22 Cranberry Desserts to Bake for the Holidays

Cranberries bring bold color and tart flavor to holiday baking, pairing beautifully with citrus, warm spices, and rich batters. These desserts mix cozy and festive, from soft breads and tender muffins to elegant bars and creamy cheesecakes. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting a treat, or just filling the kitchen with something seasonal, these recipes bring the right mix of comfort and celebration. The tartness of cranberry cuts through the sweetness for balanced bites that feel right at home during the holidays.

Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake

This dense pound cake is dotted with bright cranberries and finished with a simple glaze. It slices cleanly and looks beautiful on any dessert table. The cranberries add a tart contrast to the buttery cake. Serve it chilled or slightly warm.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake

Cranberry Pecan Cookies

These cookies combine tart cranberries with crunchy pecans for a sweet and nutty bite. The texture is soft with crisp edges. They bake up golden and freeze well. Great for cookie swaps or holiday tins.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Cookies

Cranberry Walnut Banana Bread

A moist banana bread gets a holiday spin with chopped walnuts and cranberries. The result is a bread that’s fruity, nutty, and full of texture. It toasts well and pairs perfectly with a pat of butter. A good way to use overripe bananas and leftover cranberries.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Walnut Banana Bread

Apple Cranberry Galette

This rustic tart combines sliced apples and cranberries in a flaky, folded pastry. The filling is slightly sweet with pops of tartness. It’s less fussy than a pie but still just as festive. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry Galette

Baked cranberry cheesecake

Creamy cheesecake gets a swirl of cranberry sauce for a tangy twist. The crust is classic and buttery, providing the right balance. It chills overnight for clean slicing. Each bite has a rich and tart balance.
Get the Recipe: Baked cranberry cheesecake

Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copy Cat Recipe)

These bars have a blondie base studded with cranberries and white chocolate, topped with sweet frosting and more cranberries. They’re chewy, soft, and indulgent. Cut them into triangles for that signature look. They make a festive treat for coffee lovers.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copy Cat Recipe)

Cranberry Powder Recipe

Dried cranberries are ground into a fine powder that adds tart flavor and color to desserts. Sprinkle it over frostings or stir into batters. It’s an easy way to boost cranberry flavor without adding moisture. Store it in a jar and use throughout the season.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Powder Recipe

Cranberry White Chip Cookies

Soft cookies filled with creamy white chips and chewy dried cranberries. The tartness of the berries pairs well with the sweet vanilla flavor. These bake quickly and stay soft for days. Ideal for gifting or cookie boxes.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry White Chip Cookies

Homemade Cranberry Fruit Roll-Ups

These fruit leather strips are made with real cranberries and a touch of sweetness. They’re slow-baked until pliable and chewy. A great make-ahead snack or treat. Slice and roll in parchment for a nostalgic feel.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cranberry Fruit Roll-Ups

Lemon Cranberry Cheesecake Bars

A bright lemon cheesecake filling is swirled with cranberry sauce and set on a graham cracker crust. These bars are tangy and creamy with a pop of color. Chill before slicing into neat squares. They balance sweet, tart, and rich flavors.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cranberry Cheesecake Bars

Pumpkin Cranberry Bread

Pumpkin purée and warm spices give this quick bread a soft texture, while cranberries add tart bursts. It’s moist with a hint of cinnamon and clove. Slice thick and serve warm. A fall-to-winter crossover that works all season.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cranberry Bread

Cranberry Orange Biscotti

These twice-baked cookies are crisp and full of citrus flavor with bits of cranberry. Great for dipping in coffee or cocoa. They store well and travel even better. A classic choice for gifting.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Biscotti

Cranberry Orange Biscotti with White Chocolate Drizzle

A drizzle of white chocolate adds a sweet finish to this crunchy biscotti. The cranberry and orange flavors shine through with every bite. Elegant enough for gifting, easy enough for everyday baking. These look great on cookie platters.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Biscotti with White Chocolate Drizzle

Cranberry Orange Bread

This soft quick bread combines juicy cranberries and bright orange zest. It bakes into a golden loaf with a tender crumb. A glaze on top adds extra sweetness. Serve it sliced for breakfast or dessert.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Bread

Cranberry Orange Muffins

Fluffy muffins that bring together tart cranberries and zesty orange. They rise high with a crisp top and soft center. Great for mornings or midday treats. Make a batch and enjoy them all week.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Muffins

Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookie Bites

These small cookies have a chewy texture thanks to oats and dried cranberries. The orange zest lifts the flavor and keeps it fresh. Perfect for snacking or lunchboxes. Bake small for bite-size portions.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookie Bites

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Buttery shortbread is flavored with orange zest and dotted with cranberries. They slice cleanly and hold their shape while baking. Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy look. Great for tea or gifting.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Cranberry Orange Thumbprint Cookies

These soft cookies are pressed in the center and filled with cranberry jam. The dough has a hint of citrus, making each bite bright. Bake until just golden and fill after cooling. They’re pretty on a holiday tray.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Thumbprint Cookies

Cranberry Poke Cake

A white cake is poked and filled with cranberry sauce, then topped with whipped cream. The sauce soaks in for a colorful layered effect. It’s chilled before serving. A fun twist on a classic retro dessert.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Poke Cake

Cranberry Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin and cranberries give this bread a seasonal flavor combo. It’s soft and warmly spiced, with bursts of tartness throughout. Great for toasting or snacking on the go. Wrap in parchment and tie with twine for gifting.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pumpkin Bread

Cranberry Tartlets

Mini pastry shells are filled with sweet-tart cranberry filling. The texture is smooth and glossy, set inside a crisp shell. These look elegant and bite-sized. Easy to serve at parties or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Tartlets

Cranberry Zucchini Muffins

Zucchini keeps these muffins moist while cranberries add a pop of brightness. They’re not too sweet and make a great anytime snack. Bake in batches and freeze extras. The mix of veg and fruit keeps the flavor balanced.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Zucchini Muffins