Hey there, fellow holiday hustler! Picture this: You’re knee-deep in wrapping paper, the kids are hyped on sugarplums, and suddenly everyone expects you to whip up showstopper desserts. Who has time for complicated baking marathons? That’s why I rounded up these 12 best easy Christmas desserts to bake—quick, foolproof treats that scream festive cheer without turning your kitchen into a war zone. We’ll chat through each one like we’re swapping secrets at a cookie exchange, with simple steps, my honest takes, and a dash of wit to keep things merry. Grab your apron (or don’t—these are that easy), and let’s make your holiday table legendary.
1. No-Bake Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
Craving that classic peppermint punch without firing up the oven? These cookies come together faster than you can say “Santa’s on his way,” blending chocolatey goodness with a cool mint twist that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 2 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt the chocolate chips and butter in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and fold in the rice cereal until everything coats evenly.
- Drop spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with crushed peppermint.
- Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes until firm.
Why You’ll Love It
These bad boys taste like a holiday hug in cookie form—crunchy, minty, and oh-so-chocolatey. I once made a batch for a last-minute party and they vanished before the eggnog did. Bonus: No baking means no burnt edges, just pure win.
2. Gingerbread Truffles
Who says gingerbread has to be a house? Roll up these truffles for a bite-sized explosion of warm spices that feel like Christmas in your mouth, minus the construction hassle.
Ingredients
- 2 cups gingerbread cookie crumbs
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup white chocolate chips for coating
- Sprinkles or crushed nuts for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the cookie crumbs, cream cheese, and ginger in a bowl until it forms a dough.
- Scoop out small balls and roll them smooth with your hands.
- Melt the white chocolate and dip each ball, letting excess drip off.
- Roll in sprinkles and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
The spicy kick pairs perfectly with creamy sweetness, making them addictive little orbs. Last year, I swapped in extra cinnamon by accident—turned out even better, IMO. They’re portable for gifting, too, so you look like a pro without the effort.
3. Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
Tart cranberries meet zesty orange in these buttery bites. Bake a batch and watch them disappear—they’re simple enough for beginners but fancy enough for your in-laws.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- Zest of 1 orange
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, then mix in the orange zest.
- Gradually add flour until a dough forms, then fold in cranberries.
- Roll into logs, wrap in plastic, and chill for 1 hour.
- Slice into rounds and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until edges golden.
Why You’ll Love It
That citrus pop cuts through the richness like a knife—refreshing amid heavy holiday meals. I tried adding nuts once and it overpowered the fruit; stick to basics for the win. They’re crumbly perfection with tea, and the aroma fills your house with instant cheer.
4. Eggnog Cheesecake Bars
Turn leftover eggnog into creamy, dreamy bars that scream holiday indulgence. No water baths or fancy techniques—just mix, bake, and chill.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1/2 cup sugar
- Nutmeg for sprinkling
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix graham crumbs with melted butter and press into a lined 9×9 pan.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then add eggnog gradually.
- Pour over crust and bake at 325°F for 35 minutes.
- Cool completely, then chill for 2 hours and dust with nutmeg.
Why You’ll Love It
These bars capture eggnog’s cozy vibe in a tangy cheesecake twist—who wouldn’t love that? I subbed rum extract once for extra kick, and it was a hit (or a miss if you’re teetotal—:/). Slice ’em small; they’re rich but irresistible.
5. Peppermint Bark
Layer up chocolate and white chocolate with peppermint crunch for the easiest “bark” ever. Break it into shards and pretend you slaved away.
Ingredients
- 12 oz semisweet chocolate
- 12 oz white chocolate
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt semisweet chocolate and spread on a parchment-lined sheet.
- Chill for 10 minutes until set.
- Melt white chocolate with peppermint extract and pour over the dark layer.
- Sprinkle candy canes on top and chill another 20 minutes before breaking.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s like eating a candy cane wrapped in chocolate heaven—simple yet elegant. I made a double batch last Christmas and gifted half; friends raved for weeks. No baking skills needed, just melting magic.
6. Christmas Tree Brownies
Turn basic brownies into festive trees with green frosting and sprinkles. Kids love decorating, and you’ll love how quick it is.
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix (plus required eggs, oil, water)
- 1 cup green frosting
- Assorted sprinkles and candy stars
- Pretzel sticks for trunks
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Bake brownies according to box directions in a lined pan.
- Cool and cut into triangles.
- Pipe green frosting in zigzags to mimic branches.
- Add sprinkles, a candy star on top, and insert pretzel trunks.
Why You’ll Love It
These look adorable but taste like fudgy bliss—who can resist? I let my niece go wild with decorations once; turned into abstract art, but still delicious. Perfect for involving little ones without chaos.
7. Sugar Cookie Fudge
Fuse sugar cookies with creamy fudge for a no-bake wonder that’s soft, sweet, and sprinkled with holiday joy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup crushed sugar cookies
- Sprinkles for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt white chocolate and condensed milk together, stirring until smooth.
- Fold in crushed cookies.
- Pour into a lined 8×8 pan and top with sprinkles.
- Chill for 2 hours, then cut into squares.
Why You’ll Love It
It mimics cookie dough but sets like fudge—genius, right? I added vanilla beans for extra flair; elevated it without effort. Ideal for when you want dessert but skip the rolling pin.
8. Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats
Shape classic treats into cute reindeer with candy eyes and pretzel antlers. Fun to assemble, even funnier to eat.
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 10 oz marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Chocolate candies for noses
- Pretzels and candy eyes for decoration
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt butter and marshmallows in a pot over low heat.
- Stir in cereal until coated.
- Press into a greased pan, cool slightly, and cut into rectangles.
- Add pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and red noses with a bit of melted chocolate.
Why You’ll Love It
Crunchy, gooey, and whimsically cute—they’re a hit with kids and adults alike. I skipped the red noses once and called them “moose treats”—total dad joke fail, but tasty. No oven, all fun.
9. Cinnamon Roll Wreath
Unroll canned dough into a festive wreath shape, bake, and drizzle icing. Looks impressive, tastes like morning magic.
Ingredients
- 2 cans cinnamon roll dough
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- Icing from the cans
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Arrange unrolled dough in a circle on a baking sheet, overlapping slightly.
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle pecans.
- Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Drizzle with icing while warm.
Why You’ll Love It
Warm cinnamon swirls in wreath form—holiday breakfast or dessert? You decide. I tossed in raisins once; some loved it, others not—pick your crowd. Cheater’s hack that fools everyone.
10. Hot Chocolate Bombs
Fill chocolate spheres with cocoa mix and marshmallows; drop in hot milk for explosive fun. Trendy and easy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chocolate melts
- 1/2 cup hot cocoa mix
- Mini marshmallows
- Sprinkles for decoration
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt chocolate and coat sphere molds, chilling to set.
- Fill half spheres with cocoa and marshmallows.
- Seal with more melted chocolate on the edges.
- Decorate tops with sprinkles and let set.
Why You’ll Love It
They fizz and reveal goodies in your mug—pure magic! I made peppermint versions; kicked up the cozy factor. Great gifts, and watching them “bomb” never gets old. 🙂
11. Snowball Cookies
Roll buttery pecan balls in powdered sugar for snowy treats. Classic, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla until light.
- Mix in flour and pecans to form dough.
- Roll into balls and bake at 325°F for 18 minutes.
- Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar twice.
Why You’ll Love It
Nutty, sugary clouds that vanish fast—addictive! I used walnuts instead once; still good, but pecans win for that buttery snap. Timeless and zero fuss.
12. Fruitcake Cookies
Miniaturize fruitcake into chewy cookies with dried fruits and nuts. Redeem the much-maligned classic.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (cherries, raisins)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar, then add egg and mix.
- Stir in flour, cinnamon, fruits, and nuts.
- Drop spoonfuls on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until edges brown.
Why You’ll Love It
Boozy fruit flavors in cookie form—way better than the brick version. I soaked fruits in rum overnight; transformed them, FYI. Skeptics convert after one bite.
Whew, we covered a sleigh-full of easy Christmas desserts! From no-bake wonders to quick bakes, these recipes keep things simple, flavorful, and fun—perfect for busy holidays. Pick a few, experiment a bit (but not too wildly, trust me), and you’ll steal the show. What’s your go-to? Drop a comment; let’s swap more ideas. Happy baking, friends! 🎄
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