![Christmas Bulb Sugar Cookies](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/kPZZ_l8kK5-JzHcHxCN-Wb148YQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2546701_cooki_03_2_1-1afb392a049b454dadffb9ff417403a9.jpg)
The holidays are filled with sweet memories, gatherings, gifts, and of course, sweet Christmas treats. There are countless occasions when you'll need to prepare something sweet for the holidays, and we've got you covered for all of them. Make these easy recipes for kids to decorate on a cold Sunday afternoon. Prepare a batch of sweets as gifts for neighbors, teachers, and holiday guests. Need host gifts or homemade party favors? Look no further than our favorite recipes. With delicious ideas for chocolate lovers, lemon fanatics, salty-sweet cravers, and everyone in between, our Christmas confection ideas are the best. If you're looking for a simple dessert that the kids can help out with, we've got plenty of crafty ideas that your little elves will love. From cookies to bars and trifles to truffles, these are the best Christmas recipes to make your holiday the sweetest yet.
Pecan Snowball Cookies
![Pecan Snowball Cookies - Southern Living](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/TtWDVm6MQKvhuGpIO-Vvn2pH9XE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Pecan_Snowball_Cookies_012-d44935ebd37043e6b18751b6d68a48b0.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
These simple, elegant pecan snowball cookies are a sweet addition to any holiday cookie spread.
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
![Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/S8I69tAlMtRCCsRVVQcQsTnrjQQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/brown-butter-chocolate-chip-cookies-molly-bolton-hero-ac4eb2b284a244a28e81934c105bdbf7.jpg)
Molly Bolton
Elevate your typical chocolate chip cookies with this simple yet impactful recipe. Browning the butter makes these classics nuttier and richer for a holiday crowd pleaser.
Sugar Cookie Bars
![Southern Living Sugar Cookie Bars cut with sprinkles on top ready to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/0bGnypUmE7avPBqAGiTkylLnn-s=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Sugar_Cookie_Cake_014-b61634cfed5b4d5e8e1a2ccee00fb3b1.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
These soft, chewy sugar cookies made into frosting-topped bars are super customizable and perfect for holiday parties.
Pecan Pie Brownies
![Pecan Pie Brownies - Southern Living](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/ikFnxCOXq123IIf0WVC6nUheTK8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SL-pecan-pie-brownies-molly-bolton-beauty-2a-2ce7fecb2c494334af047842cbe2574b.jpg)
Molly Bolton
Two of the South's favorite sweets—pecan pie and brownies—collide to make one decadent bar. The rich dark chocolate brownies with the nutty pecan pie topping make for a delicious treat all will enjoy.
Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
![Easiest Peanut Butter Cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/gwK13ytvHu3ziURAII7YlJX0bIs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/southern-living-Easy-Peanut-Butter-Cookies-05-f93b55d40b21472c982e4369c4e53356.jpg)
Hannah Zimmerman / Southern Living
These easy peanut butter cookies take less than 20 minutes to put together and 15 minutes to bake, so you can have homemade peanut butter cookies in an easy 35 minutes. They're perfect for a quick dessert this holiday!
Pecan Pie Bars
![Pecan Pie Bars - Southern Living](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/jyde8GT7WdTKVN6jzg614Gu1t2c=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Pecan-Pie-Bars-05-2d4c4fd258794aaab656f901eebad79a.jpg)
Hannah Zimmerman
Make one of the best holiday desserts even more shareable with these pecan pie bars. All of the flavor you love without all the hassle.
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
![Southern Living Pumpkin Whoopie Pies on a black platter](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/nyf3oaqEaAU52q9F580KJw_vWs0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Pumpkin_Whoopie_Pies_014-d1e62569a2a34bb0bcb4a105e22e50da.jpg)
Photography: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Similar to a classic whoopie pie, these pumpkin ones are made with light brown sugar, pumpkin spice, and pumpkin puree to pack in the flavors of the season.
Googie's Rosabelles
![Southern Living Googie's Rosabelles stacked on a plate.](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/-DZMLVahMcXVqEuu7oNm419lG9I=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27523_Souths-Most-Treasured-Desserts_150-cee07b5462f14d699b95aff8b9c6e238.jpg)
Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
These chewy, crisp molasses cookies will be the hit of the dessert spread this holiday. Your house will smell deliciously spicy after baking these treats.
Pecan Tassies
![Pecan Tassies - Southern Living](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/9-f703HJGY-2xZGPcFLkEWxEmnk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Pecan_Tassies_010-14a574569b09401982b636c622c15db4.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
These bite-sized pecan treats are a decadent cross between a shortbread cookie and pecan pie. Bake these pecan tassies for a treat that's as simple as a cookie and as decadent as a pie.
Pumpkin Bars
![southern living pumpkin bars](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/b9px3pZ73c5vztxs3ShIWwwZ3pI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Pumpkin_Bars_141-4edf26c761da43249a7e43e8fbf0485d.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Topped with candied pumpkin seeds, these sweet, spiced pumpkin bars are the indulgent handheld treat that's irresistibly easy to eat.
Peppermint Brownies
![Peppermint Brownies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/PtVak1NRAHG8nFCgFu3_QhAY5f4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/southern-living-Peppermint-Brownies-3x4-872-0641b4f4e21c47279f355375f59abcaf.jpg)
Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Fudgy, dense, and decadent, these brownies have a hint of mocha that increases the depth of chocolate flavor. Then, they're topped with a layer of creamy peppermint-flavored chocolate ganache. And if that wasn't enough peppermint, the ganache has a layer of crunchy crushed peppermint candies.
Hello Dolly Bars
![Hello Dolly Bars - Southern Living](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/1bMBaIsSttM__CjCh9dMDjsZM6o=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SL-Hello-Dolly-Bars-Courtney-West-Primary-3x2-613a2ebdf5f04ca08f031f378af84791.jpg)
Courtney West
A crisp graham cracker crust is topped with pecans, chocolate morsels, and flaked coconut, and then sweetened condensed milk is poured right over, binding the ingredients into caramelized, uniform bars as they bake in the oven.
Snowy Tree Cookies
![Christmas Bulb Sugar Cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/kPZZ_l8kK5-JzHcHxCN-Wb148YQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2546701_cooki_03_2_1-1afb392a049b454dadffb9ff417403a9.jpg)
Use a set of star-shape cookie cutters to make these special cookies.
Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls
![Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls Recipe](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/ojmsvCpfedvJrnfkaHRJKRompME=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fudgy_pecan_bourbon_balls_0_0_0_0_1_1_0_0-2000-f8fbaf6088964ae983d15afaa11cd2bf.jpg)
This recipe makes about two dozen bourbon balls, so you'll have plenty to send home with guests after the party.
Potato Candy
![Citrus Mints](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/e9JoBRIIjMfHO9I_j0cGM0QRUvo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2335001_ibhto_064_0-2000-3608fc9869464e1282e0ffb4d5ee7174.jpg)
Get nostalgic this Christmas with one of our favorite vintage recipes.
Reindeer Marshmallow Pops
![Reindeer Marshmallow Pops](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/cK5d09FY14HGPlsXgqL5mMj2U3Q=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/reindeer-marshmallow-pops_0-30a3e81de50e4a7a94c9304359dbd841.jpg)
These adorable treats are the perfect afternoon activity for your little ones.
Pecan Bourbon Balls
![Bourbon Balls](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/xUmS8GhH_MWTDCkbcLrIV3rYIx4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2248501_3fest_0023_0_0-2000-0b6f88f273bf4c959e8a7dfe4361e531.jpg)
Spiced toasted pecans add a hint of saltiness to these sweet bites.
White Chocolate-Peppermint Blondies
![White Chocolate-Peppermint Blondies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Eqj8-y76QJlQGo_mwehsKHAaTrI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/december_recipes_cookies_2490301_chris_1011_0-0b88ddb24e8540d6812498892a2e53c5.jpg)
The creamy mint icing on these Christmas-y blondies will steal the holiday show.
Cherry Chocolates
![Cherry Chocolates Recipe](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/zQbpVFpubotbNT4Vt23FJBGErCs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2547202_south00026_0_0_1-1-b6ad34b4a0fd49968d942d60568f9172.jpg)
Mold this butter cookie dough around a chocolate candy, top with half of a candied cherry, and bake.
No-Bake Fudgy Toffee Bars
![No-Bake Fudgy Toffee Bars](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Aw-0eiJfOtROyaE7h-D9j0QMkOk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/december_recipes_cookies_2490301_chris_1073_0-2000-00d70b9ce58c47638e5aa357d9562061.jpg)
If you're in a pinch this holiday season, no-bake is the way to go.
Dark Chocolate Sablés
![Dark Chocolate Sablés](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/ZCyuQJ49lXF6EvLCTcXH4i_TgEM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/december_recipes_cookies_2490301_chris_805-2000-09d9840f6a654ad5a4d810b953a5a200.jpg)
These French butter cookies are elegant for dinner parties.
Cracker Toffee
![Cracker Toffee](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/TjZ9Gm54sugmJBYPL04AJNix1Xs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/crack_candy_image_0_0-8372b576fdd84e4f8728b39d9bd4dd48.jpg)
This five-ingredient toffee recipe starts with a sleeve of Saltines.
Molasses Crinkles
![Molasses Crinkles Recipe](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/1IcmPP3QVuBJuURJ-8N_BAfN99I=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2547201_south17282_0_2_0-2000-b647edf085b543aa98341acd64ad0c3b.jpg)
These cookies were sent in by Ms. Alice Rhodes from Harrisonburg, Virginia, and published in our November 1992 issue. They're bursting with every flavor you love about the holidays.
Beet Red Velvet Cupcakes
![Beet Red Velvet Cupcakes](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/ULLhSChofJREno68nB2Z6regtew=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/march-2017-2503101_virgi_675_0_1-2f4cb17c65ac4b1780088a3f058ad2a6.jpg)
No artificial coloring here! These sweet treats get their red hue from beets.
Brown Butter-Maple-Pecan Blondies
![Brown Butter-Maple-Pecan Blondies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/l0iGwsLVAHYi9H_NHEooGD6fCo0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2576901_bakes_18_0-2000-1041d339f10f437a9fcb26e4be69e45e.jpg)
Move over, brownies. These blondies, made with 100 percent pure maple syrup, will get all of the attention at the dessert table.
Cake Ball Ornaments
![Cake Ball Ornaments](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/86YPVBxewP7BtWcBiqjPr9FLfsE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2546901_south_32_focus-bracket_1-1-bcf085e85bf348e687452322084c88b0.jpg)
Although we used these ornaments to top the Snowy Vanilla Cake from our December 2017 cover, they can be enjoyed on their own and make a beautiful addition to any dessert spread.
Molten Red Velvet Cakes
![Molten Red Velvet Cakes, red velvet cake recipe](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/ls7SPPWjIZ_Qh-bbf5wQVJX0cSw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/save-room-2404401_saver_3117_0_0-e9a21b3cef44442c9f44ee90fb746dae.jpg)
These mini cakes are absolutely decadent for the holidays.
Lemon Thumbprint Cookies
![Lemon Thumbprint Cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/vJc368FzOrQ8YdD1ZkdQluYFGfE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/lemon-thumbprint-cookies-st_0_1-872c0e0ae7bd41e0954dec012bfd1c00.jpg)
Brighten up your holiday dessert table with a touch of lemon.
Rum Balls
![Rum Balls - Southern Living](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/f2UR69fHIl1JWvR_9jD50DJhB1E=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Rum_Balls_007-72d3d4597dd74d929fc4418061967f6c.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Reader Lela H. Coggins from Brevard, North Carolina, sent us this recipe, which was published in our December 1993 issue. This six-ingredient stunner still holds up today.
Cranberry Dreamsicle Trifle
![Cranberry Dreamsicle Trifle](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/66eMlNcxSVjItm8YGQYuBa-XxwA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2247902_9reda_11993_wms3_0_0-33dabcb6e378418eac742cd8f9805e59.jpg)
This trifle might look impressive on the dessert table, but it's extremely easy to put together.
Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls
![Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/f0QtzA-Y8Gm7I9adAWEez-UutOk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2430101_pamlo_0292_0_1-f989b6f497fb4582aa5817beabfe19ca.jpg)
Christmas treats aren't just for dessert. Start the day on a sweet note with homemade cinnamon rolls.
Hummingbird Oatmeal Cookies
![Hummingbird Oatmeal Cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/ut2lunuSkWjrxHvmUv3sdnE_NEo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2248603_2doze2101_0-c143f8fb4c294c98a01787a5a4521f2f.jpg)
These cookies are a more portable way to enjoy our most popular recipe of all tlime—the Hummingbird Cake.
Mrs. Floyd's Divinity
![Mrs. Floyd’s Divinity](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Jxwqx6XBLmtLCGY2gy6QsPyfZCo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/42acafdc-4315-4417-b24c-857181b359e0_1-96764dacb56c4e4eb2ee11fbfd9b1674.png)
This classic holiday dessert lives up to its divine name.
Crunchy Pecan Pie Bites
![Crunchy Pecan Pie Bites](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/MKTL3BIxgP9ASaldtJMR_e3KjmE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fo_4bd1acd66d43bb12_spcms_3_0_0_0_0-2000-d60c4880cc624571a967bd24fba834bb.jpg)
With just seven ingredients and 15 minutes of hands-on time, you can serve these delightful bits of pecan pie.
Belgian Spice Cookies
![Belgian Spice Cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/MaHAeX1smxJOZHySLuk05WgbHWw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2423001_hassl34570_0_0_0_0-2000-719b0f7ad7ee4dabb3a469cfe7cf71e8.jpg)
These cozy cookies, also known as Speculoos, will delight guests young and old.
Praline Cream-Beignet Tower
![Praline Cream-Beignet Tower](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/BB3Q8NesYTs6I8HXJQW8NgXOE24=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2430001_winte_0198_0-8dc80dcb29514caab239730fa86f372c.jpg)
This brunch or dessert recipe is truly a show-stopper.
Pecan-Cranberry Shortbread
![Red Velvet Thumbprints](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/UHVAGuPaiozwgPRMC_u0hxVTA_g=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2423001_hassl34486_0_0_0_0_0-2000-ca9e7f259c084d4ca226281e9e3bd24c.jpg)
These cheerful cookies are ideal for a holiday luncheon.
Triple Chocolate Brownie-Mousse Stacks
![Triple Chocolate Brownie-Mousse Stacks](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/wp8xixcbV9Waote50JM7O1TK_rI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2430001_winte_0164_0_0-f2cb439be8e5477088df5d97eef30c7c.jpg)
Delight chocolate lovers with mini desserts that are easier to serve than slicing cake.
Our Best Homemade Marshmallows
![Chocolate-Peppermint Cheesecake](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/5JaScZNMW7ablQGH0pqEgXHgdoQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2430001_winte_0061_2_0_0-2000-cd4097859602434e81b67fd1522db369.jpg)
For a holiday spin on classic homemade marshmallows, this recipe gives directions to make peppermint and bourbon-caramel variations. Pair with hot chocolate and a Christmas movie.
Mini Chocolate Chess Tarts
![Mini Chocolate Chess Tarts](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/ULv6eIGVuRVlh438LpDrp-jZXyM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2430101_pamlo_0146_0_0_0_0_1_0_0-2000-6318e17370454658aac60444577d2279.jpg)
Consider this a warning: You'll want to devour all five dozen of the tarts this easy recipe makes.
Chocolate-Peppermint Crackle Cookies
![Chocolate Peppermint Crackle Cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/c-pZqWvCDFxfB6a_VsOoaiQUYio=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2423001_hassl34486_1_0_0_0-33ad11fbdcd34c14a7593918daa2767f.jpg)
We think Santa would eat every last one of these crackle cookies on Christmas Eve.
Ambrosia Streusel Bars with Shortbread Crust
![Milk Punch Tres Leches Cake](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/THO14_HZsfmQo9YDuwj3S3jSfPA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2335201_ibhto_093_8_1_1_0-2000-3d0896a5fa0342738b25a948ac2a3c0c.jpg)
You'll never want to eat traditional ambrosia after you try it in bar form.
5-Ingredient Sugar Cookies
![5-Ingredient Sugar Cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/kLm13-d27YtQY54wetILxlKHsuA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2423001_hassl34523_0_0-2000-f3cab0805b3c44ac8f7e2286a67d668f.jpg)
Let the kids get creative decorating half of these cookies, and decorate the other half for your own dinner guests.