"Great," Deep South Recipes...,: 20 Sweet Christmas Treats To Rival Your Favorite Cookies!

Christmas cookies take center-stage this time of year, but when we say “cookies,” most of us mean so much more. In fact, as much as I love holiday gingerbread men and sugar cookies, I would be completely disappointed if the treat table didn’t include a single bona fide Christmas cookie … so long as there’s plenty of other Christmas goodies.

Maybe we say “cookies” because it’s quicker, or maybe the truth is that we don’t want to sound like crazed sweet-tooths: “I can’t wait for the holiday cookies … and fudge … and truffles … and peanut brittle … and toffee … and candy…” Yep, lumping that whole delicious spread under the heading “cookies” definitely sounds more reasonable.

But since I brought it up, I can’t wait for all the Christmas fudge and truffles and peanut brittle and toffee and candy! The holidays (or at least the holiday dessert table) wouldn’t be the same without these non-cookie indulgences, especially sweet homemade versions.

Many of us have traditions and recipes for making Christmas cookies, but there’s no reason why we can’t create sweet holiday rituals around other kinds of goodies, too. Maybe Santa would love a change of pace; why not leave him a plate of homemade fudge and a glass of milk this year instead of the usual cookies? And your family will have just as much fun making pralines together as you do with your cookie-baking.

No matter what Christmas treat tempts you, be sure to make at least a few! Because like I said, your family may tell you they can’t wait for cookies, but what they mean is, “I can’t wait for the fudge … and truffles … and …” you know the rest!

Buttermilk Pralines

Pralines are a traditional Southern holiday treat, and this easy recipe makes them a cinch. Using buttermilk and brown sugar gives these candies a creamy, rich flavor.

Candy Cane Bark

This festive candy bark is a gorgeous addition to any holiday spread. Even better: it takes less than a half-hour to make.

White Cranberry Cashew Truffles

Roasted cashews, dried cranberries and white chocolate come together in these pretty snow-white truffles that simply have to be eaten to be believed!

Mini Snowball Cakes

These cute little cupcakes get their holiday flavor from eggnog and nutmeg, and their “snowy” appearance from shredded coconut atop a creamy white frosting. Your kids will love helping you make these — and eating them!

Polka-Dot Drops

A fun, bite-size alternative to butter cookies, these little drops make great holiday gifts. You can decorate them with green and red candies to give them the Christmas spirit!

Chocolate Orange Truffles

Chocolate oranges are a traditional holiday treat, but these indulgent truffles take those flavors to the next level. Rich, chocolatey and completely delicious, these treats are every bit as tasty as store-bought truffles (and less expensive, too!).

Chocolate-Peppermint Meringue Kisses

Beautiful and light, these meringues are sure to wow your Christmas guests. While they look impressive, they’re not difficult to make. You just need a little time to prep them.

Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

Creamy cheesecake sits atop an almond-and-brown-sugar crust for a luscious Christmas treat that gets a dose of festive color (and flavor) from the raspberry preserves — no decorating required!

Candy-Box Caramels

Here’s one Christmas goodie you won’t need the oven for: these caramels are cooked entirely in the microwave! You can wrap these treats in green- or red-colored cellophane and give them as gifts — or use them as stocking-stuffers!

Fanciful Peppermint Fudge

Any kind of fudge is great, but this peppermint fudge is absolutely perfect for Christmas. Peppermint extract — and a garnish of crushed peppermint candies — gives these treats their seasonal flavor.

Peanut Brittle

Accept no substitutes! To achieve that iconic flavor and texture, this brittle requires real butter. One taste, and you’ll agree it’s worth it.

Cashew Brittle

And if you want to take your brittle for a bit of a spin, trying making it with cashews instead — they’ve got an even deeper, richer flavor that’s worthy of the holidays.

Coconut Gumdrops

If you feel your holiday treats are skewing a bit too rich, lighten things up a little with these delicious gumdrops. We like making a mix of the coconut ones and the grapefruit variation (see the end of the recipe). Not only are the two a pretty match, the flavors play nice together.