Christmas is that magical time of year when kitchens smell of cinnamon, butter, and joy. Nothing completes the festive season like a batch of freshly baked cookies or a homemade cake. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday party, baking with kids, or gifting homemade goodies, these 12 easy Christmas cake and cookie recipes will make your season sweeter. Each one is beginner-friendly, full of holiday flavor, and perfect for sharing.
1. Classic Christmas Fruit Cake
A must-have on every Christmas table, the classic fruit cake is packed with dried fruits, nuts, and spices. Soak the fruits in orange juice or rum overnight, then fold them into a buttery batter spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. Bake low and slow for a dense, rich texture. It stores well and tastes even better after a few days.
2. Gingerbread Cookies
These spiced cookies are a holiday icon. Made with molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, gingerbread cookies are easy to roll out and cut into festive shapes. Decorate them with royal icing and sprinkles for a fun family activity.
3. Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Red velvet cake brings a touch of elegance to your dessert table. With a hint of cocoa and a smooth, creamy frosting, this cake is both beautiful and delicious. Bake as a layer cake or in a Bundt pan and top with crushed peppermint or sugared cranberries.
4. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
These soft, fudgy cookies are rolled in powdered sugar before baking, giving them a snowy crackled finish. They’re chewy inside, with a rich chocolate flavor that everyone loves. Easy to make in big batches and perfect for gifting.
5. Eggless Banana Walnut Cake
A great option for those avoiding eggs, this moist and flavorful banana cake is lightly sweet with the crunch of walnuts. You can spice it up with cinnamon or nutmeg, and it pairs beautifully with a cup of chai or coffee during cold evenings.
6. Snowball Cookies
Also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, these buttery shortbread cookies are filled with chopped nuts and coated in powdered sugar. They melt in your mouth and look just like little snowballs, making them ideal for holiday platters.
7. Mini Plum Cakes
Mini plum cakes are great for individual servings or edible gifts. Made with soaked dried fruits, brown sugar, and a hint of spice, these cakes are moist and flavorful. Bake them in muffin tins or small ramekins and wrap them in festive paper.
8. Sugar Cookies with Icing
No holiday season is complete without colorful sugar cookies. These buttery cookies hold their shape well, making them ideal for cut-outs. Decorate with homemade icing and festive sprinkles to match your holiday theme.
9. Apple Cinnamon Loaf Cake
This simple loaf cake is soft, fragrant, and full of apple chunks and warm spices. It’s easy to make ahead and can be enjoyed for breakfast, tea, or dessert. Add a glaze or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra cheer.
10. Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies
A holiday twist on classic shortbread, these cookies are rich, buttery, and studded with mini chocolate chips. The dough comes together in minutes and can be shaped into logs, chilled, sliced, and baked. Ideal for gifting and snacking.
11. Cranberry Orange Cake
Cranberries and orange are a classic winter pairing. This cake has a bright citrus flavor and tart pops of cranberry in every bite. Add an orange glaze on top for a beautiful finish. Bake in a loaf or round pan for easy slicing.
12. No-Bake Coconut Snow Bars
Need something quick and easy? These coconut bars are made with just a few ingredients like shredded coconut, condensed milk, and white chocolate. Press into a tray, chill until firm, then cut into squares. They’re festive, sweet, and freezer-friendly.
Tips for Holiday Baking Success
- Plan ahead: Soak fruits in advance for richer cakes
- Use quality ingredients: Real butter, fresh spices, and good chocolate make a big difference
- Keep it simple: Choose a mix of no-bake and easy-bake recipes to save time
- Gift wrap creatively: Use boxes, ribbons, or jars to turn your baked goods into thoughtful gifts
Create Holiday Magic in Every Bite
From classic fruit cakes to modern no-bake treats, these 12 easy Christmas cake and cookie recipes bring warmth and joy to every holiday table. Whether you’re baking for fun, family, or gifting, there’s a recipe here that fits your festive spirit. Pick a few favorites, tie on your apron, and let the scent of cinnamon and chocolate fill your home this season.
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