The best Christmas baking recipes to try this year - Netmums (2024)

1/15

Perfect for hanging from the Christmas tree, or make a few batches with the kids to give as presents to friends and teachers.

And psst, we'll let you into a secret. These reindeer don't need any baking – it's a rocky-road mixture rolled into balls and covered in melted chocolate.

But DON'T tell anyone.

Red-nosed reindeer recipe

2/15

Another simple Christmas recipe to whisk up with the kids in the Christmas holidays.

These white chocolate stars are studded with green pistachios and juicy red cranberries for added festive cheer.

And they're also easy peasy as you don't have to bake them. Hurrah!

White chocolate stars recipe

3/15

Never made a Christmas cake before? Why not give it a bash this year?

The best thing about Christmas cake is that it can be made weeks, sometimes months, ahead – before the Christmas period gets really crazy.

Malabar Christmas cake recipe

4/15

Too cold or wet to play outside?

Get the kids involved decorating these cute snowmen cupcakes. They've got marshmallow bodies and Rolo hats. Yum!

Snowmen cupcakes recipe

5/15

Start a family tradition by making a homemade Christmas pudding.

The traditional day to do this is Stir-Up Sunday – the last Sunday before advent, which is on 22nd November.

Don't worry if you forget because as well as a classic pud, we've also got a last-minute Christmas pudding recipe.

Christmas pudding recipe

6/15

No Christmas baking session is complete without mixing up a batch of classic Christmas biscuits.

Make these with kids every year to create special memories of getting messy with the icing, and a house filled with the scents of festive spices.

Christmas biscuits recipe

7/15

How pretty are these chocolate macarons decorated to look like Christmas puddings?

Using silcone macaron moulds makes the whole process a lot less difficult. Sandwich with vanilla icing and pipe the decorations to look like custard on top of a pud.

Christmas pudding macarons recipe

8/15

Peppermint creams are an ideal recipe to make with little chefs, and a budget-friendly food gift they can package up to give to teachers or childminders.

Dip them in melted dark chocolate to make them extra special, and wrap them in cellophane with a red ribbon.

Peppermint creams recipe

9/15

Give cheesecake a festive spin by serving it with a topping of fresh, tangy cranberries.

If the family hate Christmas pud or trifle (and there's always a family member who does!), this is the perfect Christmas dessert alternative.

Cranberry cheesecake recipe

10/15

Rocky road gets a festive makeover by using snow-white chocolate instead of milk or dark.

Brightly coloured dried fruits and nuts add to the festive feel.

White chocolate rocky road recipe

11/15

Homemade mince pies beat shop-bought every time.

Our faves this year? These little pies with a fragrant, spiced orange crumble topping. Delicious served warm with a blob of double cream.

Mince pies with spiced orange topping recipe

12/15

Bundt cakes are big news (no less than Nigella is a fan), and perfect for Christmas.

We love this gorgeous maple syrup bundt with a butterscotch drizzle. It's packed with Christmas spices and is a lighter alternative to Christmas pudding.

Maple-syrup bundt cake recipe

13/15

Who says cupcakes are just for the kids?

Whisk up a batch of these boozy little bakes after your little ones are tucked up in bed.

You've earned it!

Brandy butter cupcakes recipe

14/15

Got some Christmas pud to use up? Crumble it up and add to a batch of rich chocolate brownies.

The perfect bake to have ready if anyone stops by.

Christmas pudding brownies recipe

15/15

Have a go at making this retro favourite. Go for a traditional milk chocolate sponge filled with buttercream, or give it a foodie twist with our recipe for dark chocolate and beetroot yule log.

Not convinced? Just like adding carrots to a cake, beetroot keeps a sponge really moist and tender, and its natural sweetness means you need less sugar. Bonus veg points, too!

Dark chocolate yule log recipe