Elevate your Christmas dinner with these 25 easy, festive desserts, perfect for serving after the main course. Designed for beginners, these treats use simple ingredients and quick methods to bring holiday joy to your table.
Christmas Day is all about indulgence, and desserts are the sweet finale to a festive meal. These recipes capture the season’s warmth with flavors like chocolate, peppermint, and spices, without requiring hours in the kitchen. As a food enthusiast, I’ve curated 25 beginner-friendly desserts that are ideal for family gatherings or cozy evenings. Using pantry staples, they’re quick, delicious, and sure to impress. Let’s make your holiday dessert table unforgettable!
Why These Christmas Desserts Are Perfect
These desserts blend rich chocolate, warm spices, and festive touches, creating a mood-lifting experience with compounds like theobromine and cocoa’s antioxidants, which may support heart health, per a study on cocoa benefits. Affordable ingredients like chocolate chips and flour keep costs low. Use pasteurized eggs when needed for safety, per the FDA egg safety guide. Most recipes take 15–60 minutes, fitting perfectly into your holiday schedule.
25 Easy Christmas Day Dessert Recipes
Each recipe serves 4–8, uses basic tools (oven, microwave, or fridge), and adds festive flair. Nutrition estimates are included for planning.
1. Chocolate Peppermint Bark
A no-bake, minty treat for quick prep.
- 8 oz dark chocolate
- 8 oz white chocolate
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
- Melt dark chocolate, spread on parchment, chill 10 minutes.
- Melt white chocolate, spread over dark layer.
- Sprinkle with candy canes, chill 10 minutes. Break into pieces.
Prep: 20 min. Carbs: ~12g per piece. Tip: Gift in festive tins.
2. Gingerbread Cookies
Spiced cookies for holiday decorating.
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet.
- Beat butter, sugar, molasses, and egg. Add flour, spices, and baking soda.
- Roll out, cut shapes, bake 8–10 minutes.
- Cool, decorate with icing.
Prep: 25 min. Carbs: ~15g per cookie. Use festive cutters.
3. Christmas Chocolate Truffles
Rich bites with a holiday twist.
- 8 oz dark chocolate
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Red and green sprinkles
- Heat cream, pour over chopped chocolate, stir in vanilla.
- Chill 15 minutes, roll into balls.
- Coat in sprinkles, chill 5 minutes.
Prep: 25 min. Carbs: ~10g per truffle. Elegant for dessert platters.
4. Yule Log (Bûche de Noël)
A chocolatey rolled cake for festive flair.
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 6 oz chocolate, melted
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan.
- Beat eggs and sugar, add flour and cocoa. Spread in pan.
- Bake 12 minutes, roll in a towel to cool.
- Unroll, spread whipped cream, re-roll. Frost with chocolate.
Prep: 45 min. Carbs: ~25g per slice. Dust with powdered sugar for snow.
5. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Rods
Sweet-salty treats with festive sprinkles.
- 12 pretzel rods
- 8 oz milk chocolate
- Holiday sprinkles
- Melt chocolate in microwave (30-second bursts).
- Dip pretzels halfway, roll in sprinkles.
- Chill 10 minutes on parchment.
Prep: 15 min. Carbs: ~10g per rod. Serve on a festive tray.
6. Eggnog Mousse Cups
Creamy and spiced for holiday cheer.
- 6 oz white chocolate
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup eggnog
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- Melt chocolate, cool slightly.
- Whip cream, fold in eggnog, nutmeg, and chocolate.
- Spoon into cups, chill 15 minutes.
Prep: 20 min. Carbs: ~15g per cup. Garnish with cinnamon.
7. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Elegant and quick for post-dinner bites.
- 1 lb strawberries
- 8 oz dark chocolate
- White chocolate drizzle (optional)
- Wash and dry strawberries.
- Melt dark chocolate, dip strawberries.
- Drizzle with white chocolate, chill 10 minutes.
Prep: 15 min. Carbs: ~10g per strawberry. Arrange in a star shape.
8. Mince Pies
Classic pastry with spiced fruit filling.
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 cup mincemeat
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a muffin tin.
- Mix flour, butter, sugar, and egg yolk to form dough.
- Roll out, cut circles, fill with mincemeat, top with pastry lids.
- Bake 15–20 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar.
Prep: 30 min. Carbs: ~20g per pie. Serve warm with cream.
9. Chocolate Cranberry Clusters
Tart and sweet no-bake bites.
- 8 oz dark chocolate
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- Melt chocolate, mix with cranberries and nuts.
- Spoon into mounds on parchment.
- Chill 15 minutes.
Prep: 20 min. Carbs: ~12g per cluster. Festive red adds cheer.
10. Chocolate-Dipped Marshmallows
Fluffy treats with a festive coat.
- 12 large marshmallows
- 6 oz dark chocolate
- Crushed candy canes
- Melt chocolate, dip marshmallows halfway.
- Roll in candy canes, chill 10 minutes.
Prep: 15 min. Carbs: ~10g per marshmallow. Skewer for fun.
11. Gingerbread Fudge
Spiced, creamy, and no-bake.
- 8 oz white chocolate
- 1/2 cup condensed milk
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Melt chocolate with condensed milk.
- Stir in spices, pour into lined 8x8 pan.
- Chill 20 minutes, cut into squares.
Prep: 25 min. Carbs: ~15g per piece. Add gold dust for flair.
12. Christmas Chocolate Popcorn
Crunchy and sweet for sharing.
- 4 cups popped popcorn
- 6 oz white chocolate
- 2 tbsp red and green sprinkles
- Melt chocolate, toss with popcorn.
- Add sprinkles, spread on parchment.
- Chill 10 minutes.
Prep: 15 min. Carbs: ~15g per cup. Serve in festive bowls.
13. Chocolate Mint Parfait
Lush layers for a quick treat.
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy
- Mix yogurt, cocoa, honey, and peppermint extract.
- Layer with candy in glasses.
- Chill 10 minutes or serve immediately.
Prep: 15 min. Carbs: ~20g per serving. Top with whipped cream.
14. Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread
Buttery cookies with a festive coat.
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 6 oz dark chocolate
- Sprinkles
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Beat butter and sugar, add flour.
- Roll out, cut into fingers, bake 15 minutes.
- Melt chocolate, dip cookies halfway, add sprinkles.
- Chill 10 minutes.
Prep: 30 min. Carbs: ~15g per cookie. Great for cookie trays.
15. Eggnog Truffles
Creamy, nutmeg-spiced bites.
- 8 oz white chocolate
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp eggnog
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- Cocoa powder for coating
- Heat cream and eggnog, pour over chocolate.
- Stir in nutmeg, chill 15 minutes.
- Roll into balls, coat in cocoa, chill 5 minutes.
Prep: 25 min. Carbs: ~10g per truffle. Store in fridge.
16. Chocolate Fruit Skewers
Fresh and festive with a chocolate drizzle.
- 1 lb mixed fruit (strawberries, pineapple)
- 6 oz dark chocolate
- Thread fruit onto skewers.
- Melt chocolate, drizzle over skewers.
- Chill 10 minutes.
Prep: 15 min. Carbs: ~15g per skewer. Arrange in a festive star.
17. Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
Rich, no-bake bites with holiday flair.
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz chocolate chips
- Mix peanut butter and sugar, roll into balls.
- Chill 10 minutes.
- Melt chocolate, dip balls, chill 10 minutes.
Prep: 25 min. Carbs: ~12g per ball. Add festive sprinkles.
18. Christmas Pudding Shots
Creamy, single-serve treats for adults.
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp rum (optional)
- Whisk cocoa, sugar, cornstarch, and milk in a saucepan.
- Cook until thickened, stir in rum if using.
- Pour into shot glasses, chill 20 minutes.
Prep: 25 min. Carbs: ~15g per shot. Top with whipped cream.
19. Chocolate Candy Bark
Customizable and festive.
- 10 oz milk chocolate
- 1/4 cup festive candies (e.g., M&Ms)
- Melt chocolate, spread on parchment.
- Sprinkle with candies, chill 15 minutes.
- Break into pieces.
Prep: 20 min. Carbs: ~12g per piece. Use holiday-themed candies.
20. Chocolate Mousse Cups
Airy mousse in edible chocolate shells.
- 6 oz dark chocolate (for cups)
- 6 oz dark chocolate (for mousse)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp sugar
- Melt 6 oz chocolate, coat small muffin liners, chill 10 minutes.
- Melt remaining chocolate, cool. Whip cream with sugar, fold in chocolate.
- Peel off liners, fill with mousse, chill 15 minutes.
Prep: 30 min. Carbs: ~18g per cup. Top with berries.
21. Chocolate Banana Bites
Frozen, kid-friendly treats.
- 2 bananas
- 6 oz chocolate chips
- Sprinkles
- Slice bananas, dip in melted chocolate.
- Add sprinkles, freeze 15 minutes.
Prep: 20 min. Carbs: ~12g per bite. Serve chilled.
22. Chocolate Coconut Snowballs
No-bake, festive, and coconutty.
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup condensed milk
- 6 oz dark chocolate
- Mix coconut and condensed milk, roll into balls.
- Chill 10 minutes.
- Melt chocolate, dip balls, chill 10 minutes.
Prep: 25 min. Carbs: ~15g per snowball. Dust with powdered sugar.
23. Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats
Crunchy and gooey with a festive twist.
- 3 cups Rice Krispies
- 4 oz chocolate chips
- 3 tbsp butter
- 10 oz marshmallows
- Melt butter and marshmallows.
- Stir in chocolate and cereal.
- Press into greased 8x8 pan, chill 15 minutes.
Prep: 20 min. Carbs: ~25g per square. Add holiday sprinkles.
24. Chocolate-Dipped Biscotti
Crunchy treats for coffee pairing.
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup butter
- 6 oz dark chocolate
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Beat butter, sugar, and egg, add flour.
- Shape into a log, bake 20 minutes, slice.
- Melt chocolate, dip ends, chill 10 minutes.
Prep: 30 min. Carbs: ~15g per biscotti. Add almond slivers.
25. Chocolate Cinnamon Pudding
Warm, comforting, and quick.
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Whisk cocoa, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and milk in a saucepan.
- Cook until thickened, about 10 minutes.
- Serve warm or chill 15 minutes.
Prep: 20 min. Carbs: ~20g per serving. Top with whipped cream.
Nutrition Comparison Table
Approximate values per serving for planning.
| Dessert | Carbs (g) | Calories | Key Ingredient |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chocolate Peppermint Bark | 12 | 150 | Dark chocolate |
| Gingerbread Cookies | 15 | 150 | Molasses |
| Christmas Chocolate Truffles | 10 | 150 | Dark chocolate |
| Yule Log | 25 | 300 | Cocoa powder |
| Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Rods | 10 | 120 | Milk chocolate |
| Eggnog Mousse Cups | 15 | 200 | White chocolate |
| Chocolate-Covered Strawberries | 10 | 100 | Dark chocolate |
| Mince Pies | 20 | 250 | Mincemeat |
| Chocolate Cranberry Clusters | 12 | 140 | Dark chocolate |
| Chocolate-Dipped Marshmallows | 10 | 100 | Dark chocolate |
| Gingerbread Fudge | 15 | 180 | White chocolate |
| Christmas Chocolate Popcorn | 15 | 150 | White chocolate |
| Chocolate Mint Parfait | 20 | 180 | Greek yogurt |
| Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread | 15 | 200 | Butter |
| Eggnog Truffles | 10 | 150 | White chocolate |
| Chocolate Fruit Skewers | 15 | 120 | Dark chocolate |
| Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls | 12 | 200 | Peanut butter |
| Christmas Pudding Shots | 15 | 180 | Cocoa powder |
| Chocolate Candy Bark | 12 | 150 | Milk chocolate |
| Chocolate Mousse Cups | 18 | 300 | Dark chocolate |
| Chocolate Banana Bites | 12 | 120 | Chocolate chips |
| Chocolate Coconut Snowballs | 15 | 180 | Coconut |
| Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats | 25 | 220 | Marshmallows |
| Chocolate-Dipped Biscotti | 15 | 180 | Flour |
| Chocolate Cinnamon Pudding | 20 | 180 | Cocoa powder |
Essential Christmas Dessert Ingredients
Stock these for effortless holiday prep.
| Ingredient | Benefit | Storage Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate | Rich flavor | Cool, dry pantry |
| Heavy Cream | Creamy texture | Fridge, 1–2 weeks |
| Sprinkles | Festive flair | Pantry, airtight |
| Butter | Rich texture | Fridge or freeze |
| Candy Canes | Minty crunch | Pantry, airtight |
Tips for Easy Christmas Desserts
- Use high-quality chocolate for bold flavor.
- Melt chocolate in short bursts to avoid burning.
- Add festive touches like sprinkles or candy canes.
- Prep no-bake items ahead for stress-free serving.
- Store in airtight containers to keep fresh.
These tips ensure a delightful dessert spread!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these without an oven?
Yes, try peppermint bark, truffles, or parfaits for no-bake options.
2. How long do these desserts last?
Most last 3–7 days in the fridge; bark and truffles keep up to 2 weeks.
3. Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, skip rum in pudding shots. Kids love marshmallows and strawberries.
4. Can I reduce sugar?
Use dark chocolate or cut sugar slightly in puddings and cookies.
5. What’s the quickest recipe?
Pretzel rods or marshmallows—done in 15 minutes.
6. How do I avoid grainy chocolate?
Melt slowly, stirring often, per USDA food prep tips.
7. Can I freeze these?
Yes, truffles, bark, and cookies freeze well for up to a month.
Conclusion
These 25 easy Christmas Day desserts make your post-dinner spread magical. From peppermint bark to yule log, they’re beginner-friendly and bursting with holiday flavor. As a food lover, I’m excited to share these treats that elevate any celebration. Perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, they’re quick and crowd-pleasing. Grab your ingredients and create a sweet holiday finale. Merry Christmas!