With the holiday season finally upon us, now is the time to start planning your Thanksgiving and Christmas baking! If you’re like me, your social media feed is already flooded with themed recipe ideas to try this winter, and there are so many options to choose from. As an avid baker myself, you’ll always find me making something pumpkin or peppermint flavored this time of year, so I have plenty of recipes to share. These are my favorite tried and true desserts that’ll fit perfectly on your Thanksgiving table or in Christmas cookie boxes for your loved ones.
Starting off strong, this is the only pumpkin pie recipe you’ll ever need! I prepare it every year for Thanksgiving, and it gets nothing but rave reviews. The baking process itself can be time-consuming, but the pie’s rich flavor and warm spices make the final product undeniably worth it. Add some homemade whipped cream on top, and you have the perfect pie to share at your Thanksgiving gathering.
I made this recipe for the first time this fall, and safe to say, I was not disappointed. If you’re a lover of both chocolate and pumpkin, this dessert is definitely for you! With a layer of fudgy, decadent brownie and sweet pumpkin filling on top, it’s the best cozy treat to bake on a chilly November afternoon. Plus, they can also be made gluten-free! (A tip: I always prefer to make my brownies with semisweet chocolate baking bars over chocolate chips for a smoother and meltier texture!)
Next up are these easy, no-bake Oreo truffles. This recipe is a perfect choice if you’re looking to make something quick with minimal ingredients. All you need are Oreos, cream cheese, any type of chocolate, and your desired sprinkles or other toppings. They are my favorite low-effort option and would make great filler desserts for a Christmas cookie box!
Chocolate peppermint thumbprints
This is my all-time favorite Christmas cookie recipe: chocolate cookies filled with chocolate ganache and topped with candy cane pieces. As a certified peppermint lover, I could not recommend these more. The chocolate and mint make an incredible pairing, and despite some short chill time for the cookie dough, the recipe is so easy to make. These are another worthy addition to a cookie box that are sure to impress everyone who tries them.
Last but not least are these delicious spice cookies. A simpler alternative to a gingerbread cookie, these are made with molasses and a variety of cozy fall spices, with no cookie cutters required. They’re a classic and versatile cookie, making them perfect for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Whether you’re looking for a quick no-bake treat or a more expert recipe for the holidays, these desserts are guaranteed to impress. Bring some to your Christmas cookie exchanges and holiday events this year, gift them to friends and family, or even just make them for a comfy night at home with a Christmas movie playing on the TV!