17 Easy Christmas Desserts Everyone Will Want to Try This Holiday Season

Christmas is the perfect excuse to fill the kitchen with warm spices, chocolate, peppermint, caramel, and plenty of festive treats. Whether you’re preparing dessert for a large family dinner, hosting a holiday party, or simply want something sweet to enjoy with coffee, there are plenty of Christmas desserts that don’t require complicated techniques.

This collection brings together 17 easy Christmas desserts with a mix of cookies, bars, cakes, cheesecakes, and no-bake treats. Some are quick enough for a busy December afternoon, while others are special enough to become part of your holiday tradition.

Each recipe includes a straightforward ingredient list, simple preparation steps, and practical tips to help you get a better result. You can also adapt many of these desserts with different toppings, flavors, and festive decorations.

1. Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies

Christmas sugar cookies are a holiday favorite because they are easy to customize with colorful icing and sprinkles.

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Royal icing or cookie icing for decorating
• Christmas sprinkles, optional

How to Make

1. Beat the softened butter and sugar until light and creamy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla and mix until combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.
5. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes.
6. Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into Christmas shapes.
7. Place the cookies on a lined baking sheet.
8. Bake at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Let the cookies cool completely before decorating.

Tips

• Chill the dough if it becomes difficult to handle.
• Avoid overbaking so the cookies remain tender.
• Allow cookies to cool completely before adding icing.

2. Peppermint Chocolate Brownies

Rich chocolate brownies become especially festive with crushed peppermint candies scattered over the top.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup crushed peppermint candies

How to Make

1. Melt the butter and let it cool slightly.
2. Whisk in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
3. Stir in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt until just combined.
4. Fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Spread the batter into a lined 9-by-13-inch baking pan.
6. Bake at 350°F for approximately 25–30 minutes.
7. Let the brownies cool.
8. Sprinkle crushed peppermint over the top before slicing.

Tips

• Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour.
• Allow the brownies to cool before cutting for cleaner squares.
• For stronger peppermint flavor, add a small amount of peppermint extract.

3. No-Bake Christmas Cheesecake

This creamy cheesecake is a convenient choice when you want a festive dessert without turning on the oven.

Ingredients

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 6 tablespoons melted butter
• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups whipped topping
• Christmas sprinkles or berries for decoration

How to Make

1. Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter.
2. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Fold in the whipped topping.
5. Spread the filling over the crust.
6. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
7. Decorate with berries or festive sprinkles before serving.

Tips

• Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing.
• Chill the cheesecake thoroughly so it slices neatly.
• Add toppings shortly before serving for the freshest appearance.

4. Gingerbread Cupcakes

Soft gingerbread cupcakes combine warm holiday spices with a sweet cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup molasses
• ½ cup milk

Frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make

1. Whisk together flour, spices, and baking soda.
2. Beat butter and brown sugar until creamy.
3. Add the egg and molasses.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients and milk.
5. Divide the batter among lined muffin cups.
6. Bake at 350°F for approximately 18–22 minutes.
7. Cool completely.
8. Beat the frosting ingredients until smooth and pipe over the cupcakes.

Tips

• Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
• Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
• Add tiny gingerbread cookies or sprinkles for decoration.

5. Christmas Chocolate Truffles

Chocolate truffles look impressive but require surprisingly little preparation.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Cocoa powder for coating
• Crushed peppermint or sprinkles for decorating

How to Make

1. Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
2. Warm the heavy cream until steaming but not boiling.
3. Pour the cream over the chocolate.
4. Let it sit for a few minutes before stirring until smooth.
5. Stir in the butter.
6. Refrigerate until firm enough to scoop.
7. Roll into small balls.
8. Coat with cocoa powder, peppermint, or sprinkles.

Tips

• Chop the chocolate finely so it melts evenly.
• If the mixture is too soft, refrigerate it longer.
• Store finished truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

6. Red Velvet Christmas Cake

A red velvet cake brings a dramatic holiday color to the dessert table while remaining familiar and comforting.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Red food coloring

Frosting

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make

1. Combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.
2. Whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla, and food coloring.
3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
4. Divide between prepared cake pans.
5. Bake at 350°F until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool completely.
7. Beat the frosting ingredients until smooth.
8. Frost and layer the cakes before decorating.

Tips

• Avoid overmixing once the flour is incorporated.
• Cool the cake layers completely before frosting.
• Refrigerate the assembled cake briefly if you want especially clean slices.

7. Christmas Rice Krispie Treats

These festive cereal treats are quick to make and especially useful when you need a kid-friendly Christmas dessert.

Ingredients

• 6 cups crispy rice cereal
• 4 cups mini marshmallows
• 3 tablespoons butter
• Red and green sprinkles
• White chocolate, optional

How to Make

1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan.
2. Add marshmallows and stir until smooth.
3. Remove from heat.
4. Fold in the cereal.
5. Press the mixture into a lined baking pan.
6. Let it cool before cutting.
7. Drizzle with melted white chocolate and add festive sprinkles.

Tips

• Grease your spatula before pressing the mixture into the pan.
• Avoid packing the treats too firmly.
• Cut them once they are set but still slightly soft.

8. Peppermint Bark

Peppermint bark is one of the easiest Christmas desserts to prepare and makes a beautiful addition to a holiday dessert tray.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
• 12 ounces white chocolate
• ½ cup crushed peppermint candies
• ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract, optional

How to Make

1. Melt the semi-sweet chocolate.
2. Spread it over a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Refrigerate until set.
4. Melt the white chocolate and spread it over the first chocolate layer.
5. Sprinkle immediately with crushed peppermint.
6. Refrigerate until firm.
7. Break into irregular pieces.

Tips

• Make sure the first chocolate layer is firm before adding the white chocolate.
• Avoid getting water into melted chocolate.
• Store the bark in a cool, dry place.

9. Mini Christmas Cheesecakes

Individual cheesecakes make serving dessert easy and give everyone a perfectly portioned holiday treat.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 5 tablespoons melted butter
• 16 ounces cream cheese
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Christmas berries or sprinkles for topping

How to Make

1. Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter.
2. Press the mixture into lined muffin cups.
3. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
4. Add eggs and vanilla.
5. Spoon the filling over each crust.
6. Bake at 325°F until the centers are just set.
7. Cool and refrigerate.
8. Add toppings before serving.

Tips

• Do not overbake the cheesecakes.
• Refrigerating them overnight can make them easier to serve.
• Use paper liners for easier removal.

10. Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

These soft chocolate cookies combine rich cocoa with refreshing peppermint for a classic holiday flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup butter
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips

How to Make

1. Whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
2. Cream the butter and sugars.
3. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and peppermint extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients.
5. Fold in chocolate chips.
6. Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet.
7. Bake at 350°F for approximately 9–11 minutes.
8. Cool before serving.

Tips

• Slightly underbaking helps keep the centers soft.
• Do not add too much peppermint extract because its flavor is strong.
• Add crushed peppermint candies while the cookies are still warm.

11. Cranberry Orange Cake

Cranberry and orange make a bright combination that works beautifully on a Christmas dessert table.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• ½ cup orange juice
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

Simple Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice

How to Make

1. Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Cream butter and sugar.
3. Add eggs and orange zest.
4. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and orange juice.
5. Fold in cranberries.
6. Pour into a prepared cake pan.
7. Bake at 350°F until cooked through.
8. Cool and drizzle with orange glaze.

Tips

• Toss cranberries lightly with flour before folding them into the batter.
• Fresh orange zest provides a stronger citrus aroma.
• Let the cake cool before adding the glaze.

12. Christmas Tree Brownies

Turn ordinary brownies into a festive Christmas dessert with simple cutting and decoration.

Ingredients

• 1 batch baked brownies
• Green frosting
• Mini candies or sprinkles
• Pretzel sticks

How to Make

1. Bake and cool your favorite brownie recipe.
2. Cut the brownies into triangles.
3. Insert a pretzel stick into the bottom of each triangle.
4. Pipe green frosting over the top.
5. Decorate with colorful candies or sprinkles.

Tips

• Chill the brownies before cutting for cleaner shapes.
• Use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts.
• Let children decorate the brownie trees for an easy holiday activity.

13. Eggnog Pudding

Creamy eggnog pudding is a simple make-ahead dessert with warm holiday flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups eggnog
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Whipped cream for serving

How to Make

1. Whisk eggnog, sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks in a saucepan.
2. Cook over medium heat while stirring continuously.
3. Continue until the mixture thickens.
4. Remove from heat.
5. Stir in vanilla and nutmeg.
6. Divide into serving glasses.
7. Chill before topping with whipped cream.

Tips

• Stir constantly to prevent lumps.
• Do not let the mixture boil aggressively.
• Cover the surface while chilling to help prevent a skin from forming.

14. Christmas Chocolate Peppermint Fudge

Chocolate fudge is a classic holiday treat that can be prepared ahead of time and cut into bite-sized pieces.

Ingredients

• 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup crushed peppermint candies

How to Make

1. Combine chocolate chips, condensed milk, and butter in a saucepan.
2. Heat gently until smooth.
3. Remove from heat.
4. Stir in vanilla.
5. Spread into a lined square pan.
6. Sprinkle peppermint over the top.
7. Refrigerate until firm.
8. Cut into small squares.

Tips

• Use low heat to prevent the chocolate from scorching.
• Line the pan with parchment for easy removal.
• Store fudge in an airtight container.

15. Apple Cinnamon Christmas Crisp

A warm apple crisp brings comforting cinnamon flavor to the holiday dessert table and pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

• 6 medium apples, peeled and sliced
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

How to Make

1. Toss sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
2. Place apples in a baking dish.
3. Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
4. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
5. Bake at 350°F for about 35–45 minutes.
6. Serve warm.

Tips

• Choose apples that hold their shape during baking.
• Let the crisp rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Serve with vanilla ice cream for a classic combination.

16. White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries create a festive cookie combination that looks beautiful on a Christmas platter.

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• ¾ cup dried cranberries

How to Make

1. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. Cream butter and sugars.
3. Add the egg and vanilla.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
5. Fold in white chocolate chips and cranberries.
6. Scoop onto a lined baking sheet.
7. Bake at 350°F for approximately 9–12 minutes.
8. Cool before serving.

Tips

• Leave space between cookies because they spread while baking.
• Remove them when the centers still look slightly soft.
• Store in an airtight container to maintain texture.

17. Easy Christmas Cake Roll

A soft cake roll filled with sweet cream makes a beautiful centerpiece without requiring complicated decoration.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Filling

• 1 ½ cups whipped cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fresh berries, optional

How to Make

1. Beat eggs and sugar until thick and pale.
2. Mix in vanilla.
3. Gently fold in flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Spread the batter into a parchment-lined jelly-roll pan.
5. Bake at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes.
6. While warm, carefully roll the cake with a clean kitchen towel.
7. Let it cool.
8. Unroll and spread with whipped cream.
9. Roll again and dust with powdered sugar.
10. Decorate with berries before serving.

Tips

• Roll the cake while it is still warm to reduce cracking.
• Do not overbake the cake.
• Chill the finished roll before slicing for cleaner portions.