22 Simple Boxing Day Desserts: Seasonal Flavors to Savor

Boxing Day is one of my favorite times of the year, a day for relaxation, leftovers, and sweet treats. If you're like me, you probably look forward to continuing the holiday feasting, but without spending too much time in the kitchen.

That's why I've put together a list of "22 Simple Boxing Day Desserts: Seasonal Flavors to Savor." These recipes are easy, delicious, and bursting with the flavors of the season—perfect for enjoying with family and friends. Whether you have unexpected guests drop by or you just want to indulge a little, these desserts will help make your Boxing Day extra special.

1. Peppermint Bark

A festive and easy treat that everyone loves.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz white chocolate
• 8 oz dark chocolate
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

Instructions:

1. Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler.
2. Spread the melted dark chocolate evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it set.
3. Melt the white chocolate in a double boiler.
4. Spread the white chocolate over the set dark chocolate.
5. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the white chocolate.
6. Let it set, then break into pieces.

2. Gingerbread Cookies

These cookies bring the warm, spicy holiday flavors to your Boxing Day table.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups flour
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup molasses
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp ginger
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp cloves
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup butter, softened

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy, then add molasses.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
5. Roll out the dough and cut into shapes.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes.

3. Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

These bars are creamy with that classic eggnog flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 16 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup eggnog
• 1 tsp nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter and press into a 9x13 pan.
3. Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, then blend in the eggnog and nutmeg.
5. Pour over the crust and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Let cool and cut into bars.

4. Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

Perfect for dunking in coffee or hot cocoa.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup pistachios

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs and vanilla, then add to the dry ingredients.
4. Fold in cranberries and pistachios.
5. Shape the dough into two logs and place on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 25 minutes, then let cool. Slice and bake again for 10 minutes per side.

5. Maple Pecan Pie

Switch up your pie game with this twist on a classic.

Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Place pie crust in a pie dish.
3. Mix maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla in a bowl.
4. Stir in pecans.
5. Pour filling into pie crust and bake for 50-60 minutes.
6. Let cool before serving.

6. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

A quick yet elegant dessert option.

Ingredients:

• 1 pint strawberries
• 8 oz dark chocolate

Instructions:

1. Rinse and dry the strawberries.
2. Melt dark chocolate in a double boiler.
3. Dip strawberries in chocolate and place on parchment paper.
4. Allow to set in the refrigerator.

7. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Freshly fried and coated with cinnamon sugar, they’re irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• Oil for frying
• 1/2 cup sugar mixed with 1 tbsp cinnamon for coating

Instructions:

1. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
4. Heat oil in a deep pan.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough into hot oil and fry until golden.
6. Toss in cinnamon sugar while warm.

8. Spiced Apple Cider Cake

This cake is moist and loaded with apple flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 apples, peeled and diced

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Cream butter and sugar, add eggs one at a time.
4. Add apple cider and vanilla to the mixture.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
6. Fold in diced apples.
7. Pour batter into a greased cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.

9. Lemon Curd Tartlets

Bright and tangy, these are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients:

• 1 package pre-made mini tart shells
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup butter

Instructions:

1. Pre-bake tart shells according to package instructions.
2. Combine lemon juice, zest, sugar, eggs, and butter in a saucepan.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
4. Pour lemon curd into tart shells and let cool.

10. Hot Chocolate Fudge

Perfectly creamy and rich, this fudge will satisfy any chocolate lover.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine chocolate chips, condensed milk, and butter.
2. Heat over low, stirring until melted and smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
4. Pour into a lined baking dish and let set in the refrigerator.

11. Orange Cranberry Bread

This bread is moist and bursting with festive flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup cranberries, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat sugar, eggs, orange juice, and oil.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients and fold in cranberries.
5. Pour batter into a loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes.

12. Almond Snowball Cookies

A delightful melt-in-your-mouth treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
• Additional powdered sugar for rolling

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Beat butter and powdered sugar until fluffy.
3. Add almond extract and then gradually mix in flour.
4. Fold in chopped almonds.
5. Shape dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar while still warm.

13. Pecan Pralines

These Southern favorites are a must-try.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 cups pecan halves
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Combine sugars, milk, and butter in a saucepan.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring until mixture reaches 235°F on a candy thermometer.
3. Remove from heat and stir in pecans and vanilla.
4. Drop by spoonfuls onto parchment paper and let cool.

14. Pumpkin Pie Truffles

A bite-sized version of a fall classic.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 8 oz white chocolate

Instructions:

1. Mix pumpkin puree, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Form mixture into small balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
3. Freeze for 30 minutes.
4. Melt white chocolate and dip truffles.
5. Let set on parchment paper.

15. Caramel Corn

Sweet and crunchy, perfect for munching.

Ingredients:

• 10 cups popped popcorn
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup corn syrup
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 250°F.
2. Place popped popcorn in a large bowl.
3. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and heat until boiling.
4. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and vanilla.
5. Pour caramel over popcorn and toss to coat.
6. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

16. Coconut Macaroons

Chewy and sweet, these are a real crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 14 oz sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Combine coconut, condensed milk, and vanilla in a bowl.
3. Drop by spoonfuls onto a lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

17. Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes

These cupcakes are a perfect holiday treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 tub frosting
• Crushed peppermint candies

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven according to cake mix directions.
2. Prepare cake mix, adding peppermint extract after mixing.
3. Bake according to package instructions.
4. Let cool and frost cupcakes.
5. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies.

18. Rum Balls

Rich and boozy, these are a holiday classic.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup rum
• 1/4 cup corn syrup
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• Additional powdered sugar for rolling

Instructions:

1. Combine crushed wafers, powdered sugar, cocoa powder.
2. Stir in rum and corn syrup, then add chopped pecans.
3. Form mixture into balls and roll in powdered sugar.
4. Store in an airtight container.

19. Spiced Hot Chocolate

Warm up with this spiced twist on a classic.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk in cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
5. Serve with whipped cream if desired.

20. Cherry Almond Bars

These bars are sweet, nutty, and perfect for snacking.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup cherry preserves
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix flour, sugar, and butter until crumbly, then press into a baking dish.
3. Bake for 10 minutes.
4. Spread cherry preserves over the crust and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
5. Bake for an additional 20 minutes.
6. Let cool and cut into bars.

21. Vanilla Cream Puffs

Light and airy with a creamy filling.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup flour
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Heat water and butter to a boil in a saucepan.
3. Stir in flour and cook until mixture forms a ball.
4. Remove from heat and beat in eggs one at a time.
5. Drop by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.
6. Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
7. Cut puffs in half and fill with whipped cream.

22. Spice Cake

Moist and full of warm flavors, it’s perfect for the season.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp cloves
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, beat sugars and eggs until fluffy.
4. Add buttermilk and oil, then mix in the dry ingredients.
5. Pour batter into a greased cake pan.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes.

Conclusion

These 22 simple Boxing Day desserts are perfect for winding down the holiday season with delicious, festive flavors. Each recipe is easy to make, giving you more time to relax and enjoy the company of loved ones. Happy Boxing Day, and may your celebrations be sweet and memorable!