Easy Christmas Treats: 65 Simple Recipes For Festive Holidays
Make your holidays merry with quick, festive Christmas treats—perfect for gifting, gatherings, and joyful moments.
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65 Simple Christmas Treats To Sweeten Your Holidays
Christmas is a time for sharing joy, laughter, and, of course, delicious sweet treats. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a holiday party, find creative gifts for teachers and neighbors, or simply bring the family together in the kitchen, these easy Christmas treats are the answer. From classic cookies and festive bars to no-bake candies and impressive trifles, this comprehensive guide will help you create holiday memories one bite at a time.
Table of Contents
- Classic Christmas Cookies
- Festive Bars and Brownies
- No-Bake and Make-Ahead Treats
- Holiday Candies and Confections
- Showstopping Sweets & Trifles
- Easy Treats for Gifting
- Pro Tips for Easy Christmas Treats
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Classic Christmas Cookies
No Christmas celebration is complete without a platter of homemade cookies. These classics range from time-honored recipes to kid-friendly favorites, making your holiday baking both delightful and simple.
- Sugar Cookies: Soft, buttery bases perfect for cutting into festive shapes and decorating with royal icing, colored sugars, and sprinkles. Let kids join the decorating fun for personalized treats!
- Gingerbread Men: Spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, these cookies fill your kitchen with nostalgic holiday aromas. Don’t forget the candy buttons and piped icing faces!
- Shortbread: Simple yet elegant, these crumbly, buttery cookies can be dipped in chocolate or pressed into festive molds.
- Snickerdoodles: Rolled in cinnamon sugar, these soft, chewy cookies are always a hit.
- Peanut Butter Blossoms: Classic peanut butter cookies crowned with a milk chocolate kiss—sweet perfection in every bite.
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: Fudgy chocolate cookies with crackled powdered sugar tops for a snowy effect.
- Oatmeal Cookies: Studded with raisins or chocolate chips and beautifully spiced, these are a hearty addition to any holiday tray.
Quick Cookie Tips
- Chill dough for cleaner cuts and less spread.
- Let cookies cool fully before decorating.
- Double batches freeze well for last-minute guests!
Festive Bars and Brownies
When time is short but you need to feed a crowd, bar cookies and brownies are the answer. They’re easy to assemble, bake in one pan, and can be sliced as large or small as you like.
- Pecan Pie Bars: All the rich, nutty, caramel flavor of pecan pie in portable squares. Great for parties and gifting.
- Seven Layer Bars: Also known as ‘Magic Bars,’ these start with a graham cracker crust and are layered with chocolate, coconut, butterscotch, and pecans. Drizzle with condensed milk before baking for gooey goodness.
- Red Velvet Brownies: Deeply colored and richly flavored, these brownies are a festive twist on a classic chocolate treat.
- Peppermint Bark Brownies: Fudgy brownies topped with a layer of peppermint and crushed candy canes for a holiday-ready finish.
- Eggnog Blondies: Capture the creamy, nutmeg-spiced flavor of eggnog in a chewy bar.
No-Bake and Make-Ahead Treats
When your oven is busy with holiday roasts or you want to involve younger helpers, no-bake treats are lifesavers. These sweets come together quickly and are perfect for prepping ahead of busy gatherings.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Haystacks: Melted chocolate and peanut butter tossed with chow mein noodles or crunchy pretzel sticks, dropped into little mounds, and set until firm.
- Christmas Snack Mix: A combination of cereal, pretzels, candy-coated chocolates, and festive sprinkles tossed with white chocolate—package in bags or jars for easy gifts.
- Holiday Oreo Truffles: Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies mixed with cream cheese, rolled into balls, and dipped in chocolate. Decorate with red and green sprinkles.
- Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: Dip pretzel rods or twists in white, milk, or dark chocolate, then sprinkle with crushed peppermint or colored sugar.
Holiday Candies and Confections
Homemade candies may sound intimidating, but these quick recipes will turn you into a holiday candy-maker with ease—no candy thermometer required for most!
- Saltine Toffee (Christmas Crack): Saltine crackers layered with quick toffee and chocolate, then topped with nuts or festive sprinkles.
- Peppermint Bark: Layers of dark and white chocolate, swirled and topped with crushed peppermint candies. Break into shards for a beautiful presentation.
- Divinity: Fluffy, pillowy Southern candy made with whipped egg whites and sugar—sometimes with chopped pecans or candied fruit mixed in.
- Bourbon Balls: A grown-up favorite, these no-bake treats combine vanilla wafers, pecans, and a splash of bourbon for boozy, festive bites.
- Coconut Snowballs: Sweetened coconut rolled into balls around a creamy filling, then dusted with powdered sugar for a snowy look.
Showstopping Sweets & Trifles
If you’re tasked with bringing dessert to the big holiday meal or want to impress at a party, these gorgeous sweets are sure to draw attention—and they’re easier than they look!
- Mini Trifles: Layers of cake, pudding, whipped cream, and fruit assembled in glasses or jars for individual servings. Try combinations like chocolate and cherries, or gingerbread and spiced apples.
- Pavlova Wreath: A crispy meringue wreath topped with whipped cream and jewel-like berries—dramatic and gluten-free.
- Holiday Tiramisu: Espresso-soaked ladyfingers layered with mascarpone and dusted with cocoa, with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg for seasonal flair.
- Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake Bars: Creamy cheesecake swirled with tart cranberry sauce atop a buttery crust.
- Chocolate Yule Log (Bûche de Noël): A rolled sponge cake filled with mocha or vanilla cream, covered in chocolate ganache, and decorated like a snowy log.
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Easy Treats for Gifting
Homemade treats make the best gifts—they’re personal, thoughtful, and always appreciated. Try these ideas for delicious gifts that travel well and bring a smile to every recipient.
- Cookie Mix in a Jar: Layer dry cookie ingredients in a clear jar, attach a recipe card, and wrap with ribbon for a pretty presentation.
- Fudge Squares: Classic chocolate or peanut butter fudge cut into neat squares, wrapped in parchment, and stacked in a tin.
- Spiced Nuts: Pecans, almonds, or cashews coated in cinnamon and sugar or a touch of cayenne for a sweet-spicy kick.
- Homemade Marshmallows: Fluffy, pillowy cubes in a variety of flavors—perfect for hot chocolate gifting sets.
- Brittle: Crisp, caramelized candy studded with peanuts or pecans, broken into bite-sized pieces and bagged for sharing.
Pro Tips for Easy Christmas Treats
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup and perfect results.
- Double or triple recipes for parties or care packages—most cookie doughs and bars freeze beautifully.
- Get creative with decorations! Use holiday-themed cookie cutters, sprinkles, and colored sugars for festive flair.
- Let kids help with mixing, rolling, and decorating—making treats together is a lasting holiday memory.
- Store treats in airtight containers, separating candies and cookies with wax paper to maintain freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the best Christmas cookies to make ahead of time?
Most classic Christmas cookies—such as sugar cookies, shortbread, and gingerbread—can be made in advance and frozen. Store undecorated cookies in airtight containers, then thaw and decorate before serving or gifting.
Can I freeze Christmas treats for later?
Absolutely! Most cookies, bars, and some candies freeze well for up to three months. Make sure treats are completely cooled before freezing, and use parchment or waxed paper between layers to prevent sticking.
How should I package homemade treats for gifting?
Line cookie tins, boxes, or jars with parchment or festive tissue. Stack cookies and bars neatly, and use cellophane bags for candies and snack mix. Finish with ribbon or festive tags for a special touch.
What’s the easiest Christmas treat for kids to help make?
No-bake treats—like chocolate-covered pretzels, snack mix, or marshmallow pops—are perfect for little hands. Kids can mix, dip, and decorate with minimal supervision.
How do I keep decorated cookies fresh?
Allow icing and decorations to dry fully before stacking and storing. Keep in airtight containers at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
Conclusion
Making Christmas treats doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. With these easy, festive recipes for cookies, bars, candies, and more, you’ll have a delicious spread to share, gift, or savor with friends and family. Remember, the sweetest part of the holiday season is spending it together—and maybe sneaking a few extra cookies along the way.
References
- https://www.southernliving.com/holidays-occasions/christmas/recipes/easy-christmas-treats
- https://www.southernliving.com/food/holidays-occasions/christmas-dessert-recipes
- https://www.southernliving.com/holidays-occasions/christmas/recipes/christmas-desserts
- https://www.southernliving.com/holidays-occasions/christmas/recipes/traditional-christmas-desserts
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9VDEhX9abk
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