The holidays are busy, but that doesn’t mean you need to skip dessert! These 10 quick and easy Christmas desserts are perfect for last-minute baking, impressing guests, or adding festive cheer to your table — all without spending hours in the kitchen.
1. No-Bake Peppermint Bark
Why it’s perfect: Minimal effort, maximum holiday vibes.
Instructions:
- Melt white and dark chocolate separately.
- Spread dark chocolate on a baking sheet.
- Pour white chocolate on top and swirl gently.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes.
- Chill for 1 hour, break into pieces.
2. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels
Why it’s perfect: Sweet, salty, and festive in minutes.
Instructions:
- Melt chocolate of your choice.
- Dip pretzels halfway and place on parchment paper.
- Sprinkle festive colored sugar or crushed candy canes.
- Chill until set.
3. Mini Cheesecake Cups
Why it’s perfect: Individual portions = less mess.
Instructions:
- Crush graham crackers and press into mini cupcake liners.
- Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla, then spoon over crust.
- Chill 1 hour.
- Top with cranberry sauce, chocolate chips, or fruit.
4. Gingerbread Mug Cake
Why it’s perfect: Single-serving, microwavable dessert.
Instructions:
- Mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, sugar, and baking powder in a mug.
- Add milk, oil, and molasses; stir until smooth.
- Microwave 90 seconds.
- Top with whipped cream.
5. Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes
Why it’s perfect: Fast, festive cupcakes.
Instructions:
- Use store-bought chocolate cake mix.
- Bake in mini cupcake tins.
- Top with peppermint frosting and crushed candy canes.
6. Sugar Cookie Bars
Why it’s perfect: Less time than cutting individual cookies.
Instructions:
- Press sugar cookie dough into a baking pan.
- Bake according to package instructions.
- Cool, drizzle with icing, sprinkle with holiday sugar.
7. Hot Cocoa Brownie Bites
Why it’s perfect: Rich chocolate + cozy vibes.
Instructions:
- Bake brownies in a mini muffin tin.
- Top with marshmallows and a dusting of cocoa powder.
- Optional: drizzle with white chocolate.
8. Fruit and Chocolate Skewers
Why it’s perfect: No-bake, healthy-ish, and colorful.
Instructions:
- Thread strawberries, marshmallows, and banana slices on skewers.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate.
- Chill 10–15 minutes before serving.
9. No-Bake Oatmeal Snowballs
Why it’s perfect: Quick, nutty, and festive.
Instructions:
- Mix oats, peanut butter, honey, and mini chocolate chips.
- Roll into small balls.
- Chill until firm.
- Optional: roll in shredded coconut for a snowy look.
10. Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists
Why it’s perfect: Crispy, buttery, and done in under 20 minutes.
Instructions:
- Roll puff pastry sheets and brush with melted butter.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar generously.
- Cut into strips and twist.
- Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 12–15 minutes until golden.