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    Home / Roundups

    36 Holiday Baking Ideas for the Coziest Winter Treats

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Dec 11, 2024 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    Holiday baking is a tradition that fills the house with warmth, sweetness and the smell of pure joy. From classic family favorites to creative new ideas, these treats make winter gatherings feel extra special. They're perfect for sharing with loved ones, gifting to neighbors or just enjoying with a cup of something hot by the fire. Plus, baking is a cozy way to bring everyone together during the season's chilly days. If you're looking to add a little extra magic to your winter, holiday baking is the way to do it.

    A ceramic dish of cinnamon pull-apart bread sits on a table near holiday-themed oven mitts, with festive decorations and greenery in the background.Pin
    Photo credit: Tandra Nicole.

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    Small-Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies

    A plate with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, one cookie is broken in half to show the soft inside.Pin
    Small-Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Small-Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies make whipping up a cozy treat quick and easy. With just enough for a few indulgent bites, these cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth during your holiday baking spree. Who says you need a crowd to enjoy cookies?
    Get the Recipe: Small-Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Healthier Single-Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie

    A large chocolate chip cookie with a piece broken off, next to a glass of milk and a bowl of chocolate chips on a white surface.Pin
    Healthier Single-Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Healthier Single-Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie proves that indulgence doesn't need to come with baggage. Packed with wholesome ingredients, it's a smart pick for guilt-free holiday baking. You'll enjoy every bite while staying on track.
    Get the Recipe: Healthier Single-Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie

    Brown Sugar Cookies

    A stack of crisp brown cookies on a white plate with a glass of milk in the background.Pin
    Brown Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Brown Sugar Cookies bring out warm molasses notes that are perfect for cozying up by the fire. These soft, chewy bites are a great addition to your holiday baking repertoire. They'll keep the festivities sweet and simple.
    Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Cookies

    3-Ingredient Almond Butter Cookies

    A stack of round cookies on a plate with one cookie partially eaten. A glass of milk is in the background.Pin
    3-Ingredient Almond Butter Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    3-Ingredient Almond Butter Cookies are the definition of simplicity meeting satisfaction. A quick fix for your sweet cravings, they shine during holiday baking when time is tight but flavor is essential. Give them a try and thank yourself later.
    Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Almond Butter Cookies

    Eggless Peanut Butter Cookies

    A hand dipping a peanut butter cookie into a glass of milk, with more cookies stacked on a plate in the background.Pin
    Eggless Peanut Butter Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Eggless Peanut Butter Cookies make baking a breeze with their straightforward recipe and bold peanut flavor. These are ideal for your holiday baking lineup, especially when you want something classic without too much effort.
    Get the Recipe: Eggless Peanut Butter Cookies

    Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies

    Three no-bake chocolate oatmeal cookies on a white plate, with a crumbly texture and moist appearance, set on a table with a light cloth.Pin
    Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies are perfect for when your oven's too busy with pies and roasts. These easy treats add a sweet touch to your holiday baking (even though they aren't baked), giving you chocolatey goodness without breaking a sweat.
    Get the Recipe: Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies

    Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies

    Lemon ricotta cookies on rack with icing bowl.Pin
    Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies add a pop of citrus to your holiday baking tradition. Their soft, cake-like texture pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the season. You'll love how these brighten up dessert tables.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies

    Cinnamon Roll Cookies

    Cinnamon swirl cookies with icing on a parchment-lined cooling rack, with cinnamon sticks nearby.Pin
    Cinnamon Roll Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Cinnamon Roll Cookies capture the cozy, spiced flavor of classic rolls in cookie form. Perfect for your holiday baking adventures, these chewy bites bring the cinnamon goodness you crave with none of the hassle.
    Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Cookies

    Vegan and Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies

    Two oatmeal cookies on a white plate, featuring a crumbly texture and visible oat flakes, set against a soft-focused gray background.Pin
    Vegan and Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Vegan and Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies are proof that holiday baking can be inclusive and delicious. Made with wholesome ingredients, they're a crowd-pleaser no matter the dietary preferences at your table.
    Get the Recipe: Vegan and Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies

    Small-Batch Sugar Cookies

    A plate of sugar cookies with a mug and a gray cloth in the background.Pin
    Small-Batch Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Small-Batch Sugar Cookies are simple, soft, and perfectly sweet. These are your go-to for holiday baking when you want a quick batch without overdoing it. Decorate them for added festive charm!
    Get the Recipe: Small-Batch Sugar Cookies

    Apple Pie Cookies

    Freshly baked apple pie cookies topped with caramelized fruit on a cooling rack, with a cup and a cloth nearby on a light colored surface.Pin
    Apple Pie Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Apple Pie Cookies pack all the cozy flavors of a classic pie into a handheld treat. These are a must-have for holiday baking when you want to add a little nostalgia to your cookie lineup.
    Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Cookies

    Healthy Breakfast Cookies

    Seed and nut butter cookies on plate served with coffee.Pin
    Healthy Breakfast Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Healthy Breakfast Cookies bring wholesome cheer to busy holiday mornings. With energy-packed ingredients, they're a quick grab-and-go option for fueling all your festive errands.
    Get the Recipe: Healthy Breakfast Cookies

    Almond Biscotti

    A plate of almond biscotti with a small bowl of chocolate sauce on a blue and white striped cloth. Almonds are scattered around.Pin
    Almond Biscotti. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Almond Biscotti pairs beautifully with your favorite holiday coffee or tea. Crisp and satisfying, they're an elegant addition to your holiday baking plans and perfect for gifting or savoring yourself.
    Get the Recipe: Almond Biscotti

    Small-Batch Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

    A plate of cookies on a white surface with front one broken in half.Pin
    Small-Batch Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Small-Batch Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies offer the perfect balance of chewy oats and sweet chocolate. These are a cozy treat for holiday baking without the temptation of too many leftovers.
    Get the Recipe: Small-Batch Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Chocolate Chip Coconut Flour Cookies

    A stack of chocolate chip cookies on a white plate, with one cookie broken in half to show the chocolate chips inside.Pin
    Chocolate Chip Coconut Flour Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Chocolate Chip Coconut Flour Cookies bring a gluten-free twist to your holiday baking menu. Soft and chocolatey, they're a wholesome treat you'll feel good about sharing.
    Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Coconut Flour Cookies

    Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes

    A plate of loaded mashed potatoes topped with melted cheese, bacon bits, and chopped green onions.Pin
    Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

    Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and a true holiday dinner favorite. Perfect as a side dish, they add a warm, comforting element to any festive feast.
    Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes

    Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf

    A slice of gingerbread cake on a plate, surrounded by gingerbread cookies. A knife is partially visible next to the cake.Pin
    Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf. Photo credit: The Cookin Chicks.

    Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf brings the flavors of the season right into your kitchen. This holiday baking staple is an aromatic treat that pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
    Get the Recipe: Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf

    Eggnog Bread Pudding with Brown Butter Rum Sauce

    A plate with a slice of bread pudding topped with caramel sauce and pecans, next to a fork, on a marble surface.Pin
    Eggnog Bread Pudding with Brown Butter Rum Sauce. Photo credit: Chenee Today.

    Eggnog Bread Pudding with Brown Butter Rum Sauce transforms leftover eggnog into a decadent dessert. Rich and indulgent, it's the perfect way to crown your holiday baking triumphs with something extra special.
    Get the Recipe: Eggnog Bread Pudding with Brown Butter Rum Sauce

    Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies

    Colorful cookies with red, green, and white sprinkles on a tray, surrounded by more cookies and a bowl of sprinkles.Pin
    Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Savor The Spoonful.

    Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies are a cheerful must-have for holiday baking, bursting with vibrant colors. Their soft, fluffy texture pairs perfectly with festive sprinkles baked right in. They're a simple yet crowd-pleasing treat for cookie exchanges or dessert tables.
    Get the Recipe: Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies

    Christmas Tree Linzer Cookies

    Christmas tree-shaped cookies with red filling on a black tray, surrounded by pinecones and ornaments.Pin
    Christmas Tree Linzer Cookies. Photo credit: Recipes From A Pantry.

    Christmas Tree Linzer Cookies bring charm to holiday baking with their buttery texture and jam-filled centers. The tree-shaped cutouts add an extra festive flair, making them ideal for gifting or showcasing on a dessert tray. Plus, they stay fresh, so you can prepare them ahead of time without stress.
    Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Linzer Cookies

    White Chocolate Raspberry Blondies

    A plate of six square blondies with nuts, next to a yellow checkered cloth and a small bowl of white chocolate chips.Pin
    White Chocolate Raspberry Blondies. Photo credit: Chocolates & Chai.

    White Chocolate Raspberry Blondies are a holiday baking favorite for their balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The moist, fudgy base pairs beautifully with bursts of raspberry goodness in every bite. Whip these up for an easy yet elegant dessert that wows guests.
    Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Raspberry Blondies

    Fudgy Red Velvet Cake Mix Brownies

    Four red velvet brownies with white chocolate chips on a cooling rack next to a bowl of white chocolate chips.Pin
    Fudgy Red Velvet Cake Mix Brownies. Photo credit: Savor The Spoonful.

    Fudgy Red Velvet Cake Mix Brownies make holiday baking effortless and fun with their rich, chewy texture. The white chocolate chips scattered throughout add a creamy contrast that's simply irresistible. These are the perfect treat to bring holiday cheer to any gathering.
    Get the Recipe: Fudgy Red Velvet Cake Mix Brownies

    Gingerbread Christmas Cookies

    Christmas-themed gingerbread cookies with white icing, featuring stars, trees, animals, and bells, arranged on a cooling rack.Pin
    Gingerbread Christmas Cookies. Photo credit: Salt in my Coffee.

    Gingerbread Christmas Cookies pack warm spices and a soft bite, making them a standout for holiday baking. Their nostalgic flavor and festive aroma set the mood for Christmas gatherings. They're easy to customize with icing, making them a family-friendly activity too.
    Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Christmas Cookies

    Mini Gingerbread Cheesecakes

    A plate of frosted cupcakes topped with gingerbread cookies, surrounded by a whisk, wooden spoons, and greenery for decoration.Pin
    Mini Gingerbread Cheesecakes. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

    Mini Gingerbread Cheesecakes are a bite-sized win for holiday baking, blending creamy filling with a spiced crust. Their rich, festive flavor is perfect for parties or as a sweet ending to your Christmas meal. These easy-to-serve treats will have everyone reaching for seconds.
    Get the Recipe: Mini Gingerbread Cheesecakes

    Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

    A stack of colorful candy cookies with white chocolate chips on a wooden board, accompanied by a white bowl in the background.Pin
    Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies. Photo credit: The Cookin Chicks.

    Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are a playful addition to your holiday baking lineup. Packed with chocolate chips, pretzels, and festive candies, they're a mix of sweet and salty perfection. These cookies are great for sharing or as a whimsical gift idea.
    Get the Recipe: Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

    Cuccidati

    A tray of fig cookies with white icing is displayed on a tablecloth adorned with a green and gold pattern. One cookie is placed separately on the tablecloth.Pin
    Cuccidati. Photo credit: Enza's Quail Hollow Kitchen.

    Cuccidati are an Italian holiday baking classic that fills your home with the aroma of figs, oranges, and spices. Wrapped in a tender, buttery dough, these cookies are steeped in tradition and perfect for savoring with loved ones. They're an authentic way to celebrate the season.
    Get the Recipe: Cuccidati

    Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

    Chocolate cupcakes with white frosting, topped with mini marshmallows, cocoa powder, and candy cane pieces, displayed on a white platter.Pin
    Hot Chocolate Cupcakes. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    Hot Chocolate Cupcakes bring cozy vibes to holiday baking with their rich, chocolatey base. Topped with fluffy frosting and a sprinkle of marshmallows, they're like a cup of cocoa in dessert form. Serve them at gatherings for a fun, winter-inspired treat.
    Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

    Pistachio Biscotti

    Close-up of biscotti partially dipped in chocolate, topped with crushed pistachios, placed on parchment paper.Pin
    Pistachio Biscotti. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    Pistachio Biscotti offer a touch of elegance to holiday baking, with their nutty crunch and chocolate-dipped ends. These crisp cookies are perfect for dunking in coffee or gifting in decorative tins. They're simple to make yet always impress.
    Get the Recipe: Pistachio Biscotti

    Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes

    Chocolate cupcakes with white frosting, each topped with a small candy cane, arranged on a light surface.Pin
    Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes. Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

    Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes are holiday baking magic with their bold chocolate flavor and refreshing peppermint frosting. These cupcakes scream festive fun and are perfect for dessert tables or edible gifts. Add crushed candy canes on top for extra flair!
    Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes

    Apple Crisp

    A bowl of oatmeal topped with ice cream, placed on a wooden table. A spoon rests inside the bowl, surrounded by a leaf and paper.Pin
    Apple Crisp. Photo credit: Milk Glass Home & Kitchen.

    Apple Crisp is a timeless dessert that makes holiday baking feel homey and comforting. With its warm spiced apples and golden, crunchy topping, this classic treat pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It's a simple recipe that hits all the nostalgic notes.
    Get the Recipe: Apple Crisp

    Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread

    A ceramic dish of cinnamon pull-apart bread sits on a table near holiday-themed oven mitts, with festive decorations and greenery in the background.Pin
    Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread. Photo credit: Tandra Nicole.

    Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread is a holiday baking favorite with its buttery layers and gooey cinnamon sugar filling. This shareable bread brings joy to cozy mornings and festive brunches. Its irresistible aroma alone will gather everyone to the table.
    Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread

    Snowflake Cookies

    A box of snowflake-shaped cookies with white icing, placed on a gray surface. A gold ornament rests nearby.Pin
    Snowflake Cookies. Photo credit: Dessert for Two.

    Snowflake Cookies make holiday baking a creative adventure, as each design is uniquely your own. These crisp, decorated treats are perfect for baking with kids or showcasing your artistic flair. Their classic sugar cookie flavor pairs well with any festive spread.
    Get the Recipe: Snowflake Cookies

    Orange Cranberry Rolls

    A cinnamon roll topped with icing and nuts sits on a plate. Nearby, there is an orange half, dried fruits, and a potted plant. A dish with more rolls is in the background.Pin
    Orange Cranberry Rolls. Photo credit: Chocolates & Chai.

    Orange Cranberry Rolls are a vibrant choice for holiday baking, blending tangy cranberries with zesty orange. These soft, sweet rolls are topped with a luscious frosting, making them a standout on any brunch table. Their bright flavor is a refreshing twist on tradition.
    Get the Recipe: Orange Cranberry Rolls

    Krumkake Norwegian Cookie

    A plate with rolled wafer cookies, one topped with whipped cream, on a red and white polka dot plate.Pin
    Krumkake Norwegian Cookie. Photo credit: A Hint of Homestead.

    Krumkake Norwegian Cookies honor holiday baking traditions with their delicate, crispy texture and unique cone shape. Passed down through generations, these cookies are filled with nostalgia and a hint of cardamom. They're perfect for creating warm family memories.
    Get the Recipe: Krumkake Norwegian Cookie

    White Chocolate Dipped Eggnog Cookies

    A white plate filled with round cookies topped with white icing and brown specks.Pin
    White Chocolate Dipped Eggnog Cookies. Photo credit: Pumpkin 'N Spice.

    White Chocolate Dipped Eggnog Cookies bring holiday baking to a new level with their soft texture and creamy topping. The eggnog-infused dough delivers a festive flavor that pairs perfectly with the white chocolate drizzle. These cookies are a sweet addition to any Christmas tray.
    Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Dipped Eggnog Cookies

    Candy Cane Cupcakes

    Two cupcakes with red and white swirled frosting and candy cane toppers, surrounded by holiday decorations.Pin
    Candy Cane Cupcakes. Photo credit: Recipes From A Pantry.

    Candy Cane Cupcakes bring holiday baking to life with their vibrant red-and-white swirl and peppermint kick. These festive cupcakes make a cheerful centerpiece for parties or an adorable edible gift. Top with crushed candy canes for extra holiday spirit.
    Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Cupcakes

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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