20 Adorable Christmas Recipes: Festive Treats to Delight Your Holiday Guests
Christmas is a time for joy, togetherness, and, of course, delicious food! While traditional Christmas dishes are always a hit, why not add a touch of whimsy and cuteness to your holiday spread this year? These adorable Christmas recipes are not only visually appealing but also incredibly tasty, guaranteed to bring smiles to faces of all ages. Get ready to spread some holiday cheer with these festive treats!
## 1. Reindeer Cookies
These reindeer cookies are a classic Christmas treat, and they’re so easy to make! Their cute faces and festive antlers make them irresistible.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* ½ teaspoon baking powder
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* Chocolate frosting
* Mini pretzels
* Red M&Ms or small red candies
* Candy eyes
**Instructions:**
1. **Cream butter and sugar:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. **Add egg and vanilla:** Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. **Combine dry ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. **Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. **Chill the dough:** Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
6. **Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. **Roll out and cut cookies:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out circles.
8. **Bake:** Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
9. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. **Decorate:** Frost the cookies with chocolate frosting. Attach mini pretzels for antlers, a red M&M or candy for the nose, and candy eyes.
## 2. Snowman Pretzels
These adorable snowman pretzels are a quick and easy treat to make with kids. They’re perfect for a Christmas party or a festive snack.
**Ingredients:**
* Pretzel rods
* White chocolate melting wafers
* Mini chocolate chips
* Orange sprinkles
* Candy eyes
* Black edible marker
**Instructions:**
1. **Melt the white chocolate:** Melt the white chocolate melting wafers according to package directions.
2. **Dip the pretzels:** Dip each pretzel rod into the melted white chocolate, covering it completely.
3. **Add decorations:** Immediately place two candy eyes on the top half of the pretzel for the snowman’s eyes. Add an orange sprinkle for the nose and mini chocolate chips for the buttons.
4. **Hatch Marks with edible marker**: Use the black edible marker to create hatc marks for the snowman’s mouth
5. **Let the chocolate set:** Place the decorated pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let the chocolate set completely. You can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator.
## 3. Christmas Tree Brownies
Transform ordinary brownies into festive Christmas trees with a few simple decorations. These are always a crowd-pleaser!
**Ingredients:**
* Your favorite brownie recipe or box mix
* Green frosting
* Sprinkles (various colors)
* Star-shaped candy or sprinkles
**Instructions:**
1. **Bake the brownies:** Prepare and bake the brownies according to your chosen recipe or box mix directions. Let them cool completely.
2. **Cut into triangles:** Once cooled, cut the brownies into triangle shapes to resemble Christmas trees.
3. **Frost the trees:** Frost each brownie triangle with green frosting.
4. **Decorate with sprinkles:** Decorate the frosted brownies with various colored sprinkles to resemble ornaments.
5. **Add a star:** Top each brownie tree with a star-shaped candy or sprinkle.
## 4. Santa Hat Strawberries
These Santa hat strawberries are a healthy and adorable treat that’s perfect for a Christmas party. They’re also incredibly easy to make.
**Ingredients:**
* Fresh strawberries
* Whipped cream or white chocolate
**Instructions:**
1. **Wash and dry strawberries:** Wash and dry the strawberries thoroughly.
2. **Cut off the tops:** Cut off the stem end of each strawberry to create a flat base.
3. **Add whipped cream or white chocolate:** Pipe or spread a small dollop of whipped cream or melted white chocolate onto the flat base of each strawberry.
4. **Place the hat on top:** Place the cut-off strawberry top back on top of the whipped cream or white chocolate, creating a Santa hat shape.
5. **Add a pom-pom:** Top the strawberry hat with a small dollop of whipped cream or white chocolate to create a pom-pom.
## 5. Penguin Oreos
These adorable penguin Oreos are a fun and easy treat to make with kids. They’re perfect for a winter-themed party or a Christmas celebration.
**Ingredients:**
* Oreo cookies
* White chocolate melting wafers
* Orange candy melts
* Candy eyes
**Instructions:**
1. **Melt the white chocolate:** Melt the white chocolate melting wafers according to package directions.
2. **Dip the Oreos:** Dip each Oreo cookie into the melted white chocolate, covering about two-thirds of the cookie.
3. **Add the belly:** Let the white chocolate set slightly, then add a small dollop of melted white chocolate to the center of the exposed Oreo, creating the penguin’s belly.
4. **Melt the orange candy melts:** Melt the orange candy melts according to package directions.
5. **Create the feet and beak:** Dip the bottom of the Oreo into the melted orange candy melts to create the penguin’s feet. Use a small amount of melted orange candy melt to attach a small piece of orange candy melt for the beak.
6. **Add the eyes:** Attach candy eyes to the white chocolate above the beak.
7. **Let everything set:** Place the decorated Oreos on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let everything set completely. You can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator.
## 6. Gingerbread Men
No Christmas is complete without gingerbread men! Get creative with the decorations and let everyone personalize their own gingerbread friend.
**Ingredients:**
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* ¾ teaspoon baking soda
* ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ½ teaspoon ground ginger
* ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* ¾ cup packed brown sugar
* ½ cup molasses
* 1 large egg
* Royal icing
* Sprinkles
* Candy decorations
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine dry ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
2. **Cream butter and sugar:** In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. **Add molasses and egg:** Beat in the molasses and egg until well combined.
4. **Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. **Chill the dough:** Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
6. **Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. **Roll out and cut cookies:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a gingerbread man cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
8. **Bake:** Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
9. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. **Decorate:** Decorate the cookies with royal icing, sprinkles, and candy decorations.
## 7. Christmas Light Cupcakes
Brighten up your dessert table with these colorful Christmas light cupcakes. They’re surprisingly easy to make and look absolutely festive!
**Ingredients:**
* Your favorite cupcake recipe or box mix
* Vanilla frosting
* Mini M&Ms (various colors)
* Black licorice whips
**Instructions:**
1. **Bake the cupcakes:** Prepare and bake the cupcakes according to your chosen recipe or box mix directions. Let them cool completely.
2. **Frost the cupcakes:** Frost each cupcake with vanilla frosting.
3. **Cut the licorice:** Cut the black licorice whips into small pieces to resemble the wires for the Christmas lights.
4. **Arrange the lights:** Place a small piece of licorice whip on top of each cupcake, then attach mini M&Ms to the licorice to resemble Christmas lights. Use a small dab of frosting to secure the M&Ms if needed.
## 8. Melting Snowman Cookies
These melting snowman cookies are a fun and whimsical twist on traditional sugar cookies. They’re guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
**Ingredients:**
* Sugar cookies (store-bought or homemade)
* White frosting
* Mini marshmallows
* Chocolate chips
* Orange sprinkles
**Instructions:**
1. **Frost the cookies:** Frost each sugar cookie with white frosting.
2. **Add marshmallows:** Place a few mini marshmallows on top of the frosting to resemble a melting snowman.
3. **Add chocolate chips:** Add chocolate chips for the eyes and mouth.
4. **Add an orange sprinkle:** Add an orange sprinkle for the nose.
## 9. Grinch Popcorn
This Grinch-themed popcorn is a fun and festive snack that’s perfect for watching Christmas movies. It’s sweet, salty, and green!
**Ingredients:**
* Popped popcorn
* White chocolate melting wafers
* Green food coloring
* Red heart sprinkles
**Instructions:**
1. **Pop the popcorn:** Pop the popcorn according to package directions.
2. **Melt the white chocolate:** Melt the white chocolate melting wafers according to package directions.
3. **Add food coloring:** Add green food coloring to the melted white chocolate and stir until well combined.
4. **Coat the popcorn:** Pour the melted green chocolate over the popcorn and toss to coat evenly.
5. **Add sprinkles:** Sprinkle red heart sprinkles over the popcorn.
6. **Let the chocolate set:** Spread the popcorn on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let the chocolate set completely. You can speed up the process by placing it in the refrigerator.
## 10. Polar Bear Paw Brownies
These adorable polar bear paw brownies are a cute and delicious treat that’s perfect for a winter celebration. They’re easy to make and look impressive.
**Ingredients:**
* Your favorite brownie recipe or box mix
* White chocolate melting wafers
* Mini marshmallows
**Instructions:**
1. **Bake the brownies:** Prepare and bake the brownies according to your chosen recipe or box mix directions. Let them cool completely.
2. **Cut into squares:** Cut the brownies into squares.
3. **Melt the white chocolate:** Melt the white chocolate melting wafers according to package directions.
4. **Dip the brownies:** Dip the bottom of each brownie square into the melted white chocolate.
5. **Add marshmallow paws:** Place four mini marshmallows on the white chocolate to resemble the polar bear’s paws.
6. **Let the chocolate set:** Place the decorated brownies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let the chocolate set completely. You can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator.
## 11. Christmas Wreath Cookies
These festive Christmas wreath cookies are a beautiful and delicious addition to any holiday dessert table. They’re surprisingly easy to make and look impressive.
**Ingredients:**
* Cornflake cereal
* Butter
* Miniature marshmallows
* Green food coloring
* Red hot candies or small red candies
**Instructions:**
1. **Melt butter and marshmallows:** In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
2. **Add food coloring:** Stir in green food coloring until the mixture is evenly colored.
3. **Add cornflakes:** Remove from heat and gently stir in cornflake cereal until well coated.
4. **Shape into wreaths:** Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto waxed paper or parchment paper. Shape each spoonful into a wreath.
5. **Decorate with candies:** While the wreaths are still slightly soft, decorate with red hot candies or small red candies.
6. **Let set:** Let the wreaths set completely before serving.
## 12. Ornament Cupcakes
These ornament cupcakes are a colorful and festive treat that’s perfect for a Christmas party. They’re easy to decorate and look beautiful on a dessert table.
**Ingredients:**
* Your favorite cupcake recipe or box mix
* Vanilla frosting
* Various colored sprinkles
* Silver dragees or edible glitter
**Instructions:**
1. **Bake the cupcakes:** Prepare and bake the cupcakes according to your chosen recipe or box mix directions. Let them cool completely.
2. **Frost the cupcakes:** Frost each cupcake with vanilla frosting.
3. **Decorate with sprinkles:** Decorate the frosted cupcakes with various colored sprinkles and silver dragees or edible glitter to resemble Christmas ornaments.
## 13. Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats
Give a holiday spin to the classic Rice Krispie treats. The added reindeer features make them extra special for kids (and adults!).
**Ingredients:**
* 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
* 10 oz marshmallows
* 3 tbsp butter
* Pretzel sticks
* Red M&Ms
* Candy Eyes
**Instructions:**
1. **Melt butter and marshmallows:** In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
2. **Add cereal:** Remove from heat and stir in Rice Krispies cereal until well coated.
3. **Shape into squares:** Press the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch pan. Let cool slightly.
4. **Cut into squares:** Cut into individual squares.
5. **Add reindeer features:** Break pretzel sticks in half and insert them into the top of each square for antlers. Attach a red M&M for the nose and candy eyes using a dab of melted chocolate or frosting.
## 14. Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
These festive cookies are a perfect combination of peppermint and chocolate, making them an irresistible treat for the holidays.
**Ingredients:**
* Peanut butter cookie dough (store-bought or homemade)
* Candy Cane Hershey Kisses
**Instructions:**
1. **Shape the dough:** Roll the cookie dough into small balls.
2. **Bake:** Bake according to package directions for the cookie dough.
3. **Add the kiss:** Immediately after removing from the oven, press a Candy Cane Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie.
4. **Let cool:** Let the cookies cool completely before serving.
## 15. Hot Chocolate Spoons
These hot chocolate spoons are a fun and easy way to add a touch of Christmas cheer to your hot cocoa. They make great gifts too!
**Ingredients:**
* Chocolate melting wafers (milk, dark, or white)
* Mini marshmallows
* Crushed peppermint candies
* Sprinkles
* Plastic spoons
**Instructions:**
1. **Melt the chocolate:** Melt the chocolate melting wafers according to package directions.
2. **Coat the spoons:** Dip the bowl of each plastic spoon into the melted chocolate.
3. **Add toppings:** Immediately sprinkle with mini marshmallows, crushed peppermint candies, and sprinkles.
4. **Let the chocolate set:** Place the spoons on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let the chocolate set completely. You can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator.
## 16. Mini Christmas Cheesecakes
Individual cheesecakes decorated for Christmas! Simple, elegant, and deliciously festive.
**Ingredients:**
* Cream cheese
* Sugar
* Eggs
* Vanilla extract
* Graham cracker crumbs
* Butter
* Christmas-themed sprinkles and candies for decoration
**Instructions:**
1. **Make the crust:** Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into the bottom of muffin tins lined with paper liners.
2. **Make the filling:** Beat together cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
3. **Bake:** Pour the filling into the muffin tins. Bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes, or until set.
4. **Cool and decorate:** Let cool completely. Decorate with Christmas-themed sprinkles and candies.
## 17. Santa Belt Cupcakes
Transform a basic cupcake into a delightful Santa theme with just a few key elements.
**Ingredients:**
* Chocolate cupcakes
* Red frosting
* Black licorice strips
* Yellow square sprinkles
**Instructions:**
1. **Frost the cupcakes:** Frost the cupcakes with red frosting.
2. **Add the belt:** Place a black licorice strip around the middle of each cupcake to create Santa’s belt.
3. **Add the buckle:** Attach a yellow square sprinkle to the licorice strip to represent the belt buckle.
## 18. Meringue Christmas Trees
Light, airy, and visually stunning, these meringue trees are a showstopper for any Christmas dessert display.
**Ingredients:**
* Egg whites
* Sugar
* Cream of tartar
* Green food coloring
* Sprinkles
**Instructions:**
1. **Make the meringue:** Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until glossy.
2. **Add color:** Tint the meringue with green food coloring.
3. **Pipe the trees:** Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe small trees onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. **Bake:** Bake at a very low temperature (around 200F) for 1-2 hours, or until the meringues are dry and crisp.
5. **Decorate:** Decorate with sprinkles.
## 19. Peanut Butter Blossoms with Christmas Sprinkles
These classic cookies get a festive makeover with holiday-themed sprinkles.
**Ingredients:**
* Peanut butter cookie dough (store-bought or homemade)
* Granulated sugar
* Christmas sprinkles
* Hershey’s Kisses
**Instructions:**
1. **Roll dough in sugar:** Roll the cookie dough into small balls and then roll in granulated sugar mixed with Christmas sprinkles.
2. **Bake:** Bake according to package directions for the cookie dough.
3. **Add the Kiss:** Immediately after removing from the oven, press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
4. **Let cool:** Let cool completely before serving.
## 20. Christmas Tree Pizzas
A savory and fun treat! Kids will love helping to decorate these mini pizza trees.
**Ingredients:**
* Pita bread or small pizza crusts
* Pizza sauce
* Shredded mozzarella cheese
* Green pepper, cut into strips
* Pepperoni
* Other desired pizza toppings
**Instructions:**
1. **Shape the crust:** Cut pita bread or pizza crusts into triangle shapes.
2. **Add sauce and cheese:** Spread pizza sauce over the crust and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
3. **Decorate with toppings:** Use green pepper strips to create the shape of a Christmas tree. Add pepperoni and other desired toppings as ornaments.
4. **Bake:** Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
These 20 adorable Christmas recipes are sure to bring joy and festive cheer to your holiday celebrations. Get creative, have fun, and enjoy making these delightful treats with your loved ones!