimate everything bagel, these savory cheese twists are a delightful and unique addition to any holiday brunch spread. They’re wonderfully flaky, cheesy, and packed with that iconic “everything” seasoning.
• Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Tart – Elegant and flavorful, this savory egg-based quiche features creamy, tangy goat cheese perfectly complemented by sweet roasted red peppers. It’s a beautiful dish that tastes as impressive as it looks, ideal for a more sophisticated brunch.
• Baked Pumpkin Streusel Doughnuts – For a quick and festive sweet treat, these baked pumpkin doughnuts come together incredibly fast. Topped with a delightful streusel, they offer a hint of autumn warmth perfect for the chilliest winter mornings.
• Panettone French Toast with Cranberry Compote – Elevate your French toast game with leftover Panettone! This recipe transforms the classic Italian sweet bread into an extraordinary French toast, beautifully topped with a vibrant cranberry compote. It’s a wonderful way to use holiday leftovers creatively.
• Pecan Spiced Buttermilk Pancakes – Fluffy, flavorful, and incredibly comforting, these buttermilk pancakes are infused with warm spices and crunchy pecans. They’re a fantastic choice for a hearty and festive breakfast that will please everyone around the table.
• Pumpkin Soufflé Pancakes – One of my absolute favorite pancake recipes, these are made extra fluffy and light with the magical addition of folded whipped egg whites. The pumpkin flavor adds a seasonal touch that makes them truly special for holiday mornings.

COOKIES, BARS, & CANDIES: The Heart of Holiday Baking

No holiday season is complete without an abundance of festive cookies, delightful bars, and homemade candies. These treats are perfect for sharing with loved ones, gifting to neighbors, or simply indulging in with a warm cup of cocoa by the fire. Dive into these classic and creative recipes that capture the essence of holiday cheer.

• Milk and Dark Chocolate Rochers – A fancy name for incredibly simple, yet elegant chocolate-coated almond slivers. These no-bake rochers are a personal favorite, requiring only 2-3 ingredients for a gourmet homemade candy experience that’s perfect for gifting or a quick indulgence.
• M&M Holiday Mint Chocolate Cookies – I confess, I’m a complete sucker for M&M holiday mints during this time of year! These wonderfully chewy chocolate cookies are generously studded with them, offering a delightful festive flavor and vibrant color that kids and adults alike will adore.
• Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Marshmallows – Indulge in fat, fluffy, homemade marshmallows enrobed in rich chocolate and sprinkled with refreshing peppermint. These are utterly perfect for dropping into a warm mug of hot chocolate, transforming a simple drink into a luxurious holiday treat.
• Four Citrus Coconut Shortbread Bars – A bright and zesty winter citrus twist on classic lemon bars. These shortbread bars are bursting with the vibrant flavors of multiple citruses and the delightful texture of coconut, offering a refreshing contrast to heavier holiday desserts.
• Blood Orange Almond Dark Chocolate Bark – Simply nothing better! The combination of rich dark chocolate, crunchy almonds, and the sweet-tartness of blood orange creates an exquisite holiday bark. For those who prefer more traditional flavors, try this classic do-it-yourself black and white peppermint bark – a timeless favorite.
• Pistachio Thumbprints with Blackcurrant Jam – These visually stunning and delicious thumbprint cookies feature a delicate pistachio base and a vibrant jam filling. If blackcurrant jam is hard to find, raspberry or strawberry will make for an equally beautiful, festive, and classic holiday cookie.
• Espresso Hazelnut Cookies with Dark Chocolate Drizzle – Buttery and crisp sable cookies, delicately piped into charming shapes, are infused with invigorating espresso powder and finished with a luxurious dark chocolate drizzle. These are truly perfect for the coffee lover in your family or for a sophisticated treat.
• Orange Salted Pistachio Chocolate Chunk Cookies – This has quickly become my new go-to cookie recipe! These chewy wonders are generously loaded with crunchy pistachios and rich dark chocolate, brightened by orange zest, and finished with a sprinkle of flaky Maldon sea salt for that perfect sweet-and-salty balance.
• Irresistible Oatmeal Currant Cookies – An oldie but a goodie! These super chewy oatmeal cookies, studded with sweet Zante currants, are pure comfort. The secret to their incredible chewiness? A generous amount of dark brown sugar, giving them a depth of flavor that’s utterly satisfying.
• Tropical Chocolate Chunk Cookies (The Bicoastal Cookie) – While these cookies require a bit more time and effort, their uniqueness is absolutely worth it! One side features classic chocolate chunks, while the other is infused with delightful tropical add-ins like dried pineapple, coconut flakes, and apricots, creating a surprising and memorable flavor profile.

MUFFINS, BREADS, & PASTRIES: Warm & Comforting Treats

For those who appreciate rustic charm and comforting flavors, this selection of muffins, breads, and pastries offers delightful options. From cozy morning treats to impressive tarts, these recipes bring warmth and sweetness to any holiday gathering, perfect with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

• Pumpkin Chocolate-Chunk Espresso Muffins – A personal favorite of my brother-in-law, these muffins are a harmonious blend of fall pumpkin, rich chocolate chunks, and a hint of invigorating espresso. The coffee glaze drizzle adds an extra layer of deliciousness, making them utterly irresistible.
• Apple Oatmeal Breakfast Bread – A beloved recipe from the renowned Dorie Greenspan, this hearty and wholesome bread is packed with tender apples and wholesome oats. It’s a comforting and nutritious way to start your day, or a lovely afternoon snack.
• Double Dark Chocolate Tart – This tart is for the *serious* chocolate lovers out there! Featuring a silky-smooth, intensely chocolatey filling nestled in a buttery chocolate crust, it’s a showstopper. You can absolutely skip the spun sugar for a simpler, yet equally decadent presentation.
• Rustic French Apple Tart – For the classic pastry lover, this rustic French apple tart is a masterpiece of simplicity and flavor. Thinly sliced apples are arranged over a flaky crust, creating a beautiful and comforting dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of the fruit.
• Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Scones – Brown butter always wins! These scones boast a rich, nutty flavor from the browned butter, perfectly complemented by classic chocolate chips. They’re a delightfully tender and flavorful treat, ideal for a holiday tea or breakfast.
• Raspberry Pistachio Scones with Lemon Glaze – These scones are as beautiful as they are delicious, with vibrant green pistachios and pops of pinkish-red raspberries, making them perfectly festive for the holidays. A bright lemon glaze adds a zesty finish.
• Orange Chocolate Chunk Scones with Orange Glaze – These need no elaborate explanation – simply imagine tender scones studded with rich chocolate chunks, brightened by the zest of orange, and finished with a luscious orange glaze. A truly irresistible combination!

CAKES & CUPCAKES: Showstopping Desserts

For those grander holiday moments, or simply when you desire a substantial sweet treat, these cakes and cupcakes offer a delightful range of flavors and textures. From elegant bundt cakes to festive individual servings, these recipes are designed to impress and satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.

• Chocolate Clementine Cupcakes with Candied Citrus Slices – Inspired by the beloved classic Terry’s Chocolate Oranges (but undeniably tastier!), these cupcakes feature a rich chocolate base infused with clementine zest, crowned with a delicate frosting and candied citrus. They are a burst of festive flavor.
• Grand Marnier Orange Bundt Cake – This elegant bundt cake is versatile and always a hit, perfect for a holiday brunch, an afternoon tea, or simply for delightful snacking. Infused with the sophisticated flavor of Grand Marnier and bright orange, it’s wonderfully moist and flavorful.
• Gingerbread Cupcakes with Marshmallow Frosting and Pomegranate Caramel – One of my absolute favorite holiday creations! These perfectly spiced gingerbread cupcakes are topped with a dreamy, homemade meringue-like marshmallow frosting and drizzled with a rich pomegranate caramel. They are truly a showstopper.
• Lemon Yogurt Pound Cake (Bundt Pan Form) – This bright and zesty lemon yogurt pound cake, baked in a beautiful bundt pan, is not only incredibly delicious but also remarkably sturdy. It holds up exceptionally well if you need to bake it a few days in advance, making it perfect for holiday planning.

FROZEN DESSERTS: A Cool Twist for the Holidays

Who says frozen desserts are only for summer? I’m certainly never one to shy away from ice cream and chilled treats, even during the colder winter months. These unique options provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of traditional holiday fare. While not technically “baked goods” (though one delightfully incorporates gingerbread cookies!), they are all wonderfully suited for this festive time of year, offering a surprising and delightful end to any holiday meal.

• Pomegranate Ginger Sorbet – A fantastic lighter dessert option for the holidays, offering a burst of tart pomegranate and a warming kick of ginger. It’s a palate cleanser that feels elegant and festive. Or, for a truly celebratory twist, go in a completely different direction and make delightful sorbet prosecco floats with muddled raspberries and fresh mint!
• Gingerbread and Eggnog Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches – These festive cookie sandwiches combine the best of holiday flavors. While the gingerbread cookies and eggnog ice cream are delicious on their own, I *highly* recommend combining them for an unforgettable treat. To save prep time, you can also easily use store-bought eggnog ice cream, making this a quick and impressive dessert!

I hope this comprehensive list inspires you to get into the kitchen and create some magic this holiday season. Remember, the best part of holiday baking isn’t just the delicious outcome, but the joy of the process, the shared moments, and the sweet memories you create with those you love. Wishing you and your family a truly joyful, peaceful, and deliciously sweet holiday!