The holidays are busy, so this list gives you two easy paths to sweetness: 25 no-bake treats and 25 baked favorites.

The no-bake section is perfect for last-minute gifting, classroom parties, or cozy movie nights—think truffles, barks, snack mixes, and fudge that set in the fridge while you wrap presents.

The baked section brings classic cookies, bars, cupcakes, and loaves that fill your home with warm, spiced aromas. Most recipes use simple pantry ingredients and short steps, so kids can help with mixing, dipping, and decorating.

Use candy canes, sprinkles, and colorful liners to dress everything up. Pack into tins or jars for neighbors and teachers, and label nut-free options clearly. With this guide, you can build a full dessert spread without stress and keep spirits bright all season.

25 No-Bake Christmas Treats

1. Gingerbread Fudge

Make a quick stovetop fudge with white chocolate, condensed milk, and a spoon of molasses. Stir in ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg for cozy spice. Spread in a lined pan, top with nonpareils, and chill until firm.

Slice into neat squares for a giftable treat that tastes like gingerbread cookies without turning on the oven. It’s rich, fragrant, and beautifully festive.

2. Vanilla Peppermint Hot Cocoa Sticks

Melt vanilla and milk chocolate, then layer into a silicone shot-glass or cube mold. Press in crushed peppermint and a popsicle stick. Once set, wrap each stick and serve with hot milk for swirling cocoa magic.

They’re cute stocking stuffers and perfect for movie nights. Add mini marshmallows to the mold for a creamy, candy-shop finish kids love.

3. Christmas Popcorn Balls

Toss warm popcorn with melted marshmallows and white chocolate. Add peppermint extract and crushed candy canes, then shape into balls with greased hands.

Set on parchment with paper straws for handles. These sweet-minty clusters bring crunch and cheerful color, travel well, and stay fresh in bags. Great for class parties, gifting, or quick snacks between carols.

4. Oreo Penguins

Dip sandwich cookies in melted dark chocolate and place on parchment. Add a white chocolate oval belly, candy eyes, and orange candies for beaks and feet.

The simple pieces create adorable faces in minutes. They’re a no-bake crowd-pleaser that kids can assemble. Store cool for a glossy finish and line them up like a winter parade.

5. Snowman Donut Pops

Skewer powdered sugar mini donuts on lollipop sticks. Wrap a “scarf” with fruit leather, add candy eyes and buttons, and dot an orange candy for the nose.

A quick drizzle of melted white chocolate helps everything stick. These cheerful pops make fast gifts and dessert table decor. Package in cellophane and tie with ribbon for easy handouts.

6. Strawberry Santas

Slice the tops off strawberries. Pipe sweetened cream cheese onto the base, cap with the strawberry tip, and add chocolate chip “eyes.”

They’re fresh, cute, and lighter than candy. Make right before serving for best shape. Arrange on a platter with mint leaves for festive color. A tiny cream dot becomes Santa’s pom-pom for instant charm.

7. Grinch Oreo Truffles

Blend crushed chocolate cookies with whipped cream cheese to form a soft dough. Tint melted vanilla almond bark green, dip chilled balls, and finish with a single red heart sprinkle.

The creamy center and mint-colored shell make whimsical bites. Set in mini liners, chill to firm, and store in boxes for gifting or party trays.

8. Rice Krispie “Christmas Puddings”

Stir Rice Krispies into melted milk chocolate and marshmallows. Shape into rounds and spoon a small “icing” of melted white chocolate on top. Add sugar holly or green/red sprinkles.

These bite-size puddings are crunchy, chocolatey, and super fast to assemble. They look fancy on platters and pack well in tins for sharing with neighbors.

9. Gnome Cookies

Use store-bought sugar cookies or wafers as bases. Pipe buttercream beards with a star tip, top with hulled strawberries as hats, and add a candy nose.

This playful treat needs only assembly—no oven. Serve the same day for best texture. Kids love decorating their own gnomes, and the red hats add instant holiday color to boards.

10. Reindeer Pretzels

Lay pretzel sticks or snaps on a tray and dab with melted chocolate. Add candy eyes and a red candy nose, then finish with mini pretzel antlers.

They set quickly and bring salty-sweet crunch. Make a big batch for snack bowls and gift jars. Label nut-free versions clearly so everyone can enjoy safely at gatherings.

11. Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Reindeer

Dip dry strawberries in melted chocolate. Add candy eyes, a red candy nose, and mini pretzel antlers. Let set on parchment.

These fruity reindeer balance rich platters with freshness and look adorable on boards. Serve the day you make them for the best shine. They’re quick, photogenic, and a fun assembly project for kids.

12. Reindeer Rice Krispie Triangles

Press cereal-marshmallow mix into a pan. Cut triangles, dip tips in chocolate, and add pretzel antlers, eyes, and red noses. Finish with sprinkles. These handheld treats stack well and bring classic chew with festive faces.

Great for bake sales without baking. Keep parchment between layers in containers so decorations stay neat during transport.

13. White Chocolate “Ornament” Oreos

Dip sandwich cookies in melted white chocolate. Attach a mini peanut butter cup on top as the ornament “cap.” Pipe thin chocolate “string lights” and add mini candies.

They harden in minutes and look playful on trays. Let kids decorate their own and pack them in small bags. Simple, cute, and totally no-bake.

14. Christmas Candy Tower

Build a cone tree using wrapped green chocolates like kisses and minis. Glue dots or thick frosting help stack layers. Top with a candy star. It’s decorative, edible, and requires zero cooking.

Place on dessert tables as a centerpiece, then invite guests to pluck candies. A fun craft-meets-treat idea for parties and family nights.

15. Elf Hat Bugle Bites

Dip the wide ends of corn snacks (bugles) in melted white chocolate. Press on a candy and shake over sprinkles. The hat shape appears instantly.

These crunchy, sweet-salty bites are quick to scale for crowds and perfect for filling snack bowls. Store in airtight containers to keep them crisp for days of nibbling.

16. Grinch Heart Rice Krispies

Tint marshmallow mixture soft green and combine with crispy cereal. Press into a pan and cut heart shapes with a cookie cutter. Add a single red heart candy on each.

These cheerful bites set quickly and please kids and grown-ups. Arrange on a red platter for pop, or pack in treat bags for party favors.

17. Mini S’mores Cups

Fill store-bought mini graham shells with squares of chocolate and mini marshmallows. Briefly warm in a microwave or toaster oven until gooey. Finish with a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

They deliver campfire flavor without fuss. Serve warm with spoons or let set slightly for hand-held bites. A five-minute crowd-pleaser for busy nights.

18. Peppermint Bark Graham Squares

Dip graham crackers in melted milk chocolate, drizzle white chocolate, and shower with crushed candy canes. The cracker base gives structure and tidy portions for tins.

It’s budget-friendly and festive. Mix a few with chopped nuts for variety and keep a nut-free plate labeled. Store cool and dry for the best snap and shine.

19. Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bark

Spread melted chocolate on parchment, drizzle warmed peanut butter, and scatter crushed pretzels and peanut butter cups. Chill and crack into shards. The sweet-salty combo is addictive and perfect for gifting.

Pack between parchment layers so edges stay crisp. A pinch of flaky salt brings flavors forward without extra work or ingredients.

20. No-Bake Chocolate Bourbon Balls

Combine crushed vanilla wafers, cocoa, powdered sugar, chopped pecans, corn syrup, and a splash of bourbon. Roll into balls and coat in powdered sugar. Rest a day for flavor to mellow.

They’re bold, cozy, and elegant. Offer an orange-juice version as a non-alcohol option. Store cool and dry in tins for easy serving.

21. Microwave Peanut Brittle

Cook sugar and corn syrup in a large microwave-safe bowl, stir in peanuts, then add butter, vanilla, and baking soda for an airy texture. Pour thinly and let set.

Break into golden shards with nutty crunch. It’s simpler than stovetop versions and great for gifting. Keep airtight to maintain snap during holiday travel and parties.

22. White Chocolate Pretzel Rolo Bites

Top pretzel snaps with caramel chocolates, warm just until soft, then press a white wafer on top and add sprinkles. Cool to set. Each bite brings chewy caramel, chocolate, and salty crunch.

They’re easy to batch for cookie exchanges and keep their shape well. Make both milk and dark chocolate versions for a pretty mix.

23. Sugar Cookie Truffles

Pulse leftover sugar cookies to crumbs, combine with cream cheese or frosting, roll and chill. Dip in white chocolate and decorate with sanding sugar or tiny stars.

Inside tastes like frosted cookies; outside gives a clean snap. They’re ideal for tins and dessert boards. Keep chilled for tidy bites and smooth, glossy coatings.

24. Santa’s Reindeer Chow

Mix cereal squares, pretzels, peanuts, and mini marshmallows. Coat with melted white chocolate and toss with red-green candies and sprinkles.

Spread to set, then break into clusters. It’s crunchy, colorful, and impossible to stop snacking on. Portion into jars with reindeer name tags for playful gifts. Make a nut-free batch with seeds and extra pretzels.

25. Chocolate Orange Slices

Candy orange slices in simple syrup, dry until tacky, then dip halfway in dark chocolate. Sprinkle sea salt or chopped pistachios. The bitter peel, bright citrus, and rich chocolate create a grown-up bite that looks boutique.

Layer in parchment-lined boxes for elegant gifting. They add fragrance and color to mixed dessert platters.

Baked Christmas Treats

26. Brownie Christmas Trees

Bake a fudgy brownie slab and cut into triangles. Pipe green frosting as garlands, add sprinkles, and press a small candy cane as the “trunk.” These are simple, festive, and easy to portion.

Chill before slicing for clean edges. Great for school parties and casual gatherings when you want chocolate that looks dressed for the season.

27. Candy Cane Cookies

Make a peppermint-vanilla dough, divide and tint half red. Roll thin ropes, twist red and white together, and shape into canes.

Bake until set but pale. The buttery crunch and cool mint taste like pure Christmas. Dust with powdered sugar for “snow.” They stack well in tins and bring instant nostalgia to any cookie tray.

28. Hot Cocoa Cookies

Whisk a cocoa-rich dough and bake until soft. Top warm cookies with a marshmallow half and return briefly to puff. Drizzle with chocolate and sprinkles.

Each cookie tastes like a mug of cocoa with a gooey top. They’re favorites at exchanges and after sledding. Store airtight to keep centers tender for days.

29. Snowman Cupcakes

Bake simple vanilla or chocolate cupcakes. Frost with white buttercream, add a marshmallow “head,” candy eyes, and an orange sprinkle or icing for the nose.

Dot a smile with mini chips. These are easy to decorate and great for kids’ parties. Use cupcake carriers for transport and keep cool so faces stay crisp and cute.

30. Christmas Cookie Tree

Bake sugar cookies in graduated star sizes. Stack with thin layers of frosting, rotating points to build a tree shape. Add sprinkles and a candy star.

The result looks impressive but uses basic cutters and icing. It’s a centerpiece dessert you can assemble ahead. Slice or pull apart layers for easy sharing at the table.

31. Classic Sugar Cookies with Icing

Cream butter and sugar, add egg and vanilla, then stir in flour for a roll-out dough. Cut trees, snowflakes, and stars. Bake pale for tenderness.

Flood with simple icing and add sanding sugar. They hold shape, freeze well undecorated, and stack neatly for gifting. A reliable base for any color palette or sprinkle theme.

32. Gingerbread Men

Make a molasses-spiced dough with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Chill, roll, and cut shapes. Bake until edges set. Decorate with royal icing buttons and smiles.

The house smells incredible, and the cookies are sturdy for hanging or packaging. Add a few “gingerbread hearts” for variety. Perfect with warm cider or cocoa by the tree.

33. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Chill a rich cocoa dough, roll in powdered sugar, and bake until crackly outside and soft within. The snowy finish appears naturally. Add a pinch of espresso to deepen flavor.

These cookies keep their chew for days and travel well to potlucks. A simple, striking addition to mixed platters that looks wintry without extra decor.

34. Thumbprint Jam Cookies

Shape buttery balls of dough, press indents, and fill with raspberry or apricot jam. Bake until edges are lightly golden. The jewel centers glow on platters.

Use multiple jams for color variety. These tender cookies pair beautifully with tea and are easy to stack in tins with parchment between layers for gifting.

35. Linzer Sandwich Cookies

Blend ground almonds into a delicate dough. Cut paired shapes with small cut-outs, bake, and sandwich with raspberry jam. Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy look.

They feel bakery-fancy but use simple steps. Chill dough for clean cuts and let filled cookies set before packing. A beautiful, classic choice for elegant trays.

36. Peppermint Brownies

Bake a fudgy brownie base, then top warm with crushed candy canes and a drizzle of white chocolate. Chill to slice clean squares.

The cool mint balances rich chocolate, and the red-white flecks pop on dessert tables. Ideal for exchanges, and even better the next day. Serve small pieces; a little goes a long way.

37. Cranberry Orange Loaf

Cream butter and sugar, add eggs, orange zest, and yogurt for moisture. Fold in flour and fresh cranberries. Bake until golden and glaze with citrus icing.

Slices are bright, tender, and jewel-speckled. This loaf fits brunch platters and neighbor gifts. Wrap cooled loaves in parchment and tie with string for a homemade, cozy look.

38. Eggnog Cupcakes

Stir eggnog and a pinch of nutmeg into a vanilla batter. Bake until domed and frost with nutmeg-kissed buttercream. These cupcakes taste like a festive cup in cake form.

Add tiny tree sprinkles or a light dusting of nutmeg. They transport well and always disappear at office parties and family gatherings.

39. Ginger Molasses Cookies

Beat butter, brown sugar, and molasses; add flour and warm spices. Roll in sugar and bake until crackly with soft centers. The chewy texture and deep spice say “holiday” in every bite.

Keep in tins with a slice of bread to maintain softness. Perfect alongside a late-night cup of tea after gift wrapping.

40. Shortbread Stars

Combine butter, powdered sugar, flour, and salt into a tender dough. Roll, cut stars, and bake just until edges barely color. Dip tips in melted chocolate or dust with sanding sugar.

Shortbread keeps for weeks, ships well, and offers buttery melt-in-mouth texture. A dependable make-ahead option for busy December calendars and gift boxes.

41. Pecan Pie Bars

Bake a shortbread crust, then pour on gooey pecan filling and return to the oven until set. Slice into tidy bars. You get all the caramelized, nutty richness of pie without slicing wedges.

Sprinkle flaky salt to balance sweetness. Bars pack neatly for potlucks and hold up on crowded dessert boards.

42. Red Velvet Crinkles

Mix a cocoa-vanilla dough tinted red, chill, roll in powdered sugar, and bake for snowy cracks over crimson centers. Add white chocolate chips if you like.

These cookies look dramatic on trays and stay soft for days. Store airtight and gift in clear bags so their bright color shines through the “snow.”

43. Snowball (Tea) Cookies

Stir butter, powdered sugar, flour, vanilla, and finely chopped nuts into a crumbly dough. Bake rounds and roll warm in powdered sugar, then again when cool for extra “snow.”

They’re buttery, nutty, and melt-away tender. These keep beautifully, making them great for early baking and shipping to friends with a handwritten note.

44. Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

Press sugar cookie dough into a pan and bake until set. Cool, frost with peppermint buttercream, and top with crushed candy canes. Cut into clean squares for easy serving.

Bars are efficient for crowds and stack neatly in containers. Swirl half the frosting pink for a festive look without complex piping or decorations.

45. Fruitcake Bars

Fold mixed dried fruit, nuts, and warm spices into a brown-sugar batter. Bake until golden and slice slim bars. They deliver classic fruitcake flavor in a lighter, hand-held format.

Brush with orange syrup for shine. These age well, so bake ahead, wrap tightly, and enjoy rich slices throughout the holiday week.

46. Stollen Bites

Prepare a simple enriched dough with candied citrus and almonds. Instead of loaves, bake small nuggets. Brush warm with butter and roll in powdered sugar “snow.”

Each bite is soft and citrusy with gentle spice. They’re easier to serve than slices and pair perfectly with coffee. Dust again before plating for extra sparkle.

47. Mini Mince Pies

Line muffin tins with pie dough, spoon in mincemeat filling, and top with stars or lattices. Bake until bubbling and golden. The warm spice and citrus notes are unmistakably festive.

Dust with powdered sugar and serve slightly warm. These freeze well, so you can bake ahead and rewarm for quick party platters.

48. Yule Log

Bake a thin cocoa sponge and roll with whipped cream filling. Frost with chocolate buttercream and texture to look like bark. Add meringue mushrooms or powdered sugar “snow.”

Chill to set, then slice into spirals. It’s a showpiece that anchors the table and tastes as good as it looks. Classic, memorable, and worth the little effort.

49. Almond Biscotti

Mix a simple dough with almonds, shape logs, bake, slice, and bake again for crunch. Dip ends in chocolate and sprinkle pistachios or cranberries.

Biscotti keep for weeks and ship well—ideal gifts for coffee lovers. Pack in tall bags with ribbon and a tag that says, “Perfect for dunking in cocoa or espresso.”

50. Brown Butter Toffee Blondies

Brown butter for nutty depth, then stir a simple blondie batter with toffee bits and white chocolate chips. Bake until glossy and set at the edges. Cool before slicing neat bars.

The flavor is caramel-rich and crowd-pleasing. Sprinkle flaky salt on top to balance sweetness. Sturdy for travel and popular at any potluck table.

Conclusion

With 50 Christmas treats in one place, you’ve got everything for gifting, parties, and cozy nights in. Mix bright citrus, cool peppermint, warm ginger, and rich chocolate for balance. Prep ahead, store smartly, and label allergens. Share trays, trade tins, and keep a few freezer-friendly options ready. Most of all, have fun and celebrate every sweet moment all season long.