Oh, the joy of holiday desserts! There’s something truly magical about Christmas treats that brings everyone together. This recipe for delicious holiday desserts is a showstopper, perfect for all your festive gatherings. Imagine a warm, chocolatey delight that melts in your mouth, topped with a sweet icing and colorful sprinkles – it’s like a celebration in every bite! I love how easy it is to whip up, which means more time spent with loved ones and less time in the kitchen. Plus, you can make it a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Trust me, this is the dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds and thirds at your Christmas celebration!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create these irresistible holiday desserts for Christmas. Make sure to gather everything before you start, so the process flows smoothly!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – for that perfect baked texture
- 1 cup granulated sugar – to add sweetness and balance the cocoa
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – rich chocolate flavor is a must!
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – helps the dessert rise beautifully
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – enhances all the flavors
- 1 cup butter, softened – for a rich, creamy base
- 4 large eggs – these will add moisture and structure
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – a splash of warmth and sweetness
- 1 cup chocolate chips – because more chocolate is always better!
- 1 cup powdered sugar – for the sweet icing
- 2 tablespoons milk – to achieve that perfect icing consistency
- Sprinkles for decoration – a festive touch to make it sparkle!
How to Prepare Holiday Desserts for Christmas
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness! Making these holiday desserts is a breeze, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly it all comes together. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your desserts bake evenly and come out just right.
While the oven is heating, grab a mixing bowl and combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Give it a good whisk to blend everything beautifully.
Now, in another bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened butter, 4 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial, as it helps create that rich texture we all love! Once it’s mixed well, slowly add your dry ingredients to this wet mix and stir until everything is just combined.
The fun part? Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips! This will give you those delightful chocolate bursts in every bite. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly, and pop it in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once it’s done, let it cool for a bit.
While it’s cooling, mix up your icing by combining 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk. Drizzle this over your cooled dessert, and don’t forget to sprinkle on those festive sprinkles for that holiday flair!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy holiday schedules
- Rich chocolate flavor that satisfies every sweet tooth
- Festively decorated with icing and sprinkles for a cheerful presentation
- Great for sharing at Christmas gatherings or as a sweet gift
- Can be made a day ahead, allowing flavors to deepen
Tips for Success
To ensure your holiday desserts turn out perfectly, I’ve got a few handy tips up my sleeve! First, be sure your butter is softened, not melted. This makes a huge difference in texture. Also, when measuring your flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife – this prevents packing it too tightly, which can lead to dry desserts.
When mixing your ingredients, don’t overmix the batter; just combine until you see no dry flour—this keeps your treats nice and tender. And here’s a little secret: let your dessert cool completely before drizzling the icing on top. If it’s still warm, the icing will just melt away. Lastly, feel free to get creative with the sprinkles! It’s all about that festive cheer, so make it as colorful as you like. Happy baking!
Variations on Holiday Desserts for Christmas
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up these holiday desserts! For a minty twist, try adding some peppermint extract to the batter or folding in crushed peppermint candies before baking. Oh wow, the flavors are just perfect for the season!
Another idea? Swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips or even butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile. You could also mix in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that complements the soft texture.
Feeling fruity? Toss in a handful of dried cranberries or cherries for a tart contrast that brightens every bite. Trust me, each variation brings its own festive cheer, making this dessert even more special at your Christmas gatherings!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your holiday desserts properly is key to keeping them fresh and delicious! Once your dessert has cooled completely, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. This will keep them moist and flavorful for up to 3 days at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, you can pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay good for about a week.
Want to enjoy them later? You can freeze the dessert! Just wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll be good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. No need to reheat—just let them come to room temperature for the best taste. Trust me, they’ll still be just as delightful!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Keep in mind that the nutritional information provided for these holiday desserts can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I’ve done my best to give you an accurate estimate, it’s always a good idea to double-check based on your own selections. Enjoy your delicious treats, but remember that these numbers are just a guide and may not reflect the exact nutrition of your finished dessert!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of flour?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I freeze the holiday desserts for Christmas?
Yes, you can! Just wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge.
What if I don’t have chocolate chips?
No worries at all! You can substitute with chopped chocolate bars, or even use dried fruits or nuts for a fun twist. Get creative with what you have on hand!
How do I know when the desserts are done baking?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached. If it’s wet with batter, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Can I add frosting instead of icing?
Definitely! If you love a richer topping, feel free to slather on your favorite frosting instead of the simple icing. It’ll add an extra layer of sweetness that’s perfect for the holidays!
Holiday Desserts Christmas: 7 Irresistible Treats to Try
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious holiday desserts for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool, then mix powdered sugar and milk for icing.
- Drizzle icing over the cooled dessert and top with sprinkles.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Use festive sprinkles for a holiday touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: holiday desserts christmas
