15 Easy Christmas Desserts Recipes Everyone Will Love

Whip up 15 easy Christmas dessert recipes that bring holiday joy with minimal effort. These beginner-friendly treats, from no-bake fudge to classic cookies, use simple ingredients for festive flavors everyone will adore—perfect for gifting or cozy gatherings.

Hey there, it’s MD Ashraf Ahmed, your friendly guide to tasty, stress-free cooking! Christmas is all about joy, family, and, of course, delicious desserts. But let’s be real—nobody wants to spend hours in the kitchen when there’s holiday fun to be had. These 15 dessert recipes are quick, use pantry staples, and pack festive cheer. Whether you’re a new cook or a busy parent, you’ll find these treats simple and delightful. From creamy peppermint bark to chewy gingerbread, there’s something for all. Let’s make your holiday table sparkle with sweets!

Why These Christmas Desserts Are Perfect

Desserts make the holidays magical. They’re the sweet finale to dinners and the star of cookie swaps. These recipes are beginner-friendly, taking 10-30 minutes of prep. They’re affordable, often under $10 a batch, and use common ingredients like flour, sugar, and chocolate. Plus, they’re versatile—great for kids, adults, or gifting.

Baking can also lift your spirits. According to the American Psychological Association, cooking reduces stress and boosts mood. Many of these treats, like fruit-based desserts, sneak in nutrients too. The CDC suggests keeping portions small to enjoy sweets healthily. Here’s a quick look at what’s coming.

Dessert Type	Prep Time	Key Flavor	Why It’s a Hit
Cookies	15 min	Ginger, chocolate	Fun to decorate, shareable
No-Bake	10 min	Peppermint, peanut butter	No oven, quick cleanup
Cakes/Bars	20 min	Cranberry, spice	Festive, crowd-pleasing
Puddings	10 min	Chocolate, fruit	Creamy, indulgent

Excited? Let’s stock your kitchen first.

Pantry and Tool Essentials

You don’t need fancy gear or ingredients. Stock flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla. For holiday flair, grab peppermint extract, cranberries, or sprinkles. Cocoa powder and chocolate chips are must-haves. For no-bake treats, keep condensed milk and cream cheese handy.

Tools: Mixing bowls, a baking sheet, and a whisk. A hand mixer helps but isn’t required. Parchment paper saves cleanup time. The USDA advises storing baked goods in airtight containers to stay fresh. See their food safety tips for more.

• Staples: Flour, sugar, eggs, butter
• Festive add-ins: Sprinkles, dried fruit, nuts
• Tools: Bowls, sheets, spatula
• Tip: Buy bulk for savings

Ready? Let’s jump into the recipes!

15 Easy Christmas Dessert Recipes

These desserts are quick, festive, and serve 12-24 people. Each includes ingredients, steps, and tips. Mix and match for a stunning holiday spread.

1. Gingerbread Cookies

Soft, spicy classics perfect for decorating. Inspired by Taste of Home.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 tsp ginger
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 egg

Steps:

1. Cream butter and sugar.
2. Add egg, molasses, spices.
3. Mix in flour, soda.
4. Chill dough 1 hour.
5. Roll, cut shapes, bake at 350°F for 8-10 min.
6. Decorate with icing.

Tip: Use star or tree cutters. Makes 3 dozen. Prep: 15 min, Cook: 10 min.

2. Peppermint Bark

No-bake chocolate and mint delight. From Delish ideas.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz dark chocolate
• 12 oz white chocolate
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes

Steps:

1. Melt dark chocolate, spread on lined sheet.
2. Chill 10 min.
3. Melt white chocolate, spread over.
4. Sprinkle candy canes, chill 20 min.
5. Break into pieces.

Tip: Package for gifts. Ready in 30 min. Serves 20.

3. Sugar Cookies

Buttery cutouts for festive fun. Pioneer Woman-inspired.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla

Steps:

1. Cream butter, sugar.
2. Add egg, vanilla.
3. Mix in flour.
4. Chill 30 min, roll, cut shapes.
5. Bake at 375°F for 7-9 min.
6. Decorate with sprinkles.

Tip: Add red icing for cheer. Makes 4 dozen. Prep: 15 min, Cook: 9 min.

4. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Fudgy with a snowy dusting. From Country Living.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cocoa powder
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Steps:

1. Mix cocoa, sugar, oil.
2. Add eggs, then flour.
3. Chill 2 hours.
4. Roll balls in powdered sugar.
5. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 min.

Tip: Keep soft by underbaking slightly. Makes 5 dozen. Prep: 20 min, Cook: 12 min.

5. Thumbprint Cookies

Jammy, nutty gems. Allrecipes-inspired.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup raspberry jam

Steps:

1. Cream butter, sugar.
2. Add flour, pecans.
3. Roll into balls, indent with thumb.
4. Bake at 350°F for 10 min.
5. Fill with jam.

Tip: Try apricot jam. Makes 3 dozen. Prep: 15 min, Cook: 10 min.

6. No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Creamy, chocolate-dipped treats. From Pioneer Woman.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup peanut butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Steps:

1. Mix peanut butter, sugar, butter.
2. Roll into 1-inch balls.
3. Chill 30 min.
4. Melt chocolate, dip balls.
5. Set on wax paper.

Tip: Add green sprinkles. Makes 4 dozen. Prep: 20 min, Chill: 30 min.

7. Christmas Fudge

Smooth, festive squares. Delish-inspired.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups chocolate chips
• 1 can (14 oz) condensed milk
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• Red food coloring

Steps:

1. Melt chocolate with milk.
2. Stir in extract, swirl in color.
3. Pour into lined 8x8 pan.
4. Chill 2 hours, cut.

Tip: Make red-green layers. Makes 36 pieces. Prep: 10 min, Chill: 2 hours.

8. Cranberry Orange Bars

Tangy, chewy treats. From Good Housekeeping.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 cup oats
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Steps:

1. Mix flour, oats, butter, sugar for crust.
2. Press half into 8x8 pan.
3. Mix cranberries, juice, spread over.
4. Top with remaining crust, bake 350°F for 25 min.

Tip: Zest orange for extra flavor. Makes 16 bars. Prep: 15 min, Cook: 25 min.

9. Chocolate Peppermint Truffles

Rich, no-bake bites. Food Network-inspired.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz dark chocolate
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• Cocoa powder for rolling

Steps:

1. Heat cream, pour over chocolate.
2. Stir in extract, chill 1 hour.
3. Roll into balls, coat in cocoa.
4. Chill until set.

Tip: Use crushed candy canes for coating. Makes 24 truffles. Prep: 15 min, Chill: 1 hour.

10. Eggnog Pudding

Creamy holiday comfort. From Kitchn ideas.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla

Steps:

1. Whisk milk, sugar, cornstarch over medium heat.
2. Stir until thick, 5-7 min.
3. Add nutmeg, vanilla.
4. Pour into cups, chill 2 hours.

Tip: Top with whipped cream. Serves 4. Prep: 10 min, Chill: 2 hours.

11. Linzer Cookies

Jam-filled beauties. Food Network-inspired.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup ground almonds
• 3/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup raspberry jam

Steps:

1. Cream butter, sugar.
2. Add flour, almonds.
3. Chill 1 hour, roll, cut shapes.
4. Bake 350°F for 10 min.
5. Sandwich with jam.

Tip: Dust with powdered sugar. Makes 2 dozen. Prep: 20 min, Cook: 10 min.

12. Pumpkin Pie Bites

Mini, creamy treats. From EatingWell.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs

Steps:

1. Mix crumbs, press into mini muffin tin.
2. Blend pumpkin, yogurt, syrup, cinnamon.
3. Spoon over crusts.
4. Chill 2 hours.

Tip: Add nutmeg pinch. Makes 24 bites. Prep: 15 min, Chill: 2 hours.

13. Almond Snowballs

Nutty, melt-in-mouth cookies. Southern Living-inspired.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup ground almonds
• 2 cups flour
• Extra powdered sugar

Steps:

1. Cream butter, sugar.
2. Add almonds, flour.
3. Roll into balls.
4. Bake 350°F for 12 min.
5. Roll in sugar while warm.

Tip: Store in tins. Makes 3 dozen. Prep: 15 min, Cook: 12 min.

14. Cranberry Sorbet

Light, tangy dessert. Allrecipes-inspired.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Steps:

1. Blend all ingredients.
2. Pour into dish, freeze 4 hours.
3. Stir hourly for smooth texture.
4. Scoop to serve.

Tip: Garnish with mint. Serves 6. Prep: 10 min, Freeze: 4 hours.

15. Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread

Buttery, decadent cookies. From BBC Good Food.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Steps:

1. Cream butter, sugar.
2. Add flour, form dough.
3. Roll, cut rectangles.
4. Bake 325°F for 15 min.
5. Dip ends in melted chocolate.

Tip: Add holiday sprinkles. Makes 3 dozen. Prep: 15 min, Cook: 15 min.

Tips for Easy Dessert Success

Plan ahead—freeze cookie dough for quick baking. Use parchment for no-stick cleanup. Involve kids for decorating fun. Store treats properly; the FDA suggests airtight containers for freshness. Gift extras in festive tins for neighbors. Check FDA storage tips.

• Batch prep: Make dough early
• Simplify: Use store-bought icing
• Store smart: Keep airtight
• Gift idea: Tie with ribbons
• Clean easy: Parchment is key

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these desserts ahead?

Yes! Cookies last 2 weeks in tins; fudge and bark store 1 month chilled.

Are these kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love decorating cookies or stirring no-bake mixes.

How do I make gluten-free versions?

Swap flour with gluten-free blends like almond flour for cookies.

What’s the quickest dessert?

Peppermint bark—done in 30 minutes, no baking required.

Can I reduce sugar?

Yes, use stevia or monk fruit in place of sugar for healthier treats.

How do I store these?

Airtight containers at room temp for cookies; fridge for creamy desserts.

Are these good for gifting?

Perfect! Package in tins or bags with festive bows for charm.

Conclusion

Christmas is sweeter with these 15 easy dessert recipes. From gingerbread cookies to cranberry sorbet, they’re simple, festive, and sure to please everyone. As MD Ashraf Ahmed, I’m thrilled to share these beginner-friendly treats that spark joy without stress. Try one (or all!) to make your holiday glow. Grab your apron, share the love, and enjoy a delicious season. Happy baking!