With the holidays approaching quickly, we thought we’d put together the best holiday recipes for you to make for Santa. By now, we realize that Santa has to be tired of getting nothing but cookies and milk, especially if he never liked it in the first place If you don’t want to find coal in your stockings this year and want to leave Santa something a little extra sweet, you better be on your way to make these delicious treats.
1. Cranberry, Brie, and Caramelized Onion Tartlets
Photo by Luna Zhang
Sweet and savory bites made with only seven ingredients. Plus, who said Santa didn’t like hors d’oeuvres?
2. Homemade Chocolate Fudge
Photo by Heather Feibleman
The easiest, fuss-free fudge you’ve always dreamed of. Even if Santa doesn’t like chocolate, he’ll love this treat.
3. Pesto and Cheese-Stuffed Christmas Tree Rolls
Photo by Heather Feibleman
Santa may not be able to put presents under this tree, but he can sure pull apart this cheesy goodness and indulge in it.
4. Pumpkin Spice Cookie Butter Waffles
Photo by Eileen Wang
Perhaps Santa’s a waffle lover after all. He was probably so busy in November that he wasn’t able to get his share of pumpkin spice.
5. Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
Photo by Samantha Cheng
Who doesn’t love a little twist on the ever-popular red velvet and classic cheesecake? Santa would love the holiday touch.
6. Peanut Butter and Chocolate Kiss Thumbprint Cookies
Photo by Annie Pinto
Each cookie is cute as a button. Maybe this’ll put you on the Nice list?
7. Sea Salt Apple Cider Caramels
Photo by Holly Birchfield
We combined our favorite fall drink and candy together to make the perfect sweet and salty treat for Santa to enjoy as he continues making his rounds.
8. Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake in a Jar
Photo by Isabel Tiange Wang
Delicious and portable cheesecake — the perfect on-the-go treat for Santa.
9. Decadent Banana Cream Pie
Photo by Jocelyn Hsu
This banana cream pie is indeed decadent. Even better? You can leave just a slice or two for Santa and keep the rest for yourself.
10. Magic Cake
Photo by Vi Tran
A magic cake of three layers made from just one batter? You, too, can bring a little magic into Santa’s life.
11. Chocolate Pretzel Bites
Photo by Rozina Fonyo
Need munchies for the road? We’ve got your back, Santa!
12. Blueberry and Meyer Lemon Scones
Photo by Julia Liang
Because Santa definitely won’t have time for a leisurely afternoon tea in England when he’s still got to get to Berkeley.
13. White Russian Cocktail Cake
Photo by Eileen Wang
He technically won’t be “drinking and driving” with this light and decadent Kahlua-infused cake, right? Besides, that’s what Rudolph’s for.
14. Rolo Ritz Cookie Sandwiches
Photo by Holly Birchfield
You know how you can’t just eat one Ritz cracker? Well, you also can’t just stop at one of these Rolo Ritz cookie sandwiches. Melted chocolate, gooey caramel and salty crispy crackers — even Santa will think they’re too good to pass on.
15. One-Pot Dorm Kitchen Brownies
Photo by Russell Escalada
‘Cause ain’t nobody got time to wash dishes, especially if it’s 11 pm on Christmas Eve. No more excuses, dorm dwellers. Wait, no one should be in the dorms at this time. Now you really don’t have any excuses.
16. No-Bake Peanut Butter and Chocolate Pie
Photo by Jocelyn Hsu
Whether the electricity rent is too high because your heater’s running 24/7, or because you’re just too damn lazy, this no-bake peanut butter and chocolate pie is probably the best thing to “bake” for Santa.
17. Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble
Photo by Alexander Ren
Why not try and give Santa a taste of fine dining? À la mode, perhaps?
18. Girl Scouts Cookie Cocktail
Photo by Laura Lim
Naughty or nice? Santa will have a hard time deciding which list to put this cocktail on.
19. Classic Cheesecake with Blueberry Compote
Photo by Kavitha George
What better than to let Santa indulge in a rich, cheesecake balanced with a blueberry reduction? Brownie points if you make the graham crust from scratch.
20. Lemon Meringue Pie
Photo by Jocelyn Hsu
For a lighter, fruitier option, this will surely make Santa’s tastebuds tingle with delight. When life gives you lemon, turn them into a lemon meringue pie.
21. Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes
Photo by Roann Pao
You didn’t think we’d leave out candy canes, did you? Not when it’s for Santa.
Maybe it’s too late to be on Santa’s Nice list, but any of these treats will keep you off next year’s Naughty list. Oh — and don’t forget to leave some fresh carrots for Santa’s reindeer.
Happy holidays, everyone!