I make holiday treats mostly because I like having something sweet around the house this time of year.
There’s just something about the smell of cookies or chocolate cooling on the counter that makes everything feel a little cozier.
And these recipes are the kind you can whip up without much planning, and they always turn out tasty.
I’ll pack some up for the kids’ teachers, bring a few to family dinners, and sneak extras into lunchboxes.
They also work great for bake sales or last-minute gifts when you need something homemade.
Most of them use simple ingredients, and you can change up the toppings or decorations however you want.
It’s a fun excuse to get everyone in the kitchen, even if it gets a little messy!
Easy Christmas Crack
This Christmas crack is so easy to make and so addictive!
Melt butter and brown sugar together in a small pot until bubbly, then pour it over a layer of saltine crackers on a lined baking sheet.
Bake for a few minutes until it’s golden and smells amazing.
Sprinkle chocolate chips on top, let them melt, and spread it into a smooth layer.
Add crushed candy canes or Christmas sprinkles, then chill until it breaks apart easily.
Jolly Santa Cookies
How cute are these Jolly Santa cookies?
Start with a batch of sugar cookies and let them cool completely before decorating.
Spread white icing over each one, then dip the bottom half in shredded coconut for the beard.
Use chocolate chips for eyes, a red M&M for the nose, and red sugar for Santa’s hat.
Stick a mini marshmallow on the tip for the pompom and let everything set before serving.
My kids love helping with these because they can make their own silly Santa faces!
Gingerbread Cupcakes
Mix up some gingerbread cupcake batter with lots of cinnamon and molasses, then bake until the kitchen smells like Christmas.
Let them cool before piping on a big swirl of maple or cream cheese frosting.
Sprinkle a little cinnamon on top or stick a mini gingerbread man cookie in for fun.
These are perfect for parties or gifting in a holiday tin.
Nutella Stuffed Cookies
These Nutella stuffed cookies are also great for gifts!
Scoop small balls of Nutella onto parchment paper and freeze them while you make your cookie dough.
Wrap each frozen dollop in dough and bake until golden on the edges but soft in the middle.
When you bite into one, the Nutella center stays gooey and warm.
Chocolate Candy Cane Truffles
Crush candy canes until they’re fine and mix them into melted chocolate and cream.
Chill the mixture until firm enough to roll into small balls, then coat them in more crushed candy canes or cocoa powder.
Store them in the fridge until serving so they keep that smooth, fudgy texture.
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Press sugar cookie dough into a baking pan instead of rolling it out, then bake until lightly golden.
Once cool, spread thick buttercream frosting over the top and add Christmas sprinkles.
Cut into squares and serve like brownies.
These taste just like frosted cookies but take half the work.
Festive Rice Krispie Squares
Melt butter and marshmallows in a big pot, then stir in Rice Krispies and crushed peppermint candies.
Press the mixture into a greased pan and add sprinkles on top before it cools.
I like to drizzle a little white chocolate over them for extra sweetness.
Cut into squares once they’re firm and store in an airtight container.
White Chocolate Christmas Popcorn Mix
Pop a big bowl of plain popcorn and toss out any unpopped kernels.
Melt white chocolate and pour it over the popcorn, stirring to coat.
Mix in pretzels, red and green M&Ms, and mini marshmallows, then spread it on a baking sheet to cool.
Break it apart and serve in bowls or gift bags.
Easy Peppermint Bark
Melt both white and dark chocolate separately and pour them in layers on a parchment-lined pan.
Swirl the top a little with a knife, then sprinkle crushed candy canes before it sets.
Chill in the fridge until solid, then break into big, rustic pieces.
It looks so pretty on dessert trays!
Eggnog Cupcakes
Whisk together a simple vanilla cupcake batter but swap the milk for eggnog.
Add a little nutmeg and cinnamon for that holiday flavor.
Once baked, frost them with a creamy eggnog buttercream and a light dusting of cinnamon.
Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites
Mix butter, sugar, and flour until crumbly, then press the dough together and cut into tiny squares.
Bake until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
Dip half of each bite in melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
They look adorable on cookie platters and are perfect for gifting.
Chocolate Peppermint Fudge
Melt chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk until smooth and glossy.
Stir in a few drops of peppermint extract and pour it into a lined pan.
Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top and refrigerate until firm.
Cut into squares and keep cold until serving.
Christmas Rocky Road Squares
Melt chocolate and mix it with mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, and red and green candies.
Pour it into a parchment-lined dish and smooth the top.
Chill until set, then cut into squares.
It’s messy to make but tastes so good, especially straight from the fridge.
Hot Chocolate Cupcakes
Make chocolate cupcakes using your favorite boxed mix or homemade recipe.
Once they’re cooled, pipe on marshmallow frosting or whipped cream and sprinkle cocoa powder on top.
Add a mini candy cane for fun or drizzle melted chocolate for extra sweetness.
They taste just like a mug of hot chocolate but better.
Classic Peanut Butter Balls
Mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, and a little butter until thick enough to roll.
Chill the balls, then dip them in melted chocolate and set them on parchment paper.
Before they firm up, I like to top them with chopped nuts or Christmas sprinkles.
Store them in the fridge so they don’t get all melty.
Maple Glazed Gingerbread Cookies
Bake soft gingerbread cookies filled with warm spices, then carefully pour on a simple glaze made from maple syrup and powdered sugar.
If you want to be extra fancy, you can follow that with a melted white chocolate drizzle.
The glaze hardens just enough to give a slight crunch when you bite in.
Peppermint Meringues
Beat egg whites and sugar until stiff peaks form, then gently mix in peppermint extract.
Pipe small swirls onto parchment paper and bake low and slow until crisp and dry.
They melt in your mouth and look really cute on the dessert table.
Hot Chocolate Fudge
Melt chocolate chips with condensed milk and a spoon of cocoa powder for extra richness.
Stir in mini marshmallows and pour into a lined pan.
Chill until firm, then slice into squares.
I like to add a few extra mini marshmallows on top before it totally sets.
Cranberry Cheesecake Cupcakes
Blend cream cheese, sugar, and eggs for the filling, then spoon it into cupcake liners over graham crusts.
Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce on top before baking.
Once cooled, chill them in the fridge for a few hours.
The mix of tart cranberry and creamy cheesecake is so good together.
Holiday Treats You’ll Want to Make Every Year
These holidays are so easy and tasty that I have a hard time deciding which ones to make every year!
So my advice is to pick a few, give them a try, and see if they end up in your holiday must-have rotation.
