Sure, spending time with loved ones and walking around in a Christmas light–decorated winter wonderland is nice, but let's be real: Desserts are one of the best parts of the holidays. For whatever reason, some of the most decadent, delicious desserts come out during the holiday season. (Thank goodness too, because desserts make it easier to deal with holiday shopping and dinner party stress, right?)
We're talking about the gingerbread houses that are the home to gingerbread men and women, the peppermint-dusting on everything, and how everything becomes dipped in white chocolate.
Oh, except fruit cake. Sorry.
Not only are holiday treats delicious, but making them with the little ones can be a special moment of quality time (especially on a freezing cold, snowy afternoon). Plus, what's better than receiving a gift of home-baked goods rather than something impersonal that we might not even need or use?
We rounded up 22 super yummy and festive holiday treats for everyone to add to their baking list. From brownies to cookies, and everything in between, there's a type of dessert for every single sweet tooth out there.
Holiday Donuts
Those eyes! Those noses! Those antlers! Something that cute can't have calories.
Holiday Peeps Brownies
Who says Peeps are just for Easter?
More from CafeMom: Incredibly Easy Oreo Bark Recipe Will Get You in the Holiday Spirit
White Chocolate Peppermint Bark
One of my favorite treats ever. A holiday must.
Smiling Snowman Cake
This festive snowman is so easy to copy! Use your favorite box recipe, bake in two differently sized pans, frost all white, and add the accents with your favorite candies. How cute is that?
Gingerbread Snowflakes
There's no chocolate in sight. These are practically diet food!
Nutter Butter Santas
Such perfect little chocolate beards!
German Chocolate Cake With Coconut-Pecan Cajeta Frosting
Come closer, my LOVE.
More from CafeMom: 10 Holiday Cocktails That Sound as Fun as They Taste
Christmas Tree Brownies
These colorful brownies are the perfect activity for kids.
Peppermint Cheesecake Oreo Brownies
Four words, one dessert: Peppermint Cheesecake Oreo Brownies. Decadence now served.
Gingerbread Cupcakes
Transform your favorite holiday cookie into a softer, more indulgent cupcake.
Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
These brownies are sure to steal the show at any holiday party — and for good reason.
Eggnog Cookies
These melt-in-your-mouth eggnog cookies couldn't get anymore festive.
Red Velvet Cake Truffles
Turn red velvet cake into an easy-to-eat dessert. You might end up popping one too many into your mouth.
Snowball Cookies
What's better than eating a snowball cookie on a snowy afternoon? Nothing
Chocolate Toffee
Move over, peppermint bark. We want some of this delicious chocolate toffee.
More from CafeMom: Braided Nutella Bread Recipe Is the Prettiest Holiday Dessert Yet (VIDEO)
Gingerbread fudge
Gingerbread fudge is like the upgraded version of good ol' fudge.
Creamy Eggnog Rice Pudding
This creamy eggnog rice pudding can be made vegan, but that doesn't make it any less delish.
