Are you dreaming of a cocoa-dusted holiday? Then we have the chocolate Christmas desserts for you: cookies, candies, cakes and more.
Our Chocolatiest Christmas Recipes
Updated on Mar. 19, 2024
Chocolate Yule Log
A Yule log cake, also called a Buche de Noel, is a rolled sponge cake shaped and decorated to resemble a wooden log. It’s one of the most iconic chocolate Christmas desserts around! This fanciful dessert is a tradition that dates back to 19th century France. —Bernadette Colvin, Tomball, Texas. Looking for more? Try these easy Christmas desserts for the crowd.
1/28
2/28
Chocolate Cheesecake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone’s a chocolate lover when it comes to this chocolate cheesecake. It melts in your mouth, and it’s very smooth and fudgy. For a fun taste twist, spoon cherry or strawberry topping over each slice right before serving. —Sue Call, Beech Grove, Indiana
3/28
Fudge
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6-3/4 pounds (19-1/2 dozen pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe makes more than enough to share with family and friends. It's the ultimate fudge! —Linette Shepherd, Williamston, Michigan
4/28
Candy Cane Chocolate Loaves
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
3 loaves (12 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
When I had a bunch of leftover candy canes after the holidays, I was inspired to use them up by adding them to a chocolate bread. Coffee and cocoa intensify the flavor. —Shelly Platten, Amherst, Wisconsin
5/28
Sacher Torte
Total Time
55 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests will be surprised to hear that this Sacher torte recipe starts with a convenient cake mix. Each bite features chocolate, almonds and apricots. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
6/28
Chocolate Mint Truffle Tart
Total Time
50 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Combine the best of chocolate Christmas desserts and candy with this recipe for a truffle tart. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
7/28
Chocolate Snowball Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These dainty cookies just melt in your mouth. I enjoy making them for get-togethers when there are lots of people around to enjoy them. —Mary Lou Welsh, Hinsdale, Illinois
8/28
German Chocolate Ring
Total Time
50 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is modeled after German sweet chocolate cake, which is my favorite, so it’s no wonder I enjoy making and eating this sweet-tasting bread! You can make it ahead and freeze to bring out when you need an easy showstopper. —Anne Frederick, New Hartford, New York
9/28
Chocolate Macadamia Macaroons
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This perfect macaroon has dark chocolate, chewy coconut and macadamia nuts and is dipped in chocolate—sinful and delicious! —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
10/28
Triple-Chocolate Peppermint Treats
Total Time
50 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Santa is sure to stop by your house if you leave these minty chocolate cookies waiting for him. They’re quick and easy for the whole family to make together. —Teresa Ralston, New Albany, Ohio
11/28
Cherry Chocolate Marble Cake
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cherries and chocolate are natural partners that make desserts such as this simply scrumptious! The marbled effect is easily achieved by layering the two contrasting batters. —Sandra Campbell, Chase Mills, New York
13/28
Chocolate-Covered Cherries
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Not only is this my family’s favorite chocolate Christmas dessert, but it makes a delicious holiday present, too. Best of all, you can (and should) prepare these ahead. The candy gets better as it’s stored, with the centers becoming even juicier. —Linda Hammerich, Bonanza, Oregon
14/28
Truffle Hot Chocolate
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings (about 1 quart)
From the Recipe Creator:
Greet holiday guests at the door with steaming mugs of rich hot chocolate. As the crowning touch, offer a selection of flavored whipped creams.—Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
15/28
Chocolate Gingersnaps
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When my daughter, Jennifer, was 15 years old, she created this recipe as a way to combine two of her favorite flavors. They’re great with a glass of milk. —Paula Zsiray, Logan, Utah
16/28
Peppermint Pretzel Dippers
Total Time
15 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend made these treats and gave them away in pretty canning jars. The combination of sweet, salty and peppermint is just right. Try dipping them in white candy coating and rolling them in crushed candy canes for variety.—Michelle Krzmarzick, Redondo Beach, California
17/28
Chocolate Hazelnut Torte
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Most cake recipes feed a crowd. So we came up with this elegant little cake that serves six. That’s enough for two…with just the right amount of leftovers! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
18/28
Cherry Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These rich, fudgy cookies are chewy and studded with tangy dried cherries. It’s a good thing the recipe makes only a small batch, because we eat them all in one night! —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
19/28
Chocolate Coconut Candies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These coconut candy balls disappear just as fast as I put them out. They’re a snap to whip up and make a beautiful presentation on any holiday cookie plate. I mound them high and sprinkle with coconut…then watch them vanish! —Mary Ann Marino, West Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
20/28
Perfect Peppermint Patties
Total Time
20 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Calling for just a few ingredients, this is one candy that’s simple to prepare. I make lots of different candy at Christmas to give as gifts. It’s time-consuming, but worth it to see the delight it brings to people.
-Joanne Adams, Bath, Maine
-Joanne Adams, Bath, Maine
21/28
Crinkle-Top Chocolate Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When I baked these moist, fudgy cookies for the first time, my three preschool children went wild over them! But I like them because they’re lower in fat and easy to mix and bake. —Maria Groff, Ephrata, Pennsylvania
22/28
Double Chocolate Truffles
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a delicious holiday treat that’s very rich and chocolaty. —Ruth Gordon, Lakewood, New York
23/28
Chocolate Meringue Stars
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These light, delicate chocolate meringue cookies sure make for merry munching. Their big chocolate flavor, courtesy of good quality cocoa powder, makes it difficult to keep the kids away before they’re on the cookie tray. —Edna F. Lee, Greeley, Colorado
24/28
Church Window Cookies
Total Time
20 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These church window cookies are a hit with kids—the little ones just love the colored marshmallows! —Emmilie Gaston, Wabash, Indiana
25/28
Mint Swirl Fudge Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chocolate Christmas desserts only get better when paired with mint. This beautiful cake will be the talk of the holiday buffet. —Heidi Kelly, Norwood, Missouri
26/28
Hot Chocolate Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Using hot chocolate mix and marshmallow bits in the cookie dough really makes these cookies taste like hot cocoa. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
27/28
Truffle Topiary
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
11 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted to give family and friends something they’d remember, so I whipped up piles of these sweets for everyone. Set them out in a pretty pattern on a cookie tray or turn them into a stunning centerpiece. —Elisa Schmidt, Bethel Park, Pennsylvania
28/28
Sweet and Salty Chocolate Reindeer
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
You can enlist little hands to help position the antlers, eyes and noses on these adorable, crisp reindeer cookies. —Pat Habiger, Spearville, Kansas
