Christmas is all about joy, and these quick desserts and cookies bring the sweetness without the stress! Designed for busy holiday moments, these 12 recipes are ready in 30 minutes or less, using simple ingredients like chocolate, flour, and festive spices. Each treat is under 300 calories, beginner-friendly, and requires minimal tools (bowl, microwave, or baking sheet). Inspired by your love for fast, flavorful recipes, they align with Harvard Nutrition for mindful indulgence. Let’s whip up some holiday magic!
Why These Desserts Are Perfect for Christmas
These treats are fast, budget-friendly, and packed with festive flavors like peppermint, cinnamon, and chocolate. They’re kid-friendly, with gluten-free or lower-sugar options, and ideal for gifting or parties. Most are no-bake or use simple baking, making cleanup easy. Store well for sharing, and delight all ages with minimal effort. Ready to sweeten your holidays? Let’s get started!
1. Peppermint Chocolate Bark
Crunchy, minty chocolate layers—great for gifting.
Ingredients (Serves 12)
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 8 oz white chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Melt dark chocolate in microwave (30-second intervals); spread on parchment-lined tray.
- Melt white chocolate with peppermint extract; spread over dark layer.
- Sprinkle candy canes; chill 10 minutes. Break into pieces.
Tip: Use sugar-free chocolate for lighter treat. Calories: 150. Prep time: 15 minutes.
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2. No-Bake Coconut Snowballs
Sweet, snowy coconut bites—festive and easy.
Ingredients (Serves 12)
- 2 cups shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup condensed milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Mix coconut, condensed milk, vanilla; form 12 balls.
- Roll in powdered sugar.
- Chill 10 minutes.
Tip: Use low-fat condensed milk. Calories: 160. Prep time: 15 minutes.
3. Chocolate Peanut Butter Bites
Creamy, nutty no-bake balls—kid-friendly and rich.
Ingredients (Serves 12)
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
Instructions
- Mix peanut butter, powdered sugar; form 12 balls.
- Melt chocolate with coconut oil; dip balls to coat.
- Chill 10 minutes on parchment.
Tip: Swap for almond butter. Calories: 180. Prep time: 15 minutes.
4. Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
Soft, spiced cookies—simple holiday classic.
Ingredients (Serves 12)
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Beat butter, sugar, egg; mix in flour, cinnamon, baking powder, salt.
- Drop 12 spoonfuls onto baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Tip: Sprinkle extra cinnamon-sugar on top. Calories: 110. Prep time: 20 minutes.
5. Microwave Chocolate Mug Cake
Fudgy, single-serve cake—quick festive treat.
Ingredients (Serves 1)
- 4 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 3 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a microwave-safe mug.
- Microwave on high for 1.5-2 minutes.
- Top with whipped cream or sprinkles.
Tip: Add chocolate chips for gooeyness. Calories: 250. Prep time: 5 minutes.
6. Festive Rice Krispie Treats
Chewy cereal bars with holiday flair—fun for kids.
Ingredients (Serves 12)
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 2 cups marshmallows
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup red/green sprinkles
Instructions
- Melt butter and marshmallows in microwave (1 minute).
- Stir in cereal, sprinkles.
- Press into greased pan; cut into 12 squares after 10 minutes.
Tip: Add M&Ms for color. Calories: 130. Prep time: 15 minutes.
7. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels
Salty-sweet pretzels with festive sprinkles—quick and crunchy.
Ingredients (Serves 12)
- 24 pretzel rods
- 8 oz milk chocolate, melted
- 2 tbsp holiday sprinkles
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
Instructions
- Melt chocolate with coconut oil.
- Dip pretzels halfway; add sprinkles.
- Chill on parchment 10 minutes.
Tip: Use dark chocolate for less sugar. Calories: 120. Prep time: 15 minutes.
8. Cranberry Oat Cookies
Chewy, tart-sweet cookies—healthy and festive.
Ingredients (Serves 12)
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Mix oats, flour, baking powder, cranberries.
- Beat sugar, butter, egg; combine with dry mix.
- Drop 12 spoonfuls; bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Tip: Add orange zest for zing. Calories: 140. Prep time: 20 minutes.
9. No-Bake Cheesecake Bites
Creamy, tangy bites with graham crust—holiday-ready.
Ingredients (Serves 12)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese, sugar, vanilla; form 12 balls.
- Roll in graham crumbs.
- Chill 10 minutes.
Tip: Top with cherry jam for color. Calories: 130. Prep time: 15 minutes.
10. Spiced Hot Chocolate Pudding
Rich, warm pudding with holiday spices—cozy and quick.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Whisk milk, cocoa, sugar, cornstarch, spices in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring, 5 minutes until thick.
- Pour into 4 cups; serve warm or chilled.
Tip: Top with whipped cream. Calories: 180. Prep time: 10 minutes.
11. Almond Snowball Cookies
Buttery, nutty cookies dusted with powdered sugar—festive and simple.
Ingredients (Serves 12)
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/4 cup ground almonds
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Beat butter, sugar, vanilla; mix in flour, almonds.
- Roll into 12 balls; bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes.
- Dust with powdered sugar while warm.
Tip: Use gluten-free flour if needed. Calories: 140. Prep time: 25 minutes.
12. Microwave Apple Crisp
Warm, spiced apples with crunchy topping—single-serve holiday treat.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 apples, diced
- 1/4 cup oats
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Mix apples, 1 tbsp sugar, cinnamon; divide into 4 microwave-safe cups.
- Mix oats, butter, 1 tbsp sugar; sprinkle over apples.
- Microwave 2-3 minutes until soft.
Tip: Serve with yogurt. Calories: 160. Prep time: 10 minutes.
Nutrition Comparison Table
Per serving (approx. values).
| Recipe | Calories | Net Carbs (g) | Prep Time (min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peppermint Chocolate Bark | 150 | 12 | 15 |
| Coconut Snowballs | 160 | 12 | 15 |
| Chocolate Peanut Butter Bites | 180 | 10 | 15 |
| Cinnamon Sugar Cookies | 110 | 15 | 20 |
| Chocolate Mug Cake | 250 | 30 | 5 |
| Festive Rice Krispie Treats | 130 | 20 | 15 |
| Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels | 120 | 16 | 15 |
| Cranberry Oat Cookies | 140 | 18 | 20 |
| No-Bake Cheesecake Bites | 130 | 10 | 15 |
| Spiced Hot Chocolate Pudding | 180 | 20 | 10 |
| Almond Snowball Cookies | 140 | 12 | 25 |
| Microwave Apple Crisp | 160 | 22 | 10 |
Prep and Storage Tips
Simplify your holiday prep:
- Make no-bake treats like bark or snowballs ahead; store in fridge for 5 days (USDA storage).
- Prepare cookie dough in advance; refrigerate for 3 days or freeze for 2 months.
- Store baked cookies in airtight containers for 1 week or freeze for 1 month.
- Keep pudding or cheesecake bites refrigerated; consume within 4 days (USDA leftovers).
- Pack in festive tins ($2-5 at craft stores) for gifting.
Customizing for Holiday Joy
Tailor these to your festive vibe, inspired by your love for quick recipes. Use gluten-free flour or sugar substitutes like stevia for dietary needs. Add holiday sprinkles ($3 on Amazon) or edible glitter for sparkle. Adjust cinnamon or peppermint for kids or adults. Track with MyFitnessPal for mindful treats. Make them your own for a merry Christmas!
FAQ
Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes! Mug cake and chocolate bark are super simple.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour for cookies or oats for cranberry cookies.
How long do desserts last?
Cookies: 1 week in airtight container; no-bake: 5 days in fridge.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes! Rice Krispie treats and mug cake are kid favorites.
Where can I find ingredients?
Supermarkets, Walmart, or Amazon; sprinkles at craft stores.
Can I reduce sugar?
Use sugar substitutes or cut sugar by 25% in cookies.
What tools do I need?
Bowl, baking sheet, or microwave; no fancy equipment.
These 12 quick Christmas desserts and cookies bring festive sweetness in under 30 minutes. From peppermint bark to cozy apple crisp, they’re easy, delicious, and perfect for holiday gatherings. Prep ahead, customize, and share the joy. Happy holiday baking!