20 Holiday Desserts That Bring Cozy Flavor

From warm apple bakes to fruity galettes and pumpkin-packed treats, these seasonal desserts bring cozy flavors front and center. Whether you’re looking for an easy air fryer idea, a nostalgic pie, or something no-bake to save oven space, this list has plenty of holiday-ready options. Sweet spices, buttery crusts, and bursts of fruit come together in recipes you can make for gatherings or just a quiet night in. These desserts celebrate everything from crisp apples to juicy berries and spiced pumpkin without overcomplicating a single step.

Caramel Apple Cookie Cups

Mini apple pies with spiced apple filling on a wooden board, next to a green apple and a checkered cloth. — Caramel Apple Cookie Cups. Photo credit: On My Kids Plate.

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These apple crisp cookie cups have all the cozy flavors of apple pie in a fun, bite-sized treat. Warm cinnamon apples fill soft, buttery sugar cookie cups for the perfect mix of gooey and crisp. They’re easy to make with store-bought dough and just the right size for parties, Thanksgiving, or a cozy fall night in.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Cookie Cups

Gingerbread Men Cookies

Making Gingerbread Men Cookies is a holiday tradition in our house, and this recipe is my go-to every year! Not only do they taste fantastic and remind me of the holiday season, but they are so fun to decorate! I love getting everyone involved in the decorating. It is a festive activity that young and old alike can participate in!
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Men Cookies

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Chocolate and peppermint are a match made in heaven, and these Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are simply amazing! With a soft chocolatey cookie, creamy chocolate ganache and a little crunch from the peppermint, what’s not to love?
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies topped with piped buttercream rosettes and small colorful sprinkles, arranged on a wooden board. — Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies . Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl.

If there’s one treat that screams comfort and nostalgia, it’s Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies. These bakery-style beauties are buttery, fluffy, and topped with creamy vanilla frosting, plus a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles to finish them off. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just because, they’re a classic that never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies

Mini Christmas Cakes

Mini Christmas Cakes feel like funfetti all dressed up for the season. Made with soft, fluffy cake and a creamy buttercream frosting, they look adorable on a party table, they pack up great for gifting, and honestly, they’re just fun to put together. If you love colorful party cakes or easy holiday treats, these Christmas mini cakes are gonna be your jam.
Get the Recipe: Mini Christmas Cakes

Cranberry Orange Cheesecake

A slice of cherry-topped cheesecake is being served from a whole cake, showing a creamy filling and graham cracker crust. — Cranberry Orange Cheesecake . Photo credit: Mama’s On A Budget.

There is just something about the combo of tart cranberries and zesty citrus that makes this cranberry orange cheesecake an absolute showstopper. The creamy filling, buttery graham crust, and that glossy cranberry topping? Total holiday vibes. This one’s got layers of flavor and texture that hit all the right notes.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Cheesecake

Hot Chocolate Mug Cake

This hot chocolate mug cake recipe is one of those little lifesavers I keep in my back pocket. It’s quick, warm, chocolatey, and kinda feels like the dessert version of slipping into fuzzy socks. You mix a few pantry staples in a mug, pop it in the microwave, and boom. A gooey, cozy treat that tastes like a mug of cocoa decided to turn itself into cake. Perfect for late-night cravings, lazy afternoons, or honestly anytime you just need a sweet pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Mug Cake

No Bake Cranberry Cheesecake

A slice of berry swirl cheesecake with a graham cracker crust, topped with whipped cream and a sprig of rosemary, on a white plate over a red checkered cloth. — No Bake Cranberry Cheesecake. Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl.

This No Bake Cranberry Cheesecake is rich, creamy, and loaded with sweet, tangy cranberry flavor. It’s an easy way to make the season merry and bright without adding a ton of work.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Cranberry Cheesecake

Black Bottom Oatmeal Pie

A slice of pie with a crumbly oat topping and a dollop of whipped cream sits on a plate, stacked on another plate with a fork beside it. — Black Bottom Oatmeal Pie. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

A layer of rich chocolate sits beneath a sweet, chewy oatmeal filling in this twist on a traditional pie. It’s gooey, decadent, and full of holiday flavor. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Add whipped cream for extra flair.
Get the Recipe: Black Bottom Oatmeal Pie

Apple Galette

Thin apple slices fan out in a rustic pastry shell for a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is simple. A sprinkle of sugar and cinnamon adds warmth. It bakes until the crust is crisp and the apples are soft. Best served slightly warm.
Get the Recipe: Apple Galette

Apple Pie Tacos

Mini tortillas are fried, rolled in cinnamon sugar, and filled with apple pie filling. They’re sweet, crunchy, and easy to hold. Great for parties or dessert bars. Serve with whipped cream or caramel drizzle.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Tacos

Air Fryer Apple Fries

A plate of sugar-coated churro sticks arranged around a bowl of caramel dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Apple Fries. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Apple slices are coated in a cinnamon sugar crust and air fried until golden. They’re crisp on the outside and tender inside. A great snack or dessert for fall. Dip in caramel or vanilla yogurt.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Fries

No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

A slice of pumpkin pie with a crumb crust, topped with whipped cream and crumbs, on a white plate with cinnamon sticks and a yellow cloth nearby. — No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake . Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Creamy pumpkin filling sits on a graham crust without ever turning on the oven. It chills into a smooth, spiced dessert with rich flavor. Make it ahead and keep it in the fridge. Top with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

Cake Mix Pumpkin Whoopie Pies (So Good!)

Six pumpkin whoopie pies with white cream filling are arranged on a round, silver tray. White pumpkins are blurred in the background. — Cake Mix Pumpkin Whoopie Pies (So Good!). Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Pumpkin cake rounds sandwich a creamy filling for a sweet, spiced treat. Using cake mix speeds things up without sacrificing flavor. They’re soft, fluffy, and packed with fall spice. Keep chilled until ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Pumpkin Whoopie Pies (So Good!)

Grape Pie

Fresh grapes bake into a jammy filling that’s both sweet and slightly tart. The crust holds it all together in this unexpected twist on fruit pie. Use seedless grapes for easier prep. Serve chilled or slightly warm.
Get the Recipe: Grape Pie

Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies (Only 3 Ingredients)

A close-up of several peanut butter cookies with a crisscross fork pattern on top, stacked on a white surface. — Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies (Only 3 Ingredients). Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Peanut butter, sugar, and egg come together in minutes for soft, chewy cookies. The air fryer keeps them moist inside with crisp edges. No mixer or chilling needed. Ideal for a quick treat or holiday tray.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies (Only 3 Ingredients)