14 Unique Holiday Baking Ideas That Go Beyond Cookies and Cakes

While cookies and cakes often steal the spotlight, there are so many other delicious treats that can bring a festive twist to your holiday spread. Baking is a wonderful way to spend time with family, and trying new recipes can make the season even more special. If you are looking for something sweet, savory, or a bit of both, these unique holiday baking ideas will inspire you. With a bit of creativity and some festive ingredients, you can create treats that will impress your guests and leave lasting memories.

Holiday Fruitcake Muffins

Holiday fruitcake muffins offer a lighter, easier take on a traditional favorite. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg. In another bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, ¾ cup brown sugar, ½ cup melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Fold in 1 ½ cups of mixed dried fruit, such as raisins, currants, and chopped candied citrus peel, along with ½ cup chopped walnuts. Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, and let cool before serving. These muffins bring the rich flavors of fruitcake in a perfectly portable form!

Gingerbread Waffles

Start your holiday morning with a fun twist on traditional gingerbread. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg. In a separate bowl, mix together 2 eggs, 1 cup of milk, ¼ cup of molasses, and ¼ cup of melted butter. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until smooth. Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter. Pour the batter onto the waffle iron, close, and cook for about 3-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Serve with whipped cream, maple syrup, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for the perfect holiday breakfast.

Peppermint Chocolate Bark

Peppermint chocolate bark is a festive and easy-to-make treat. Start by melting 12 ounces of dark chocolate and 12 ounces of white chocolate separately, either in a microwave or using a double boiler. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then pour the dark chocolate onto the sheet, spreading it into an even layer. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the dark chocolate, swirling them together with a spoon for a marbled effect. Crush ½ cup of peppermint candies and sprinkle them generously over the chocolate. Let the bark cool in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes until firm. Once set, break the bark into pieces and store in an airtight container.

Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls

Eggnog cinnamon rolls are the perfect breakfast for a cozy holiday morning. Start by making a dough with 3 cups of flour, ¼ cup sugar, 2 teaspoons instant yeast, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 cup warm eggnog. Add ¼ cup of softened butter and 1 beaten egg, and knead the dough until smooth. Allow the dough to rise for 1 hour until doubled in size. Once risen, roll the dough out into a rectangle, then spread with butter and sprinkle with ½ cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Roll up the dough and cut it into 12 even pieces, placing them in a greased baking pan. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, then drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and eggnog.

Cranberry Orange Scones

Cranberry orange scones offer a fresh and festive twist on the classic. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, ¼ cup sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Cut in 1/2 cup cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add 1 cup of fresh cranberries, 1 tablespoon orange zest, and ½ cup heavy cream, stirring gently until just combined. Turn the dough onto a floured surface, shaping it into a disk and cutting it into 8 wedges. Place the scones on a baking sheet and brush the tops with a little more cream before baking at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. Once golden brown, serve them warm with butter or a dollop of clotted cream.

Churro Cupcakes

Churro cupcakes are a fun fusion of a traditional churro and a cupcake. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup of sugar, ½ cup of melted butter, and 2 eggs. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients and stir in ½ cup of milk until smooth. Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full and bake for 18-20 minutes. Once cooled, brush the cupcakes with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for that signature churro flavor.

Pecan Pie Muffins

Pecan pie muffins combine the richness of pecan pie in muffin form. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a muffin tin. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. In another bowl, beat 2 eggs with ½ cup of sugar, ¼ cup of melted butter, ¼ cup of maple syrup, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir in ½ cup of chopped pecans and 1/2 cup of buttermilk. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups and bake for 20-22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or whipped cream.

Chocolate Mint Thumbprint Cookies

Chocolate mint thumbprint cookies are a decadent holiday treat. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. In another bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1/2 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Add 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and mix well. Roll the dough into small balls and press your thumb into each, making a small well. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then fill each thumbprint with melted mint chocolate and let cool.

Caramel Apple Galette

Caramel apple galettes are a rustic dessert with a sweet, holiday twist. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out 1 sheet of pie dough into a rough circle on the parchment. In a bowl, toss 4 sliced apples with 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Arrange the apples in the center of the dough, leaving a border around the edges. Fold the dough over the apples and drizzle with ¼ cup of caramel sauce. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden, then drizzle more caramel on top before serving.

Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies

Pumpkin spice whoopie pies are a delicious fall treat perfect for the holidays. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix together 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice, and ½ teaspoon salt. In another bowl, cream together 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of pumpkin puree, ½ cup of butter, and 1 egg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until combined. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet, leaving space between each. Bake for 12-15 minutes, then let cool before sandwiching with cream cheese frosting.

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

Cinnamon sugar pretzel bites are the perfect sweet-and-salty snack. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 packet of yeast, and ¾ cup warm water. Stir in 2 tablespoons melted butter, kneading until smooth. Roll the dough into small bite-sized pieces, boiling them briefly in a baking soda-water solution. Place the dough on the baking sheet, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and bake for 15-20 minutes. Serve with a sweet vanilla glaze for dipping.

Salted Caramel Brownies

Salted caramel brownies are a rich, indulgent treat for the holidays. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan. In a bowl, melt 1 cup of butter and stir in 1 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 eggs. Mix in 1 cup of flour, 1/3 cup cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 25 minutes, until set. After cooling, drizzle with salted caramel sauce and top with sea salt flakes. Serve these rich brownies as the perfect dessert.

Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Cookies

Chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies are a simple yet elegant treat. Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of butter, and 1/4 cup sugar until smooth. Roll out the dough and cut it into desired shapes. Place the cookies on the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden. After cooling, dip the edges of each cookie in melted dark or white chocolate. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.

Spiced Pecan Biscotti

Spiced pecan biscotti make a crunchy, flavorful addition to any holiday spread. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ginger, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, beat together ½ cup sugar, 2 eggs, and ½ cup of chopped pecans. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet and shape the dough into a log. Bake for 25-30 minutes, then slice the log into pieces and bake again for another 10 minutes to crisp. Let cool and enjoy with your favorite holiday beverages.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

More From RetailShout

17 Aldi Dairy Products That Offer Great Value for Your Money

When it comes to dairy, Aldi doesn’t just milk your wallet dry, it’s the spot where quality and affordability shake hands. Whether you’re after creamy goodness or cheesy delights, Aldi’s dairy aisle is packed with hidden gems that won’t make you question your life choices at checkout. So make sure to take notes, because these picks are udderly worth it! Read More.

15 Delicious Low-Carb Dinners for Busy Weeknights

Finding quick and tasty dinner ideas can be a challenge, especially when you’re trying to cut down on carbs. That’s why having a list of go-to low-carb meals is so handy. These dinners are easy to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights when time is short but you still want something satisfying. Read More.

15 Iconic Hot Dog Stands That Have Become American Legends

Nothing beats a classic hot dog, especially when it’s served at a place that’s been around for decades. Across the country, there are some legendary hot dog stands that have truly stood the test of time. Read More.