19 Christmas Baking Ideas for a Slow Sunday at Home

ByMandy Applegate

A slow Sunday brings the perfect chance to try out 19 Christmas baking ideas suited for downtime at home. Let easy recipes guide you to new traditions or simply add a little holiday warmth. No need for complicated steps when you’re just looking to unwind. Looking at these baking options could be just what your weekend needs.

A slice of pineapple cake topped with fresh raspberries on a white surface.
Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Gingerbread Cupcakes

Three cupcakes topped with swirled frosting, cranberries, rosemary sprigs, pinecones, and powdered sugar, with a small decorative house in the foreground.
Gingerbread Cupcakes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sweet smells of ginger and spice fill the kitchen as soon as you make this Gingerbread Cupcakes recipe. Guests are instantly curious about the rich flavors hiding under the frosting. Each bite brings just enough warmth for a Christmas afternoon. I enjoy baking a batch during the quiet days leading up to the holiday.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Cupcakes

Old-Fashioned Cinnamon Pie

A slice of powdered sugar-dusted pie topped with a swirl of whipped cream is being lifted from a pie dish.
Old-Fashioned Cinnamon Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Rich aroma drifts from this Old-Fashioned Cinnamon Pie, making it the star of any relaxed Sunday bake. People are drawn in by its golden color and welcoming flavor. Simple, nostalgic desserts like this always have a way of bringing everyone together. I love how leftovers taste just as good the next morning.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Cinnamon Pie

Moist Red Velvet Cake

Red Velvet Cake with whipped cream swirls on a cakestand.
Moist Red Velvet Cake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Deep red layers with creamy frosting turn this Moist Red Velvet Cake into a winter showstopper. The festive look sparks excitement before anyone even has a slice. Friends can’t help but ask for seconds because of the cake’s tender bite. I save this for days when baking needs to feel extra special.
Get the Recipe: Moist Red Velvet Cake

Rich Oreo Cheesecake

A slice of cookies and cream cheesecake is being lifted from a plate. The cake has a crumbly cookie crust, creamy filling with cookie pieces, and a topping of crushed cookies.
Rich Oreo Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A thick, creamy center puts this Rich Oreo Cheesecake right at the top of every Christmas dessert list. Layers of chocolate and cookie make every piece feel playful. People always ask what makes it so rich and memorable. I recommend it for those slow days when everyone craves a sweet treat.
Get the Recipe: Rich Oreo Cheesecake

Sweet Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

A slice of apple cinnamon roll on a plate.
Sweet Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Twists of dough swirl through this Sweet Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie, giving classic flavors a fun winter upgrade. The inviting scent fills the air even before it comes out of the oven. Every slice brings cozy comfort with just a hint of nostalgia. I often bring it out when the holiday season calls for something unique.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Butterscotch Rice Treats

Rectangular rice crispy treats drizzled with white icing are arranged on a wooden surface, with small marshmallows scattered nearby.
Butterscotch Rice Treats. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

No one can resist the golden shine of these Butterscotch Rice Treats piled high on a baking tray. Their chewy corners and sweet finish make them easy to share at holiday gatherings. Guests are always surprised by how quickly they disappear. I whip these up when I want an easy crowd-pleaser with no fuss.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Rice Treats

Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

A close-up of a sliced muffin filled with creamy vanilla custard and topped with chocolate glaze.
Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Layers of soft cake and rich custard turn this Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes recipe into an instant classic. One bite leads most people to sneak another from the plate. The chocolate topping gives them a festive holiday twist. I bring these out when I want cupcakes that feel just a bit fancier than the rest.
Get the Recipe: Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

Rich Chocolate Pie

A slice of chocolate pie with a swirl of whipped cream.
Rich Chocolate Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Deep, smooth filling helps this Rich Chocolate Pie stand out among Christmas treats. The glossy top always gets everyone’s attention just before dessert. You’ll notice how folks return for just one more taste. I keep this on my menu for those calm afternoons when the family wants something comforting.
Get the Recipe: Rich Chocolate Pie

Moist Banana Bread

Close-up of a sliced banana bread loaf, showcasing its moist, textured interior with visible banana chunks.
Moist Banana Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Soft, aromatic slices from this Moist Banana Bread make it perfect for slow winter baking. Warm flavors shine whether it’s served for breakfast or an afternoon snack. People often ask for a second piece while chatting over coffee. I love baking this on days when everyone’s pace feels a little slower than usual.
Get the Recipe: Moist Banana Bread

Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake

Close-up of a cinnamon roll cake slice topped with icing and sprinkled with cinnamon on a plate.
Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Swirls of frosting and spice in this Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake tempt even those who rarely eat dessert. Its soft, fluffy texture feels just right for a cozy Christmas afternoon. Each bite carries a whisper of holiday tradition. I enjoy serving this one when I want simple comfort with a playful twist.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake

Soft Lemon Cookies

A stack of lemon cookies on a cooling rack.
Soft Lemon Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bright citrus and a gentle texture make these Soft Lemon Cookies shine on any holiday baking tray. Their cheerful color catches the eye right away. Friends enjoy the light, refreshing bite—especially after rich meals. I find this recipe useful for sharing when everyone needs something a bit brighter during winter.
Get the Recipe: Soft Lemon Cookies

Classic Party Cheese Ball

A cheese ball on a cutting board with crackers.
Classic Party Cheese Ball. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Rolling out this Classic Party Cheese Ball always sparks a little excitement among snack lovers. A creamy center paired with a crisp finish keeps folks returning to the table. You’ll see it vanish quickly at any holiday gathering. I make extra because no one ever wants just one bite.
Get the Recipe: Classic Party Cheese Ball

Cranberry Curd Tart

A slice of cherry pie topped with whipped cream and whole cherries sits on a plate, with a fork holding a bite-sized piece nearby.
Cranberry Curd Tart. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Vivid color and a tangy finish give this Cranberry Curd Tart its holiday charm. Guests marvel at how the tartness balances with the sweet crust in every forkful. Each slice feels like a celebration of the season’s best flavors. I set aside extras to enjoy during quiet moments after the big meal.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Curd Tart

Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Chocolate cupcakes with white frosting and small pastel-colored marshmallows on top, arranged in a group against a neutral background.
Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Deep cocoa flavor and a swirl of creamy topping make this Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes recipe an instant hit. People feel like they’re getting a mug of cocoa in dessert form. Each bite helps quiet the room before presents or stories begin. I keep these ready for cold afternoons during the Christmas break.
Get the Recipe: Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Homemade Chocolate Truffles

A bowl containing chocolate truffles, some coated with shredded coconut and others with cocoa powder; one truffle has a bite taken out of it.
Homemade Chocolate Truffles. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy bites from this Homemade Chocolate Truffles recipe often disappear faster than you expect. The rich interior brings smiles with every taste. Truffles like these fit right in next to coffee or by the fireplace. I love wrapping them as small gifts for friends and neighbors throughout December.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Chocolate Truffles

Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Bites

Close-up of Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Bites, dusted in a sweet layer and piled on crisp white paper.
Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Bites. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Popping up fresh and golden, these Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Bites fill the kitchen with a wintry fragrance. The tiny bites are perfect for sharing around a crowded table or sneaking as a late-night snack. You’ll find them disappearing as soon as the plate hits the counter. I turn to this recipe when the day needs extra comfort.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Bites

Pumpkin Banana Bread

Close-up of several slices of banana bread on parchment paper, showing a moist, textured interior and golden-brown crust.
Pumpkin Banana Bread. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Weekend mornings turn cozier as the aroma of this Pumpkin Banana Bread fills the kitchen. Spiced flavors blend together, creating a unique twist on traditional sweet loaves. Guests often grab extra slices before you sit down. I make this recipe whenever slow breakfast and relaxed conversation are on the agenda.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Banana Bread

Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake

A stack of pumpkin coffee cake squares with crumb topping and white glaze, arranged on a wooden board.
Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A slice of this Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake can make a quiet holiday morning feel special. Warm spices mix with gentle sweetness, adding comfort to any winter gathering. People love the crumbly topping that adds crunch in every bite. I keep this cake ready for moments when friends drop by unexpectedly.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake

A slice of pineapple cake topped with fresh raspberries on a white surface.
Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Slices of baked fruit light up this Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake with cheerful color and sparkle. The gooey topping gets chatter started as everyone looks forward to dessert. Each bite brings a touch of old-school fun to the holiday table. I find this cake makes slow weekend baking feel like a small celebration.
Get the Recipe: Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake

A vegetarian for over 45 years, Mandy has taught herself to be creative in the kitchen, using traditional appliances and air fryers. Traveling extensively, Mandy loves learning and adapting vegetarian recipes from across the world.

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