8 of the Best Buttery Holiday Desserts
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Yes, it’s the season when butter abounds in every part of the menu, but especially in desserts. From cookies to cakes, crumbles, crisps, and creams, every family has that one staple dessert we look forward to devouring (and maybe even sneaking a little taste of beforehand, too).
But if you’re looking for something new and delicious to bring to your holiday gatherings this year, we’ve got you covered. We’ve scoured the internet to find the best of the best buttery desserts that‘ll have your guests delighted for years to come.
If you’re looking for a cake that’s a flavor show-stopper, look no further than this decadent Kentucky Butter Cake from Once Upon a Chef. It’s an easy-to-make butter cake, baked in a bundt tin and covered in a buttery, sugary glaze. Go ahead, let your spoon delicately tap that outside layer.
Butter cookies are a classic holiday staple that can be purchased from most grocery stores or bakeries. But there’s nothing better than these homemade butter cookies dipped in chocolate from Sally’s Baking Addiction. This recipe used both vanilla and almond extract to enhance the flavor.
This recipe from Cookies & Cups takes your basic buttery shortbread to the next level. First, you’ll bake a layer of shortbread cookie dough in a 13x9 pan, and then pour a layer of creamy caramel sprinkled with sea salt. Top with more cookie dough crumbles, and bake again. Twice-baked? Well, that’s just twice as nice.
4. Dad’s Best Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are already a warm, devilishly comforting treat. But then add the nuttiness of browned butter and WOW, you get these cookies from Joy the Baker. The blogger generously shares her dad’s recipe with us, which she claims to be the absolute best (and she’s right). Give these a try this holiday season.
5. Old-Time Butter Crunch Candy
Have you ever wondered how brands like Hershey’s make those delicious candy bars look so perfect every time? Wonder no more. This Old-Time Butter Crunch Candy recipe from Taste of Home is like making those candy bars right in the comfort of your kitchen. The best part is that this recipe keeps its ingredients and directions super simple, so the whole family can join in on the baking fun.
6. Browned Butter Cappuccino Cookies
If you’re a fan of dipping cookies into coffee, this might be the recipe for you. In this recipe, Joy the Baker combines her love for both coffee and cookies and then makes it even better by adding some toasted browned butter into the mix. Talk about the ultimate trifecta of ingredients.
These Red Apple Butter Bars from Taste of Home are what happens when you take the classic apple pie and make it bite-size. Starting with a layer of baked cookie dough, these bars get layered with thin apple slices, spiced apple butter, crushed walnuts, and even more cookie crumbs on top. Even your picky eaters will love this holiday dessert.
8. Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
If you’re from the St. Louis area, you’re probably already familiar with Gooey Butter Cake. Well, in this recipe, Dear Crissy takes your basic cake recipe and uses it to make these Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies! Just like the Gooey Butter Cake that this recipe was inspired by, top these cookies with your favorite, festive sprinkles. No one will be able to resist seconds.