Our Best Dessert Recipes & Ideas

OK, we get why she thinks they're so special.

Every year as the holidays approach, I eagerly anticipate holiday baking and decorating sugar cookies. And every year, they don’t exactly turn out as planned. That’s because decorating cookies is a lot easier said than done — especially if you’re a perfectionist like me who likes straight lines and clean edges. But this year, I’m prepared. I recently got to work developing a simple royal icing recipe that makes cookie decorating as stress-free (and mess-free!

Over my years of writing for The Kitchn, I’ve shared almost all of my favorite holiday cookies, from my mother’s famous peppermint cream-filled butter cookies (followed by the much less finicky peppermint cream squares the following year) to rugelach and gingerbread cookies. I’ve saved one of my most beloved cookies for last. These candy cane cookies are the best.

Looking for an exciting holiday showstopper desert or no-bake summer stunner that’s ridiculously easy to make? Let us talk you into making trifle. In case you’re new to the dessert, trifle is a classic English dessert that usually consists of layered sponge cake, fruit, and custard, but there’s a lot of room for creativity. Serve it in a traditional glass trifle bowl to display the layers and you will be thankful trifle is so deceivingly impressive.

You'll make it on repeat.

Get baking!

It's ridiculously good — and surprisingly easy to make.

No mixer required.

They’re a classic for a reason.

It's unreal.

It calls for pantry staples.

Everything we love about cowboy cookies in a chewy bar!

There’s nothing better than freshly baked cookies on Christmas. But do you need an occasion to bake them? Of course you don’t! A lazy Saturday or a rainy weeknight is absolutely reason enough. After all, it doesn’t get any more satisfying than biting into a warm cookie fresh from the oven — and we could all use a little extra cozy right now. Everyone has their own cookie preferences, be it chocolate chip or shortbread.

It’s so easy.

A buttery classic.

Consider them the ultimate comfort cookie.

It's all about the icing on the cake.

People love them.

Just look at these layers.

It's in the dough.

What do you do if your Valentine is someone who just doesn’t like chocolate? What if a fancy box of chocolates or a flourless chocolate cake doesn’t make your heart skip a beat? Not to worry — there are plenty desserts out there that don’t rely on chocolate for their deliciousness. Pick any one of these recipes for a sweet dessert that your special someone will enjoy … even if that someone special is you!

It’s not what you think.

So rich, so buttery.

They look so fancy.

It's the secret to moist cakes and tangy frozen treats.

You'll never want to use boxed mix again.

They taste like Reese's, only better.

‘Tis the season.

They’re a family favorite for a reason.

They're a classic for a reason.

The secret’s in the cream cheese.

They make a statement.

So easy and delicious.

After spending an entire day baking, I finally found the absolute best chocolate cake recipe.

It has a brilliant secret ingredient.

They’re so soft and chocolate-y.

Calling all chocolate-lovers!

No-bake pumpkin cheesecake, anyone?

It’s not what you probably think.

Making these next weekend!

It'll impress everyone.

Trust me: the trash is the last place you want this pie to be.

So much better than pecan pie.

The trusty pan can do a whole lot more than sear steaks.

It makes the texture... fluffy.

For the pumpkin lovers & haters alike.

The best kind of kitchen magic we know.

They taste just like the real deal.

So much easier than apple pie.

Grab a slice before it’s gone.

Just look at these layers.

Every bite is full of Southern charm!

Pumpkin pie who?!

You probably have all the ingredients you need to make it already.