When Christmas rolls around, the last thing you want is to be stuck in the kitchen fussing with complicated desserts. That’s why I put together this list of easy Christmas desserts that come together in about 30 minutes or less. These quick Christmas desserts look impressive, taste amazing, and are simple enough to make even when the holiday rush hits.
Most of these recipes take under 30 minutes of hands-on prep, with a few that need a little chill or set time (so chill time isn’t included in the 30 minutes). Whether you’re hosting a big holiday dinner, planning a cookie exchange, or just need last-minute holiday treats to share, this list has you covered with fast, festive ideas that anyone can pull off.
Christmas Oreo Brownies
Fudgy, chocolatey, and stuffed with Oreos! These easy Christmas desserts start with a brownie mix but taste like a bakery favorite. Add red and green M&Ms for a holiday-ready finish that looks super cute and festive.
Christmas Biscoff Truffles
Creamy, spiced, and covered in red sanding sugar, these Biscoff Truffles are everything you love about cookie butter in bite-sized form. They’re elegant enough for gifting but simple enough for an afternoon craving.
Grinch Edible Cookie Dough Balls
Bright green and full of holiday cheer, these no-bake Grinch Cookie Dough Balls are a sweet twist on classic edible cookie dough. A red heart sprinkle adds the perfect festive touch!
M&M Shortbread Bites
These buttery shortbread squares studded with Christmas M&Ms are bite-sized perfection. They’re easy to make, easy to share, and totally festive.
Biscoff Cheesecake Parfaits
Layers of creamy no-bake cheesecake, crushed Biscoff cookies, and whipped cream make these individual parfaits a dreamy Christmas dessert that takes less than 20 minutes to assemble.
Dulce de Leche Oreo Ice Cream
This no-churn ice cream is the perfect delectable and unique flavor combo for Christmas. With swirls of dulce de leche caramel and crushed Oreos folded into a creamy caramel base. This make-ahead favorite takes just a few minutes to prepare and can wait in your freezer until you’re ready to serve it Christmas
Gingersnap Fudge
Rich, buttery, and filled with cozy spice, this gingersnap fudge combines white chocolate and crushed cookies for a Christmas candy that tastes like the holidays in one bite.
Christmas M&M Oreo Rice Krispie Treats
A quick twist on a childhood favorite! Gooey marshmallow treats packed with chopped Oreos and festive red-and-green M&Ms make these a fun, no-bake holiday dessert that comes together in no time.
Edible Christmas Cookie Dough
Safe to eat and loaded with sprinkles, this festive cookie dough is perfect for Christmas movie nights or gifting in jars. It’s one of the easiest holiday treats you’ll ever make.
Christmas Peanut Butter Balls
Classic and crowd-pleasing, these chocolate-dipped peanut butter balls are a nostalgic Christmas favorite. Make a big batch, as they disappear fast! You can even make them ahead of time and keep them stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
Elf Hat Treats
These adorable no-bake treats look just like little elf hats! Made with Bugles, candy melts, and mini marshmallows, they’re the cutest addition to any Christmas party platter and come together in minutes.
Chocolate Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats
The ultimate combination of chocolate, peppermint, and marshmallow-y goodness! These easy bars are soft, chewy, and dipped in chocolate and crushed candy canes for a pretty peppermint crunch.
Hot Chocolate Pucks
Rich and chocolatey, these homemade hot cocoa pucks melt perfectly into warm milk for instant cozy vibes. Package them up with mini marshmallows for easy DIY gifts or a homemade hot chocolate station at your next party.
Christmas Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
Two desserts in one! These rich brownies hide Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups inside and are topped with Christmas-colored M&Ms for a quick, crowd-pleasing treat.
Frosted Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies
These soft, chewy cookies come together with a box of cake mix and a few simple ingredients. Top with homemade buttercream frosting and sprinkles for a festive look with minimal effort.
Christmas Oreo Cookies
This gooey cookie base gets a Christmas makeover with red and green M&Ms and chopped Oreos. They’re simple, festive and delicious!
Easy Desserts That Take a Bit More Than 30 Minutes
If you’ve got a little extra time, these desserts are still simple to make but may take a few more minutes to bake or assemble. I just had to include them in this list because I love them so much, and they’ve all been proven crowd-pleasers with my taste testers (e.g. my family, friends and my husband’s co-workers).
M&M Cookie Bars (35 minutes)
Soft, chewy cookie bars packed with Christmas M&Ms and chocolate chips.These are perfect for parties or cookie swaps and bake up beautifully in one pan.
Cake Mix Whoopie Pies (35 minutes)
Make sandwich-style Christmas whoopie pies the easy way! These start with a box cake mix and come together with a creamy filling for a nostalgic, festive dessert.
Christmas Blondies (40 minutes)
Rich and buttery, these Christmas blondies are loaded with, M&Ms, sprinkles and Oreos. They’re perfect when you want something quick but a little extra special.
Elf Hat Puppy Chow (40 minutes including elf hat assembly)
This is a classic puppy chow recipe tossed with adorable red and green elf hat treats. It’s perfect for parties and kids’ treats!
Christmas Poke Cake (45 minutes)
A simple boxed cake colored red and green with condensed milk filling and a homemade vanilla frosting and whipped topping. It’s bright, merry, and always a hit at holiday gatherings.
Whether you’re planning ahead or whipping something up last minute, these easy Christmas desserts prove that festive baking doesn’t have to be time-consuming. From quick no-bake candies to 30-minute cookies and bars, these quick Christmas desserts bring plenty of cheer to your dessert table. Keep a few of these holiday treats bookmarked, you’ll want them all season long!
