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Home » Desserts

People are making these 19 Christmas treats instead of traditional desserts

Published: Dec 13, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Holiday dessert tables are starting to look a little different this year. Familiar classics are being set aside in favor of treats that feel fresh but still festive. Bakers are reaching for new ideas that surprise without losing that cozy Christmas vibe. Somehow, these sweets manage to feel both unexpected and right on time.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Easy-Santa-Whoopie-Pies.jpg

Easy Santa Whoopie Pies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Gingerbread Cookie Twist

A line of gingerbread man cookies on a wooden plate.
Gingerbread Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These gingerbread cookies are spiced for a festive surprise everyone will enjoy. They’re a quick alternative to the usual holiday desserts.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Cookies

Sprinkle White Chocolate Fudge

An image of white chocolate fudge on a plate.
White Chocolate Fudge. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

White chocolate fudge with sprinkles is ready in minutes and perfect for gifting. This easy treat is stealing the spotlight from traditional holiday sweets.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Fudge

Christmas Sugar Cookie Fun

Overhead view of Christmas sugar cookies on a white plate, with cookies on the side as well.
Christmas Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These sugar cookies are frosted and festive, perfect for any holiday spread. They’re quickly becoming a favorite over classic holiday desserts.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Sugar Cookies

Classic Holiday Butter Cookies

A close-up view of holiday butter cookies on a white plate.
Holiday Butter Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Butter cookies made with six simple ingredients are soft and crumbly. They’re replacing traditional Christmas desserts on many holiday tables.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Butter Cookies

Santa Whoopie Pie Treats

Three Santa Whoopie Pies.
Easy Santa Whoopie Pies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Santa-themed whoopie pies add a playful twist to holiday desserts. Kids and adults will love baking and enjoying these festive treats.
Get the Recipe: Easy Santa Whoopie Pies

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Candy

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark on a bowl.
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This peppermint bark mixes dark chocolate with a holiday crunch. It’s a simple dessert swap that’s perfect for Christmas parties.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark

Chocolate Peppermint Meringues

Someone holding a Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Meringue Kiss Christmas Cookie.
Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Meringue Kiss Christmas Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chocolate-dipped peppermint meringues are crisp, sweet, and festive. They’re becoming a favorite for elegant holiday dessert tables.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Meringue Kiss Christmas Cookies

High Protein Holiday Bars

Twix Bars cut in half.
High Protein “Twix” Bars. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

These homemade Twix-style bars blend sweet flavors with protein. They’re a holiday snack that stands out on dessert tables.
Get the Recipe: High Protein “Twix” Bars

Biscoff Reindeer Linzer Cookies

An image of Biscoff Reindeer Linzer Cookies.
Biscoff Reindeer Linzer Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These reindeer Linzer cookies are filled with Biscoff for a seasonal twist. They double as both a dessert and a festive centerpiece.
Get the Recipe: Biscoff Reindeer Linzer Cookies

Mint Cacao Freezer Candy

Mint Cacao Candy garnished.
Mint Cacao Adaptogenic Freezer Candy. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Freezer candies combine chocolate, peppermint, and natural ingredients for a refreshing holiday treat. They’re quick to prep and stand out from typical Christmas desserts.
Get the Recipe: Mint Cacao Adaptogenic Freezer Candy

Homemade Milky Way Bites

Milky Way Bites stacked.
Homemade Milky Way Bites. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Milky Way bites recreate the classic candy bar in a homemade version. They’re a fun and fast alternative to standard holiday treats.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Milky Way Bites

Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Top view of peanut butter kiss cookies on a cooling rack.
Easy Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Peanut butter kiss cookies are soft, sweet, and perfect for holiday baking. They’re taking over cookie trays as a favorite Christmas treat.
Get the Recipe: Easy Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Festive Peppermint Bark

Peppermint Bark cracked.
Peppermint Bark. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Peppermint bark layers chocolate with crushed candy canes for a seasonal treat. It’s an easy favorite that beats out traditional Christmas desserts.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Bark

Homemade 3 Musketeers Bites

3 Musketeers Bites stacked.
Homemade 3 Musketeers Bites. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

3 Musketeers bites feature fluffy marshmallow centers coated in milk chocolate. They’re a quick, shareable alternative to traditional holiday candies.
Get the Recipe: Homemade 3 Musketeers Bites

Christmas Reindeer Cookie Treats

Reindeer-themed cookies decorated with icing.
Christmas Reindeer Cookies. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

Reindeer cookies bring festive designs to the dessert table. They’re a charming alternative to standard holiday cookies.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Reindeer Cookies

White Chocolate Holiday Cookies

Gingerbread cookies with christmas decorations on a wooden cutting board.
White Chocolate Dipped Cookies. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

These cookies are dipped in white chocolate for a sweet holiday twist. Perfect for gifting or adding to your festive dessert table.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Dipped Cookies

Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

These chocolate peanut butter cups are quick to make and perfect for holiday snacking. They offer a sweet and salty treat that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

Peanut Butter Balls with Graham Crackers. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Crunchy peanut butter balls are coated in chocolate for a festive treat. They’re no-bake, making them perfect for last-minute holiday desserts.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Balls with Graham Crackers

Festive Christmas Tree Cookies

Easy Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Decorate your holiday table with these Christmas tree sugar cookies. They’re easy to make and bring a cheerful touch to any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Easy Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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