Holiday Baking: Peppermint, Eggnog & Ginger Recipes Everyone Loves

Remember when holiday baking meant one big fruitcake and maybe a batch of sugar cookies? These days, the season is all about mixing nostalgic flavors - peppermint, eggnog, ginger, brown sugar - with fun new twists. In American kitchens, December feels like an invitation to bake: cookie tins on the counter, apple cakes cooling on the stove, and someone sneaking a bite of frosting from the fridge.

Whether you’re hosting a cookie swap or just want a cozy snack with hot cocoa, this guide brings together the best holiday bakes on Cookpad. You’ll find classic gingerbread or something special like peppermint brownies for New Year’s Eve, to start January right. Grab your whisk - holiday baking has never been easier (or sweeter).

Holiday Baking Recipes That Always Work

Holiday baking doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you love peppermint treats, rich eggnog bakes, or classic ginger cookies, these homemade recipes are easy and bring the cozy perfect flavors for December.

Peppermint Baking Recipes

Celebrate the season with minty holiday treats! From chocolate peppermint brownies to creamy peppermint desserts, these recipes are perfect for cookie swaps, festive parties, or cozy nights at home. Bright, fresh, and irresistible, peppermint adds a classic holiday twist to every baked treat.

🍪 Think shortbread meets mint‑cream meets chocolate; these peppermint squares are buttery, minty and freezer‑friendly for holiday snacking.

🎂 This cake features a moist chocolate chiffon texture layered with a fresh‑tasting peppermint mascarpone cream, perfect for a festive dinner finish.

🟫 Think shortbread meets mint‑cream meets chocolate: These peppermint squares are buttery, minty and freezer‑friendly for holiday snacking

🍫 This peppermint dessert brings bold mint flavor and holiday sparkle to your baking table, great for cookie swaps or after‑dinner treats.

Eggnog Dessert Ideas

Turn your favorite holiday drink into delicious baked desserts! From eggnog pound cakes to a creamy pudding, these recipes are rich, festive, and ideal for brunches or dessert tables. Eggnog adds a comforting, spiced sweetness that makes every bite feel like the holidays.

🍰 All the cheesecake indulgence you love, but with a holiday‑spin: eggnog, spices and a buttery crust make it bake‑worthy for December dessert menus.

🥮 This pound cake turns your favorite holiday drink into a dessert; moist cake, nutmeg aroma, and that creamy eggnog taste baked in.

🥧 Wake up to holiday warmth: this pie uses eggnog and spices for a cozy brunch that doubles as dessert.

✨ Turn a holiday classic into a warm‑and‑cozy dessert: this bread pudding soaks vanilla brioche in rich eggnog, dried berries and praline pecans, then bakes into a comforting treat perfect for Christmas dinner or brunch.

Ginger Dessert Recipes

Warm up your kitchen with spiced ginger delights! These recipes include soft gingerbread cookies, ginger cakes, and other festive bakes that are perfect for holiday gift trays, brunch, or cozy family moments. Ginger’s spicy-sweet flavor brings nostalgia and warmth to every bite.

👩‍🍳 Molasses, cinnamon and ground ginger come together in a soft cookie that’s ideal for decorating, cookie swaps or a cozy treat with cocoa.

🥮 Swap your usual fruit cake for this ginger‑packed alternative – moist, fragrant and just right for holiday tea time.

😋 Finger-licking dip to share with everyone these Holidays. With cake, cookies or alone, enjoy this pumpkin and ginger flavorful treat.

🥥 When you crave ginger warmth rather than peppermint or chocolate, this ginger‑spiced with coconut dessert gives you hearty comfort and holiday flavor.

🎃 Small in size but big in flavor, these ginger sweets pack ground ginger and warmth into every bite-perfect for holiday snacking.

5 Holiday Baking recipes you need to try

Something different and special to surprise your guests during this magical season filled with love and sharing. 🪾 🥰

🎄 Chocolate sponge rolled with whipped cream, topped with ganache, meringue mushrooms and sugared cranberries, a dessert worth the effort.

🍰 A rich tres leches cake soaked in saffron‑cardamom milk and garnished with pistachio with real Rasmalai flavor, perfect for your holiday potluck table.

🍪 Soft German gingerbread loaded with warm spices and rich flavor, a festive cake that goes beyond the usual cookies.

🍓 Single‑serve cheesecake cups with graham‑cracker crust, creamy filling and a strawberry ‘Santa hat’ twist, an easy crowd-pleaser.

🎊 Buttery cookie dough folded with sprinkles, frosted with cream‑cheese icing and topped for festive flair, these cookies bring the holiday cheer.

💡Pro tip: Freeze cookie dough balls on a tray, then store in a zipped bag. Bake straight from frozen to perfect for last-minute guests or late-night cravings.

Holiday Baking in American Kitchens

Holiday baking in the U.S. is all about tradition, sharing, and comfort food vibes. Families pull out old recipe cards, neighbors drop off tins of cookies, and kids help decorate anything covered in frosting and sprinkles.

Peppermint and ginger have become December classics, showing up in weeknight desserts, potluck trays, and cozy weekend treats. Eggnog moves beyond the mug and into cakes, muffins, and overnight bakes. And brown sugar? It’s trending everywhere this year, from crumble toppings to soft, chewy cookies.

Many of us also love baking with seasonal fruits like apples and plums, especially for brunch or make-ahead desserts. And when New Year’s rolls around, champagne desserts and “good-luck” sweets (like mochi or symbolic cakes) take center stage.

❓Frequently Asked Questions about Holiday Baking

What are the best flavors for holiday baking? Peppermint, ginger, eggnog, cinnamon, and brown sugar are classic holiday flavors in the U.S. They work in cookies, cakes, bars, and even breads.

Can you bake with eggnog? Yes! Eggnog adds richness and a subtle spice flavor. Use it in muffins, cakes, French toast bakes, or cheesecake bars.

How do I keep holiday cookies soft? Store them in an airtight tin with a slice of bread or a marshmallow. The cookies absorb moisture and stay fresh longer.

Are peppermint desserts hard to make? Not at all. Peppermint pairs easily with chocolate, vanilla, and cream cheese. Most recipes are simple stir-and-bake treats.

What can I bake for New Year’s Eve? Champagne cupcakes, glittery sugar cookies, or “good luck” sweets like mochi or symbolic cakes are popular choices.

More Recipe Inspiration for These Holidays ❄️ ⛄

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