50 Easy Christmas Treats for Baking, Gifting, and Sharing

Discover 50 easy Christmas treats you can make this holiday season! From classic cookies to no-bake favorites, there’s something festive and delicious for everyone.

Best Christmas Desserts

If you’re looking for the easiest way to plan your holiday party or fill your cookie trays, this list of recipes has you covered. Instead of scrolling endlessly for the perfect recipe, I’ve gathered the top cookies, bars, and candies all in one place. You’ll find irresistible brownies, festive chocolate cookies, gingerbread bars, and more. 

Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned baker, these recipes use simple ingredients like brown sugar, melted candy, and peanuts to help you create sweets that look impressive without the stress. Think of this as your personal Christmas baking assistant. It’ll save you time and give you a fun way to make every December celebration feel a little more magical.

Fun Christmas Treats to Make

Below are 50 recipes I recommend trying this holiday season. Share your creation on Instagram, tagging @easybudgetrecipes!

Holiday Cookies

1. Gingerbread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting – Perfectly spiced and incredibly soft, these gingerbread cookies with fluffy cream cheese icing are a must-make for the holiday season.
2. Peppermint Chocolate Cookies – These soft, chewy Peppermint Chocolate Cookies deliver a festive burst of flavor in every bite.
3. Stained Glass Cookies – Stained glass cookies are a stunning holiday treat that’s as fun to make as it is delicious to eat.
4. Peppermint Snowball Cookies – These peppermint snowball cookies practically melt in your mouth and come together with just seven simple ingredients, making them ideal for holiday baking.
5. Gingerbread Whoopie Pies – With their soft texture and warm gingerbread spice, these Whoopie Pies bring a festive twist that instantly elevates your holiday treats.
6. Chocolate Mint Cookies – Chewy, fudgy, and loaded with Andes Mint pieces, these Chocolate Mint Cookies are a simple yet standout treat for holiday cookie trays.
7. Peppermint Snowball Cookies – With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and festive peppermint flavor, these snowball cookies are a simple, seven-ingredient holiday must-make.
8. Cherry Pie Cookies – With a sugar cookie base, cherry pie filling, and a quick icing drizzle, these Cherry Pie Cookies come together easily with only five ingredients.
9. Dulce De Leche Cookies – These Dulce de Leche Cookies pair tender shortbread with a thick layer of dulce de leche, creating an irresistible five-ingredient treat.
10. Gingersnap Cookie Recipe – With a perfect molasses-spice flavor and that classic soft-but-crispy texture, these Gingersnap Cookies are the ultimate Christmas cookie.
11. Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies – You’ll love how effortless these Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are—five ingredients, quick prep, and big chocolate-peanut butter flavor.
12. Easy Brownie Mix Cookies – These fudgy brownie cookies use a boxed mix for ease, then get finished with warm Andes Mints for a decadent, minty topping. They’re quick, delicious, and ideal for any holiday tray.
13. Old Fashioned Icebox Cookies – These Old Fashioned Icebox Cookies are a classic Christmas favorite you can prep ahead, chill, and slice-and-bake whenever it’s time to serve or gift.
14. Gingerbread Cookie Bars – These Gingerbread Bars are soft, chewy, and incredibly easy to make. With 24 servings in every batch, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie trays.
15. Candy Cane Cookies – These festive, peppermint-filled cookies are so simple to make. Plus, they’re a kid favorite for holiday baking and decorating.
16. Easy Snickerdoodle Cookies – Soft, chewy, and coated in classic cinnamon sugar, these Easy Snickerdoodle Cookies are a delicious choice for the holidays.
17. Chocolate Dipped Sugar Cookies – Soft, chewy sugar cookies dipped in rich chocolate and finished with sprinkles make these a crowd-pleasing treat for Christmas.
18. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies – These Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are soft and fudgy on the inside with a lightly crisp, powdered-sugar–coated exterior.
19. Cranberry Pistachio Cookies – Cranberries, pistachios, and white chocolate drizzle create a beautiful burst of holiday color and flavor in these Cranberry Pistachio Cookies.
20. Gingerbread Drop Cookies – These soft, warmly spiced cookies are dipped in white chocolate and topped with festive sprinkles.
21. Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies – With nutty browned butter, soft chewy centers, and crisp edges, these Christmas sprinkle sugar cookies are everything you want in a festive holiday treat.
22. Soft Gingerbread Cookies – Nothing says Christmas cookie time like Gingerbread Cookies. Decorating them is a cherished holiday tradition that everyone in the family looks forward to.
23. Cut Out Sugar Cookies – Sour cream is the secret to the soft, tender texture of these Cut Out Sugar Cookies. These decorated cookies are a true Christmas classic!
24. Peppermint Kiss Cookies – Simple to make and perfectly festive, these peppermint kiss cookies whip up 48 delicious cookies.
25. Chewy Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies – These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are simple to make, dipped in chocolate, and finished with sprinkles.

Christmas Candy

1. Crockpot Candy – This easy Crockpot Candy is ideal for holiday trays and potlucks, and it’s a fun Christmas treat that kids will enjoy making with you.
2. Peppermint Patty Candy – This homemade Peppermint Patty Candy brings a refreshing burst of mint and makes a great addition to Christmas cookie plates or holiday gift boxes.
3. Homemade Cinnamon Candy – If homemade candy feels intimidating, this Cinnamon Candy recipe will change your mind. This foolproof method walks you through every step to create perfect candy pieces.
4. Easy Christmas Fudge – Rich, creamy, and incredibly smooth, this fudge recipe is perfect for beginners.
5. Peanut Brittle – With this recipe, you’ll make perfect peanut brittle every single time. I’ve been gifting it to friends and neighbors for over twenty years, and now we’re sharing our best tips to help you avoid the most common brittle-making mistakes.
6. Rocky Road Fudge – Creamy, rich, and filled with marshmallows and toasted almonds, this Rocky Road Fudge comes together effortlessly for holidays, potlucks, or any chocolate craving.
7. Caramel Pretzel Turtles – A fun twist on classic turtle candies, these easy Caramel Pretzel Turtles are made with pretzels, chewy caramels, pecans, and chocolate.
8. White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge – With its marshmallow creme base, this White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge turns out irresistibly soft and smooth.
9. Peppermint Bark Candy – With its layers of chocolate and white chocolate, a cool peppermint note, and crushed candy canes on top, this Peppermint Bark Candy is a perfect holiday gift.
10. Christmas Divinity Candy – A timeless holiday treat, this Divinity Candy recipe comes together with just a few ingredients and delivers perfectly soft, chewy candy every time.
11. Buckeye Candy – With a peanut butter fudge center and a chocolate-dipped coating, Buckeye Candy is an easy six-ingredient treat everyone loves.
12. Butter Mints – This homemade butter mints recipe is a nostalgic classic made with simple ingredients like butter, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract.

Easy No-Bake Christmas Desserts

1. No-Bake Chocolate Oat Cookies – These No-Bake Chocolate Oat Cookies are quick, simple, and delicious year-round, but I especially love making them during the holidays when we need an effortless addition to our cookie trays.
2. Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses – Sweet holiday fun without the fuss! These graham cracker gingerbread houses are budget-friendly, easy to assemble, and guaranteed to bring festive joy to everyone who can build and enjoy them.
3. Gingerbread Cheesecake Dip – A total party hit, this Gingerbread Cheesecake Dip comes together in only 5 minutes with eight simple ingredients, making it the perfect quick holiday dessert.
4. Rice Krispie Christmas Trees – These Rice Krispie Christmas Trees are a cheerful, kid-friendly holiday treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
5. Chocolate Covered Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls – Easy, creamy, and irresistible, Chocolate Peanut Butter Bon Bons make a great treat all year long.
6. Easy Peppermint Dip – Ready in just 5 minutes, this creamy Peppermint Dip is the perfect holiday dessert for parties, potlucks, and family get-togethers.
7. Peppermint Pie Recipe with a Crunchy Oreo Crust – With its cool, creamy texture and refreshing peppermint flavor, this No-Bake Peppermint Pie makes an ideal make-ahead dessert for the holidays.
8. Festive Reindeer Chow – Reindeer Chow puts a holiday spin on classic puppy chow with a mix of brownie puppy chow, powdered sugar pieces, pretzels, and chocolate candies. It creates the perfect sweet-and-salty Christmas snack mix.
9. Easy Cheesecake Truffles – Creamy, chocolate-dipped Cheesecake Truffles make the perfect no-bake bite-sized treat, and they’re wonderfully easy for holidays, parties, and gifting.
10. Christmas Wreath Cookies – These no-bake Christmas Wreath Cookies come together in 15 minutes with just five ingredients, and they’re a fun, kid-friendly holiday treat to make together.
11. Christmas Ornament Oreo Pops – Christmas Ornament Oreo Pops are cheerful treats perfect for gifting or adding a festive touch to your holiday cookie trays.
12. Christmas Oreo Balls – With just four ingredients, these Christmas Oreo Balls come together quickly for a simple, festive treat.
13. Grinch Snack Mix – This Grinch Snack Mix is a quick holiday favorite featuring green puppy chow, candies, and heart-topped pretzels for the perfect sweet-and-salty crunch.

Wrapping Up Christmas Baking Season

With these 50 easy Christmas treats and cookies, you’ll have everything you need for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, gifting, and festive family traditions. Whether you’re craving classic cookies, irresistible candy, or simple no-bake desserts, this collection has you covered with delicious options for every celebration.

Which treat will you make first? Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to pin this roundup to your Christmas or holiday baking board so you’ll have it handy all season long.

Happy baking, and may your trays be filled with cookies Santa himself will love!