19 Holiday Desserts That Are Better Than A Cookie Tray

Holiday desserts don’t have to stop at cookies, and this list proves it. These recipes bring variety and bold flavors that deserve a spot alongside the usual lineup. From rich tarts to crunchy brittles, these indulgences are just as festive and far from ordinary. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for serving your family and friends without extra stress. Add these desserts to your table, and watch them disappear just as fast as the cookies.

Dark Chocolate Granola Bark

Crunchy granola, nuts, dried cherries, and coconut meet dark chocolate in this bark. It’s easy to make, great for gifting, and doubles as a dessert or snack.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Granola Bark

Candied Bacon Nut Brittle

Sweet, spicy, and crunchy, this brittle combines candied bacon and nuts for a bold holiday dessert. It also makes an excellent DIY food gift for family and friends.
Get the Recipe: Candied Bacon Nut Brittle

Gingerbread Pudding

This creamy pudding brings holiday spices to the forefront with its almond and cashew milk base. It’s a smooth, comforting dessert that’s perfect for the colder months.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Pudding

Strawberry Almond Galette

This galette combines juicy strawberries and almond flavor in a simple, flaky crust. It’s a dessert that’s both casual and elegant, giving you the satisfaction of pie without all the extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Almond Galette

Dark Chocolate Kahlua Coffee Bites

These rich chocolate bites are infused with Kahlua and coffee, delivering all the decadence of a truffle. They’re a great way to add a sophisticated dessert to your holiday lineup, and they’re surprisingly easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Kahlua Coffee Bites

Glazed Chocolate Gingerbread Loaf

Topped with a gingerbread tea glaze, this chocolate loaf is a festive sweet treat for the holidays. Its rich flavor and soft texture make it a great dessert to serve or gift.
Get the Recipe: Glazed Chocolate Gingerbread Loaf

Pecan Cobbler

Rich, buttery, and loaded with crunchy pecans, this cobbler is pure comfort in dessert form. It’s easy to make and a great addition to your holiday table when you’re craving something classic and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Cobbler

Orange Glazed Cardamom Cake

Citrus and spice come together in this cardamom cake, topped with a sticky orange glaze. Its hearty texture and bold flavors pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee during holiday celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Cardamom Cake

Apricot Brandy Pound Cake

This pound cake combines sweet apricots with a splash of brandy for a rich, moist dessert. Easy to make and full of bold flavor, it’s a perfect centerpiece for holiday dinners or brunches.
Get the Recipe: Apricot Brandy Pound Cake

Sweet Potato Ice Cream

Cream cheese makes this sweet potato ice cream extra creamy, while cinnamon adds just the right touch of spice. It’s a refreshing holiday dessert that proves pumpkin doesn’t get all the glory.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Ice Cream

Chocolate Pecan Tart

This tart blends the fudgy richness of brownies with the crunch of pecan pie. It’s a decadent dessert that’s perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pecan Tart

Orange Ginger Pear and Quince Crisp

With its orange-ginger spiced fruit and crunchy topping, this crisp brings cozy seasonal flavors to the table. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make it even better for a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Get the Recipe: Orange Ginger Pear and Quince Crisp

Cranberry Orange Bread

This quick bread balances tart cranberries and sweet orange glaze for a festive treat. Its tender crumb and bright flavors make it a great holiday dessert or snack for family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Bread

Cranberry Curd Tart

This tart combines a smooth cranberry curd with a nutty, oat-based crust for a festive dessert. Its balance of sweet and tart flavors makes it a great alternative to more traditional holiday sweets.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Curd Tart

Gingerbread Banana Bread

A holiday twist on banana bread, this loaf combines gingerbread spices with a maple tahini glaze. It’s an easy, festive dessert or snack that’s packed with seasonal flavor.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Banana Bread

Mini Cherry Galettes

These hand-sized galettes feature tart cherries with a hint of orange for a rustic, beautiful dessert. Their simplicity and charm make them a standout choice for a holiday table when you want something more interesting than cookies.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cherry Galettes

Panettone Bread Pudding

This bread pudding transforms classic Italian panettone into a creamy dessert with apples, raisins, and custard. It’s indulgent but simple, making it a perfect choice for holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Panettone Bread Pudding

Sparkling Grapefruit Jello

Bubbly and refreshing, this sparkling grapefruit jello is a light dessert that’s easy to make and full of bright, seasonal flavor. Plus, you control the sweetness, making it as bold or subtle as you like.
Get the Recipe: Sparkling Grapefruit Jello

Chocolate Covered Oranges

Chocolate-dipped orange segments combine rich and citrusy flavors in a dessert that’s as quick to prepare as it is impressive. Perfect for those last-minute additions to your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Covered Oranges