13 Sweet Treats for a New Year’s Dessert Table
Here’s a festive list of sweet treats to help ring in the New Year with color, creativity, and fun. These desserts are playful, celebratory, and full of personality — perfect for enjoying with friends and family as you count down to midnight. From classic Italian sweets to cupcakes decked out in sparkle, this list has something for every style of New Year’s gathering. Get ready to cap off the year with sugar, color, and a bit of sparkle.
New Years Cupcakes
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
These cupcakes bring the party to the dessert table with glittering toppers and festive designs. Soft and fluffy with classic vanilla or chocolate bases, they can be dressed up in all your favorite celebratory colors. They’re fun to make with kids or friends and look great lined up for a countdown dessert display. With sparkling sugar or edible gold, they capture that midnight magic.
Get the Recipe: New Years Cupcakes
New Years Eve Cookies
These cookies are as much about decorating as they are about eating. Shaped like clocks, stars, or champagne flutes, they’re a playful way to get creative in the kitchen. Their soft centers and crisp edges make them ideal for frosting and stacking. Bake a batch and bring them out just before the ball drops.
Get the Recipe: New Years Eve Cookies
New Year’s Fortune Cookies
Fortune cookies get a holiday twist with messages tailored for New Year’s wishes and laughs. Dip the edges in white chocolate and gold sprinkles for a festive look. These are great for party favors or a fun post-meal surprise. Tuck in your own custom fortunes for a personal touch.
Get the Recipe: New Year’s Fortune Cookies
New Year’s Eve Cupcakes Clock
These cupcakes come together to form a clock face, counting down the final moments of the year. Each one is decorated with a number or design that adds to the whole. It’s a showstopping centerpiece that doubles as a sweet treat. As midnight approaches, guests can pull one off and dig in.
Get the Recipe: New Year’s Eve Cupcakes Clock
Panettone Bread Pudding
Panettone bread pudding brings richness and warmth to the table. The soft bread soaks up a custard blend, then bakes to golden perfection with pockets of fruit and a creamy center. It’s a comforting dessert to serve warm after dinner or even the next morning. Drizzle with a little sauce for extra flair.
Get the Recipe: Panettone Bread Pudding
Panettone Recipe – Italian Christmas Bread
This classic sweet bread is loaded with dried fruits and citrus zest, rising tall with a golden crust. Though traditionally made for Christmas, it fits right into New Year’s celebrations. The slices are light and airy, great with coffee or wine. It also doubles as a thoughtful homemade gift if you’re attending a party.
Get the Recipe: Panettone Recipe – Italian Christmas Bread
Jello Fruit Cake
Colorful and quirky, this dessert feels like a throwback in the best way. The contrast of soft cake and bouncy jello layers makes it a standout on the table. Use fruits like cherries, grapes, or citrus for a vibrant touch. It’s a chilled dessert that’s great to prep ahead.
Get the Recipe: Jello Fruit Cake
Chocolate Beignets
Deep-fried and dusted in powdered sugar, these beignets come with a chocolatey upgrade. They’re crisp on the outside and filled with soft chocolatey dough on the inside. Best served warm, they make a cozy addition to a New Year’s dessert spread. Dip them in chocolate sauce or serve with coffee.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Beignets
Maple Bacon Beignets
These bring sweet and savory together in a bold way. The maple glaze adds sweetness while crispy bacon bits on top give a salty crunch. It’s a surprising combination that works, especially for those who like something less traditional. Serve them hot and watch them disappear.
Get the Recipe: Maple Bacon Beignets
Struffoli
These tiny fried dough balls are coated in honey and citrus zest, then topped with colorful sprinkles. They’re traditionally mounded high on a plate, creating a centerpiece that’s both edible and fun. Their crunch and sweetness make them a great finger food for gatherings. A nod to Italian heritage, they’re festive and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Struffoli
Authentic Struffoli Recipe (Italian Honey Balls) + Video
This version stays true to tradition, using simple ingredients to create something special. Fried until golden and coated in warm honey, these bite-sized pieces are fun to share. The video helps walk through each step if you’re making them for the first time. A big batch is sure to go fast.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Struffoli Recipe (Italian Honey Balls) + Video
Pink Champagne Cupcakes
These cupcakes bring bubbly into the batter for a light and fun dessert. The soft pink color adds charm, especially with a swirl of champagne-infused frosting. They’re a great dessert to match your midnight toast. Top them with edible glitter or pearls to complete the look.
Get the Recipe: Pink Champagne Cupcakes
Strawberry Champagne Cupcakes
These are light, fruity, and topped with strawberry buttercream that adds a burst of flavor. The champagne adds a subtle sparkle to the batter, making each bite feel festive. They’re pretty in pink and look great on a dessert table. Serve them chilled for a fresh finish.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Champagne Cupcakes
