24 Heartwarming Desserts for Your Fireside Gatherings

There's nothing quite like cozying up by a fire with loved ones. And what better way to complete the picture than with a delicious dessert? If you're planning a family night in or a gathering with friends, this list of 24 heartwarming desserts is sure to hit the spot.

From classic apple hand pies and gooey chocolate chip cookies to lemon bars and cinnamon donuts, there's something for everyone. After all, there's nothing quite like the feeling of sharing homemade goodies with loved ones.

Hausfreunde Cookies with Caramelized Cashew

Layers of crispy shortcrust pastry are slathered with apricot jam and covered with sweet almond paste. Dipped in rich dark chocolate and garnished with caramelised cashews. These cookies are a crowd-pleaser and sure to delight your family and friends over the holidays. Get the recipe.

Banketstaaf - Dutch Almond Pastry

Banketstaaf is an amazingly simple Dutch almond pastry that takes only 10 minutes to assemble. The oven will do the rest of the work.  
Flaky puff pastry is stuffed with a mixture of sweet almond paste and orange zest, rolled into a log, and baked until crispy perfection. It is an easy and delicious Dutch Christmas food made in no time. Get the recipe.

Greek Apple Hand Pies

Homemade Apple Hand Pies. These tasty apple pocket pies are great for an afternoon snack, dessert, or as a breakfast treat. Also called Milopitakia, these sweet Greek hand pies are made with fresh apples and walnuts. They're flavorful, delicious and perfect for fall baking. Get the recipe.

Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies 

This almond flour peanut butter cookies recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a good, healthy treat. These cookies are moist, have crunchy edges, and are packed with nutty flavor, all while being made with just 7 clean ingredients in less than 30 minutes. Get the recipe.

Double Chocolate Chip Muffins 

These Double Chocolate Chip Muffins are a chocolate lover's dream that you can make in just 25 minutes. With cocoa powder, white chocolate chips and a pinch of salt they're moist, flavor packed and so easy to make - and not too sweet. No fancy ingredients needed - just grab a bag of chocolate chips and the rest you probably already have at home. Get the recipe.

Instant Pot Brownies Made From Scratch

These moist & fudgy Instant Pot brownies are easy to make from scratch. Enjoy with some vanilla ice-cream for a perfect dessert! Get the recipe.

Tea Cookies

These Russian Tea Cookies are buttery soft, sugar-dusted tea cakes that are so easy to make. Also called Snowball Cookies, these sweet little treats make a delicious little dessert or an afternoon pick-me-up. Get the recipe.

Lemon Bars

Try this recipe to get the most delicious Lemon Bars you’ve ever had, with a bright lemony flavor and the perfect amount of tang! With the most perfect vegan shortbread crust and a tangy lemon filling, you’re going to absolutely love these bars! Get the recipe.

Easy Dried Fruit Loaf

This Easy Dried Fruit Loaf is a simple and quick dessert recipe filled with juicy dried fruit and nuts. It's flavorful, healthy and perfect for any occasion. Get the recipe.

Hungarian Gerbeaud Cake

Shortcrust pastry layers are smothered with almond jam-walnut filling and covered with rich dark chocolate. This Hungarian Gerbeaud Cake is moist and so delicious! It makes a big batch and it is perfect for potlucks, picnics or other special occasions. Get the recipe.

Apple Sponge Cake

Super delicious and moist Apple Sponge Cake, also called Russian Sharlotka will become your new favorite apple dessert. It's so easy to make, topped with a sweet and crispy almond layer which literally melts in your mouth. Give this decadent fall treat a try and it won't disappoint! Get the recipe.

Nutella Coffee Cake

Moist, buttery, and bursting with flavor, Nutella coffee cake is the perfect way to start your day. Made with a delicious crumble topping and rich swirls of Nutella, this recipe is guaranteed to be a new staple in your home. Get the recipe.

Caramel Apple Bites

These easy caramel apple bites only need three ingredients. Enjoy crisp apple, rich caramel, melty chocolate, and crunchy pretzel in one perfect bite! Get the recipe.

Cinnamon Scones

These mini scones are so much better than the store-bought ones! If you’re out of ideas for a Thanksgiving dessert, try this Cinnamon Scones recipe for something delicious and healthy. If you’re lucky enough to have some leftovers from your Thanksgiving dinner, they’d be great with coffee the next day. Get the recipe.

English Sticky Toffee Pudding

Baked with sweet and hearty dates, drenched in homemade caramel sauce, this English Sticky Toffee Pudding is seriously addictive. Stock up on dates because your pantry already carries the rest of the ingredients. Get the recipe.

Honey Pear Muffins

Perfect for overripe pears and when you want a healthy snack or breakfast. Get the recipe.

Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

These Browned Butter Apple Bars with Cinnamon Maple Frosting simply scream fall! They also feature browned butter, which lends a nutty flavor, and maple syrup and cinnamon complement the apples perfectly! The brown sugar gives caramel notes. It’s everything you want in an apple bar! Get the recipe.

Homemade Truffles

Who doesn't like truffles? Everyone likes truffles. These tiny chocolate balls are full of a delicious goodness. If made right, the truffles are a great source of vitamins. Get the recipe.

Easy Brownie Recipe with Mascarpone Swirl

Can I just say that brownie is my absolute favorite American dessert? Today, I wanted to share you one of my favorite variations of this dessert - easy brownie recipe with mascarpone swirl. Get the recipe.

Texas Sheet Cake

Our Texas Sheet Cake sticks close to the classic: large, thin, moist chocolate cake with poured-on chocolate icing studded with nuts. Easy to make, serves a crowd – and you will definitely get your chocolate fix! Get the recipe.

Raspberry Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

Raspberry hazelnut thumbprint cookies with jam have been a loved in my family for years. I love making these raspberry jam cookies. These are my go-to classic thumbprint cookies. If you are looking for a recipe for hazelnut cookies, try these. Get the recipe.

Chocolate Puff Pastry Recipe

With just two main ingredients, this simple recipe takes store-bought puff pastry to the next level by rolling in decadent chocolate chips. The result is a soft, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate pastry with a flaky outer shell and a creamy chocolate interior. It is perfect for both breakfast and an after-dinner dessert! Get the recipe.

S'mores Casserole

This S'mores Casserole is a simple version of everyone’s favorite camping treat. Made in a baking dish so you can make it even without a campfire, and perfect to make for a crowd. Use graham crackers or digestive biscuits, and your favorite milk chocolate! Get the recipe.

Cream Cheese Berry Danish Recipe

Nobody can resist a cream cheese berry Danish, not when they taste this dreamy! These are every bit as delicious as the Danish pastries from a bakery. Get the recipe.