Homemade Christmas Desserts to Sweeten Your Holiday Table
It all begins with an idea.
Christmas is the season for creating memories and sharing delicious treats with loved ones. While baking your own desserts can make the holiday even more special, not everyone has the time to go full-on with homemade goodies. Here are some fun, easy ideas for self-made Christmas desserts that will impress your guests—and if you want to skip a step or two, we’ve got a festive option from Broken Clock Cafe in Glasgow for a stress-free holiday treat.
1. Homemade Chocolate Truffles
Chocolate truffles are an elegant, bite-sized dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. All you need is some high-quality chocolate, cream, and a few tasty coatings like cocoa powder, shredded coconut, or crushed nuts. Melt the chocolate with cream, let it cool, roll into balls, and coat them. These are perfect to make ahead, and they’re sure to disappear quickly!
2. Cinnamon Sugar Churros with Chocolate Sauce
Churros are a fun and festive treat to make at home, especially if you have little helpers who love to sprinkle cinnamon sugar. Simply mix flour, water, butter, and a pinch of salt to form a dough, then pipe it into hot oil for that perfect crispy exterior. Serve them warm with a homemade chocolate sauce for dipping. They’re a sweet treat that feels extra indulgent during the holidays!
3. Classic Shortbread Stars
You can’t go wrong with shortbread, especially here in Scotland. To make a festive twist on this classic, use cookie cutters to shape the dough into stars or Christmas trees. Add a sprinkle of sugar or a drizzle of chocolate once they’ve baked. This buttery treat is perfect for gifting, sharing, or simply enjoying by the tree with a cup of tea.
4. DIY Mini Pavlovas with Winter Berries
For a light and elegant dessert, try making mini pavlovas. These airy meringue shells are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, creating a perfect base for whipped cream and winter berries. Top each with a dusting of icing sugar and a few sprigs of mint for a festive touch. Pavlovas are great because you can prepare the meringue in advance and then add toppings right before serving.
5. Cinnamon Roll Wreath
This one’s both impressive and delicious—a wreath-shaped cinnamon roll! Simply prepare or buy some cinnamon roll dough, arrange the rolls in a circle on a baking tray, and bake. Once they’re golden brown, add icing and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies for a festive look. It’s a fun twist on a classic, perfect for sharing around the table.
6. Christmas Cookies for Decorating
Christmas cookies are a wonderful project for the whole family. Whip up a batch of sugar or gingerbread cookies, then set up a decorating station with icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter. These cookies are not only fun to make but also a lovely way to add a personal touch to your Christmas desserts.
7. Festive Cakes from Broken Clock Cafe
If you’re looking for a dessert centerpiece without all the prep work, we have you covered! At Broken Clock Cafe in Glasgow, we’ve crafted a selection of Christmas-themed cakes that are perfect for adding a festive touch to your holiday table. Each cake is made with care, using high-quality ingredients and beautiful holiday decorations. Skip the stress and treat yourself to a seasonal cake that will impress your guests and satisfy every sweet tooth!
8. White Chocolate and Peppermint Bark
Peppermint bark is a classic holiday treat, and it’s easy to make at home. Simply melt white chocolate, spread it onto a baking sheet, and sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Once it cools and hardens, break it into pieces. This is a fun treat to make with kids and can be bagged up as a sweet holiday gift.
9. Mulled Wine Poached Pears
For a sophisticated dessert that’s surprisingly simple, try poaching pears in mulled wine. Simmer pears in red wine with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peel until tender. Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a refined treat that adds warmth and elegance to your holiday table.
Whether you’re rolling up your sleeves to make your own desserts or stopping by Broken Clock Cafe to pick up one of our Christmas cakes, there’s something special about sharing sweet treats with loved ones. This season, mix and match these dessert ideas to create a memorable holiday spread for your family and friends!
Happy baking (and indulging)!
The Yule Log Tradition in Glasgow – Broken Clock Cafe’s Twist on a Classic
It all begins with an idea.
he Yule Log, or Bûche de Noël, is one of the most iconic desserts of the Christmas season, bringing with it centuries of history and festive charm. Although it originated as a winter solstice ritual, it has transformed over the years into a beloved dessert. Here’s a look at the origins of the Yule Log, how it made its way to Glasgow, and how Broken Clock Cafe brought a unique French-style version to the city in 2020.
From Ancient Log to Dessert Tradition
Originally, the Yule Log was an actual log burned to mark the winter solstice. In ancient times, families would choose a large log and decorate it with holly and pine, burning it to bring warmth and protection through the coldest nights of the year. This tradition evolved in France, where, by the 19th century, it had inspired the creation of the Bûche de Noël: a cake rolled with creamy filling and decorated to resemble the log’s bark.
The Yule Log’s Journey to Glasgow
As French patisseries began spreading across Europe, the Yule Log cake became a holiday favorite in the UK, especially for those who wanted something elegant for their Christmas table. Glasgow was no exception, with locals becoming more interested in holiday desserts from around the world. While traditional Scottish sweets remained popular, the Yule Log found its way into the hearts of Glaswegians, who loved its rich flavor and festive presentation.
Broken Clock Cafe’s Mirror-Glazed Yule Log – A First for Glasgow
In 2020, Broken Clock Cafe took the Yule Log tradition to a new level, introducing Glasgow’s first French-style mirror-glazed Bûche de Noël. This was more than just a dessert; it was a modern take on a classic, crafted with a sleek, glossy finish that reflected the artistry of French patisserie.
Our Yule Log quickly became a holiday favorite, combining classic flavors with contemporary presentation. Each log is made with tender sponge cake, luxurious fillings, and topped with a beautiful mirror glaze that shimmers with holiday spirit. This year, we’re offering two flavors: a chocolate-orange for those who love a classic taste and an Almond and Amaretto, festive twist.
A Modern Tradition for Glasgow’s Christmas Tables
Since introducing our mirror-glazed Yule Log in 2020, we’ve been honored to be part of Glasgow’s holiday celebrations, sharing in the joy of this beautiful dessert. At Broken Clock Cafe, we believe in blending tradition with innovation, and our Yule Log is crafted to be both a centerpiece and a conversation starter for your Christmas feast.
Whether you’re a fan of the chocolate-hazelnut classic or the spiced orange twist, we invite you to make the Yule Log part of your holiday tradition. Visit us at Broken Clock Cafe in Glasgow, and let us help you bring a touch of festive elegance—and history—to your Christmas table.