Christmas baking is one of the highlights of the festive season for the Test Kitchen and many of our readers.
There’s nothing quite like the smell of Christmas baking wafting through your kitchen. Are you after fun gingerbread cookies to hang on the tree? Or perhaps a classic Australian pavlova for Christmas lunch. You’ll find it all here, plus festive biscuits, traditional fruit cakes and cupcakes.
These recipes cater for every skill level and taste. We’ve included kid-friendly options for little bakers, gluten-free alternatives and impressive desserts that’ll have your guests asking for seconds.
It’s time to bake up a storm with our best Christmas desserts and festive sweet treats.
A slice of Christmas baking history
The tradition of gingerbread dates back to medieval times but it was the German brothers Grimm who popularised the gingerbread house in their tale of Hansel and Gretel in the 19th century. Like any building, a gingerbread house can be as fancy or plain as its owners choose.
The rich dark fruit cake is an English tradition, which grew out of an oat pudding served on Christmas morning from the 16th century onwards. Gradually it evolved into a dense, fruit-and-nut treat which was considered so sinfully delicious that it could only be served at Christmas, weddings and other festive occasions.
Chocolate pavlova wreath
This stunning dessert is a festive table showstopper.
Our classic pavlova recipe
A classic that’s hard to beat – and easy to eat.
Gluten-free Christmas cakes
No-one should miss out on Christmas cake!
Dark chocolate and orange Christmas slice
The classic Christmas fruit cake is made even sweeter with the addition of rich dark chocolate and orange.
One-pan pineapple fruit cake
The homemade rum caramel is the secret ingredient in this effortless tropical-inspired cake with ginger flavours and a crunchy crown of nuts.
Christmas blondies
We put a festive spin on a classic blondie recipe.
Christmas tree pavlova
Mastering the perfect pavlova is a skill for life!
Gingerbread
Run as fast as you can…
Lemon myrtle shortbread biscuits
Get creative with your festive baking.
Salted lemon shortbread
Known as lemon sable tiles, these delicately textured French-style shortbread biscuits are incredibly moreish.
Gluten free Christmas cake
This lighter style gluten-free fruit cake is just the ticket for the festive season.
Traditional gluten-free Christmas pudding
A Christmas pudding everyone can enjoy.
Traditional Christmas cake
Christmas is coming.
Whisky-laced fruit mince pies
Spice up your mince pies this Christmas with this delicious whisky-laced fruit mince pies.
Jigsaw puzzle Christmas tree
Perfect for gifts.
Two-toned Christmas cake
A visually striking twist on a classic fruit cake.
Eggnog bavarois cake
The perfect addition to your festive dessert line-up.
Iced Christmas cupcakes
Making these cute Christmas treats is truly a piece of cake. The special skill comes in adding the festive decorations. You’ll need star and snowflake cutters, edible gold paint and a small brush. Bon Noel!
Mini Christmas puddings
Serve these little puddings with brandy butter and caramel brandy sauce for a decadent festive dessert.
Red velvet Christmas cupcakes
Buttery and fluffy, these red velvet cupcakes adorned with silky smooth vanilla or peppermint frosting are a fun Christmas treat.
Spicy Christmas cupcakes
Get into the festive spirit with these delicious spicy Christmas cupcakes, a blend of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and golden syrup. Start this recipe the day before to prep the Christmas icing decorations.
Women’s Weekly Vintage Edition: Gingerbread people
Half the fun of making gingerbread is decorating them. It’s a great afternoon activity for getting the little ones involved in the kitchen.
Christmas chocolate brownies
They’re the kind of dessert you are more than happy to eat all-year-round, but we’ve given the classic brownie recipe a fun makeover, just in time for the festive season. Serve for dessert after Christmas lunch, or wrap up and give as gifts.
Little ginger cakes with lemon drizzle
A little bit sweet and a little bit tart, these delicious spiced ginger and apple cakes are perfect for Christmas time. Serve them in place of pudding after the big meal if you like.
Gingerbread house cookies
The easiest way to make gingerbread houses.
Easy melt-and-mix fruit cake recipe
Rich and moist, this easy melt-and-mix fruit cake makes turning out a winning Christmas cake simple, with no need to soak fruit.
Gingerbread biscuits
Run as fast as you can!
Traditional shortbread
The use of rice flour gives shortbread a more delicate texture.
Panettone
Create this Italian Christmas classic at home.
Shortbread
A classic biscuit treat.
How to make an easy gingerbread house
The fun is in the creation but this festive treat doesn’t need to be super complicated.
Best-ever Christmas boiled fruit cake
No Christmas would be complete without a deliciously plump fruit cake. Let that dried fruit soak up all the butter and sherry flavours. Yum!
Three-in-one mix fruit cake
It’s time to soak your fruit if you want to make a Christmas cake this year.
Christmas tree shortbreads
Create these gorgeous Christmas tree shaped shortbreads to leave out for Santa, gift to friends and family or just to get you into the festive spirit.
Stained glass biscotti
As pretty as they are delicious!
Jam shortbread snowflakes
The ideal homemade gift.
Chocolate fig panforte
Rich and sweet.
Jam wreaths
These jam wreath cookies get into the fun festive spirit of Christmas. Keep wreaths in an air tight container for up to 2 weeks.
Gingerbread folk
Adorable festive treats.
Christmas pudding cookies
These little Christmas pudding cookies are delicious and completely adorable.
Fruit mince swirl pies
Tastes like Christmas!
Festive walnut shortbread
It won’t take long to make these festive treats.
Gluten-free mini gingerbread houses
How to make tiny gluten-free gingerbread houses, the easy way.
Nutty choc-chip boiled fruit cakes
Make fruit cake even better.
Brought to you by Australian Macadamias
Easy rocky road
It doesn’t need to be Christmas to make this delicious treat.
Rum and raisin shortbread
You will be on Santa Claus’s ’nice’ list if you leave these shortbread biscuits for him on Christmas Eve.
Christmas coffee wreath cake
This stunning cake is shaped like a Christmas wreath to make your festivities even more special. Your loved ones will love how it looks, but obsess over how it tastes. The rich coffee mascarpone filling is utterly delicious.
Coffee wreath (with chocolate sauce)
What’s better than a Christmas wreath? One you can eat!
Rudolph the reindeer cookies
Get in the festive spirit.
Cheese and seed biscuits
Nothing beats homemade.
Melt-in-the-mouth eggnog shortbreads
Get in the festive spirit with these spiced treats.
Fruit mince pies
You know its Christmas when the fruit mince pies come out.
Ginger beer fruit cake
You will need to start soaking the fruit mix 3-7 days ahead.
Giant Santa Claus Christmas cookies
Our Santa Claus Christmas cookies recipe is an adorable homemade Christmas food gift or delightful treat for your Christmas Day dessert spread.
Spiced gingerbread biscuits
A homemade gift idea for loved ones to enjoy over the holiday season.
Spiced Christmas biscuits
Treat yourself.
How to make a towering pavlova Christmas tree
Make Christmas spectacular with this towering tropical meringue Christmas tree recipe.
Christmas pinwheel sugar cookies
These adorable red and green swirled biscuits make the ultimate edible Christmas treat.
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