A Baker’s Dozen: 13 Treats for the Holiday Season

Between Christmas and New Year celebrations, there are lots of opportunities to bake something sweet for family and friends. You don’t have to be a pro baker to make these warm treats! From cookies to crescent rolls and other creative desserts, try out one of these recipes that I recommend.

Here are some of my favorites along with a few new recipes that I’m looking to try this year.

First… Cookies, of course!

As the traditional baked treats of the season, these are a must. From sugar to shortbread cookies, any of these recipes will wow your guests.

The titles and odd-colored, underlined words are all clickable links to the recipes.

1. Shortbread

This Food Network recipe makes 20 delicious shortbread cookies, with a follow-along video and step-by-step directions for beginner bakers. They even suggest melting some milk chocolate to drizzle on top of the baked cookies! Check them out here.

2. Peanut Butter Blossoms

Anything peanut butter is a favorite of mine. These small, thick cookies are topped off with a Hershey’s kiss. Let Betty Crocker guide your baking day this year with an easy cookie recipe found here.

3. Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bakes

No-bake cookies are not only relatively easy to make, but have also been a favorite of my family’s, specifically my father, for years. They stay fresh for a long time in the fridge – or at least for as long as they last before they’ve all been scarfed down!

4. Sugar Cookies

What’s a holiday celebration without sugar cookies? Don’t forget the frosting and sprinkles!

5. Gingerbread Men

The best time of year for gingerbread cookies (and houses!) is around the holidays. This warm cookie will be a hit – and don’t forget to decorate them!

Crescent Rolls Galore

Whether it’s sweet or savory, crescent rolls make a great appetizer and dessert.

6. Pull-Apart Crescent Tree

Thank you to Pillsbury for this deliciously easy recipe. Not only does it look amazing on the table as a teasing display, but it’s also easy to make! No one has to know that it only takes 4 ingredients.

7. Cranberry Cheesecake Rolls

These are similar to the cranberry brie rolls that I recommend in my Thanksgiving recipe list. These rolls are even sweeter, and make a yummy dessert or sweet breakfast treat. The sugary, sweet and cheesy spread is easy to make. Serve the rolls warm!

8. Savory Spinach and Cheese Crescents

Looking for something savory to serve as an appetizer? These tasty rolls are stuffed with 3 cheeses, spinach and spices for a yummy snack, side or appetizer.

Other Sweet Desserts

Cupcakes, fudge and salty treats… say less.

9. Santa Hat Cupcakes

These treats are adorable and so simple. Make with either vanilla, chocolate or any other flavor of cake, and top with red and white frosting. Check out Delish for a follow-along video and directions.

10. Chocolate Fudge

I’ve never made fudge before, but this recipe convinced me that it’s worth trying. This recipe adds nuts, but you can add whatever you want… maybe some festive sprinkles or M&M’s to make these even cuter.

11. Peanut Butter Snowballs

Do I need to say more? These tasty treats are filled with creamy peanut butter and coated with white chocolate and sprinkles. They can be decorated for any season, occasion or holiday!

12. Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods

While so simple, these are cute and fun to make. Add festive sprinkles or get creative with the flavors. This recipe even suggests caramel for dipping and decorating. These treats are great for gifts too!

13. Sweet & Salty Toffee

Be careful, these are addicting. Visit PunchFork to access this Delish recipe and check out the countless other bark and toffee bar recipes to satisfy any sweet tooth.

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Get Your Bake On

Put on your fuzzy socks, play some chill music and try out one of these recipes for the next time you see family (or no shame in eating them all yourself). The next one on my list? Peanut butter blossoms and gingerbread men.

Yours Truly,

Cat Taylor