Christmas is just around the corner, and it's time to start thinking about the festive celebrations that come with it. One of the most enjoyable aspects of the holiday season is hosting a Christmas party for friends and family. When it comes to impressing your guests, the desserts you serve can make all the difference. In this article, we'll explore the best Christmas party desserts to wow your guests and make your celebration truly unforgettable.
From classic treats like gingerbread and eggnog cheesecake to modern twists like candy cane bark and snowman Oreos, we'll dive into the world of Christmas desserts and provide you with inspiration and ideas to make your party a sweet success. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, we've got you covered with our comprehensive guide to the best Christmas party desserts.
Classic Christmas Desserts
When it comes to Christmas desserts, some classics never go out of style. Here are a few timeless treats that are sure to impress your guests:
- Gingerbread: A Christmas party staple, gingerbread is a versatile dessert that can be made into cookies, cakes, or even houses. Try making a gingerbread house or gingerbread men to add a fun and festive touch to your party.
- Eggnog Cheesecake: Creamy eggnog cheesecake is a rich and decadent dessert that's perfect for the holiday season. Top it with caramel sauce and nutmeg for an extra-special treat.
- Sugar Cookies: Sugar cookies are a classic Christmas dessert that can be decorated with festive sprinkles and icing. Try making a batch of sugar cookies in holiday shapes like stars, trees, and bells.
Modern Twists on Classic Christmas Desserts
While classic Christmas desserts are always a hit, it's also fun to try new and creative twists on old favorites. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Candy Cane Bark: Melt some chocolate, sprinkle with crushed candy canes, and let it set for a simple yet elegant dessert.
- Snowman Oreos: Dip Oreos in white chocolate and add edible markers or mini M&M's to create adorable snowmen.
- Gingerbread Trifle: Layer gingerbread cake, custard, and fruit for a show-stopping dessert that's perfect for a crowd.
Christmas Desserts from Around the World
Christmas is celebrated in many different ways around the world, and each country has its own unique desserts and traditions. Here are a few Christmas desserts from around the world that you might enjoy:
- Panettone (Italy): A sweet bread loaf filled with raisins and candied fruit, panettone is a classic Italian Christmas dessert.
- Stollen (Germany): A fruitcake-like dessert filled with raisins, almonds, and spices, stollen is a traditional German Christmas treat.
- Rosca de Reyes (Mexico): A sweet bread wreath filled with nuts and dried fruit, rosca de reyes is a traditional Mexican Christmas dessert.
Easy Christmas Desserts for a Crowd
When hosting a large Christmas party, it can be overwhelming to try and make individual desserts for each guest. Here are a few easy Christmas desserts that are perfect for a crowd:
- Christmas Cookie Bars: A simple and easy-to-make dessert, Christmas cookie bars are perfect for a crowd. Simply press a batch of cookie dough into a pan, bake, and cut into bars.
- Fudge: Fudge is a classic Christmas dessert that's easy to make in large quantities. Try making a batch of peppermint or chocolate fudge for a festive treat.
- Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing dessert, fruit salad is perfect for a crowd. Simply combine your favorite fruits, such as strawberries, grapes, and pineapple, and serve in individual cups.
Christmas Dessert Tables and Displays
When it comes to presenting your Christmas desserts, the display is just as important as the desserts themselves. Here are a few ideas for creating a beautiful and festive Christmas dessert table:
- Use a festive tablecloth or runner to set the tone for your dessert table.
- Add some greenery, such as holly or mistletoe, to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Use decorative stands and pedestals to display your desserts in a visually appealing way.
- Consider making a dessert buffet with a variety of sweet treats, such as cupcakes, brownies, and cookies.
Christmas Dessert Recipes
Here are a few Christmas dessert recipes to try:
- Gingerbread Men:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- Eggnog Cheesecake:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 pounds cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup eggnog
- Candy Cane Bark:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
- 1 tablespoon shortening, such as Crisco
We hope this article has provided you with inspiration and ideas for creating a sweet and festive Christmas party. From classic desserts like gingerbread and eggnog cheesecake to modern twists like candy cane bark and snowman Oreos, there's something for everyone on this list. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, we encourage you to get creative and have fun with your Christmas desserts.
Now it's your turn! What's your favorite Christmas dessert? Do you have a go-to recipe or a new idea you're excited to try? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below, and don't forget to share this article with your friends and family to help spread the holiday cheer.
What's the best way to make a gingerbread house?
+To make a gingerbread house, start by making a batch of gingerbread dough. Roll out the dough and use a cookie cutter or a knife to cut out the shapes you need. Bake the gingerbread until it's firm and hard, then let it cool completely. To assemble the house, use royal icing to "glue" the pieces together. Decorate the house with candies, icing, and other edible decorations.
How do I make eggnog cheesecake?
+To make eggnog cheesecake, start by making a batch of cheesecake batter. Mix together cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, then stir in eggnog and melted butter. Pour the batter into a springform pan and bake until the cheesecake is set. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate until chilled. Serve with caramel sauce and nutmeg.
What's the easiest way to make Christmas cookies?
+To make Christmas cookies, start by making a batch of cookie dough. Mix together butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, then stir in any desired mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or nuts. Scoop the dough into balls and bake until the cookies are golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.