4. Chocolate Peppermint Bark
Chocolate peppermint bark is a festive treat that perfectly captures the spirit of the holidays. This dessert is not only easy to make ahead but also travels well, making it ideal for holiday gatherings.
- Ingredients: Dark chocolate, white chocolate, peppermint extract, crushed candy canes.
- Instructions: Melt the dark chocolate and spread it in an even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill until set, then melt the white chocolate and mix in the peppermint extract. Spread the white chocolate over the dark chocolate and top with crushed candy canes. Allow to set before breaking into pieces.
This treat stays fresh for weeks and is perfect for gifting or serving at holiday parties. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it from becoming too soft.
5. Gingerbread Cookies
No Christmas is complete without gingerbread cookies! These spiced cookies not only taste amazing but also hold their shape well, making them perfect for traveling.
- Ingredients: Flour, ginger, cinnamon, molasses, brown sugar, eggs, baking soda.
- Instructions: Mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately, then combine them to form a dough. Chill the dough before rolling it out and cutting it into desired shapes. Bake until firm and allow to cool completely.
Decorate your gingerbread cookies with royal icing or simple glaze, and pack them in a sturdy container for transport. They can be made weeks in advance without losing their flavor or texture.
6. Eggnog Cheesecake Bars
These eggnog cheesecake bars are a delightful twist on traditional cheesecake, making them a perfect holiday dessert. They are rich, creamy, and can be made up to a week in advance.
- Ingredients: Cream cheese, eggs, sugar, eggnog, nutmeg, and a graham cracker crust.
- Instructions: Prepare the graham cracker crust and press it into a baking dish. Beat the cream cheese and sugar, then add eggs, eggnog, and nutmeg until smooth. Pour the mixture over the crust and bake until set. Chill before slicing.
These bars travel well and can be served cold or at room temperature, making them perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. Just be sure to keep them refrigerated if you’re traveling a long distance.
7. Classic Fruitcake
Fruitcake often gets a bad rap, but a well-made fruitcake can be a delicious and festive dessert. This make-ahead option is perfect for those who enjoy a rich, dense cake packed with dried fruits and nuts.
- Ingredients: Mixed dried fruits, nuts, flour, sugar, butter, and spices.
- Instructions: Soak the dried fruits in rum or juice overnight. Mix the dried fruits with the nuts and toss with flour to prevent sinking. Cream together butter and sugar, add eggs, and mix in the dry ingredients. Fold in the fruit mixture and bake in a loaf pan.
Fruitcake improves with age, so making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in a cool, dark place until you’re ready to serve it.
8. Peppermint Mocha Truffles
These peppermint mocha truffles are a decadent treat that combines the flavors of chocolate, coffee, and peppermint. They are easy to make and are perfect for gifting or enjoying at holiday parties.
- Ingredients: Chocolate, heavy cream, coffee, peppermint extract, and cocoa powder.
- Instructions: Heat the heavy cream and pour it over chopped chocolate and coffee. Stir until smooth, then mix in peppermint extract. Chill until firm, then scoop and roll into balls. Roll in cocoa powder before serving.
These truffles can be stored in the refrigerator for weeks, making them easy to transport in a decorative box or tin when heading to holiday festivities.
9. Cranberry Orange Muffins
Cranberry orange muffins are a delightful addition to any holiday brunch or gathering. They are moist, flavorful, and can be easily made ahead of time.
- Ingredients: Fresh cranberries, orange zest, flour, sugar, eggs, and baking powder.
- Instructions: Combine the dry ingredients, then mix in the wet ingredients along with the cranberries and orange zest. Spoon the batter into muffin tins and bake until golden brown.
These muffins freeze well, so you can make a batch ahead of time and simply thaw them the night before your event. They can be served warm or at room temperature, and are perfect for a festive breakfast or snack.
10. Pecan Pie Bars
Pecan pie bars are a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie. They are easy to slice and serve, making them a perfect dessert for holiday gatherings that require portability.
- Ingredients: Butter, flour, brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, and pecans.
- Instructions: Prepare a shortbread crust by mixing butter, flour, and sugar, then pressing it into a baking dish. Bake until golden, then mix the filling ingredients and pour over the crust. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and bake until set.
These bars can be made several days in advance and stored in an airtight container. They are rich and satisfying, making them a favorite among holiday dessert lovers.
11. Red Velvet Cake Jars
Red velvet cake jars are a fun and trendy way to serve a classic dessert. They are portable and perfect for individual servings, making them great for holiday parties.
- Ingredients: Red velvet cake mix, cream cheese frosting, and jars for serving.
- Instructions: Bake the red velvet cake according to package instructions and let it cool. Crumble the cake into jars, layering with cream cheese frosting until the jars are filled. Top with sprinkles or a cherry for fun.
These jars can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. They are not only delicious but also add a festive touch to your holiday table.
12. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites
For those who love cookie dough, these chocolate chip cookie dough bites are a safe and delicious treat. They require no baking and are perfect for holiday snacking.
- Ingredients: Flour, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, chocolate chips, and milk.
- Instructions: Mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Gradually add the flour and milk, followed by chocolate chips. Roll into small balls and chill until firm.
These bites can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, perfect for a quick indulgence during the busy holiday season. Just pack them in a container for easy transport.
13. Maple Pecan Sticky Buns
Maple pecan sticky buns are a warm and comforting dessert that is perfect for holiday mornings. While they take a bit longer to prepare, the results are well worth the effort.
- Ingredients: Dough (flour, yeast, sugar, butter, eggs, milk), pecans, maple syrup, and cinnamon.
- Instructions: Prepare the dough and allow it to rise. Roll it out and spread with butter, cinnamon, and sugar, then sprinkle with chopped pecans. Roll into a log and slice into pieces. Place in a pan with maple syrup and bake until golden.
These sticky buns are best served warm but can be made the night before and reheated in the oven. They are sure to impress your guests at any holiday gathering.
Conclusion
Preparing for the holiday season doesn’t have to be stressful, especially when it comes to desserts. With these 13 make-ahead Christmas desserts that travel well, you can enjoy the festivities without worrying about last-minute baking. Whether you’re hosting a party or bringing a dish to share, these delicious treats are sure to delight your friends and family. So, gather your ingredients and start creating these festive goodies that will make your holiday celebrations even sweeter!
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Bonus Ideas for Make Ahead Desserts
If you’re looking for even more options, consider these additional make-ahead desserts that travel well and are sure to impress at any holiday gathering.
14. Peppermint Bark
Peppermint bark is a seasonal favorite that combines chocolate and crushed peppermint for a delightful treat.
- Ingredients: Dark and white chocolate, peppermint extract, and crushed candy canes.
- Instructions: Melt the dark chocolate and spread it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it set, then melt the white chocolate and mix in peppermint extract. Spread over the dark chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Allow to cool completely before breaking into pieces.
This dessert keeps well for weeks, making it perfect for gifting or snacking throughout the holiday season.
15. Spiced Apple Cider Cookies
These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with the flavors of the season.
- Ingredients: Apple cider, flour, oats, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
- Instructions: Reduce the apple cider by simmering until thickened. Mix with flour and spices, then drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. Bake until golden.
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container and travel well, making them a great addition to any holiday cookie platter.
16. Gingerbread Truffles
Gingerbread truffles bring the warm flavors of gingerbread into a delightful bite-sized treat.
- Ingredients: Gingerbread cookies, cream cheese, and chocolate for coating.
- Instructions: Crush gingerbread cookies and mix with softened cream cheese until well combined. Roll into balls and chill. Dip in melted chocolate and allow to set.
These truffles can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, making them a sweet surprise for holiday gatherings.
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