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.

Butterscotch Apple Crisp

Sliced apples are topped with a buttery oat crumble and baked with a drizzle of butterscotch sauce. The result is a rich, gooey center with a crisp, golden top. It’s sweet with a hint of caramel depth. Best served warm with a scoop of ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Apple Crisp

Apple Pie

A classic holiday staple with flaky crust and cinnamon-spiced apples layered inside. The filling bubbles as it bakes, creating that signature sweet and tart flavor. Slice into wedges and serve warm or cold. A timeless finish to any holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie

Cranberry White Chip Cookies

Tart cranberries and creamy white chocolate chips mix into a chewy cookie base. Each bite balances sweet and tangy with just the right texture. They’re festive in color and flavor. Great for cookie swaps or gifting.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry White Chip Cookies

Black Bottom Oatmeal Pie

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

Blackberry Galette

This rustic tart is filled with juicy blackberries and baked in a folded, golden crust. It’s easy to assemble and just as delicious as a full pie. The fruit softens and sweetens as it bakes. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Galette

Air Fryer Apple Taquitos (Easy Dessert!)

Tortillas wrap spiced apple filling and crisp up in the air fryer for a quick, handheld treat. A cinnamon sugar coating adds crunch and sweetness. These come together fast and taste like mini apple pies. Dip in caramel or whipped cream.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Taquitos (Easy Dessert!)

Old Fashioned Pecan Pie Recipe (no corn syrup!)

This version skips the corn syrup for a richer, more natural filling with deep pecan flavor. The crust bakes up golden and flaky, cradling a gooey, nutty center. It’s sweet without being too sticky. A must for the holiday dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Pecan Pie Recipe (no corn syrup!)

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

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

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

Apple Crisp

A classic blend of spiced apples and a crumbly oat topping that bakes into a bubbly dessert. The contrast of soft fruit and crunchy topping never fails. It’s easy to prep and feeds a crowd. Add vanilla ice cream to finish.
Get the Recipe: Apple Crisp

Cake Mix Pumpkin Whoopie Pies (So Good!)

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 Apple Hand Pies (Only 3 Ingredients!)

Premade dough and canned filling make these a super quick dessert with big flavor. The air fryer gives them a crisp, golden finish. Great for making in batches. Dust with powdered sugar or dip in glaze.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies (Only 3 Ingredients!)

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Cake

Soft and spiced, this cake is rich with pumpkin and warm flavor. It bakes up tall and fluffy with a tender crumb. Top with cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze. Perfect for fall gatherings and holiday parties.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Pumpkin Spice Cake

Cranberry Powder Recipe

Dried cranberries are blended into a fine powder that adds a punch of tart flavor to desserts. Sprinkle over whipped cream, stir into drinks, or use in frosting. It’s a fun way to repurpose leftovers. Store in a sealed jar for freshness.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Powder Recipe

Blueberry Galette

Juicy blueberries fill the center of this open-faced tart, baked until bubbling and golden. The crust folds up around the edges for a rustic look. It’s sweet, fruity, and easy to slice. Serve warm with ice cream or cool with whipped cream.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Galette

Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies (Only 3 Ingredients)

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)

Air Fryer Baked Apples

Whole apples are cored, stuffed with sugar and spice, then air fried until tender. The centers become gooey while the skins soften and caramelize. Serve with a drizzle of honey or a scoop of ice cream. Great for fall and winter nights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baked Apples