Spread the holiday cheer with these festive and easy Christmas desserts. Whether you are baking for a crowd, putting together goodie boxes for neighbors, or just want something sweet to enjoy by the tree, this list is packed with quick, simple Christmas dessert ideas that actually fit into a busy holiday schedule. From no bake treats and 5 minute fudge to classic cookies and cozy baked desserts, you will find plenty of Christmas desserts you can make without spending all day in the kitchen.
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Why I Love These Desserts for Christmas
I love this collection because it takes the stress out of holiday baking. Instead of juggling complicated recipes, you can pick from cookies, fudge, bars, pies, and bread pudding that are all straightforward and reliable. Most of these Christmas desserts use basic pantry ingredients, many come together in about 30 minutes or less, and a lot of them can be made ahead, which means more time with family and less time hovering over the oven.
You will find a little bit of everything here, from nostalgic treats like fantasy fudge and snickerdoodles to fun twists like Christmas crack, white trash mix, Fireball fudge, and crescent roll cinnamon rolls. There are options that travel well for parties, desserts that are perfect for gifting, and recipes that kids can help make. My goal with this list is to give you a set of go to Christmas dessert recipes you can come back to year after year, so you can build your own holiday traditions without feeling overwhelmed.
Christmas Desserts To Make This Year
1. No bake Christmas cookies
Skip the oven and make these tasty no-bake Christmas cookies. Soft, crumbly, and rich with creamy peanut butter flavor, finished with festive holiday sprinkles, they're so good you'll want to make them year-round! You can get the recipe here.
2. Fantasy fudge
You can whip up the batter for this dreamy fantasy fudge recipe in about 15 minutes, then just leave it to set in the fridge while you enjoy the rest of the festivities. They're incredibly chocolatey, rich, and perfectly sweet, with bits of crunchy walnuts in every bite! Give them a try with this recipe.
3. Christmas crack
With layers of crisp saltine crackers, silky caramel sauce, and snappy chocolate, this Christmas crack recipe is one of the most addictive holiday treats you can make. It has just the right balance of salty, sweet, and crunchy that keeps everyone coming back for more. Learn how to make it with the recipe here.
4. Christmas cookie fudge
This recipe combines two of the most iconic Christmas desserts - sugar cookies and white chocolate fudge - into one heavenly treat. This Christmas cookie fudge is decadent and creamy sweet, topped with red and green sprinkles for some holiday flair. Best of all, it only takes 5 ingredients to make. You can get the recipe here.
5. Small batch sugar cookies
Whether you're short on ingredients or just want enough cookies for a small group, this small batch recipe is exactly what you need. It yields 6 sugar cookies that are crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside, plus an optional icing glaze for decorating. Here's the recipe.
6. White trash (Christmas Edition)
Also known as white chocolate trail mix, White Trash is an incredible combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy snacks coated in rich white chocolate. It's the perfect snack for your next holiday party or while watching Christmas movies, and making this no-bake recipe with the family is half the fun! Try this recipe for yourself here.
7. Peanut butter fudge
A must-have for the peanut butter lovers in your life, this recipe makes the smoothest and creamiest peanut butter fudge with just two simple ingredients! We've also included some delicious customization options for transforming it into tasty marshmallow cream fudge, peanut butter cheesecake fudge, and more. Check out the recipe here.
8. No chill cut-out sugar cookies
You don't have to wait long to dig into these buttery sweet sugar cookies. They're made in less than 30 minutes from start to finish, with no chilling time needed, and come out golden with crispy edges - perfect for decorating with icing! Get the recipe here.
9. Double chocolate cookies
The only thing better than chocolate is double chocolate, and this addictive recipe is proof! These soft and chewy cookies are rich with cocoa powder flavor and loaded with melty chocolate chips, the ultimate treat for the chocolate lovers in your life. Here's the recipe.
10. Salted caramel fudge
A touch of sea salt transforms this melt-in-your-mouth caramel fudge into a 5-star dessert. The perfect balance of sweet, salty, and buttery rich, it's a fantastic holiday treat for gifting or entertaining. Make it for yourself here.
11. Snickerdoodles
No Christmas cookie platter is complete without these easy and tasty snickerdoodles. These buttery sugar cookies have a hint of warm cinnamon spice and a touch of tang that make them so addictive. Plus, this recipe has no cream of tartar, making the recipe a lot more convenient with the ingredients you have on hand. Give them a try here.
12. Toll House cookie bars
Toll House cookies are basically the original chocolate chip cookies, and this cookie bar recipe takes them to another level. They're fudgy and chewy with notes of brown sugar, packed with ooey gooey chocolate chip cookies. Don't forget to snag a crispy corner piece! Check out the recipe here.
13. 2-ingredient fudge with frosting and peanut butter
This decadent treat is made in 5 minutes and tastes like a Reese's peanut butter cup in fudge form! It's as addictive as it sounds, and so good no one would ever believe it only took two ingredients. Learn how to make them here.
14. Fireball fudge
Treat the grown-ups to this boozy fudge made with Fireball whiskey. It's decadent and richly chocolatey, with a touch of cinnamon spice and a kick of smooth whiskey flavor to warm you up from the inside out. Try the recipe for yourself here.
15. Peppermint Brownies
Rich, fudgy, and chocolatey with the perfect amount of peppermint flavor, these brownies have the holiday season written all over them! You can make them even more festive by adding some Christmas sprinkles. Get this decadent recipe here.
16. Cream cheese pie
This no-bake cream cheese pie is like a lighter, fluffier version of a regular cheesecake, and it's an amazing dessert after a hearty Christmas dinner. The filling is perfectly sweetened with a slight tanginess and has an airy whipped cream cheese texture, contrasted with a crisp and crumbly graham cracker crust. Try the recipe here.
17. Bread pudding with vanilla sauce
Wonderful for dessert or as a Christmas morning treat, this classic bread pudding recipe hits all the right spots. It's fluffy and custardy with crispy golden brown edges, finished with a thick and silky vanilla sauce. Learn how to make it here.
18. Crescent roll cinnamon rolls
This crispy and flaky twist on traditional cinnamon rolls is made quick and easy with crescent roll dough. The results are golden and buttery snack-sized treats filled with fragrant cinnamon sugar, finished with a sweet icing glaze. They're so good and really fun to make! Give them a try here.
19. White chocolate macadamia nut cookies
These easy cookies are buttery and tender with crispy golden brown edges, and every bite has the perfect ratio of creamy white chocolate and crunchy macadamias. Using salted and toasted nuts really takes these cookies to the next level and brings out the flavors even more. Check them out here.
20. Lemon meringue cookies
Add a pop of color to your Christmas spread with these sunshiney lemon meringue cookies. These bite-sized puffs are crispy and airy with a truly melt-in-your-mouth texture and bright lemon flavor. They're absolutely addictive and always disappear in minutes! Try them for yourself here.
Expert Tips for Choosing and Serving Christmas Desserts
Plan desserts around your “big meal,” not the other way around. Think about what you are serving for Christmas dinner and match your desserts to the vibe. Heavy mains (prime rib, ham, casseroles) pair well with lighter options like cream cheese pie, lemon meringue cookies, or bread pudding with vanilla sauce. If the meal is lighter, you can lean into richer picks like fantasy fudge, Christmas crack, and peppermint brownies.
Balance your dessert table with different textures and flavors. Aim for a mix of:
- Soft and fudgy (fantasy fudge, Fireball fudge, salted caramel fudge)
- Crunchy and crisp (Christmas crack, white trash, white chocolate macadamia cookies)
- Bright and fresh (lemon meringue cookies, small batch sugar cookies)
- Warm and cozy spices (snickerdoodles, crescent roll cinnamon rolls)
A good mix makes your dessert spread feel intentional instead of a sugar overload of just one texture.
Include at least one no bake option and one “5 minute” option. Holiday ovens are always packed. Make your life easier by choosing:
- One no bake or stovetop dessert, like no bake Christmas cookies, white trash, or cream cheese pie
- One 5-minute hero like 2-ingredient peanut butter and frosting fudge or peanut butter fudge
These bail you out when the schedule gets tight or you need “just one more thing” for a tray.
Make ahead when you can. A lot of desserts on this list are better after a rest:
- Fantasy fudge, Christmas cookie fudge, salted caramel fudge, Fireball fudge: ideal to make 1–3 days ahead
- Christmas crack, white trash: stay crisp in airtight containers and are perfect for gifting
- Snickerdoodles, double chocolate cookies, Toll House cookie bars: dough or bars can be made ahead and baked the day of
Use these recipes to spread your holiday baking out over a few days instead of trying to do everything at once.
Pick at least one dessert that travels well for parties. If you are heading to someone else’s house, avoid anything that has to be served warm and gooey. Great “travel” options include:
- Fantasy fudge, peanut butter fudge, Fireball fudge
- Christmas crack
- White trash snack mix
- Christmas cookie fudge
They cut clean, don’t need reheating, and hold up to car rides and buffets.
Label desserts for allergies and kids. If you are serving a crowd, it is helpful to label:
- Desserts with nuts (fantasy fudge, white chocolate macadamia nut cookies, some fudges)
- Desserts that are boozy and adults-only (Fireball fudge)
- Desserts that are nut free and kid friendly
A little note card goes a long way in making guests feel taken care of.
Use small portions on a big platter. Most people want to try more than one thing. Cut fudge and Christmas crack into smaller bite size pieces, and slice bars on the smaller side. A tray with mini portions of fudge, brownies, cookies, and crack feels abundant and lets people sample more without overcommitting.
Freeze a “backup stash” for last-minute guests. Many of these recipes freeze amazingly well:
- Fudge of any kind
- Christmas crack
- Cookie dough balls (for snickerdoodles, double chocolate cookies, Toll House cookie bars)
Freeze a batch, then bake or thaw as needed. You will look incredibly prepared when surprise guests show up.
Christmas Desserts FAQS
How far in advance can I make Christmas desserts?
It depends on the dessert, but many on this list are designed to be made ahead. Fudge, Christmas crack, white trash, and cookie bars can usually be made 2–3 days before serving and stored in airtight containers. Cookies can often be baked 1–2 days ahead, or you can make the dough in advance and bake fresh the day you want to serve them.
What are the best Christmas desserts to make ahead and freeze?
Fudge is one of the best make ahead freezer desserts, including fantasy fudge, peanut butter fudge, Fireball fudge, salted caramel fudge, and Christmas cookie fudge. You can also freeze Christmas crack, cookie dough balls (for snickerdoodles, double chocolate cookies, Toll House bars), and even cream cheese pie without the topping. Wrap tightly and thaw in the fridge before serving.
I am short on time, what are the quickest Christmas desserts on this list?
For a crunch time situation, go for:
- 2-ingredient Reese’s Cup fudge
- Peanut butter fudge
- No bake Christmas cookies
- White trash (Christmas edition)
- No-chill cut-out sugar cookies
Most of these come together in 5–15 minutes, plus some setting time.
What are the best Christmas desserts for gifting?
Anything that cuts clean and travels well is perfect for gifting:
- Fantasy fudge, peanut butter fudge, Fireball fudge, salted caramel fudge
- Christmas crack and Christmas cookie fudge
- White trash (in jars or bags)
- Snickerdoodles, double chocolate cookies, white chocolate macadamia cookies
Pack them in tins or clear bags with ribbon and a little label. Fudge and crack tins are always the first thing people reach for.
Which desserts are kid-friendly?
Most of the list is kid-approved, but especially:
- No bake Christmas cookies
- Small batch sugar cookies
- No chill cut-out sugar cookies (fun to decorate)
- Snickerdoodles
- Double chocolate cookies
- Crescent roll cinnamon rolls
Those have always been the top desserts with kids when I make them. The only obvious adults-only treat is Fireball fudge, since it includes whisky.
How do I avoid overload and still offer variety?
Pick 3–5 desserts that hit different categories:
- 1–2 cookies (like snickerdoodles and double chocolate)
- 1 fudge (fantasy fudge or Fireball fudge)
- 1 crunchy treat (Christmas crack or white trash)
- 1 “special dessert” (cream cheese pie or bread pudding)
This gives you a full holiday spread without making you bake all 20 recipes at once.
How should I store leftover Christmas desserts?
- Fudge and Christmas crack: an airtight container at cool room temperature or in the fridge
- Cookies and bars: an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or freeze for longer
- Cream cheese pie and bread pudding: must be refrigerated
Always separate layers with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking.
What Christmas desserts should I serve after a heavy meal?
If your Christmas dinner is on the heavier side, lean into lighter desserts:
- Cream cheese pie (lighter than a full cheesecake)
- Lemon meringue cookies
- White trash
- A small fudge platter with fresh fruit on the side
They still feel festive but won’t knock everyone into a food coma.
My Final Thoughts
Putting together a Christmas dessert table does not have to be stressful or complicated. With a mix of no-bake recipes, quick cookies, and a few classic treats like fantasy fudge and Christmas crack, you can build a holiday dessert spread that feels special without spending all week in the kitchen. Use this list like a menu, pick a few recipes that match your schedule and your crowd, and have fun with it. If you try any of these Christmas desserts, leave a comment and rating on the recipe pages. It helps more people find them and gives me ideas for what holiday treats you want to see next.
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