27 holiday baking recipes that fill your home with sweetness

Warm scents fill the air and bring joy to every corner. These 27 holiday baking recipes turn quiet days into moments full of cheer. Make every room feel cozy with sweet holiday magic!

Gluten-Free Fruit Cake (Christmas Cake)

A round fruitcake with a slice cut out, showing its dense texture and pieces of dried fruit, sits on a white plate. — Gluten-Free Fruit Cake (Christmas Cake). Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Rich bakes like this tend to get better as the days go on. Packed with dried fruit and warm flavor, Gluten-Free Fruit Cake (Christmas Cake) holds its own among pies and cookies. It’s one of those bakes people like to come back to.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Fruit Cake (Christmas Cake)

Gluten-Free Molasses Cookies

Four cracked, sugar-topped ginger cookies on a light surface. — Gluten-Free Molasses Cookies. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Deep spice and a soft texture help these cookies stand out on a crowded tray. There’s a lot to like about Gluten-Free Molasses Cookies, especially if you’re after something that feels classic but still simple. A small stack goes quickly.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Molasses Cookies

Chocolate Pecan Pie

Deep flavors and a soft bite come together in this twist on a classic. You get the richness of nuts and chocolate in every slice of Chocolate Pecan Pie. It works best served warm but keeps just fine overnight.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pecan Pie

Easy Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies

Round sandwich cookies dusted with powdered sugar, each with a star-shaped cutout revealing dark jam filling in the center. — Easy Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

The balance of sweet jam and crisp cookie always hits the right note. You’ll want Easy Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies on the table if you’re planning a cookie swap or dessert platter. They’re easy to stack, store, and share.
Get the Recipe: Easy Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies

Gingerbread Loaf

Two slices of spiced cake with cream cheese frosting are stacked on a brown plate, with red berries blurred in the background. — Gingerbread Loaf. Photo credit: xoxobella.

The aroma from the oven alone makes this one worth baking. With deep spice and a soft crumb, Gingerbread Loaf fits into both dessert tables and holiday breakfasts. It travels well too, if you're sharing.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Loaf

Sweet Potato Cornbread

Holiday meals benefit from breads that bring just a little extra to the plate. The earthy sweetness in Sweet Potato Cornbread works well with both sweet and savory mains. Any leftovers work just fine for breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread

The Ultimate Gluten-Free Trail Mix Cookies

Two oatmeal chocolate chip cookies on a dark surface. — The Ultimate Gluten-Free Trail Mix Cookies. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

A little crunch, a little chew, and plenty of variety make these worth adding to the cookie tin. The Ultimate Gluten-Free Trail Mix Cookies bring together nuts, chocolate, and dried fruit for an easy holiday treat. They’re also great for gifting.
Get the Recipe: The Ultimate Gluten-Free Trail Mix Cookies

Chocolate Chip Bread

Familiar flavors in loaf form tend to disappear fast at gatherings. Chocolate Chip Bread holds up well sliced and served warm, or just left out at room temp. Kids especially go for it first.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Bread

Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Small, fruity bakes like this one are easy to share and always feel festive. You’ll get soft centers and sweet bites in every batch of Strawberry Shortcake Cookies. They disappear fast once they hit the table.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Grapefruit And Candied Ginger Cupcakes

A cupcake with white icing and pieces of candied ginger on top is served on a white plate, with similar cupcakes in the background. — Grapefruit And Candied Ginger Cupcakes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

A little brightness adds balance to the heavier treats on the table. The mix of tart and sweet in Grapefruit And Candied Ginger Cupcakes brings something a bit unexpected. These tend to go quickly once people try them.
Get the Recipe: Grapefruit And Candied Ginger Cupcakes

Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies

Spice and texture go a long way when you need something different from sugar cookies. Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies bring in a little chew and warmth without overpowering. They store well and pack up easily for holiday tins.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies

Fig And Honey Medovik - Russian Honey Cake

A cream-covered layer cake adorned with pomegranate seeds and figs is displayed on a table. — Fig And Honey Medovik - Russian Honey Cake. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Layered cakes like this one feel special even without heavy frosting or decorations. Fig And Honey Medovik - Russian Honey Cake combines dried fruit and gentle sweetness for a centerpiece-style dessert. It slices clean and holds up beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Fig And Honey Medovik - Russian Honey Cake

Honey Cake

Simple ingredients can still bring a lot of comfort to the table. Fragrant and golden, Honey Cake works well with tea, fruit, or just a light dusting of sugar. It’s an easy one to share or wrap as a gift.
Get the Recipe: Honey Cake

Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

Pumpkin spice latte bundt cake with coffee glaze being poured over the top. — Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Coffee and spice together make a good case for skipping pie altogether. Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake holds its shape and flavor well even after a few days on the counter. It fits into dessert or morning menus without any trouble.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

Cottage Cheese Banana Bread

A close up image of sliced banana bread on a serving board. — Cottage Cheese Banana Bread. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A slightly richer take on the standard loaf, this one covers breakfast and dessert without much effort. The balance in Cottage Cheese Banana Bread makes it easy to serve with fruit or coffee. It’s also a great option for freezing ahead.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Banana Bread

Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie

A baked apple pie with a golden brown, flaky crust in a glass pie dish, with a slice removed, sits on a wooden table. — Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Golden crust and slow-cooked filling make this one a constant favorite. Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie fits into any dessert spread without needing much introduction. A warm slice with something cold on the side always works.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie

Banana Bread Crumb Cake

A slice of crumb-topped banana cake is served on a plate with two banana slices on top. — Banana Bread Crumb Cake. Photo credit: xoxobella.

You get a familiar flavor base with a little extra texture on top. That crumb layer gives Banana Bread Crumb Cake a nice finish that makes it feel more like dessert than breakfast. Either way, it doesn’t last long on the counter.
Get the Recipe: Banana Bread Crumb Cake

Strawberry Chocolate Cheesecake Bites

Chocolate covered strawberry cheesecake bites on little plates with pink sprinkles. — Strawberry Chocolate Cheesecake Bites. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These cover a lot of ground in just a few bites. With rich layers and a touch of fruit, Strawberry Chocolate Cheesecake Bites work well as a casual dessert or something fancier. They’re simple to portion and quick to vanish.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Chocolate Cheesecake Bites

Strawberry Lemonade Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies

These bring a pop of color and flavor without a lot of fuss. Bright and chewy, Strawberry Lemonade Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies are great for cookie swaps or last-minute trays. They always get a second look.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies

Chocolate Paleo Banana Bread

Two slices of chocolate banana bread with loaf in background. — Chocolate Paleo Banana Bread. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Banana bread gets a deeper twist here without being too heavy. Packed with cocoa and naturally sweetened, Chocolate Paleo Banana Bread makes a solid option for dessert or breakfast. It holds up well for a few days on the counter.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Paleo Banana Bread

Triple Berry Hand Pies

Closeup of a broken open triple berry hand pie. — Triple Berry Hand Pies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These are the kind of handheld desserts that work well on both casual and special tables. Flaky and fruit-filled, Triple Berry Hand Pies give you just the right amount of sweetness in each bite. They’re easy to pack up for sharing too.
Get the Recipe: Triple Berry Hand Pies

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Adding pumpkin brings softness and a little extra depth to every bite. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies mix well with other fall flavors and hold their shape nicely. They’re a good option when you want something cozy but not too sweet.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Cake

Spiced bakes make sense when the kitchen’s already full of warmth and comfort. Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Cake delivers strong flavor in a soft, unfussy cake that works any time of day. One pan usually isn't enough.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Cake

Raspberry Jam and Buttercream Sandwich Cookies

These layered cookies bring texture, color, and flavor to any tray. Filled with soft frosting and tart jam, Raspberry Jam and Buttercream Sandwich Cookies feel special without being fussy. They're great for gifting or leaving out for guests.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Jam and Buttercream Sandwich Cookies

Honey Cookies with Orange and Cinnamon

Low-angled shot of a honey cookie broken in half with stacks of honey cookies and a glass of milk in the background. — Honey Cookies with Orange and Cinnamon. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Citrus and spice give this cookie a nice balance without pushing it too far. The subtle sweetness in Honey Cookies with Orange and Cinnamon works well with tea or a simple glaze. They hold up nicely for several days.
Get the Recipe: Honey Cookies with Orange and Cinnamon

Peach Cobbler with Pie Crust

An image of peach cobbler in a baking dish with a portion of it missing. — Peach Cobbler with Pie Crust. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Fruit-forward desserts like this one are easy to pair with ice cream or whipped cream. With tender crust and juicy filling, Peach Cobbler with Pie Crust hits all the right notes for a cozy winter dessert. It’s also great served room temp the next day.
Get the Recipe: Peach Cobbler with Pie Crust

Pumpkin Bundt Cake

A close-up of a powdered sugar-dusted bundt cake with several slices cut and placed on a white plate. Orange foliage is visible in the background. — Pumpkin Bundt Cake. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

The warm spice and dense crumb in this one fit perfectly with a cup of coffee. Pumpkin Bundt Cake works well for both dessert and brunch tables. You might want to slice it ahead—people usually won’t wait.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Bundt Cake