Simple and easy Christmas desserts make the holidays feel sweeter without taking hours in the kitchen. These recipes use everyday ingredients, come together quickly, and still look festive and fun on the table.
You don’t need special tools or expert baking skills, just a few simple steps and a little creativity.
These desserts are great for holiday parties, family gatherings, gift boxes, or cozy nights at home. They help keep the season stress-free while still giving you something homemade and delicious to share.
With just a bit of mixing and decorating, you can enjoy treats that feel cheerful, comforting, and perfect for the Christmas season.
Why Simple Christmas Desserts Work So Well
Simple Christmas desserts are loved because they fit perfectly into busy holiday life. December is full of events, errands, and family time, so quick recipes make things easier without losing any of the fun.
A dessert that takes only a few steps means less stress, fewer dishes, and more time to enjoy the moments that matter. These easy treats also let everyone join in. Kids can help decorate, mix, or sprinkle toppings without feeling overwhelmed.
Even beginner bakers can make something tasty and festive with confidence. Plus, simple recipes are easy to customize, add a new topping, switch a flavor, or try a different shape, and suddenly you have something unique.
Most of all, simple desserts bring comfort. They’re warm, familiar, and full of holiday cheer, making them the perfect ending to a cozy dinner, a party plate, or a quiet movie night by the tree.
Simple Christmas Desserts Anyone Can Make
Simple Christmas desserts are perfect when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
They come together quickly, use basic ingredients, and still bring all the cozy holiday flavors you love.
Each dessert here is beginner-friendly, fun to make, and great for parties, gift boxes, or family nights at home.
1. Christmas Sugar Cookies
These cookies are soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating with icing and sprinkles. The no-chill dough means you can go straight from mixing to cutting shapes, which saves a lot of time.
They hold their shape well in the oven, so stars, trees, and snowflakes look clean and sharp. The cookies stay soft for days, making them great for gifting or cookie exchanges.
Kids love helping with the decorating, so this dessert doubles as a fun holiday activity too.
Ingredients: Flour, sugar, butter, egg, vanilla, baking powder, salt
Recipe:
- Cream softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in small portions to form a soft dough.
- Roll dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into Christmas shapes.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
- Cool completely before decorating with icing or sprinkles.
2. Easy Chocolate Fudge
This fudge is rich, smooth, and melts in your mouth with every bite. It takes only a few minutes to prepare because everything melts together in one pot. Once it chills, it cuts cleanly into perfect squares that look great on dessert platters.
You can also customize it by adding nuts, caramel swirls, pretzels, or dried fruit. It keeps well in the fridge for days, making it an ideal make-ahead treat for busy weeks.
Ingredients: Chocolate chips, condensed milk, butter, salt
Recipe:
- Add chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and salt to a saucepan.
- Heat on low, stirring until everything is melted and smooth.
- Line a small pan with parchment paper and pour the mixture in.
- Smooth the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
- Refrigerate for 2–3 hours until firm.
- Lift out the fudge and cut into squares with a sharp knife.
3. Christmas Crack
This dessert has the perfect mix of salty, sweet, crunchy, and chocolatey all in one bite. The toffee bubbles into the crackers, giving them a candy-like texture that breaks apart beautifully. It’s extremely addictive and always disappears fast at parties.
You can top it with nuts, sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or drizzle white chocolate for extra color. It stores well in the fridge or freezer, so you can make big batches for gifting.
Ingredients: Crackers, butter, brown sugar, chocolate chips, toppings
Recipe:
- Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment and cover it with saltine crackers.
- Melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat until bubbling and thick.
- Pour the hot toffee over the crackers and spread quickly with a spatula.
- Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until the toffee is bubbling all over.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips on top and let them melt for 2 minutes.
- Spread the chocolate evenly, add toppings, and chill until firm.
- Break into uneven “crack” pieces once fully cooled.
4. Oreo Truffles
Oreo truffles taste like cookies-and-cream cheesecake wrapped in a smooth chocolate shell. They require no baking at all, and the dough only needs two ingredients before dipping.
These little treats look elegant on dessert plates, even though they’re so easy to make. You can decorate them with drizzle, crushed candy canes, or colored sprinkles for a festive touch.
They freeze well too, so you can prepare them early and save them for later.
Ingredients: Oreos, cream cheese, and chocolate
Recipe:
- Crush Oreos into very fine crumbs using a blender or rolling pin.
- Mix crumbs with softened cream cheese until smooth and dough-like.
- Roll mixture into small balls and place on a parchment-lined tray.
- Freeze for 10–15 minutes to firm up.
- Dip each ball into melted chocolate and place back on parchment.
- Chill until the chocolate coating is fully set.
5. Peanut Butter Blossoms
These soft, chewy peanut butter cookies are topped with a chocolate kiss while they’re still warm, which melts slightly and sticks perfectly. The combination of salty peanut butter and sweet chocolate is a holiday classic.
They stay soft for days and pack well into cookie tins or treat bags. Kids love pressing the chocolate kisses on top, making it a fun family baking moment.
This recipe is also naturally simple because it requires only a few ingredients.
Ingredients: Peanut butter, egg, sugar, baking soda, chocolate kisses
Recipe:
- Mix peanut butter, sugar, egg, and baking soda in a bowl.
- Stir until a smooth dough forms.
- Roll dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until just golden.
- Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Allow cookies to cool so the chocolate sets properly.
6. Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats
These treats turn the classic Rice Krispies square into adorable reindeer using pretzel antlers and candy noses. They have that light, gooey texture kids love and come together quickly on the stovetop.
You can make a large batch in minutes, which is great for school parties or gift plates. The decorating part is fun and easy, so kids can help bring the reindeer “faces” to life. Plus, they stay fresh for days, making them perfect for make-ahead holiday events.
Ingredients: Rice Krispies, marshmallows, butter, chocolate, pretzels, candies
Recipe:
- Melt butter and marshmallows in a large pot, stirring constantly.
- Add Rice Krispies and mix until fully coated.
- Press the mixture into a greased pan and let it cool slightly.
- Cut into squares and press pretzels on top as antlers.
- Add chocolate dots or candies for the eyes and nose.
- Let them set for 10–15 minutes before serving.
7. Microwave Mug Brownie
This mug brownie is warm, gooey, and ready in less than 2 minutes. It’s perfect for nights when you want a dessert without baking a whole pan. You mix everything right in the mug, so there’s barely any cleanup.
You can add chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or a scoop of ice cream to make it extra special. It’s great for teens, kids, and anyone who wants a quick, cozy dessert on cold winter evenings.
Ingredients: Flour, sugar, cocoa, oil, milk, vanilla, salt
Recipe:
- Add flour, sugar, cocoa powder, milk, oil, vanilla, and a pinch of salt to a mug.
- Stir until the batter is completely smooth with no lumps.
- Microwave for 60–90 seconds, watching so it doesn’t overflow.
- Let it cool for 1 minute (it will be hot!).
- Add whipped cream or ice cream if you want a richer dessert.
8. No-Bake Cheesecake Cups
These cups are creamy, fluffy, and taste like mini cheesecakes without the need for baking. The cookie crumbs give them a crunchy base that pairs perfectly with the smooth filling.
They look impressive in small cups or jars, making them perfect for parties or dinner desserts. You can top them with berries, caramel, chocolate chips, or crushed candy canes.
They chill quickly, so you can make them the same day and serve them fresh.
Ingredients: Cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, whipped cream, cookies
Recipe:
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla together until creamy.
- Fold in whipped cream gently to create a fluffy mixture.
- Crush cookies and place a layer at the bottom of small cups or jars.
- Spoon or pipe cheesecake filling on top of the crumbs.
- Add another cookie layer or topping if desired.
- Chill for 1 hour so the filling sets before serving.
9. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Rods
These treats are the perfect mix of salty and sweet with a satisfying crunch. They look festive when dipped in chocolate and decorated with sprinkles or crushed candy canes.
They’re also great for gifting because they don’t melt easily and can be wrapped in treat bags. Kids love decorating these, so it’s a fun hands-on holiday activity.
You can make big batches quickly and store them for later.
Ingredients: Pretzel rods, chocolate, sprinkles
Recipe:
- Melt chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring every 20–30 seconds.
- Dip pretzel rods halfway into the melted chocolate.
- Spin gently to let excess chocolate drip off.
- Lay pretzels on parchment paper.
- Add sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or nuts before the chocolate sets.
- Allow to harden at room temperature or chill for quick setting.
10. Gingerbread Mug Cake
This cozy mug cake brings warm holiday spices into a soft, fluffy dessert that’s ready in minutes. It tastes like classic gingerbread but requires no baking pans or ovens. The flavor is comforting with notes of molasses, cinnamon, and ginger.
You can top it with whipped cream, powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of caramel. It’s perfect for cold evenings, last-minute guests, or personal holiday treats.
Ingredients: Flour, sugar, butter, milk, molasses, spices, baking powder
Recipe:
- Add flour, sugar, butter, milk, molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and baking powder to a mug.
- Stir until the batter is smooth and well-mixed.
- Microwave for 1–2 minutes until the cake rises and the top looks firm.
- Let it cool slightly before eating.
- Top with whipped cream or powdered sugar for extra flavor.
11. Snowball Cookies
Snowball cookies have a rich, buttery texture that melts in your mouth. The powdered sugar coating makes them look like tiny snowballs, perfect for winter celebrations. They’re soft on the inside with a gentle crunch from finely chopped nuts.
These cookies don’t spread much, so they always keep their cute round shape. They store beautifully and taste even better after a day as the flavors deepen.
Ingredients: Butter, powdered sugar, flour, vanilla, pecans
Recipe:
- Cream butter and powdered sugar until soft and smooth.
- Mix in vanilla and finely chopped nuts.
- Add flour slowly until the dough forms a soft ball.
- Roll dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 325°F for 12 minutes.
- Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar, then roll again once cool.
12. Christmas Brownie Bites
These mini brownies are soft, chocolatey, and bite-sized perfect for dessert platters. The chewy centers pair perfectly with frosting and festive sprinkles. Because they’re small, they bake quickly and cool fast, making them great for rushed holiday schedules.
You can decorate them like Christmas trees, ornaments, or tiny wreaths. They’re a hit at school parties and family gatherings because they’re easy to grab and eat.
Ingredients: Brownie mix, eggs, oil, frosting, sprinkles
Recipe:
- Prepare brownie batter as directed on the box or recipe.
- Grease a mini muffin pan and fill each cup ¾ full.
- Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until set.
- Let brownie bites cool completely in the pan.
- Top with frosting, sprinkles, or candy decorations.
13. Peppermint Bark
Peppermint bark has a beautiful layered look with white and dark chocolate topped with crushed candy canes. It’s refreshing, festive, and super easy to break into rustic pieces. The contrast of mint and chocolate tastes like Christmas in every bite.
It keeps well at room temperature and makes a great homemade gift. You can customize it with sprinkles or drizzle extra chocolate for a fancy finish.
Ingredients: Dark chocolate, white chocolate, candy canes
Recipe:
- Melt dark chocolate and spread a thin layer on a parchment-lined tray.
- Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes.
- Melt white chocolate and spread it over the dark chocolate layer.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
- Chill until fully set, then break into pieces.
14. Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Pops
These fun little treats taste like hot chocolate on a stick. They’re super quick to make and perfect for kids’ holiday parties. Dip marshmallows in chocolate, add sprinkles, and let them set.
You can package them for gifts or serve them with hot cocoa for dipping. They bring a playful, cheerful touch to any dessert table.
Ingredients: Marshmallows, chocolate, sprinkles, sticks
Recipe:
- Insert a stick into each marshmallow.
- Dip marshmallows into melted chocolate, covering them halfway.
- Roll in sprinkles or crushed candy canes.
- Place on parchment to set.
- Chill for 10 minutes for a firmer coating.
- Serve on dessert plates or with hot cocoa.
15. No-Bake Strawberry Santas
These adorable Santas are made from fresh strawberries filled with whipped cream. They’re cute, light, and naturally red and white perfect for Christmas.
They take just a few minutes to assemble and look great on dessert trays. Kids love making them because they’re simple and fun. Serve them right away for the best texture and flavor.
Ingredients: Strawberries, whipped cream, mini chocolate chips
Recipe:
- Slice the leafy top off each strawberry to make a flat base.
- Cut off the tip to form a tiny “hat.”
- Pipe whipped cream onto the base as the face and belly.
- Place the strawberry hat back on top.
- Add mini chocolate chips as eyes.
- Serve immediately for the best freshness and texture.
Wrapping Up
Simple Christmas desserts make the season feel special without adding extra stress to your busy days. With quick steps, basic ingredients, and fun flavors, these treats fit perfectly into holiday parties, school events, or cozy nights at home.
They’re easy enough for beginners but still festive enough to impress your family and friends.
These recipes also give you room to get creative, switch toppings, add new flavors, or decorate them in your own style.
The best part is how little time they take, leaving you free to enjoy the things that matter most: warm moments, shared laughter, and time with the people you love.
A plate of easy desserts can make any day of December feel brighter and more delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Easiest Desserts to Make when I’m Short on Time?
No-bake treats like Oreo truffles, peppermint bark, and Rice Krispie reindeer are the fastest options. They take only a few minutes and don’t require baking or special equipment.
Can These Desserts be Made Ahead for Parties?
Yes! Most of these sweets, like fudge, Christmas crack, brownie bites, and sugar cookies, store extremely well. You can prepare them 1–3 days ahead and keep them in airtight containers.
What Desserts are Best for Gifting During the Holidays?
Fudge, peppermint bark, Christmas crack, and decorated sugar cookies pack well and stay fresh longer. They fit nicely into tins, gift bags, or small boxes
How do I Store Leftover Desserts so They Stay Fresh?
Most treats keep well in airtight containers. Refrigerate anything with cream cheese or whipped cream, while cookies and bark can usually stay at room temperature.
