The holiday season is right around the corner, so it’s time to get baking! The normal holiday treats can tend to get a bit repetitive over the years, so why not try something new? I’ve compiled a few of my top picks for some new ways to bake for this holiday season, so please let us know and send some pictures if you try any!

Toffee bites:

If you love toffee as much as I do, then these delicious customizable deserts are perfect for you. The recipe calls for almonds, but really you can top them with anything from crushed pretzels to peanuts (or if you’re really looking for a challenge, you can even try them with sugar glass or caramelized nuts):

https://thefirstyearblog.com/toffee-bites/

Hot cocoa cookies:

Regular chocolate cookies have you bored? Well, these hot chocolate-themed marshmallow chocolate crinkle cookies will not disappoint! They’re festive, delicious, and a fun take on a traditional cookie:

https://www.glorioustreats.com/hot-cocoa-cookies/

Peppermint bark pretzel bites

For those of us who like a more mint-based dessert, these peppermint bark bites just the thing. This recipe is as simple and quick as they come, so if you are looking for something easy to do as a family activity or with younger kids this is the perfect recipe for you:

https://togetherasfamily.com/peppermint-bark-pretzel-bites/

Yule log cake

Those who celebrate Yule or have brushed up on their traditional Christmas practices will immediately recognize this iconic symbol of the winter holidays. The Yule log cake (or Bûche de Noël) is a wonderful chance to both try your hand at some simple decorating with beautiful results, and the challenging, but delicious swiss roll cake:

https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/yule-log-cake-buche-de-noel/

Cranberry orange pound cake

Cranberry orange is one of my personal favorite flavor combinations for everything from scones to cookies, and this cranberry orange pound cake has made its way to the top of my list for desserts for that very reason. It’s straight forward, simple, and delicious!:

https://myrecipeconfessions.com/desserts/italian-cranberry-orange-pound-cake/

Pecan snowballs

If everything I’ve listed above is a bit too sweet for your taste, these pecan snowballs are just the thing. Shortbread meets pecans and powdered sugar for this amazing classic. It’s only 7 ingredients and it’ll become a new favorite as soon as you make it:

https://www.swankyrecipes.com/pecan-snowballs.html

Gingerbread cupcakes

Do I even need to say more? Warm gingerbread cake, cinnamon vanilla buttercream, just please go try this as soon as you can and you won’t regret it:

https://deliciouslittlebites.com/gingerbread-cupcakes/

Sugar cookie truffles

Cake pop fans rejoice, your time is here. This recipe is crazy simple if you have a food processor and if you don’t, it’s still super easy and tasty. It’s a very hands-on and not too messy recipe, so it’s great to do with younger kids or as a fun afternoon activity with friends: 

https://www.ifyougiveablondeakitchen.com/christmas-sugar-cookie-truffles/