35 Holiday Baking Recipes Perfect for Sharing and Gifting

Holiday baking recipes are the perfect way to spread some cheer whether you're treating yourself or sharing with others. These recipes not only fill the house with delicious smells but also make for fantastic gifts that show you care. There’s something special about giving a homemade treat it’s personal, thoughtful and adds a little extra sweetness to the season. From cookies to cakes, these recipes are made for sharing and creating memorable moments with friends and family. If you’re looking to gift something that’s both heartfelt and delicious, holiday baking recipes are the way to go.

A pink cupcake with strawberry frosting topped with a halved strawberry in a pink wrapper, placed on a white surface. Two more cupcakes are blurred in the background. — Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes with Sprinkle Filling. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Want to save this post?

Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you the latest recipes and tips every week!

Mini Gingerbread Cheesecakes

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

Mini Gingerbread Cheesecakes deliver big seasonal flavor in the cutest package, making them a must for holiday baking recipes. The spiced crust and creamy filling create a perfect balance of warmth and sweetness. They’re easy to serve and even easier to eat!
Get the Recipe: Mini Gingerbread Cheesecakes

Gluten-Free Keto Pecan Pie Bars

A piece of pecan pie on a white plate with a fork. — Gluten-Free Keto Pecan Pie Bars. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Gluten-Free Keto Pecan Pie Bars pack all the sweet, buttery, and nutty flavor you’d expect from a pecan pie into an easy-to-enjoy treat. These bars are a must for holiday baking recipes when you want something low-carb that doesn’t compromise on taste. They’re perfect for sharing or sneaking straight from the pan!
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Keto Pecan Pie Bars

Strawberry Pound Cake Mini Loaf

Three slices of strawberry pound cake on a white plate, with visible pieces of strawberry and a slight golden crust. — Strawberry Pound Cake Mini Loaf. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Strawberry Pound Cake Mini Loaf combines real strawberries with a tender, moist crumb that’s irresistible. It’s ideal for holiday baking recipes when you want a dessert that doubles as a heartfelt gift. Each slice bursts with flavor, making it perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Pound Cake Mini Loaf

Soufflé Cheesecake

A ramekin of creamy, smooth cheesecake with a spoon resting beside it, taking out a scoop on a white background. — Soufflé Cheesecake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Soufflé Cheesecake offers a cloud-like texture and melt-in-your-mouth creaminess that feels almost magical. This dessert is a showstopper for holiday baking recipes, especially when you want something light but indulgent. Serve it up, and watch it disappear!
Get the Recipe: Soufflé Cheesecake

Cream Cheese Danish

Cream Cheese Danish features flaky layers of pastry topped with a creamy, berry-studded filling that’s almost too good to share. This makes holiday baking recipes extra special, whether for brunch or dessert. Plus, it’s as simple as it is stunning!
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Danish

Mini Pound Cake

Mini Pound Cake delivers soft, buttery bliss in every bite-sized portion. It’s perfect for holiday baking recipes when you need a treat that’s equally charming and delicious. Whether enjoyed solo or with a topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser for all occasions.
Get the Recipe: Mini Pound Cake

Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes with Sprinkle Filling

Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes with Sprinkle Filling add surprise and sparkle to your holiday baking recipes. With their fruity crunch and hidden sprinkle surprise, they bring a playful element to any dessert spread. These are the cupcakes everyone will be talking about!
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes with Sprinkle Filling

Mini Pavlova Nests

Pavlova dessert with whipped cream and fresh berries on a white plate, garnished with strawberries and blueberries. — Mini Pavlova Nests. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Mini Pavlova Nests are airy meringue shells filled with cream and fresh fruit, offering a delightful mix of textures. These are unbeatable for holiday baking recipes when you want something elegant yet effortless. Each bite is a sweet little masterpiece!
Get the Recipe: Mini Pavlova Nests

Filipino Leche Flan

A slice of budget-friendly flan with caramel sauce on a white plate. — Filipino Leche Flan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Filipino Leche Flan is the creamy, caramel-drenched dessert your holiday table needs. This recipe hits the sweet spot for holiday baking recipes that feel both nostalgic and luxurious. Its silky texture makes it impossible to resist!
Get the Recipe: Filipino Leche Flan

Single-Serve Apple Pie

Golden-brown baked apple pie with a flaky crust and a cutout in the center, served on a beige surface. — Single-Serve Apple Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Single-Serve Apple Pie brings all the cozy vibes of a full pie in a perfectly portioned dessert. It’s great for holiday baking recipes when you want something quick and heartwarming. With its flaky crust and spiced filling, it’s like a hug on a plate.
Get the Recipe: Single-Serve Apple Pie

Mini Vegan Cheesecake

A hand holding a mini cheesecake topped with two blueberries, with more cheesecakes and blueberries on a plate in the background. — Mini Vegan Cheesecake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Mini Vegan Cheesecake layers creamy filling over a crunchy crust for a dessert that’s small but mighty. It’s a winner for holiday baking recipes when you need a plant-based option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Tiny yet tasty, it’s dessert done right!
Get the Recipe: Mini Vegan Cheesecake

Chocolate Puff Pastry

Close-up of a flaky pastry cut open to reveal a filling of chocolate, with a visible crispy golden crust. — Chocolate Puff Pastry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chocolate Puff Pastry is a crispy, chocolate-filled indulgence that’s air-fried to perfection. Ideal for holiday baking recipes that need to wow without the fuss, this dessert checks all the boxes. One bite, and you’re hooked!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Puff Pastry

Mini Pecan Pies

Mini Pecan Pies are all about bite-sized bursts of buttery crust and rich, nutty filling. Perfect for holiday baking recipes that need a little Southern charm, these pies are as fun to eat as they are to bake. Share them or keep them all—you decide!
Get the Recipe: Mini Pecan Pies

Brownie Bites

A close-up of a hand holding a half-eaten chocolate brownie with visible melted chocolate chips. — Brownie Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Brownie Bites pack fudgy goodness into a perfectly poppable dessert. These are excellent for holiday baking recipes when you need something fast but unforgettable. Easy to whip up and even easier to devour!
Get the Recipe: Brownie Bites

Strawberry Poke Cake

Strawberry Poke Cake blends fruity syrup with whipped topping for a dessert that’s as festive as it is delicious. It’s a must for holiday baking recipes when you want something vibrant and crowd-pleasing. Every slice feels like a celebration!
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Poke Cake

Pecan Shortbread Bars

Three pecan pie bars stacked on a white plate, topped with sea salt. — Pecan Shortbread Bars. Photo credit: Heavenly Spiced.

Pecan Shortbread Bars combine maple-sweetened pecan filling with a buttery crust for a dessert worth savoring. These bars shine in holiday baking recipes where simple meets sophisticated. Each slice is a little slice of heaven!
Get the Recipe: Pecan Shortbread Bars

Yogurt Almond Flour Coffee Cake

A loaf of cake dusted with powdered sugar and topped with coffee beans, surrounded by orange slices on a black plate. — Yogurt Almond Flour Coffee Cake. Photo credit: My Chef's Apron.

Yogurt Almond Flour Coffee Cake pairs a tender crumb with bright orange zest and a subtle coffee kick. It’s a standout for holiday baking recipes that need a little flair without being over-the-top. Perfect with a warm drink and cozy company!
Get the Recipe: Yogurt Almond Flour Coffee Cake

Cranberry Biscotti

Biscotti with almonds and dried cranberries are scattered on a wire rack, with additional berries in a small white bowl. A jar lies tipped over, suggesting the biscotti were poured from it. — Cranberry Biscotti. Photo credit: In the Kitch.

Cranberry Biscotti adds crunch and tart-sweet flavor to your holiday treat lineup. It’s an excellent pick for holiday baking recipes that pair perfectly with coffee or tea. Bonus: They last long enough to share—or not!
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Biscotti

Italian Rainbow Cookies

Italian Rainbow Cookies stack almond cake, jam, and chocolate into one irresistible bite. These add charm and tradition to holiday baking recipes that aim to impress. Slice them up, and let the layers shine!
Get the Recipe: Italian Rainbow Cookies

Gingerbread Soft Cookies

A plate of intricately decorated white-iced cookies in various shapes, including snowflakes and mittens, sits on a table with pine branches and string lights. — Gingerbread Soft Cookies. Photo credit: Julia Recipes.

Gingerbread Soft Cookies fill the kitchen with that cozy, spiced aroma everyone loves. They’re a natural choice for holiday baking recipes, especially when decorating cookies is on the agenda. Soft, flavorful, and fun—they’re a holiday win!
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Soft Cookies

Pecan Praline Cookies

Plate of pecan cookies, some with bites, alongside a cup of black coffee. Additional cookies on a cooling rack and another cup in the background. Red-striped napkins are on the table. — Pecan Praline Cookies. Photo credit: Little Black Skillet.

Pecan Praline Cookies bring all the buttery goodness of Southern praline candy to your holiday baking recipes. Their nutty texture and chewy bite make them a hit at cookie swaps and festive gatherings. These cookies are the perfect balance of indulgence and nostalgia.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Praline Cookies

Ice Cream Yule Log Cake with Chocolate Ganache

Chocolate Yule log cake with chocolate icing, garnished with cranberries and rosemary on a white platter. Sliced to reveal creamy filling. — Ice Cream Yule Log Cake with Chocolate Ganache. Photo credit: The Dinner Bell.

Ice Cream Yule Log Cake with Chocolate Ganache is an effortless way to add wow-factor to your holiday baking recipes. With its velvety ganache topping and festive garnish, it’s as stunning as it is satisfying. Everyone will love the mix of creamy, fluffy, and chocolatey in every slice.
Get the Recipe: Ice Cream Yule Log Cake with Chocolate Ganache

Colorful Christmas Yule Log

Festive spiral cake roll with red, green, and white layers, topped with whipped cream and sprinkles, displayed on a black slate. A slice is served on a plate in the background. — Colorful Christmas Yule Log. Photo credit: Chef's Pencil.

Colorful Christmas Yule Log is a showstopper for your holiday baking recipes with its vibrant colors and rich cream filling. The fluffy sponge cake makes it light enough to enjoy after a big holiday meal. It’s a dessert that looks as magical as the season itself!
Get the Recipe: Colorful Christmas Yule Log

Peanut Butter Blossoms

A batch of peanut butter cookies with chocolate centers on a wire rack over vintage paper. — Peanut Butter Blossoms. Photo credit: Living Chirpy.

Peanut Butter Blossoms bring a timeless charm to holiday baking recipes with their sweet, nutty base and classic chocolate center. They’re simple to whip up and always a crowd favorite at cookie exchanges. Plus, their festive look fits right into any holiday spread!
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Blossoms

Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

A tray of frosted cake squares topped with red and green sprinkles, placed on a green surface with a green napkin and two plates holding individual cake slices. — Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting. Photo credit: The Dinner Bell.

Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting combines warm spices and rich frosting to create the ultimate holiday dessert. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings and adds a nostalgic touch to your holiday baking recipes. The balance of sweet and spice feels like a hug in dessert form.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

Gluten-Free Magic Bars

Chocolate chip brownies cut into squares are arranged on parchment paper. Nearby, there's a glass of milk and a bowl of chocolate chips. — Gluten-Free Magic Bars. Photo credit: Basics with Bails.

Gluten-Free Magic Bars layer chocolate, coconut, and walnuts in a way that feels like pure holiday magic. These sweet treats are perfect for rounding out your holiday baking recipes. Their simple preparation leaves more time for the festive fun!
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Magic Bars

White Chocolate Walnut Cookies

A plate of cookies with nuts and drizzled white icing arranged in a circle. — White Chocolate Walnut Cookies. Photo credit: The Fast Recipe Food Blog.

White Chocolate Walnut Cookies bring crispy edges, chewy centers, and a flavor-packed combo of rich chocolate and crunchy walnuts to your holiday baking recipes. They’re ideal for dunking in cocoa or enjoying straight off the cooling rack. These cookies are a little fancy but totally approachable!
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Walnut Cookies

Biscoff Toffee Crack

A pile of chocolate-coated brittle pieces with a crumbly topping on a glass platter. — Biscoff Toffee Crack. Photo credit: The Sprinkled Cakery.

Biscoff Toffee Crack transforms Biscoff cookies and buttery toffee into a crunchy, chocolatey treat that’s perfect for holiday baking recipes. This sweet snack comes together fast and is almost impossible to put down. It’s the kind of candy that disappears before the party even starts!
Get the Recipe: Biscoff Toffee Crack

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Green and red swirled cookies in baking paper on a white wooden surface. — Christmas Pinwheel Cookies. Photo credit: Little Black Skillet.

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies bring bright swirls and festive vibes to your holiday baking recipes. These cheerful treats might look elaborate, but they’re surprisingly easy to master. They’re sure to impress guests while adding a pop of fun to any dessert table!
Get the Recipe: Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Peppermint Brownies

Squares of peppermint bark with crushed candy canes on top, arranged on a cooling rack over parchment paper. — Peppermint Brownies. Photo credit: Cambrea Bakes.

Peppermint Brownies stack fudgy chocolate, peppermint frosting, and crunchy candy pieces for a triple-layer holiday treat. They’re a standout addition to holiday baking recipes, combining rich flavor with a cool, refreshing twist. These brownies are indulgent and undeniably festive.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Brownies

Chocolate and Almond Biscotti

Plate of chocolate biscotti drizzled with white icing, placed on a textured beige tablecloth with chocolate and decor in the background. — Chocolate and Almond Biscotti. Photo credit: Chef's Pencil.

Chocolate and Almond Biscotti make a crunchy companion for hot drinks during the holidays, perfect for your list of holiday baking recipes. Their almond flavor pairs beautifully with chocolate for a treat that lasts long after the first batch. Share them with guests or keep them all to yourself!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate and Almond Biscotti

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

A plate of chocolate chip cookies topped with crushed candy canes, with candy canes scattered around. — Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Cambrea Bakes.

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies pack candy cane crunch and gooey chocolate into a soft cookie that screams holiday season. These treats are an irresistible addition to your holiday baking recipes. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat!
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gingersnap Cookies

Fourteen brown cookies arranged on white parchment paper surrounded by cinnamon sticks and star anise. — Gingersnap Cookies. Photo credit: Living Chirpy.

Gingersnap Cookies combine crisp edges and a spiced kick, perfect for rounding out your holiday baking recipes. They’re a classic that never goes out of style and pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or cocoa. These cookies are holiday nostalgia baked to perfection.
Get the Recipe: Gingersnap Cookies

Keto Gingerbread Loaf

Sliced spiced cake with white frosting on a wooden board, surrounded by star anise. — Keto Gingerbread Loaf. Photo credit: Low Carb Spark.

Keto Gingerbread Loaf offers all the spiced holiday flavor in a recipe that fits your seasonal goals. Topped with a creamy cinnamon frosting, it’s a festive treat perfect for holiday baking recipes. This loaf is as comforting as a cozy winter night by the fire.
Get the Recipe: Keto Gingerbread Loaf

Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

A cinnamon roll with white icing and festive sprinkles is on a plate, surrounded by cups of coffee and holiday decorations. — Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: I Heart Eating.

Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are a soft, gooey addition to your holiday baking recipes, brimming with warm spices and topped with cream cheese frosting. They’re perfect for Christmas mornings or as a cozy treat on cold winter evenings. These rolls are the ultimate way to celebrate the season!
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls