Sweet treats like sugar cookies, gingerbread houses, candy stocking stuffers, and chocolate advent calendars are perennial favorites during the holiday season. But if you want something beyond the ordinary, this collection of Christmas desserts will give you plenty of inspiration. Whether you’re road-testing a new dessert recipe for the holidays or planning gifts for friends and families, the unique Christmas dessert ideas on this list will be a sure-fire hit. 
For your family
Family Christmas gatherings call for desserts that are extraordinary, so consider bringing a bunch of Chocolate Peppermint Cake Pops for the event. Each cake pop has decadent chocolate cake on the inside, and crunchy peppermint pieces on the outside. With every bite, your loved ones will get a blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint that captures the true spirit of the season.
For your siblings
Rekindle childhood memories with your siblings by sending them a DIY Gingerbread Christmas House Kit or a Gingerbread Candy House Kit. These thoughtful kits contain all the essentials for crafting a gingerbread masterpiece – from pre-baked gingerbread panels to an assortment of colorful candies and royal icing. These are great for reminiscing about Christmas traditions, and are also the perfect way to keep the kids preoccupied while everyone is prepping for the holidays.
For the best friend
Your bestie deserves only the best, so why not gift them with Peppermint Mocha Cheesecake Bites? These miniature treats pack in the flavors of the season into every bite, and are easy to make. Use crushed Oreos as your base, follow a classic cheesecake recipe with a few drops of peppermint extract for your filling, then go with chocolate ganache and whipped cream for the toppings. Include a personalized jar of hot cocoa mix with these cheesecake bites for a complete snack.
For your girl gang
Bring a decadent treat like Bourbon Balls to any festive gatherings with your friends. These bite-sized treats combine the richness of chocolate with a delicious kick of bourbon, and are perfect for easy sharing among friends. Complement these festive truffles with a bottle of peppermint liqueur for a boozy-filled treat.
For your neighbors
Spread holiday cheer to your neighbors with a batch of Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies. Filled with chewy dried cranberries and fragrant orange zest, these cookies achieve the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. These cookies are almost effortless to make, but will still yield sensational results. As a finishing touch, roll the logs in demerara sugar before slicing and baking, and drizzle orange glaze on top to amp up the orange flavor. Present them to your neighbors in a holiday-themed tin to make your gift more presentable.
For coworkers, colleagues, and staff
Show appreciation to your employees’ hard work throughout the year and send holiday greetings to your business connections with a thoughtful gift that combines professionalism with personalization. With Christmas logo cookies, you can request to have your company logo printed on the treats for a unique gift that’s perfect for sharing in the workplace. Pair them with a bag of high-quality coffee beans for an energizing combination that will beat the afternoon slump in the office.
For the little ones
Turn your kitchen into a winter wonderland workshop by letting the kids decorate their own Snowman Cakesicles. Made from vanilla and chocolate cake dipped in white chocolate, these adorable snowmen on sticks are simple enough to do. Make sure to have an array of decorations on hand such as chocolate chips and sprinkles to keep your kids’ creative juices flowing! Order them straight from an online bakery like Sweet E’s Bake Shop if you’re pressed for time and don’t want to clean up.
For loved ones miles away
Bridge the distance with your loved ones through a virtual cookie exchange. You can ship a selection of Christmas cookies, then schedule a video call to share baking tips, swap stories, catch up on each other’s lives, and of course, enjoy the cookies.
With these unique Christmas desserts ideas, you’re sure to spread joy and sweetness to every corner of your holiday celebrations. Let these delightful treats convey the spirit of the season in the sweetest way possible.
*This is a partnered post.*