Looking for some simple Christmas desserts?
Christmas baking shouldn’t feel like a high-stakes pastry show. It’s meant to be joyful. Imagine this: a warm kitchen filled with the rich scent of cocoa, the air full of laughter, and the counters dusted in flour. Sounds like Christmas to us!
At The Cocoa Circle, we believe that the best festive desserts aren’t about perfection. They’re about the joy of stirring, tasting, improvising, and baking something sweet to share with the people you love.
We’ve gathered 10 of our favourite simple, chocolate Christmas recipes from our kitchen — each dessert is cocoa-filled and has its own Christmas magic.
Some are showstoppers, others are comforting classics, and a few are fuss-free no-bake wonders. All are delicious. And none require you to stress over perfect piping or starched tablecloths.
So, tie on an apron (or don’t), turn up the festive playlist, and let’s bake — joyfully and messily.
1. Cocoa-Filled Cinnamon Rolls
Warm hug and a pastry all in one.
Nothing says “cosy Christmas morning” like the scent of golden-brown gooey cinnamon rolls wafting through the house. These are meant to be a little messy. Easy to bake, gooey, and swirled with spiced sugar, these are the perfect treat to serve with coffee as the wrapping paper flies.
The best part? We’ve added some cocoa to the filling for extra richness.
2. Swedish Gooey Cake (Kladdkaka)
The effortless crowd-pleaser.
If anything is effortless but impressive, it’s Kladdkaka. This Swedish classic is everything you want from a winter dessert: intensely chocolatey, gorgeously gooey in the middle, and super simple to make.
Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scatter of berries for a rustic, heartwarming Christmas dessert that looks (and tastes) far more complex than it is.
3. Raspberry Chocolate Cake
A festive showstopper.
Bold. Tart. Chocolatey. This cake brings drama in the most delicious way. With a rich, fudgy cocoa sponge, filled with a vibrant raspberry jam, and a whipped, light raspberry cream. Finished with a glossy dark chocolate drizzle, every bite delivers a perfect harmony of deep cocoa and bright, fruity zing.
Looking for a striking centrepiece for your Christmas table? This is the one.
4. Crème Brûlée Cake
For a sophisticated twist.
Want to bake something elegant without hours of extra effort? This Crème Brûlée Cake is pure Christmas magic. A tender cocoa-vanilla sponge forms the base, soft, moist, and just a touch chocolatey, layered beneath a golden, crackly caramelised top.
A melt-in-your-mouth dessert that nods to classic French patisserie but feels totally doable (and delicious) at home. This one’s gentle on the cocoa and big on the wow factor.
5. Chocolate Panna Cotta
A no-bake Christmas miracle.
No oven? No problem. When the oven’s already full, this heavenly cocoa-rich panna cotta comes to the rescue. Deep, dark cocoa melts into velvety cream for a spoonful that’s silky, smooth, and seriously indulgent. This silky cocoa dessert can be made ahead and chills in the fridge, freeing you up for more mulled wine and less last-minute chaos. Serve it with spiced compote or forest fruits to make it extra seasonal.
Our recipe makes 6 perfect portions — one for each guest, no slicing needed.
6. Red Velvet Christmas Cake
Classic cake with Christmas spirit
Few cakes feel more festive than a deep red velvet layered with snowy white frosting.
This one’s rich, moist, and gently cocoa-kissed, with a tang from the buttermilk and a creamy vanilla frosting to match. Finished with a scatter of red velvet crumbs, it’s dramatic enough for the holiday table but simple enough for any home baker. And if the icing swirls are a little messy? All the better. This cake is made with love (and plenty of cocoa).
7. Nutty Chocolate Baklava
Our favorite spiced winter treat.
For something a little unexpected, try this chocolatey twist on Turkish baklava. Crisp layers of pastry, spiced nuts, and melted cocoa create a dessert that’s rich, aromatic, and utterly Christmassy.
It’s a wonderful make-ahead option too — the flavours deepen over time, so you can prepare it days before the big meal and still wow your guests.
8. Choco Loco Espresso
The perfect after-dinner pick-me-up.
Not quite a dessert, not quite a drink — this delicious, espresso-laced chocolate is the ultimate finale to a Christmas feast. Rich cocoa meets bold coffee, finished with whipped cream, chocolate drops, and a cherry on top. Serve it with your dessert spread or after dinner with a splash of cream and a few fresh cherries.
It’s rich, sophisticated, and guaranteed to keep the conversation flowing late into the night.
9. Brownie Cookies
Bite-sized festive joy.
Of course, you can’t have Christmas without cookies. And these? They’re the best of both worlds — part fudgy brownie, part chewy cookie, and made for sharing. Make a messy batch with the kids, wrap them in paper for edible gifts, or pile them high for a casual dessert platter.
They’re simple, quick, and crowd-pleasing — exactly what Christmas baking should be.
10. Strawberry Yogurt Cookie Bites
A healthy holiday treat.
When the dessert table is packed with rich puddings and heavy cakes, it’s nice to offer something lighter. These tangy little bites are a welcome breath of fresh air. Made with creamy yogurt and juicy strawberries, they’re no-bake, and refreshingly simple — but still feel festive and special.
Healthy, easy-to-make, and gone in a flash.
Bake Messy, Spread Joy
From the smell of cinnamon rolls in the oven to a spoonful of silky panna cotta, sharing homemade desserts makes the season more special. And remember: the messier your hands, the sweeter the memories.
And when you bake with The Cocoa Circle products, that magic reaches far beyond your kitchen. Every spoonful of 100% pure cocoa powder or handful of premium chocolate drops helps support the farmers and families behind the flavours.
So whether you’re whipping up a showstopper or keeping it cosy and simple, with The Cocoa Circle you’re not just baking — you’re spreading joy, nourishing traditions, and making a real difference.
