16 Holiday Treats That Aren't Cookies

It’s safe to say that there is no more lauded holiday dessert than the Christmas cookie. It’s the food that children leave out on Christmas Eve for Santa to enjoy, and the food that’s one of the easiest hostess gifts ever — but sometimes, just sometimes, we’d like to enjoy some more unique holiday desserts. And that means putting our cookie cutters aside for a moment to try something new. After all, we can have snickerdoodles and chocolate chip cookies any time of year. Now is the time to indulge in all things festive.

We can’t get enough seasonal flavors, so that means putting peppermint in just about everything, as well as indulging in some eggnog-flavored treats. Of course, we don’t suggest that you completely cut out your favorite Christmas cookies from your dessert menu. But adding in some fudge, some cake, or even some easy-to-make truffles can seriously amp up your offerings — and make it a very happy holiday for any sweet tooth.

From homemade cherry cordials to traditional Italian Christmas cake, there are so many options to try out this holiday season. Try out these 16 recipes to ensure that you have the best holiday ever. We’re sure that even Santa can enjoy these treats.

1. Chocolate Saltine Toffee

This toffee by Averie Cooks is easy to make ahead of time, so you don't need to worry about making desserts for your holiday party at the last minute. Plus, it makes a great DIY gift.

2. Peppermint Creme Brulee

A creme brulee is already a fancy treat, but with a touch of peppermint (a la crushed candy canes), A Spicy Perspective takes this dessert to the next level.

3. Peppermint Bark Popcorn

Need something to munch on while watching your favorite holiday movies? Look no further than Cookie and Kate's chocolate-peppermint popcorn!

4. Marbled Cranberry Cheesecake With Goat Cheese

Give the chocolate a break, and serve up an impressive-looking dessert with A Cozy Kitchen's pretty cheesecake.

5. Yorkshire Pudding

This English delicacy always has a welcome place at any Christmas feast. Steamy Kitchen breaks down how to make this irresistible treat.

6. Cranberry Bliss Seven Layer Bars

These cranberry-coconut bars by Averie Cooks are just as good as a dessert or an indulgent breakfast.

7. Peppermint Fudge

Grab some condensed milk — this fudge by A Spicy Perspective is too tasty and easy-to-make not to whip it up.

8. Panettone

Start a new family tradition by making Brown Eyed Baker's take on Italian Christmas bread.

9. Chocolate Chip Gingerbread Cake Truffles

Who needs gingerbread men when you can make Mel's Kitchen Cafe's chocolatey, gingery truffles instead?

10. Sugared Cranberries

Cranberries are decidedly a winter fruit, so you might as well enjoy them while the season lasts. Damn Delicious proves that they're good for more than just cranberry sauce.

11. Candy Cane Pudding Parfaits

These candy cane parfaits by Inside BruCrew Life are seriously eye-catching, but they're a cinch to make yourself.

12. Ultra Soft And Tender Caramel Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are good, but nothing makes Christmas morning better than A Farmgirl's Dabbles' caramel version.

13. Gingerbread Spiced Beignets

Beignets are certainly a feat to make at home. But we promise that Half Baked Harvest's gingerbread variety are most definitely worth the effort.

14. Candy Cane Chocolate Cheesecake Cake

Instead of making a ton of small, varied desserts, present your guests with an impressive centerpiece-worthy cake. We suggest Inside BruCrew Life's creamy, minty, chocolatey cake.

15. Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cordials

You'll never do store-bought again after tasting A Farmgirl's Dabbles' homemade cherry cordials.

16. Cranberry And Pistachio Chocolate Bark

Chocolate bark is a wintertime dessert favorite. This nutty version by Love and Lemons is a sophisticated choice for a holiday soirée.

Looking for more holiday cheer? Check out Bustle on YouTube.

Images: Averie Cooks (2); A Spicy Perspective; Cookie and Kate; A Cozy Kitchen; Steamy Kitchen; Averie Cooks; A Spicy Perspective; Brown Eyed Baker; Mel’s Kitchen Cafe; Damn Delicious; Inside BruCrew Life (2); A Farmgirl’s Dabbles (2); Half Baked Harvest; Love and Lemons