December Desserts: Peppermint Bark, Fudge & More
As the air grows crisper and holiday lights begin to glow, December invites us to indulge in cozy, festive desserts — the kind that warm your kitchen with sweet aromas and bring a little magic to gatherings with family and friends. From classic peppermint bark to gooey fudge and spice-filled cookies, these treats set the mood for December’s celebrations. Here are ten delicious December desserts, each with a simple overview or a mini-how-to to get you baking.
1.) Peppermint Bark
A classic among December desserts, peppermint bark blends silky chocolate with refreshing mint.
Ingredients: dark chocolate, white chocolate, peppermint extract, crushed candy canes.
Steps: Melt dark chocolate and spread it onto a lined baking sheet. Let it partially set, then pour melted white chocolate mixed with peppermint extract on top. Sprinkle crushed candy canes and chill until firm before breaking into shards. This holiday staple lasts over a week in an airtight container.
2.) Peppermint Bark Fudge
Love the flavors of bark but prefer something soft and creamy? Perfect for candy lovers, this holiday fudge merges creamy texture with crisp peppermint. For the full recipe, check out Sally’s Baking for a how-to!
Ingredients: sweetened condensed milk, white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, butter, crushed candy canes.
Steps: Melt dark chocolate with half the condensed milk and pour into a pan. Melt white chocolate with the remaining condensed milk and swirl it over the dark layer. Top with peppermint before chilling for several hours. Slice into squares for gifting.
3.) Gingerbread Cookies
A holiday tradition, these warmly spiced cookies embody the flavors of winter.
Ingredients: flour, butter, brown sugar, molasses, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and baking soda.
Steps: Cream butter and sugar, then add molasses and dry ingredients. Chill the dough, roll it out, and cut into festive shapes. Bake until edges are firm, but centers remain soft. Decorate with royal icing or leave plain for a classic December treat.
4.) Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies are essential December desserts thanks to their versatility and buttery flavor.
Ingredients: flour, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and baking powder.
Steps: Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Chill, roll, and cut into shapes before baking. Once cooled, decorate with colorful icing or sprinkles — ideal for family baking nights.
5.) Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Chocolate lovers seeking festive flair will adore these rich, minty cookies.
Ingredients: cocoa powder, flour, butter, sugar, eggs, peppermint extract, chocolate chips, and optional white chocolate for dipping.
Steps: Prepare a chocolate cookie dough, stir in chocolate chips, and bake until soft. Once cooled, dip cookies in melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes. They make a beautiful addition to holiday cookie trays.
6.) Peppermint Yule Log
This elegant cake is a show-stopper among December desserts, perfect for holiday parties. For the full recipe, check out Alpine Ella‘s how-to!
Ingredients: eggs, sugar, flour, cocoa powder, heavy cream, peppermint extract, powdered sugar, and chocolate ganache (optional).
Steps: Bake a thin chocolate sponge in a jelly roll pan. Spread a peppermint whipped-cream filling on top, then carefully roll the cake. Chill before frosting with peppermint buttercream or ganache. Slice to reveal the beautiful swirl inside.
7.) Cornflake Wreaths
These nostalgic no-bake wreaths add playful charm to any holiday dessert spread. Check out The Pioneer Woman‘s full recipe!
Ingredients: cornflakes, butter, marshmallows or melted sugar syrup, green food coloring, red candies for decoration.
Steps: Melt butter and marshmallows, stir in a drop of green coloring, then fold in cornflakes. Quickly shape small wreaths by hand or with greased spoons. Add red candy “berries” and let them set. They’re fast, fun, and perfect for last-minute baking.
8.) Sea Salt Caramels
Smooth, buttery sea salt caramels bring a luxurious touch to your December desserts lineup.
Ingredients: sugar, butter, heavy cream, corn syrup (optional), vanilla, flaky sea salt.
Steps: Heat sugar, butter, and cream until the mixture reaches 245–250°F (firm-ball stage). Pour into a lined pan and sprinkle with sea salt. Once cooled, cut into small squares and wrap in parchment. These candies are excellent for gifting.
9.) Classic Fudge (Chocolate or Nutty)
A rich, timeless treat, perfect for holiday dessert boxes.
Ingredients: chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, vanilla, and optional nuts.
Steps: Melt chocolate, condensed milk, and butter together, then stir until glossy. Add vanilla and nuts if desired. Pour into a pan and chill until firm. Slice into clean squares — simple, nostalgic, and crowd-pleasing.
10.) No-Bake Cookie & Candy Bars (e.g., Bark, Brittle, Bars)
Fast, customizable, and festive — a great addition to your holiday recipe rotation. Check out The Pioneer Woman‘s full recipe!
Ingredients: chocolate (any kind), pretzels, dried fruit, nuts, toffee bits, candy canes.
Steps: Melt the chocolate and spread it onto a baking sheet. Sprinkle toppings of your choice (peppermint, pretzels, dried cranberries, pistachios) and chill until set. Break into rustic pieces. It’s the easiest way to create colorful December desserts without turning on the oven.
Why These December Desserts Work for The Holidays
December baking is all about comfort, warmth, and a little over-the-top indulgence — the kind of treats that feel extra special during cold nights and cozy gatherings. From peppermint bark’s crunchy mint-chocolate bliss to fudge’s creamy richness and the nostalgic simplicity of cornflake wreaths or candy bars, these desserts bring variety and joy to holiday celebrations.
Whether you’re baking for a big family gathering, a cookie exchange with friends, or simply sneaking a piece or two for yourself beside a roaring fire, these ten December desserts are bound to spread cheer — and plenty of sweetness.
