15 Iconic Holiday Treats You Can Bake Year-Round

Who says you have to wait for the holidays to enjoy those festive flavors? Sure, the season adds some magic, but the best part about baking is that the warmth, comfort, and delicious aromas can fill your kitchen any time of the year. Whether you’re looking for a reason to satisfy your sweet tooth or want to bring some cheer to an ordinary day, these iconic treats are just the thing to make any moment feel a little more special. So, grab your mixing bowls and preheat the oven—because who needs an excuse to bake when the result is this good?

Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are a holiday staple known for their spicy-sweet flavor and festive shapes. To make these cookies, mix flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg with molasses and brown sugar. Add butter, eggs, and baking soda to create a dough, then chill it before rolling it out. Cut into gingerbread men, stars, or trees and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes. For a creative twist, decorate them with royal icing or candy sprinkles. These cookies freeze well, so you can have that festive feeling all year long by baking a batch whenever the mood strikes.

Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies are classic, buttery treats that are perfect for any occasion, not just the holidays. Start by creaming together butter and sugar, then adding vanilla extract, eggs, and flour. Roll the dough into balls or cut into shapes before baking them for about 8-10 minutes at 350°F. Once cooled, you can frost them with colored icing or leave them plain for a simpler treat. These cookies are great for birthdays, celebrations, or just because you need something sweet. Customize the colors and shapes depending on the season for a delightful treat any time of year.

Peppermint Bark

Peppermint bark combines the refreshing taste of peppermint with creamy layers of chocolate. Melt dark chocolate and spread it evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing it to cool before repeating the process with white chocolate. Crush candy canes or peppermint candies and sprinkle them over the top while the white chocolate is still soft. Once fully hardened, break the bark into pieces. While traditionally served during the winter holidays, this treat is just as refreshing in the warmer months. It’s the perfect make-ahead treat to enjoy with a cup of iced coffee or hot cocoa.

Snickerdoodles

Snickerdoodles are soft, cinnamon-sugar-coated cookies that can be enjoyed year-round. To make these, cream together butter, sugar, and eggs, then mix in flour, cream of tartar, and baking soda. Roll the dough into balls, coat them in cinnamon sugar, and bake for about 10 minutes at 375°F. The slight tang from the cream of tartar adds a unique flavor that balances the sweetness. Snickerdoodles are ideal for a cozy afternoon treat, whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just enjoying a quiet day at home. Keep a batch of the dough in the freezer for whenever a craving strikes.

Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan pie bars take the beloved flavors of pecan pie and turn them into easy-to-serve squares. Start by preparing a buttery shortbread crust and baking it until lightly golden. Meanwhile, mix eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, and chopped pecans for the filling. Pour the mixture over the pre-baked crust and return it to the oven for another 20 minutes. These bars deliver the rich, nutty sweetness of pecan pie without the fuss of making a whole pie. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or enjoy them cold for a quick snack anytime.

Yule Log Cake (Bûche de Noël)

The Yule log cake, or Bûche de Noël, is a rolled sponge cake filled with buttercream and covered in rich chocolate ganache to resemble a log. To make it, bake a thin sponge cake, spread with buttercream, and carefully roll it into a log. Once assembled, coat the log with chocolate ganache and use a fork to create a bark-like texture. Garnish with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. This cake looks intricate but is surprisingly simple, making it a show-stopping dessert for any occasion. It’s a great centerpiece for a summer garden party or winter gathering alike.

Rugelach

Rugelach is a traditional Jewish pastry filled with fruit, nuts, or chocolate, perfect for any season. To make the dough, combine cream cheese, butter, flour, and a pinch of salt. Roll out the dough, spread it with your choice of filling like apricot jam, cinnamon sugar, or chocolate chips, and roll into crescent shapes. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden. These bite-sized treats are a delicious alternative to cookies and can be adapted with seasonal ingredients year-round. Whether for a family gathering or a weekday snack, rugelach never disappoints.

Stollen

Stollen is a German fruit bread traditionally enjoyed during Christmas but can be baked any time for a sweet, spiced treat. To make stollen, start by combining flour, yeast, milk, and butter with dried fruits, nuts, and spices like cardamom and cinnamon. After letting the dough rise, bake it until golden brown, then dust with powdered sugar. You can add a marzipan center for extra richness. Stollen pairs perfectly with tea or coffee, making it a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack regardless of the season. Its long shelf life means you can enjoy slices over several days.

Thumbprint Cookies

Thumbprint cookies are buttery, shortbread-like cookies filled with jam that are not just for holidays. To make them, cream together butter, sugar, and egg yolk, then mix in flour and salt. Roll the dough into small balls, press your thumb into the center of each to create a well, and fill with jam. Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes, then let cool. These cookies are easy to customize with your favorite jams or preserves, making them a fun and colorful treat year-round. Try them with seasonal fruits like raspberry or peach for a refreshing twist.

Fruitcake

Fruitcake is often associated with the holidays, but with the right mix of fruits and nuts, it’s a treat for any time. Combine dried fruits like apricots, cherries, and raisins with nuts, flour, and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Add a splash of brandy or rum to deepen the flavors, then bake until golden brown. Fruitcakes can be stored for weeks, allowing the flavors to intensify over time. Perfect for gifting or enjoying at your leisure, this dense and flavorful cake pairs well with a hot beverage or can be a centerpiece for any festive gathering.

Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort food and can easily be enjoyed throughout the year. Start by making a yeast dough, then roll it out and spread with softened butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Roll the dough into a log and slice it into rolls before baking at 350°F for about 25 minutes. Drizzle with cream cheese icing once cooled for an indulgent treat. These rolls are perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, and their warm, gooey texture makes them irresistible in any season. Try making mini versions for a quick snack or party treat.

Biscotti

Biscotti, twice-baked Italian cookies, are ideal for dipping into coffee or tea and can be made in endless variations. Start by mixing flour, sugar, eggs, and your choice of flavorings like almond, vanilla, or orange zest. Shape the dough into logs and bake until firm, then slice into thin cookies and bake again until crispy. Biscotti stay fresh for weeks and make an excellent homemade gift. These crunchy treats are just as good in the summer as they are in winter, making them a versatile addition to your baking repertoire.

Linzer Cookies

Linzer cookies are delicate, sandwich-style cookies filled with jam, often enjoyed during the holidays but perfect any time. To make the dough, combine butter, sugar, flour, and ground almonds, then cut into rounds. Bake the cookies at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, then sandwich them together with raspberry or apricot jam. Dust with powdered sugar for a classic finish. These cookies are elegant enough for a tea party yet simple enough to enjoy with a cup of coffee on a lazy afternoon. Their buttery, nutty flavor pairs perfectly with tart jam, making them a year-round delight.

Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie, though synonymous with Thanksgiving, can be enjoyed whenever you crave a warm, spiced dessert. Start with a homemade or store-bought pie crust, then mix canned pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Pour the filling into the crust and bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until set. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for a rich, comforting treat. Whether it’s for a summer picnic or a winter gathering, pumpkin pie’s creamy texture and bold flavors make it a crowd-pleaser no matter the season.

Hot Cross Buns

Hot cross buns are spiced yeast buns studded with dried fruit and marked with a cross on top, traditionally served around Easter. To make them, mix flour, yeast, sugar, butter, eggs, and milk with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, then fold in dried fruit like currants or raisins. After allowing the dough to rise, shape into buns, add the cross using a flour paste, and bake. A glaze of sugar and water brushed over the top gives them a shiny finish. These buns are great for breakfast or a snack and can easily be baked any time of the year when you’re craving something warm and comforting.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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