The holiday season is all about spending time with loved ones and enjoying delicious treats without the stress of complicated recipes.
For those looking to whip up quick and delightful desserts, we’ve gathered options that are as festive as they are effortless.
These Christmas sweets are sure to bring joy to your table while giving you more time to relax and celebrate the season.
1. Classic Yule Log (Bûche de Noël)
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8
- Calories: ~350/serving
- Cost: $12
Watch a full YouTube step-by-step video here!
The Bûche de Noël, or Yule Log cake, is a beloved French Christmas tradition that dates back to the 19th century.
A festive dessert symbolizes the ancient custom of burning a real Yule log in the hearth during the holiday season.
Made with a delicate, light sponge cake rolled up with a luscious chocolate frosting, the cake is artfully crafted to resemble a wooden log, complete with rustic details.
| Category | Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| For the Sponge Cake | Large eggs (separated) | 4 |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup | |
| All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup | |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 1/4 cup | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | |
| Salt | Pinch | |
| For the Chocolate Frosting | Heavy whipping cream | 1 cup |
| Powdered sugar | 1/2 cup | |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 1/4 cup | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | |
| For Decoration | Powdered sugar (for dusting) | As needed |
| Fresh berries (raspberries, blackberries, or cranberries) | 1 cup | |
| Chocolate shavings (optional) | As desired | |
| Sugared holly leaves or edible flowers (optional) | For garnish |
2. Gingerbread Cookies
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour (optional for easier rolling)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: ~120/cookie
- Cost: $8
See how to make perfectly shaped gingerbread cookies in a video tutorial!
Gingerbread cookies are a timeless holiday classic that brings warmth and nostalgia to every festive celebration. These delightfully spiced cookies are crisp around the edges yet tender in the center, bursting with flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses.
Perfect for baking with family, they also double as edible art, ready to be decorated with colorful icing and candy. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or used to adorn the holiday table, gingerbread cookies embody the spirit of togetherness and creativity during the season.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups |
| Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Baking powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Ground ginger | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground cloves | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 3/4 cup |
| Dark brown sugar (packed) | 3/4 cup |
| Molasses | 1/2 cup |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
3. Peppermint Bark
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 20 pieces
- Calories: ~150/piece
- Cost: $10
If you’re interested in the full process of making peppermint bark, you can watch it here!
Peppermint bark is a quintessential holiday treat that combines the irresistible flavors of smooth chocolate and refreshing peppermint.
The simple yet elegant confection features layers of rich dark chocolate and creamy white chocolate, topped with a sprinkling of crushed peppermint candies for a festive crunch.
A staple of holiday gatherings and gifting, peppermint bark is not only delicious but also visually striking with its snowy white and dark layers, accented by vibrant peppermint pieces.
| Layer | Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Dark Chocolate Layer | High-quality dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa), finely chopped | 12 ounces |
| White Chocolate Layer | High-quality white chocolate, finely chopped | 12 ounces |
| Topping | Crushed peppermint candies (candy canes or peppermint sticks) | 1/2 cup |
4. Eggnog Cheesecake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Chill Time: 4+ hours
- Total Time: ~5 hours
- Servings: 10 slices
- Calories: ~450/slice
- Cost: $14
An easy and fast recipe that is beginner-friendly, you can watch the full process here!
Eggnog Cheesecake brings the cozy, nostalgic flavors of the holidays to a rich, creamy dessert.
Combining the velvety texture of a classic cheesecake with the warmth of spiced eggnog, this dessert delivers subtle hints of nutmeg and cinnamon in every bite.
Topped with fluffy whipped cream and a dusting of nutmeg, it’s the perfect indulgence for holiday gatherings.
If you’re interested, you can check a biscoff cheesecake instead.
| Section | Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| For the Crust | Graham cracker crumbs | 1 1/2 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1/4 cup | |
| Cinnamon | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 6 tablespoons | |
| For the Cheesecake Filling | Cream cheese, softened | 3 (8-ounce) packages |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/4 teaspoon | |
| Ground nutmeg (plus more for garnish) | 1/4 teaspoon | |
| Eggnog (full-fat) | 3/4 cup | |
| Large eggs | 3 | |
| For the Topping | Heavy whipping cream | 1 cup |
| Powdered sugar | 2 tablespoons | |
| Vanilla extract | 1/2 teaspoon |
5. Sticky Toffee Pudding
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories: ~400/serving
- Cost: $9
Watch a full video tutorial on how to make this tasty dessert here!
Sticky Toffee Pudding is a cherished British dessert known for its moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture and indulgent toffee sauce.
Originating in the mid-20th century, this comforting treat combines the subtle sweetness of dates with the richness of a caramelized sauce, creating a dessert that warms the soul.
Often served during festive gatherings, this pudding is perfect for cozy nights or special occasions alike.
| Component | Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Date Cake | Pitted dates, finely chopped | 1 cup |
| Boiling water | 1 cup | |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon | |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 1/4 cup | |
| Brown sugar (packed) | 3/4 cup | |
| Large eggs | 2 | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | |
| Baking powder | 1 1/2 teaspoons | |
| Salt | Pinch | |
| Toffee Sauce | Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup |
| Brown sugar (packed) | 1 cup | |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
6. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: ~2 hours 25 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: ~110 per cookie
- Cost: $7
If you’re unsure on how to make this recipe, maybe a full video step-by-step process can help you with that!
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a classic holiday favorite that combines rich, fudgy chocolate flavor with a beautiful, snow-dusted appearance.
These cookies get their characteristic crinkly texture as they bake, creating a delightful contrast between the crisp, sugar-coated exterior and the soft, chewy center.
Perfect for Christmas trays, cookie swaps, or as a festive treat for loved ones.
| Category | Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Ingredients | All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 1/2 cup | |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon | |
| Baking soda | 1/4 teaspoon | |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | |
| Wet Ingredients | Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Brown sugar (packed) | 1/2 cup | |
| Vegetable oil | 1/4 cup | |
| Eggs | 2 large | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | |
| For Coating | Powdered sugar | 1/2 cup |
7. Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 16 bars
- Calories: ~300/bar
- Cost: $12
You can watch the full process of making the cranberry bliss bars here!
Cranberry Bliss Bars are the perfect festive treat, blending sweet, tart, and creamy flavors into one delightful bite.
These bars, inspired by a well-loved coffee shop seasonal favorite, feature a soft blondie base studded with tart cranberries and rich white chocolate, all topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of cranberries.
With their vibrant color and irresistible flavor, they’re a standout addition to any holiday dessert table.
| Component | Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Blondie Base | Unsalted butter | 1 cup (melted and cooled) |
| Light brown sugar | 1 1/4 cups (packed) | |
| Large eggs | 2 | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon | |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| White chocolate chips | 1/2 cup | |
| Dried cranberries | 3/4 cup | |
| Cream Cheese Frosting | Cream cheese | 8 oz (softened) |
| Powdered sugar | 1/2 cup | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | |
| White chocolate | 1/4 cup (melted) | |
| Topping | Dried cranberries | 1/3 cup (chopped) |
| White chocolate | 1/4 cup (melted, for drizzling) |
8. Pecan Snowball Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes + chilling time
- Servings: 20 cookies
- Calories: ~120/cookie
- Cost: $8
See the full recipe process for making them soft and delicious without complications!
Pecan Snowball Cookies, also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes, are a holiday classic that bring a delightful crunch and a melt-in-your-mouth texture to any dessert table.
These buttery, nutty treats are rolled in powdered sugar, giving them a festive, wintry appearance reminiscent of freshly fallen snow. Loved for their simplicity and irresistible flavor, these cookies are a must-have for the holiday season.
| Category | Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| For the Cookies | Unsalted butter (softened) | 1 cup |
| Powdered sugar | 1/2 cup | |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons | |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | |
| Finely chopped pecans | 1 cup | |
| For Rolling | Powdered sugar (for coating) | 1 cup |
9. Candy Cane Brownies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 12 brownies
- Calories: ~300/brownie
- Cost: $10
Watch a step-by-step video to make the process easier and safer!
Candy Cane Brownies are the ultimate holiday indulgence, combining rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with the festive flavor of peppermint.
These brownies offer a decadent twist on a classic dessert, with swirls of crushed candy canes baked into the batter and a luscious layer of peppermint frosting on top.
Perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or as a sweet treat to enjoy with a warm drink on a cold winter night, these brownies bring the magic of the season to every bite.
| Category | Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| For the Brownie Base | Unsalted butter (melted) | 1/2 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | |
| Large eggs | 2 large | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 1/3 cup | |
| All-purpose flour | 1/2 cup | |
| Baking powder | 1/4 teaspoon | |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | |
| Crushed candy canes (plus extra for topping) | 1/3 cup | |
| For the Peppermint Frosting | Unsalted butter (softened) | 1/2 cup |
| Powdered sugar | 2 cup | |
| Heavy cream | 2 tablespoon | |
| Peppermint extract | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| A few drops of red or pink food coloring (optional) | / | |
| For Decoration | Additional crushed candy canes | / |
| Chocolate drizzle or white chocolate shavings | / |
10. Christmas Pavlova
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories: ~280/serving
- Cost: $11
This is a bit harder dessert to make. to make the process easier, I recommend that you watch a video tutorial on how to make it!
The Christmas Pavlova is a show-stopping dessert that brings elegance and lightness to your holiday table.
With its crisp, delicate meringue base, a soft marshmallow-like center, and a luscious layer of whipped cream topped with fresh berries, it’s a festive delight that looks as good as it tastes.
The vibrant colors of the berries and a drizzle of tangy pomegranate syrup make this dessert both visually striking and irresistibly delicious.
| Category | Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| For the Meringue Base | Large egg whites (room temperature) | 4 large |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | |
| White vinegar | 1 teaspoon | |
| Cornstarch | 1 teaspoon | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | |
| Heavy whipping cream (chilled) | 1 1/2 cups | |
| Powdered sugar | 2 tablespoons | |
| Vanilla extract | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| For the Toppings | Fresh strawberries (halved) | 1 cup |
| Fresh raspberries | 1 cup | |
| Fresh blueberries | 1/2 cup | |
| Pomegranate seeds | 1/2 cup | |
| Pomegranate syrup (store-bought or homemade) | 3 tablespoons | |
| Fresh mint leaves for garnish | / |
The Bottom Line
These quick and easy Christmas desserts prove that simplicity doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or style.
Perfect for last-minute gatherings or holiday indulgence, each treat adds a festive touch to your celebrations.
Share them with family, gift them to friends, or enjoy a quiet moment with something sweet, because great desserts make the holidays even more memorable.
