The BEST Christmas Flavors

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Christmas Flavors

No matter your age, there are specific sights smells and tastes that make you think of the holiday season. Here we are going to take an in depth look at Christmas Flavors, what some of the specific ones are, and how we can use them this holiday season. 

Christmas Flavors cover image

The Flavors of Christmas

When you think of the Christmas season, what comes to mind? Perhaps it is the crisp fresh air of a new fallen snow, or the smell of a fresh cut pine tree, or maybe even the bright color of poinsettias amongst an otherwise drab surrounding. 

When you think of Christmas Flavors, and your mouth begins to water, what flavors are you thinking of with fond memories? Is it the ham or the turkey, or maybe the mounds of stuffing. Perhaps it is the popcorn balls, peanut brittle or fudge that grandma always made for Christmas gatherings. Today we are going to take a deep dive into all the delightful flavors that make up Christmas, as our taste buds know it. 

Holiday Flavors & Where They Come From

What everyone usually thinks of as holiday flavors has to do with what they remember with fondness from the last two months of the year as they grew up, and even into adulthood. The memories that are made throughout the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons have a way of reminding people what is important. 

Most holiday gatherings center around the delicious foods enjoyed with loved ones. These foods are often not made throughout the rest of the year, which is what makes these recipes so special. 

The History of Holiday Flavors

eggnog

Eggnog. Eggnog was brought to the Colonies before the revolutionary war. It is typically made from a combination of heavy cream, milk, sugar, egg yolks, and nutmeg. When it was brought to the colonies, it was mixed with brandy, rum, and whisky. Before traveling across the pond, it was likely mixed with sherry.

gingerbread house

Gingerbread Houses. The tradition of making these adorable holiday classics began in Germany. It is said to have begun with the publication in the 1800s of a story of Hansel and Gretel, and from there German bakers took the idea and began to create their masterpieces.

Candy Canes picture

Candy Canes. This delicious red and white striped candy is said to have originated in Germany. It is believed that a choirmaster at a Catholic cathedral used these sweet treats to help quiet down his younger members. The choirmaster is believed to have bent these candy sticks into the current shape resembling a shepherd’s crook. 

pumpkin pie

Pumpkin Pie. Pumpkin pie is a staple today of any Thanksgiving gathering, and often part of Christmas gatherings as well. Pumpkins were native to America and were part of the food given to the Pilgrims during that first year when the natives and the pilgrims gathered to celebrate. 

Christmas cookies

Christmas Cookies. The delightful staple of the Christmas season that we all enjoy are Christmas cookies. Historically, these cookies were made as special treats, and given as gifts. Because the ingredients would have been so hard to come by, these cookies were special treats made and given to others to enjoy. 

Cinnamon Sticks

Cinnamon. It’s just not Christmas without cinnamon present. The origin of cinnamon has been traced back to ancient Egypt. The popularity of this amazing spice grew as it began to travel around the world throughout the Middle Ages, and eventually the world wars. A hint of cinnamon in your cake, bread, cookies, or even those cinnamon ornaments to hang on your tree, adds so much to the holiday season. 

Baking with flavors of the holiday season: It’s like Christmas in your mouth

Beginning in early November, or December preparation for the holiday season is underway. First, we start with delicious fall foods, to help us celebrate Thanksgiving, then watch out! Once the Christmas season rolls around, it is like a holiday explosion, not only in shopping preparations and decorating, but especially for your taste buds! 

From the peppermint hot chocolate to the pumpkin spice, to the cranberry coffee cake, to the eggnog and Christmas cookies, everywhere you turn, it is like Christmas in your mouth! Your tastebuds are on high alert for the next delicious tasting thing. 

The Flavors: Sugar, Spice, and Everything Nice 

The old saying, sugar, spice, and everything nice, beautifully sums up the delicious flavors of Christmas. The delightful Christmas flavors, center around delicious spices, a bit of sugar and sweetness, and everything is just plain nice. 

The Flavors: Old-Fashioned Favorites

One of the best things about Christmas flavors is that the season is the perfect time to pull out old-fashioned favorites. Ones that have been handed down from generation to generation for many years. These are oftentimes the best recipes because they are classics that have been tried and true over many years. 

Old fashioned favorites, such as pumpkin or apple pies, or others such as Christmas cookies. Other old-fashioned favorites such as cranberry jelly, fruit cake, turkey, and stuffing, are all classics that will continue to be included on the list of many people’s old-fashioned favorites. 

Cherries christmas flavors

Things That Taste Like Christmas

The things that taste like Christmas to us are what we crave during the special weeks leading up to Christmas Day. A few of the top tastes that come to mind are:

Cherry: A colorful pop
Cloves: A pungent fundamental
Ginger: An exotic tang
Hazelnuts: A delicious nutty flavor
Nutmeg: A gift for the senses
Orange: A perfect partner whose fragrance evokes the holiday
Fennel: A great side for any holiday dish
Aniseed: An alluring back note
Butterscotch & Bourbon: A delicious twist
White Chocolate: A tasty treat, that goes great with things like cranberries
Cinnamon: A must-have during the Holiday season. 

Not only are there classic Christmas flavors. The ones that have been tried and tested over time, that typically bring back “visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads”. There are also Christmas flavors that trend each year. 

Trendy flavors for Christmas

Trendy Christmas flavors are ones that have typically not been around for multiple generations. Instead, these flavors come and go over the years, with the changes of the tide. Below are some popular, trendy, and even a few risqué Christmas Flavors. Popular ones are more tried and true, trendy are ones that come and go, and risqué are some popular flavors, that might not be very common to enjoy together. 

Popular: Gingerbread, Peppermint, Eggnog, Hazelnut, Pumpkin, and Spice. 

Trendy: Orange clove, Peanut butter caramel, Salted Caramel, Roasted pears, and spice. 

Risqué: Sriracha & Mint, Saffron, Apple & Cranberry Maple Syrup, and Peppered pickles & Vanilla. 

These Fun Candy Cane Flavors Will Have You Forgetting About Peppermint This Christmas

Perhaps you love the classic candy cane flavors and stick with tradition. Did you know that there are many other flavors of candy canes beside the traditional peppermint? Here are just a few of the alternative flavors for your entertainment. 

Wasabi
Gravy
Rotisserie chicken
Coffee
Coal
Oreo
Swedish fish
Sour patch kids

Pickle 
American Soda 
Blueberry
Jelly Belly
Klondike
Birthday cake
Cinnabon

Holiday-Themed Treats That’ll Get You Through The Rest Of The Year

Holiday-themed treats like Christmas cookies, gingerbread houses, pumpkin spice anything, eggnog, and cranberry tea are a few favorites. Let’s take a deep dive into the top Christmas Flavors and ideas to make, that are delicious holiday favorites. 

Chestnuts

Roasted Chestnuts

chestnuts christmas flavor

“…. chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose…” Roasted chestnuts are a delicious treat when roasted in the oven or even on an open fire. They are slightly sweet and can sometimes resemble a sweet potato. 

Maple Syrup 

Maple Syrup Candies

Maple syrup christmas flavor

Pure maple syrup candies are easy and so delicious that they almost melt in your mouth. They resemble a fudge-like candy and can be molded into any shape you desire. This is a classic candy that has been handed down for generations. 

Pistachio

Salted Almond and Pistachio Bark
Pistachio Torrone

Pistachio christmas flavors

Pistachios can be used to make many different treats that are delightful to enjoy during Christmas time. Their delicious nutty flavor is a great compliment to any treat including bark and torrone. 

Cranberries

Christmas Cranberry Poundcake
Cranberry Sauce
Vanilla and Cranberry Panna Cotta Parfaits
Cranberry tea

cranberries christmas flavors

Cranberries are one of the icons of Christmas. Their delicious tartness is perfect for so many different Christmas dishes, treats, and drinks. From delicious tea to cake, and let’s not forget the cranberry sauce. No matter what form it is in, cranberries provide that delightful pop of color, and flavor.

Pomegranate

Pomegranate Goat Cheese Bites
Pomegranate Pistachio Crostini
Black Forest Mousse Cake with Cherry-Chile-Pomegranate Glaze
Pomegranate Cheesecake

pomegranet christmas flavors

Pomegranates are one of those special fruits that don’t get to be enjoyed very often, but during the holiday season, they come out in full force. There are many delightful things that can be made using this fruit. A few ideas are listed here for you. 

Festive Christmas Desserts

Many desserts can be beautiful, but not all are festive. These dessert ideas will step up the holiday game and bring some extra festiveness to your gathering. Plus, who doesn’t love a good dessert that is decked out for Christmas! 

Cheesecake

Candy Cane Cheesecake
Slow-Cooker Sour Cream Cheesecake
Sour Cherry–Cheesecake Trifle with Black Pepper and Saba

Chocolate Cheesecake

Cheesecakes are often a simple but elegant Christmas dessert. There are many ways cheesecakes can be decked out for the Christmas season. A few of those ideas are listed here. 

Pudding

Christmas Pudding Protein Balls
Ginger Puddings with Bittersweet Chocolate Sauce and Ginger
Chestnut-Chocolate Mousse
Rice Pudding

Senior Rico rice pudding

Perhaps the most well-known type of Christmas pudding flavor is figgy pudding. While figgy pudding may not be the best-tasting pudding, a few deliciously festive pudding ideas are listed out for you here. 

Christmas Flavors You Need to Try This Holiday Season

There are many delicious Christmas flavors. Below are a few ideas that you should add to your list to try this holiday season. 

Caramel

Caramel Corn Clusters
Caramel-Pear-Cheesecake Trifle
Salted Black Licorice Caramels
Bourbon-Sea Salt Caramels

Caramel christmas flavor

Caramel is another favorite when it comes to Christmas flavors. This sweet treat becomes popular each fall and carries on through the Christmas season. A few favorites are listed for you, the top favorite being caramel corn clusters. 

Citrus

Orange-Anise Croquembouche with White Chocolate
Sour Candied Citrus Peels
Chocolate-Dipped Orange Peel
Fruit and Spice Bonbons
Candied Grapefruit Peel

citrus christmas flavor

Citrus adds a delightful taste and smell throughout the holiday season. Adding a citrus treat to your Christmas dessert table will ensure a special favorite for everyone. 

Marshmallows

Blood Orange and Coconut Marshmallows
Toasted-Coconut Marshmallow Squares
Milk Chocolate Cup-of-Fluffs
Pink Peppermint Swirl Marshmallows
Maple-Bacon Marshmallows
Chocolate-Dipped Crème de Menthe Marshmallows
Chocolate-Malt Marshmallows
Chocolate-Dipped Salted Caramel Marshmallows
Bourbon-Vanilla Marshmallows

marshmellows christmas flavors

Marshmallows are a sweet treat to be enjoyed around a cozy fire during the days leading up to Christmas. Making your own marshmallow treat adds a whole new dimension to the deliciousness.

Bread

Pancake Muffins
Christmas Star Twisted Bread
Red Velvet Banana Bread
Orange-Scented Buttermilk Cake Loaves

Oatnut Bread Cover Picture

Being one of the top comfort foods, bread is a natural favorite to be enjoyed during the Christmas season. Try spicing it up, with these delicious bread ideas, that will make your holiday season all the more special. 

Cheese

Christmas Tree Cheese Ball

cheese pile christmas flavor

If you are looking for the perfect holiday appetizer, look no further! Try making a cheese ball that is shaped and decorated to replicate a Christmas tree. Serve it with crackers as you normally would. Your Christmas tree cheese ball will be the talk of the gathering. 

Nostalgic Christmas Flavors that Deserve a Comeback

A few Christmas flavors that remind you of the good old days include peppermint and gingerbread as top favorites. Christmas cookies are another classic Christmas treat. 

Gingerbread

Gingerbread Cake Balls
Gingerbread Cake
Gingerbread Cheesecake Dip
Mini Gingerbread House
Gingerbread Cheesecake
Gingerbread Roll with Cinnamon Cream
Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing

gingerbread man christmas flavor

Gingerbread has been a holiday favorite for many generations. There are many things that can be made with this delicious spice, but perhaps the most noteworthy are the gingerbread house and gingerbread cookies. 

Peppermint

Chocolate Peppermint
Peppermint Cookie Dough Bark
Peppermint Pie
Peppermint Bark
Chocolate-Peppermint Brownies
Peppermint Patties
Peppermint Meringues
3-Ingredient Peppermint Rocky Road Candies
Double Chocolate Cake with Peppermint-Chocolate Frosting

peppermint patties red and white

Peppermint is one of the classic Christmas flavors. One of the great things about peppermint is that it can be added to many common dishes, or even drinks to add an extra flair to it and in turn make the treat taste amazing. 

Cookies

Cookies & Milk
Giant ginger cookies
Honey-bourbon-butterscotch cookies
Maple star cookies
Vanilla bean Danish butter cookies
Classic candy cane cookies
Peppermint mocha cookies
Perfect No-Puff Sugar Cookies
Candy Cane Sandwich Cookies
Grinch Crinkle Cookies
Sugar Cookie
Triple-Ginger Rye Cookies
S’mores Linzer Cookies
Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Dulce De Leche Peda Filling
Chocolate-Covered Marshmallow Cookies
Candy Cane-Chocolate Cookies

christmas cookie christmas flavor

There are many different types of Christmas cookies that are classic Christmas. When you think of Christmas cookies, perhaps the first that come to mind are sugar cookies or pressed cookies. No matter what kind comes to your mind, they are all delicious and make for the perfect snack during the holiday season. 

Winter Flavors That Will Comfort You This Chilly Season

The best comfort food in the winter is a warm drink on a cold winter day. There are many special Christmas drink flavors that can add an extra measure to your holiday celebrations. 

Drinks

Frozen Hot Chocolate
Slow Cooker Christmas Drink
Mulled Christmas Drinks
Apple Cider 
Christmas Ale

hot chocolate christmas flavor

A warm cup in your hand always helps add a little extra merriness during the holidays. Try a hot chocolate, apple cider, or cranberry tea to warm you up during this Christmas. 

Delicious Holiday Coffee Flavors That Are Not Pumpkin Spice – Festive Holiday Coffee Flavors to Make Yourself

Coffee 

Maple
Caramel apple
Black Forest
Mocha 
Crème brûlée
Gingerbread
Christmas cookie
Candy cane
Eggnog
Chocolate orange
Chestnut

coffee christmas flavor

Coffee is a great go-to drink to help you enjoy the Christmas flavors. A few ideas that you can make yourself include gingerbread, Christmas cookie or even eggnog. Spread good cheer with coffee this year. 

Eggnog

Eggnog Cookies
Eggnog Cheesecake Cookie Cups
Sticky Toffee Pudding Eggnog

eggnog christmas flavor

Eggnog is a special Christmas treat that we all delight in during the holiday season. The flavor of eggnog is unique and can’t be found at any other time throughout the year. No matter if you are young or old, there are many ways this classic treat can be enjoyed.

Cakes That Are Perfect for Celebrating Christmas

There are many different types of cakes that are perfect for celebrating Christmas with loved ones. Many cakes can be spiced up from the normal cakes enjoyed throughout the rest of the year. Look at the various amazing cake ideas to add a little Christmas flavor to your holiday celebrations. 

Cake

Christmas Tree Cake
Black Forest Cake 
Christmas Crunch Cake
White Chocolate Candy Cane Cake
Seven-Layer Dobos Torte
Lemon-Curd Cakes with Poppy Seeds
Cherry-and-Chocolate Bûche de Noël
Applesauce-Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake
Semolina Soufflé Cake
Dulce de Leche Layer Cake
Almond Cake with Mixed Berries
Christmas Boiled Fruit Cake
Ombré Coconut Burfi Cake
Retro Christmas Tree Cake
Coconut Angel Cake
Brandy-Mascarpone Semifreddo

christmas cake christmas flavors

Cakes make a great dessert or snack, to experience the different Christmas flavors of the season. Try mixing it up with a spicy twist on a tried-and-true dessert. 

Best Christmas Flavors To Try This Holiday

Some of the best Christmas flavors to enjoy this holiday can be the simplest. Try enjoying a pie this year at your holiday gatherings to enjoy the best flavors. 

Pie

Pumpkin Pie
Pecan Pie
Candy Cane Pie
Salted Caramel Pie
Pear and Almond Cream Tart
Lemon Chiffon Pie with Saltine Cracker Crust
Candy Cane Pie
Peppermint Bark Pie
Sugar Cookie Dough
Salted Caramel & Chocolate Brownie
Chocolate Peanut Butter

fresh cherry pie recipe by paula deen

Pies are great because they can be as simple or as complex in their flavoring as you want them to be. For example, you can take a straightforward cream pie and turn it into a candy cane delight, or swap out your normal crust, for a sugar cookie crust. Or you can stick with the traditional pumpkin, apple, or pecan pies. No matter your preference, it is very hard to go wrong when pie is involved! 

Festive Christmas Candy and Chocolate Confection Recipes

There are many different types of candy and chocolate confections that are especially favorite Christmas Flavors during the holiday season. No matter if you prefer candy or chocolate, there is bound to be a tasty treat that everyone will enjoy. 

Candy

Caprese Christmas Wreath
Homemade Seasonal Gumdrops
Salted Dark Chocolate Almond Toffee
Candy Canes
Gingerbread and White Chocolate Mousse Trifle
Caramel-Pear-Cheesecake Trifle
Italian Trifle with Marsala Syrup
Noel Balls
Raspberry-Hazelnut Macaroons (Haselnussmakronen)
Salt Water Taffy
Saffron–Rose Water Brittle with Pistachios and Almonds
Spiced Praline Meringues
Chocolate, Pistachio, and Tahini Truffles
Chocolate Fudge with Bourbon Sugar
Ube (Purple Yam) Candies
Free-Form Chocolate Candies
Chocolate-Walnut Rum Balls
Pralines
Brigadeiros
Black-and-White Halvah
Hazelnut Butter and Coffee Meringues
Boozy Grapefruit-Pomegranate Gummy Candies
Cherry-Pistachio Nougat
3-Ingredient Maple-Pecan Fudge
Bittersweet-Chocolate Truffles
Nutella–Brown Butter Crispies
Aunt Bill’s Brown Candy
Golden Cashew-Curry Brittle
Pecan Buttermilk Fudge
Non-Evil Turkish Delight
Almond-Cherry Chocolate Bark
Soft Vanilla Nougat
Honeycomb
Salted Honey and Chocolate Bark
Saffron-Pear Lollipops
Salted Pistachio Brittle
Coconut Chocolate Bites
Peanut Butter Buckeyes
Chocolate-Almond Bark with Sea Salt
Christmas Wreaths
Green-Tea Truffles
New Orleans Praline Pieces
3-Ingredient Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark
My Never-Ever-Fail Chocolate Fudge
Fruit Juice “Gummies”

Candy Canes picture

Candy Christmas flavors can vary, but they all have two things in common. The first is that they are delicious, and the second is that this is the only time of year these tasty recipes come out to be enjoyed. 

Seasonal Flavors

Perhaps you are like me, and when you think of the Christmas season, especially your Christmas Eve celebrations, you also think about your favorite flavors that are iconic of the season. Perhaps you think of sugar plum fairies, snuggled up by the fire with a glass of eggnog or hot cocoa.

For me, there’s nothing that represents the Christmas season more than enjoying the peppermint flavor in hot chocolate. I always think of peppermint as being the star of the show, during the Christmas season no matter if it is in white chocolate peppermint gelato or peppermint ice cream. But my all-time favorite is to enjoy a cup of peppermint-flavored hot chocolate. 

Another common flavor of the season is to enjoy your sweet potatoes loaded with brown sugar and butter. This is a dish that you will likely see at any holiday table during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Another way to enjoy your sweet potatoes is to make them into a casserole and top them with marshmallows. 

Cinnamon is another classic flavor of the Christmas season. When I think of a cinnamon stick, in my mind it is generally accompanied by a glass of warm apple cider and a cozy blanket. Cinnamon is another delicious spice that can be added to many different Christmas baking dishes during the Christmas season to give you that spice to incorporate with the most wonderful time of the year.

Gingerbread men, and gingerbread spice, in general, make perfect holiday gifts, or delicious cookies to bring to your Christmas feast or another type of holiday gathering. Gingerbread is typically found in your gingerbread cookies during the Christmas season, but it is also a classic flavor that has been around for many generations. The gingerbread spice is often accompanied by other spices such as whole cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and whole spice.

Each of these iconic flavors makes for the perfect addition to your winter months, and special occasions such as your Christmas celebrations. There’s nothing quite like welcoming in Christmas morning with these classic flavors that have you enjoying the holiday season with the holiday classic favorite foods.

Traditional Christmas flavors will have you thinking of days gone by, and warm happy memories, but at the same time still allow you to enjoy your current holiday celebrations and make new memories with those you love.

Festive Flavors: Epic Holiday Foods That’ll Put Even The Biggest Scrooge In The Christmas Spirit

The flavors of Christmas are many. There are classic ones, and there are new ones. Many Christmas flavors remind us of precious memories in years gone by. Other flavors bring back that flood of excitement we had when we were kids, at the anticipation for the season of fun time to come and special memories to be made. 

What are some special Christmas flavors for you?

Christmas Recipes

To view our entire list of favorite Christmas recipes, click HERE

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Faith
Faith Has been cooking and baking for many years! she loves to share her recipes with the world, and hopes you will enjoy them too!

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