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Classic Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing - Chill for Perfect Shape

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  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/17 .. es-with-royal-icing-chill-for-perfect-shape.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, December 17th 2025 at 20:58 GMT by Food & Wine

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Christmas Dessert Recipes – A Sweet Holiday Round‑Up

The Food & Wine “Christmas Dessert Recipes” feature is a festive banquet of treats that covers every craving the holidays can stir up. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a first‑time cookie aficionado, the article brings together classic favorites, unexpected twists, and seasonal flavors that make the holiday kitchen feel warm and inviting. Below is a detailed look at the standout recipes, the ingredients that give them character, and the culinary tricks the article offers to help you achieve holiday‑ready perfection.

1. Classic Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

The article opens with the quintessential holiday cookie: a simple, buttery dough that is both crisp and chewy. The recipe calls for all‑purpose flour, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla, and a touch of salt. The real magic comes from the royal icing that coats the cookies—made with powdered sugar, egg whites, and lemon juice—providing a smooth, glossy finish.

• Why it stands out: The recipe includes a “quick‑fix” tip: chill the dough before cutting shapes to prevent spreading during baking.
• Link follow‑up: The linked recipe page expands on shaping techniques and lists creative add‑ons like sprinkles, edible glitter, or a “no‑bake” version for hot afternoons.

2. Gingerbread Latte Cake

This multi‑layered cake marries the comfort of coffee with the spicy warmth of gingerbread. The batter is spiced with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and molasses. Between the cake layers sits a luscious espresso‑infused buttercream that pays homage to a latte.

• Key ingredients: Molasses, espresso, cream cheese, and a dash of bourbon for extra depth.
• Chef’s note: The article recommends a “double‑dipping” method—baking the first layer, then adding a layer of batter and vanilla glaze before topping with the second layer. This creates a distinct, airy texture that keeps the cake moist.

3. Eggnog Cheesecake

For a holiday treat that feels indulgent yet familiar, the Eggnog Cheesecake swaps out traditional cream cheese with a creamy, spicy eggnog base. The crust uses crushed graham crackers combined with a bit of powdered sugar and melted butter.

• Unique twist: The cheesecake is topped with a generous swirl of whipped eggnog that incorporates a pinch of nutmeg and a splash of rum.
• Serving suggestion: Slice with a warm buttered cookie to soak up the extra richness.

4. Peppermint Bark

A no‑bake, melt‑and‑set dessert that never fails to impress. The article’s recipe splits peppermint bark into three layers: dark chocolate, white chocolate, and a crunchy peppermint candy coating.

• Special feature: The chocolate layers are made from high‑quality chocolate bars that are simply melted, poured, and set in a thin film. The final peppermint layer is created with crushed candy canes and white chocolate, creating a contrast of texture.
• Follow‑up tip: For an added flourish, sprinkle a few crushed chocolate chips on top before the bark fully sets.

5. Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding

This warm, savory‑sweet bread pudding uses stale French bread tossed in a custard made with eggs, milk, orange zest, and a splash of Grand Marnier. Fresh cranberries are folded in for tartness.

• Seasonal touch: The article recommends adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to introduce a buttery crunch.
• Serving idea: Drizzle with a warm butter‑cranberry sauce and top with a dollop of whipped cream.

6. Lemon Meringue Pie

A bright, citrus‑heavy pie that provides a light contrast to heavier chocolate or cream‑based desserts. The crust is a buttery shortcrust pastry, while the filling is a silky lemon custard. The meringue topping is lightly toasted to bring out a sweet, airy contrast.

• Pro tip: The article advises baking the pie crust until just golden before adding the lemon filling. This prevents sogginess.
• Alternative twist: Swap the lemon for orange zest and use a hint of rum in the filling for a “Christmas citrus” version.

7. Peppermint Mousse

This airy, chocolate‑peppermint mousse is made by folding chocolate whipped cream with crushed peppermint candy and a splash of vodka. The result is a chilled treat that melts in your mouth.

• Serving recommendation: Pour into small glasses and top with a drizzle of white chocolate and a crushed candy cane for a festive look.

8. Chocolate Truffles

The article’s truffle recipe is a simple yet decadent indulgence. Chocolate is melted with heavy cream, a dash of vanilla, and a pinch of sea salt, then chilled until firm enough to roll into bite‑size balls. The balls are rolled in cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut.

• Tip: For a more festive presentation, drizzle with a thin line of white chocolate and sprinkle crushed candy canes.

9. Yule Log (Bûche de Noël)

A classic French holiday dessert, the Yule Log is a sponge cake rolled with a chocolate buttercream filling. The outside is decorated with powdered sugar to mimic snow and chocolate shavings that resemble bark.

• Pro tip: The article emphasizes using a light sponge to ensure the log rolls without tearing and recommends chilling the log after rolling for 30 minutes to set the shape.

10. Molten Chocolate Cake

For the chocolate lovers, a decadent molten chocolate cake with a gooey center is a showstopper. The batter uses dark chocolate and butter for a deep flavor. The cake is baked in a water bath to keep the center perfectly runny.

• Serving idea: Drizzle the cake with a salted caramel sauce and scatter sea salt flakes on top for a modern twist.

Additional Insights and Tips

How to Keep Cookies Perfectly Crisp

The article notes that cooling the dough in the fridge for at least an hour before baking helps to control spreading. Additionally, it advises using parchment paper on the baking sheet, as this ensures the cookies stay crisp.

Layering Flavors

For layered desserts like the gingerbread latte cake and the eggnog cheesecake, the article highlights the importance of balancing strong flavors with complementary ones—spiced cake with espresso, for instance. This layering strategy allows for a multi‑dimensional taste experience.

Use of Fresh Herbs and Spices

A recurring theme is the use of fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary in savory desserts, or fresh zest in citrus pies. The article encourages experimenting with a pinch of allspice or cinnamon in the molasses batter for an added aromatic layer.

Presentation Tricks

Food & Wine consistently stresses presentation. The article offers several visual cues: dusting powdered sugar to simulate snow on the Yule Log, drizzling caramel or chocolate sauce over molten cakes, and plating cookies with a small garnish of fresh mint or a sprinkle of cocoa nibs. These subtle touches elevate a dessert from “just good” to “cinematic.”

Final Takeaway

The “Christmas Dessert Recipes” feature is a lovingly curated list that balances the traditional with the inventive. Whether you’re looking for the classic comfort of sugar cookies or a modern, alcohol‑infused treat like the peppermint mousse, each recipe comes with practical tips, seasoning suggestions, and visual guidance. The linked recipe pages deepen the instructions, offering step‑by‑step visuals, ingredient alternatives, and even storage recommendations.

With over a dozen desserts that span cookies, cakes, pies, and no‑bake delights, this article not only offers a menu for the holiday season but also serves as a toolbox for bakers of all skill levels. Pull out your apron, preheat the oven, and let Food & Wine guide you through a sweet journey that will surely delight family, friends, and any dessert lover in your life.