10 Easy Christmas Dessert Recipes for the Holidays
Let’s be honest—Christmas without dessert is like Santa without cookies. It just doesn’t work. The holidays are basically a free pass to indulge in everything sweet, buttery, and slightly over-the-top.
And if you’re like me, you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen wrestling with complicated pastries while your guests are sipping hot cocoa and gossiping about Aunt Linda’s new boyfriend.
That’s where easy Christmas dessert recipes come in. Think: minimal effort, maximum flavor, and all the festive charm. Whether you’re a “bake-from-scratch” kind of person or a “shortcuts are my love language” type, I’ve got you covered.
These desserts look impressive, taste divine, and won’t leave your kitchen looking like a sugar-covered war zone.
So, grab your whisk (or, let’s be real, your favorite spoon), and let’s make this Christmas the sweetest one yet.
1. Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies
Few things scream Christmas louder than a plate of frosted sugar cookies. They’re simple, fun, and taste like nostalgia with a hint of vanilla.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: almond extract for a subtle nutty twist
How to Make It:
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla (and almond extract if you’re feeling fancy).
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes (trust me, it’s worth it).
- Roll, cut into shapes, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Pro Tip: Want to level up? Add royal icing or colored sugar for that Pinterest-perfect finish.
Why I Love It: It’s the kind of cookie that brings out the inner child in everyone. Plus, it makes your house smell like Christmas magic.
2. Peppermint Bark Magic
This one’s so easy it almost feels like cheating. But hey, we don’t judge genius here. Peppermint bark is festive, delicious, and perfect for gifting—or devouring straight from the tray.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz white chocolate
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
Steps:
- Melt the semi-sweet chocolate and spread it evenly on parchment paper.
- Chill for 10 minutes until firm.
- Melt the white chocolate, stir in peppermint extract, and spread over the dark chocolate layer.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top and chill again until set.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s crunchy, minty, and chocolatey—a triple threat. Plus, it looks fancy enough to pass as a gourmet gift.
Rhetorical Question Alert: Ever met anyone who doesn’t love chocolate and mint? Exactly.
3. No-Bake Eggnog Cheesecake
Eggnog. You either love it or avoid it like the plague. But even the haters might change their minds after tasting this creamy, spiced no-bake cheesecake.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup melted butter
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
Steps:
- Mix graham crumbs and butter; press into a springform pan.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Warm eggnog slightly and dissolve gelatin in it.
- Combine everything and pour over the crust.
- Chill for at least 4 hours.
Why It Works: You get that holiday spice flavor without having to bake—or wash 10 pans. IMO, that’s a win.
4. Gingerbread Truffles
If gingerbread cookies and chocolate truffles had a baby, this would be it. These bite-sized delights are dangerously addictive.
You’ll Need:
- 1 package gingerbread cookies (crushed)
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 10 oz white chocolate (melted for coating)
- Ground cinnamon for dusting
How to Make:
- Mix crushed cookies and cream cheese until well blended.
- Roll into small balls and chill for 30 minutes.
- Dip each ball in melted white chocolate.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon before it sets.
Why It’s Great: It’s a zero-bake dessert that looks like you spent hours. You didn’t, but your guests don’t need to know.
5. Cranberry Bliss Bars
Inspired by that iconic Starbucks treat, these bars are chewy, tangy, and covered in cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
For Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp orange zest
Steps:
- Cream butter and sugar, then mix in eggs and vanilla.
- Add flour, cranberries, and chocolate chips.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
- Cool, frost, and drizzle with melted white chocolate.
Personal Note: I make these every year, and they never last a full day. The tart cranberries with sweet frosting? Chef’s kiss.
6. Hot Chocolate Fudge
Yes, it’s as decadent as it sounds. Think of it as hot cocoa in chewy form.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 can condensed milk
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Steps:
- Combine chocolate chips and condensed milk over low heat.
- Stir until smooth, then add vanilla.
- Pour into a parchment-lined dish and top with marshmallows.
- Chill for 2 hours, slice, and enjoy.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s gooey, rich, and festive—everything a holiday dessert should be.
Quick Tip: Wrap them in parchment squares and gift them. You’ll become everyone’s favorite elf.
7. Mini Pecan Pies
Perfect for when you want pie but also want to “sample” five different desserts (we’ve all been there).
Ingredients:
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup corn syrup
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Steps:
- Cut small circles from the pie crust and press into a muffin tin.
- Mix filling ingredients and pour into each crust.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Why They Rock: They’re bite-sized perfection—crispy crust, gooey center, nutty flavor. And you can eat them with your hands. Win-win.
Ever Wondered: Why are mini desserts so much more satisfying? Science probably has an answer, but I prefer to think it’s holiday magic.
8. Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Rods
A sweet-salty combo that’s festive, fast, and foolproof. Great for kids to make (or adults who like instant gratification).
What You’ll Need:
- Pretzel rods
- White, milk, and dark chocolate for dipping
- Holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes
Directions:
- Melt chocolate in separate bowls.
- Dip pretzel rods halfway, rotating for an even coat.
- Decorate with sprinkles or candy bits.
- Let cool on wax paper until set.
Why You’ll Love It: The mix of crunchy, salty, and sweet hits all the right notes. Plus, cleanup is minimal—bonus!
Sarcastic Thought: You’ll make a dozen “for guests” and somehow end up eating half. Happens every year.
9. Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding
If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if you combined cinnamon rolls and custard, this is your answer. Spoiler: it’s incredible.
Ingredients:
- 6 leftover cinnamon rolls (or store-bought)
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Steps:
- Tear cinnamon rolls into pieces and place in a greased baking dish.
- Mix remaining ingredients and pour over the rolls.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes.
Why It Works: It’s the ultimate comfort dessert—soft, warm, and dripping in icing.
Pro Tip: Drizzle with caramel or serve with ice cream. Because moderation? Never heard of her.
10. Christmas Pavlova
Light, airy, and show-stoppingly pretty—this meringue-based dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 4 egg whites
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Fresh berries or pomegranate seeds
Steps:
- Whip egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar and beat until glossy.
- Fold in vinegar and cornstarch.
- Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 1 hour, then let cool.
- Top with whipped cream and fruit.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s crispy on the outside, marshmallowy inside, and looks like it took a pastry chef to make (spoiler: it didn’t).
FYI: This one’s gluten-free, so your GF friends can enjoy it too.
Bonus Tip: Make It a Dessert Board
Here’s a fun idea: combine small portions of each dessert on a Christmas dessert charcuterie board. Mix textures—soft truffles, crunchy bark, creamy cheesecake. It’s Instagram gold and eliminates the whole “which one should I pick?” dilemma.
Conclusion
There you have it—10 easy Christmas dessert recipes that will make your holiday table look like a bakery window (without the chaos behind the scenes). From rich fudge to melt-in-your-mouth pavlova, each one brings a little joy, a lot of flavor, and zero unnecessary stress.
Remember: Christmas desserts aren’t about perfection. They’re about sharing, laughing, and maybe sneaking a cookie or two before dinner. So go ahead—tie on that apron, pour yourself some hot cocoa, and start baking memories.
Because in the end, isn’t that what the holidays are all about?
