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30 Easy Christmas Treats for The Holidays

Cookies, brownies, fudge, and cakes, this is the ultimate list of easy Christmas treats!

From classic cookies to creative goodies, these sweets are as festive as can be. There are no-bake, make-ahead, and freezer-friendly options, too.

Christmas Tree Brownies

30 Best Christmas Treats Your Family Will Love

Nothing spreads Christmas cheer like something made with love. So make someone’s day with a box of these goodies.

Christmas tree cupcakes, rum balls, crinkle cookies, take your pick. Each one of these is sure to make someone jolly.

So roll up your sleeves and work your way through this list of 30 Christmas treats.

Sweet Homemade Peppermint Bundt Cake
Source: Copykat.com

1. Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake

I’m in love with this dark cake sprinkled with crushed candy canes! It would make one fantastic centerpiece.

Although, I am a little obsessed with these mini-bundt pans, which would make them the perfect little gifts.

Big or small, this chocolate ganache-covered cake is a masterpiece.

A slice of gingerbread cake topped with whipped cream and fresh bananas on a plate
Source: Tastesbetterfromscratch.com

2. Gingerbread Cake

Once it starts to get cold, I like to make up a big batch of gingerbread-flavored everything. Including this cake.

Warm, tender, and spiced, this Christmas dessert is everything nice. 

It has the depth of molasses and caramel undertones we all love. Perfectly moist alone, it pairs just right with a cup of coffee.

Sweet Homemade Fudge Brownies with Walnuts in a White Plate

3. Nestle Fudge Recipe

Fudge is one of my favorite things to gift during the holidays. 

It’s easy to make and lasts much longer than most cookies. Plus, it’s easy to transport and won’t ruin if the box gets knocked over.

You can create a few varieties out of just one batch, too. From nuts to crushed candy canes, this fudge is simple to doctor up.

Sweet Homemade Christmas Tree Cupcakes Sprinkled with Candies
Source: Cakewhiz.com

4. Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Everyone will light up when they see these cuties! They’re absolutely adorable and loaded with frosting.

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Be careful, transporting them can be tricking. But any cupcake box will do the trick.

So make a batch for a December birthday party or the holidays. All those little frosting lickers will be beyond happy.

Homemade Pumpkin Roll Filled with Cream Cheese

6. Pumpkin Roll Recipe

You might think that this pumpkin roll is too hard to make at home. But this recipe will show you the way.

You can create this cake without being a pro. It looks impressive, tastes phenomenal, and will cause jaws to drop. 

This roll is proof that pumpkin isn’t just for Halloween or Thanksgiving. It’s for Christmas too.

A festive bowl of Christmas pretzels adorned with candy canes, perfect for holiday snacking
Source: Cookingclassy.com

7. Pretzel M&M Hugs

I love how, just by using red and green, any recipe can be festive!

White chocolate and M&Ms to make these elf-like treats. They’re quick, so you can make as many as you need.

Put them in cute Christmas bags, and they’re a fast gift, too. Classmates, co-workers, and family will all love getting these.

Sweet Snowman Oreo Balls - a festive treat for the holidays
Source: The-girl-who-ate-everything.com

8. Melted Snowmen Oreo Balls

Truffle balls and cake pops have been my go-to since they burst onto the scene. 

But these snowman truffles might just be my favorite! They’re just too cute, with their little Oreo hats and piped noses.

Not only are they a great gift, but they’re also perfect for any winter gathering.

Sweet Christmas Cracks Topped with M&M's Candies

9. Christmas Crack

I warn you now: this stuff is addictive! It’s sweet, salty, and full of holiday cheer.

The crunchy Saltines, homemade toffee, melted chocolate, and festive toppings create the ultimate Christmas treat. 

You can’t eat just one of these goodies. Just try, it’s impossible!

Festive gingerbread cookies on rustic wooden background
Source: Onceuponachef.com

10. Gingerbread Men

Gingerbread men. Gingerbread people. Gingerbread dogs?

Whichever shape you prefer, they are a must-make at Christmas. I mean, it’s just not the holidays without these adorable treats on a cookie platter.

Oh, and here’s a pro tip. Decorate with royal icing so it sets up and won’t smudge.

Scrumptious brownies arranged in the shape of Christmas trees
Source: Dinneratthezoo.com

11. Christmas Tree Brownies

It’s never a bad time for a brownie. Barbecues, birthdays, holidays, afternoon snacks, you name it. 

They’re so easy to jazz up for a special occasion, too. Just like these cute Christmas trees. 

Pipe green frosting on top and add holiday-colored sprinkles for lights. It’s a super easy, fan-favorite treat.

Homemade Reindeer Pretzels with Chocolates

12. Rolo Reindeer Pretzels

Looking for a fun holiday treat you can make with the kids? These reindeer pretzels are perfect!

They’re super simple to make, and they’ll have a blast decorating. Plus, you only need four ingredients. So you don’t have to spend a fortune on baking. 

Can’t find candy eyes? Just do what I do. Use white chocolate chips and edible pens.

Homemade Christmas Trash with White Chocolate, Candy, Nuts and Cereal

13. Christmas Trash

I admit, the name isn’t the most appealing. But the flavor and texture sure are!

Christmas trash takes all kinds of holiday leftovers and turns them into a delicious snack. Cereal, pretzels, peanuts, candy, and chocolate to be specific. 

Sweet, salty, and crunchy, this no bake holiday treat is a must for your parties.

Homemade Chewy Spiced Ginger Cookies

14. Ginger Cookies

Nothing gets me into the holiday spirit like ginger cookies. Their scent wafting from the oven is so festive and cozy. 

What’s even better, though, is biting into these chewy spiced cookies. It sends me right to my happy place and relieves that holiday stress. 

So forget about shopping and schedules. Instead, grab a cookie and decompress.

Homemade Assorted Coated Rum Balls

15. Rum Balls

Not all Christmas desserts have to be about Santa and Rudolph. Some can be sinfully delicious, like these rum balls. 

Chocolatey, salty, sweet, and boozy, these grown-up goodies are the best. 

These also make fantastic no-bake holiday treats for gift-giving. One batch makes three dozen!

Chocolate Peppermint Bark with Crushed Candies

16. Peppermint Bark

Is there anything more jolly than peppermint bark? It’s an oldie but a goodie that’s always sure to delight.

Unlike other candies, it’s also super easy. You just need three ingredients and a microwave — no thermometer required.

It makes plenty, too. So you can bundle them in cute wrappers and share the love.

Homemade Moist and Tender Cranberry Christmas Cake

17. Cranberry Christmas Cake

Make this cranberry cake the star on your table. It’s beginner-friendly, serves a crowd, and very fitting for the season.

The sweet and tender cake is rife with juicy cranberries and nutty pecans. It’s remarkably decadent for only needing seven ingredients.

It’s not just a Christmas dessert, either. Thanks to the frozen cranberries, you can make it year-round.

Sweet Homemade Christmas Cookie Fudge with Sprinkled Candies

18. Christmas Cookie Fudge

Debating between making cookies or fudge? Guess what, you don’t have to choose!

Chewy, chocolatey, creamy, and sweet, this fuss-free cookie fudge is the best of both worlds. Topped with red and green sprinkles, it’s dressed for the season. 

I like to make a double batch. One for sharing and one for freezing.

Creamy Chocolate Bavarian Mints

19. Bavarian Mints

Move over See’s candies, Bavarian mints are in town for the holidays!

These candies are dangerously decadent. They’re creamy and chocolatey with a cooling kiss of peppermint.

Part mint, part fudge, they’re the ideal combo. Serve them before or after dinner for a sweet little nibble.

Sweet Homemade Chocolate Crinkle Cookies in a Baking Rack

20. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These chocolate crinkle cookies are a must for your cookie platter. They’re a classic the family will love eating year after year. 

The crackled confectioner’s sugar topping looks just like snow. And the chewy, fudgy flavor is to die for. 

They’re also simple to make. So you don’t have to spend the afternoon baking up a storm. Unless you want to!

Bowl of Homemade Puppy Chow with Powdered Sugar

21. Puppy Chow

This no-bake Christmas treat is a great make-ahead option that lasts in the freezer for three months. 

Sometimes, making all the goodies you need in one weekend is overwhelming. So I like to make my sweets in advance, like puppy chow.

It’s easy to make and stores well. So I’m never caught without something tasty to offer.

Sweet Oreo Cookie Christmas Ornaments with Colorful Candies and Peanut Butter Cups
Source: Sugarhero.com

22. Oreo Cookie Christmas Ornaments

Dipped Oreos are a genius idea for a Christmas treat. Just dip them in white chocolate and add candy on top. 

They’re a blank canvas waiting for your special touch. Sprinkles, edible glitter, piping, have fun with your creation. 

The kids will love helping with these goodies.

A stack of white frosted Christmas bars on a cutting board
Source: Spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com

23. Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Everything about these cookie bars is fantastic. 

They’re thick and chewy, just like a sugar cookie. As a bonus, they’re topped with buttercream frosting.

They come together fast, with no scooping or rolling required. And they’re super festive with the red and green speckles throughout the entire bar.

White Hot Chocolate with Mini Marshmallows in Glasses

24. White Hot Chocolate

You know what makes baking more fun? A warm cup of white hot chocolate!

It’s the best drink for making cookies and treats with the family. Not to mention Christmas morning when it’s time for unwrapping presents.

It’s sweeter than regular, but just as cozy. And way better than store-bought because it’s made from scratch with love.

Sweet Homemade Peppermint Chocolate Covered Marshmallows
Source: Bakingbeauty.net

25. Peppermint Chocolate Covered Marshmallows

Say, you know what will go great with that hot chocolate? These adorable marshmallows!

You can hook the candy cane on the side of a mug. Or, line them on a platter and pass them around. 

They’re a fun idea for a holiday party and easy enough for just spoiling the kids.

Grinch Rice Krispies Treats Topped with Red Heart-Shaped Candies
Source: Sarahsbakestudio.com

26. Grinch Rice Krispies Treats

The Grinch himself would be happy about Christmas thanks to these Rice Krispies Treats.

They have that classic chewy, crispy, marshmallow goodness you loved as a kid. Except they get all decked out for the season with the color green.

They’re the easiest thing in the world to make. Plus, the kids can help.

Delicious chocolate-covered Christmas truffles in a tin
Source: Dinneratthezoo.com

27. Christmas Cake Chocolate Truffles

If you want to impress this holiday, make these cake truffles. Everyone will be eyeing this across the room. 

On the outside is a hard chocolate coating. Bite in and get a sweet surprise of frosting and cake. 

They look like they took all day. But you make them with a boxed cake mix. Shh, it’s our little secret.

Homemade Creamy Dotted Christmas Gumdrop Nougat
Source: Thefarmgirlgabs.com

28. Christmas Gumdrop Nougat

Chocolate fudge is terrific, but this white chocolate nougat is a sweet surprise!

It’s wonderfully creamy and not too sweet. Dotted through with gumdrops and cut into bite-sized pieces, it looks like reindeer treats.

So leave some out for Santa. Something tells me it will make old Saint Nick very jolly.

Santa Hat Cheesecake Bites with Whipped Cream and Fresh Strawberries
Source: Cookingclassy.com

29. Santa Hat Cheesecake Bites

Cheesecake lovers, this one’s for you. It turns your favorite dessert into a Christmas treat. 

From the creamy filling to the Oreo crust, it’s everything cheesecake should be. 

And the decorating couldn’t get any easier. Top each square with whipped cream and a strawberry for the cutest Santa hats around.

Sweet Homemade Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

30. Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

I just can’t resist a batch of soft, chewy peanut butter cookies. Add peanut butter cups to the equation, and they’re even more irresistible.

The kids will go bonkers for these, and adults will love them too. 

So it’s a good thing they make a whopping 40 cookies. Don’t worry, they’re freezer-friendly too.

30 Easy Christmas Treats

Course: Breakfast, SnacksCuisine: American
Servings

24

servings
Prep time

1

hour 
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

146

kcal

Bring joy to your holiday table with these chocolate shortbread Christmas trees! They’re rich, buttery, and oh-so chocolatey.

Ingredients

  • For the Cookies:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1/3 cup dark cocoa powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup unsalted butter

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 large egg yolk

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • For the Frosting:
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

  • 3/4 cups powdered sugar

  • 1 -2 tablespoons milk

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • green gel food coloring

  • festive sprinkles

Instructions

  • Line a 9×13 baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugar on medium until pale and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Scrape the sides with a spatula and beat in the egg yolk and vanilla.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix on low until just combined.
  • Press the dough evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Do this in stages, adding 1/4 cup at a time and working from one end to the other. Cover and chill for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Score the dough into triangles using a butter knife.
  • Bake for 8-12 minutes or until the center is lightly puffed up.
  • Let the cookies cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Then, run the knife back through the lines to cut the cookies into triangles.
  • Meanwhile, make the frosting. Beat the butter until creamy.
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat slowly until the mixture is smooth.
  • Add half of the milk, vanilla, and the food coloring. Beat until smooth, and add more milk or food coloring as needed.
  • When the cookies are cool, pipe the frosting over the top. Garnish with festive sprinkles.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Score the dough lightly; deep cuts can make the cookies break after baking.
  • Cool the cookies completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 146kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 31mg
  • Sodium: 51mg
  • Potassium: 20mg
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Calcium: 3mg
  • Iron: 0mg
Christmas Treats

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author avatar
Kim - InsanelyGood
Hey there! I'm Kim. I love running, cooking, and curling up with a good book! I share recipes for people who LOVE good food, but want to keep things simple :)

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