Christmas time is the perfect opportunity to indulge in sweet treats that warm your heart and fill your home with delightful aromas. For many, the holiday season is incomplete without an assortment of festive desserts to share with family and friends. This year, why not elevate your holiday gatherings with an array of Christmas dessert ideas that are not only delicious but wonderfully festive?
Why Make This Christmas Dessert Ideas for Party
Making these Christmas desserts is about more than just satisfying a sweet tooth. It’s about creating a bonds with loved ones over food, stirring up nostalgia with time-honored recipes, and embracing the holiday spirit. The gingerbread cookies evoke warm memories of baking with loved ones, while the chocolate peppermint bark delivers a delightful crunch with each bite. Finally, the creamy eggnog cheesecake bars are a rich, indulgent treat that add a sophisticated twist to any dessert table. Together, these desserts are perfect for any holiday party, and they fit beautifully into the festive season’s theme of sharing and celebration.
How to Make Christmas Dessert Ideas for Party
This festive collection features three standout desserts: Gingerbread Cookies, Chocolate Peppermint Bark, and Eggnog Cheesecake Bars. Each recipe is easy to follow and promises to charm your guests during the holiday season. With a few simple steps, your kitchen will be buzzing with holiday cheer!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup molasses
- Royal icing for decoration
- 2 cups dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Crushed candy canes for topping
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup eggnog
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
Directions:
Gingerbread Cookies:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and molasses, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Chill the dough for at least one hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into desired cookie shapes. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, allowing to cool before decorating with royal icing.
Chocolate Peppermint Bark:
- Melt dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second increments until fully melted.
- Spread the melted chocolate in an even layer on a lined baking sheet.
- Melt white chocolate in the same manner, then stir in the peppermint extract.
- Drizzle the white chocolate over the dark chocolate layer and use a toothpick to create swirls.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. Refrigerate until set, then break into pieces.
Eggnog Cheesecake Bars:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and melted butter to form the crust. Press into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add vanilla, eggs, and eggnog, mixing until combined. Stir in nutmeg.
- Pour the batter over the crust and bake for 30-35 minutes or until set. Cool and chill in the fridge before slicing into bars.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approx. 1 cookie, 1 piece of bark, and 1 bar):
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 4g
How to Serve Christmas Dessert Ideas for Party
Serve these festive treats on a beautifully arranged dessert table. Use festive platters and garnishes like fresh cranberries, sprigs of holly, or shimmery edible glitter to create a stunning display. Pair the desserts with hot cocoa or a warm spiced cider for an added holiday touch. Providing a selection of small portions also allows guests to sample all the delights!
How to Store Christmas Dessert Ideas for Party
These desserts can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for holiday meal prep. Store the gingerbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The chocolate peppermint bark can be kept in the fridge for about two weeks. For the eggnog cheesecake bars, refrigerate them for up to five days, ensuring they are well covered to retain their creaminess.
Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Dessert Ideas for Party
- Let the gingerbread cookie dough chill longer for a firmer texture, making them easier to cut into shapes.
- When melting chocolate, be cautious not to overheat it. Stir between increments to avoid burning.
- Use a springform pan for the eggnog cheesecake bars to make slicing and serving easier.
- Celebrate creativity! Use different colors of royal icing for decorating or try various toppings for the bark.
Delicious Variations
Feel free to get creative with these recipes! Add nuts or dried fruit to the chocolate bark for added texture. Incorporate different spices into the gingerbread cookies, like cardamom or allspice, for a unique twist. You could even replace the eggnog in the cheesecake bars with flavored cream cheese (like pumpkin or vanilla) for a different flavor experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I freeze these desserts?
Yes! You can freeze gingerbread cookies for up to three months. Wrap them well in plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container. The chocolate bark also freezes well, while the cheesecake bars can be frozen for up to two months. Just remember to thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.
2. Can I use other sweeteners for the gingerbread cookies?
Absolutely! You may substitute honey or maple syrup for the brown sugar, but note that these may slightly alter the texture and flavor profile of the cookies.
3. How can I make these desserts gluten-free?
For gluten-free versions, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as baking soda and chocolate chips, are also certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
These Christmas dessert ideas offer a perfect way to celebrate the season with warmth, flavor, and joy. From the classic taste of gingerbread to the creamy richness of eggnog cheesecake, each bite is a delightful reminder of the magic of the holiday season. Don’t hesitate to try these recipes at your next festive gathering, and be sure to share your creations with friends and family—they’re bound to become holiday favorites! Happy baking!
Christmas Dessert Ideas for Party
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and molasses, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Chill the dough for at least one hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into desired cookie shapes. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, allowing to cool before decorating with royal icing.
- Melt dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second increments until fully melted.
- Spread the melted chocolate in an even layer on a lined baking sheet.
- Melt white chocolate in the same manner, then stir in the peppermint extract.
- Drizzle the white chocolate over the dark chocolate layer and use a toothpick to create swirls.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. Refrigerate until set, then break into pieces.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and melted butter to form the crust. Press into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add vanilla, eggs, and eggnog, mixing until combined. Stir in nutmeg.
- Pour the batter over the crust and bake for 30-35 minutes or until set. Cool and chill in the fridge before slicing into bars.