38 ideas for Christmas baking to get you in the festive spirit

Rich chocolate almond slice

A layer of chocolate and an almond nougat-like layer and a rich chocolate topping with a hint of brandy, this is one for the grown ups.

Traditional Christmas cake

Christmas is on its way and no Christmas would be complete without a deliciously plump fruit cake. Full of boozy fruit mix and nicely decorated.

Fruit mince pies

Sweet buttery pastry encasing a classic mix of fruit, nuts, spices and a touch of brandy – fruit mince pies just scream Christmas is coming.

Jigsaw puzzle Christmas tree

Package jumbled pieces of these delectable Christmas biscuits in a bag or box with a note to say they need to solve the puzzle before they can eat it!

Christmas wreath

Nutty choc-chip boiled fruit cakes

Take the classic Christmas fruit cake and make it even better with choc chips and a sticky toffee topping. No soaking required in this one either.

Eggnog bavarois cake

With layers of eggnog custard, chocolate sponge and a decadent rum butterscotch sauce, this stunning creation is the perfect addition to Christmas.

Iced christmas cupcakes

Make your Christmas special with these delightful fruitcake cupcakes.

Christmas pudding cookies

These little Christmas pudding cookies are delicious and completely adorable.

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 gift boxes

These gingerbread gift boxes are an adorable (and edible) way to package up any sweet treat. Go all out this Christmas and whip up a bunch for dessert.

Chocolate and cardamom shortbread

Delicate cardamom and chocolate flavours and the crunch of pistachios creates a delightful shortbread biscuit.

Panettone

Create this Italian dome-shaped cake at home this Christmas. Panettone is studded with fruit and nuts rises with yeast and is utterly delicious.

The ultimate simple shortbread you could make for afternoon tea, just to have in the pantry or to box up in pretty wrapping to gift.

How to make an easy gingerbread house

Gingerbread houses can be notoriously fiddly, which is why we chose to decorate with our favourite store bought treats!

Three-in-one mix fruit cake

It’s time to soak your fruit if you want to make a Christmas cake this year.

Get the kids involved in making these Christmas tree shortbreads. Those who can’t yet manage the cutting out will still have lots of (possibly very messy) fun decorating them.

Stained glass biscotti

In this crunchy biscuit recipe, coloured maraschino cherries and almonds create a pretty ‘stained-window’ effect.

Jam shortbread snowflakes

We used black cherry, raspberry and apricot jam to make these shortbread snowflakes, but you can use any flavour you like. You can make stars too.

Chocolate and fig panaforte

Try this chocolate and fig version of the traditional chewy Italian dessert containing fruits & nuts. Traditionally for Christmas but great anytime

These jam wreath cookies get into the fun festive spirit of Christmas. Keep wreaths in an air tight container for up to 2 weeks.

These homespun gingerbread folk are adorable and delicious. Perfect for a themed bash, such as a baby shower or with eggnog for a Christmas bash.

These little Christmas pudding cookies are delicious and completely adorable.

Fruit mince swirl pies

These divine fruit mince filled pastries are the perfect treat for morning or afternoon tea, or make them as gifts at Christmas time.

Festive walnut shortbread

These sweet walnut shortbread cookies make the ultimate edible Christmas gifts for friends and family. Our recipe is easy to follow and super tasty.

Gluten-free mini gingerbread houses

You can easily build your own gluten-free gingerbread houses at home, with very little frustration. Get the kids involved.

Nutty choc-chip boiled fruit cakes

Take the classic Christmas fruit cake and make it even better with choc chips and a sticky toffee topping. No soaking required in this one either.

Rum and raisin shortbread

You will be on Santa Claus’s ‘nice’ list if you leave these shortbread biscuits for him on Christmas Eve.

Coffee wreath (with chocolate sauce)

Take vanilla and mocha star biscuits layered to create a gorgeous wreath you can eat with our decadent chocolate sauce. A Christmas wreath you can eat

Get in the festive spirit with these adorable Rudolph cookies made with delicately spiced wheatgerm biscuits, pretzels and chocolate balls.

These slice and bake cheese and seed biscuits are quick, easy and delicious. Serving guests a cheese platter with home-made crackers on the side.

Fruit mince pies

Sweet buttery pastry encasing a classic mix of fruit, nuts, spices and a touch of brandy – fruit mince pies just scream Christmas is coming.

Ginger beer fruit cake

Upgrade your classic Christmas fruit cake with our ginger beer soaked fruit mix. It adds an extra hint of spice with little effort.

Our Santa Claus Christmas cookies recipe is an adorable homemade Christmas food gift or delightful treat for your Christmas Day dessert spread.

Spiced Christmas biscuits

Ginger, cloves and mixed spice meet sticky jam and icing.

How to make a towering pavlova Christmas tree

Pavlova is a central part to any Christmas celebration in Australia, and you can make it spectacular with this towering tropical meringue tree.

Christmas pinwheel sugar cookies

These adorable red and green swirled biscuits make the ultimate edible Christmas treat.