Southerners love showing our hospitality and doting on guests, and that’s on full display during the holidays.
We’ve gotgo-to appetizers, parting gifts at the ready, and signature house cocktails.
Ourentertainingexpertise really shines on the dessert table, though.
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Millionaire’s Shortbread
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Ready to impress the entire family?
Joy in every bite.
The best part about these chocolate confections?
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You don’t have to worry about smeared icing or slicing.
It’ll feed up to a dozen people, more if you cut thinner slices.
Garnish with meringue “mushrooms” and glossy maraschino cherries.
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5-Ingredient Sugar Cookies
All it takes is five ingredients to whip up these fuss-free sugar cookies.
Let the kids take over on the decorations for a fun family activity.
It’ll become their new favorite holiday tradition.
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The red velvet cake is delicious, but the real star is the cute sweater decoration.
Pumpkin Bundt Cake
This reader recipe has become a favorite for its moist texture and spicy flavor.
With only 15 minutes of active time, this is the perfect cake for the holiday spread.
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Rum Balls
These rum balls are themost searchedChristmas candy in the South, and for good reason.
This boozy confection is from the December 1993 issue and has become a fan favorite.
Plus, there is no meticulous frosting of layers or icing of cookies.
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Ginger is a wonderful flavor during the holidays and this loaf highlights it.
Millionaire Candy
Keep a bowl of these treats on the table at all times.
Chocolate-Gingerbread-Toffee Cake
Make gingerbread that will be a hit at the Christmas dessert table.
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Apple Bourbon Pie
Add some extra spice and sweetness to your typical apple pie with some bourbon.
This recipe was published in our November 1995 issue as part of a feature on classic holiday desserts.
No-Bake Dark Chocolate-Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
No oven is necessary to make these festive and fancy cookies.
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Add them to your cookie board to hey your guests.
Mississippi Mud Cake
When we’re cooking for a crowd, sheet cakes are our go-to move.
Topped with marshmallows and fudge, Mississippi Mud Cake has what it takes to become a fan favorite.
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Best Carrot Cake
This spiced layer cake always makes for a satisfying dessert, all year long.
Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding
Looking for a festive way to serve banana pudding to a crowd?
Meet our toasty meringue-topped recipe for the classic Southern dessert.
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Pumpkin Cake
Channel all the spices of the season in this moist, fluffy Pumpkin Cake.
Stack the sponges with spiced whipped cream for extra seasonal flair.
Cream Cheese Pound Cake
This simple recipe is a household favorite for a reason.
Serve it with spiced whipped cream or cranberry jelly to bring a pop of Christmas cheer.
Easy Spritz Cookies
Who says sweets are just for dessert?
Your guests can snack on these dainty cookie press creations all throughout the day.
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And this recipe lives up to its name.
No-Bake Fudgy Toffee Bars
The flaky layers of chocolate and toffee simply melt in your mouth.
Plus, you never even have to turn on the oven.
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We have the perfect way to put it to use.
Salted Butter-Pecan Shortbread Cookies
Top each shortbread round with a whole pecan for a tasty embellishment.
Pass on brittle cookies and treat your guests to this old-fashioned dessert.
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Get the little ones involved for an easy bake.
Cheesecake Cookies
It couldn’t be easier to turn cheesecake into a bite-sized treat this holiday season.
Classic Fruitcake
This recipe imparts the delicious flavor of classic fruitcake in a pretty loaf shape.
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If you’re convinced you don’t love fruitcake, you’ll think again.
Sweet Potato Pound Cake
Jennifer Davick
Elevate your traditional pound cake by adding a classic holiday ingredient.
This recipe for sweet potato pound cake adds an earthy flavor perfect for Christmas.
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Heavenly Angel Food Cake
Serve your guests a slice of heaven this Christmas.
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