Monica's Mocha Bars

Years ago Monica Gray shared this recipe for crunchy coffee-and-chocolate bars rolled in sugar. They take so little time to make and are so delicious that they're worth making any time of year. I like to make the most of my cookies, serving them on Christmas Eve — before everyone is sated with platters of them on Christmas Day and over the holidays.

Java Cutouts

Coffee lovers, here's your cookie! Roll and cut the dough into festive shapes, or form into logs to slice when it's time to bake a fresh batch.

Fruit Cake Semifreddo

Holiday Hermit Cookies

Associate food director Donna Bartolini knows that busy households will appreciate having ready-for-the-oven cookies in the freezer. These are chock-full of colourful fruit and crunchy toffee nuggets. Be sure to include the baking instructions on a card inside the box. Or bake the cookies and offer them ready-to-eat in a festive cookie tin.

Marble-Top Chocolate Rum Squares

Not all desserts are traditional, as these fancy make-ahead creamy squares show. Present them on plates decorated with chocolate curls, if you like.

Three-Ice Cream Terrine

Customize this layered terrine, a stunning yet easy-to-make dessert, with your favourite ice-cream flavours.

Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberries and ice cream are a terrific way to top this rich cakey shortcake.

Apricot Almond Streusel Coffee Cake

Even when the percolating coffee and simmering tea set the ambience at cosy, a single piece de resistance — amid the cookies and bars — is called for. This apricot-studded coffee cake fits the bill.

Raspberry Almond Bars

The intense almond flavour comes from almond paste (not almond icing).

Slow Cooker Apple Spice Cake

As this cake bakes, it fills the air with the heavenly scent of spiced apples. The rich nutty flavour of brown butter icing transforms this everyday treat into a company-worthy dessert. Cost: $0.50/serving