The snow is falling, the fire is crackling, and there’s no better time to make something sweet. Forget complicated recipes this year. Here’s a list of 23 simple treats that can be made right in your own kitchen. From warm cookies to easy no-bake desserts, these homemade sweets are perfect for sharing with friends and family at any cozy winter gathering. Get ready to make these treats and make holiday parties the sweetest ones yet.
Palmier Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Chewy Lemon Cookies
Add a bright pop of flavor to your holiday table with soft, chewy lemon cookies. The dough is simple to mix and bake, making it easy to share with friends and family. This zesty, sweet bite balances richer desserts while keeping preparation quick and approachable.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Lemon Cookies
Egg Nog Cookies
Bring a comforting twist to holiday dessert trays with soft cookies flavored with eggnog. The dough is easy to shape and bakes quickly, perfect for making a batch for friends and family. This sweet treat delivers familiar flavors in a gentle, satisfying way that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Egg Nog Cookies
Chewy Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie
Make holiday gatherings extra fun with soft chocolate cookies hiding gooey marshmallows inside. They’re rich without being heavy and simple to share with friends and family. This dessert combines chocolate and marshmallow in a playful way that keeps everyone reaching for more.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie
Candy Cane Brookies
Surprise friends and family with a sweet treat that mixes soft brownies, chewy cookies, and crushed candy canes. They bake quickly and are simple to portion for sharing. This dessert combines chocolate and mint flavors in a festive way that looks special but is easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Brookies
Spiced Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
Bring warm flavors to holiday dessert tables with soft oatmeal cookies full of spices and tart cranberries. It holds up well on trays or in boxes for sharing with friends and family. This sweet bite combines tangy and sweet flavors that everyone will appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
Brown Sugar Cookie Dough Truffles
Treat friends and family to rich cookie dough centers coated in smooth chocolate without turning on the oven. They’re easy to make in large batches for sharing at holiday gatherings. This dessert offers a soft, chocolatey texture that stands out on any dessert tray.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Cookie Dough Truffles
Peppermint Bark
Create a quick, crunchy dessert by layering chocolate and peppermint for friends and family. Leftover chocolate or freshly melted pieces make this simple to assemble for busy holiday days. This sweet bite adds festive color and minty flavor to any dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Bark
Palmier Cookies
Add a bakery-style touch to holiday dessert tables with flaky, crisp cookies that look fancy with minimal effort. Large batches bake quickly and are easy to share with friends and family. This dessert offers a delicate, sweet crunch without complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Palmier Cookies
Rudolph’s Oat Treat Cookies
Make an approachable dessert for holiday visits with soft oats and gentle sweetness in easy-to-prepare cookies. It uses simple ingredients and comes together quickly for friends and family. This cheerful, sweet bite is simple, fun, and ready to pass around at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Rudolph’s Oat Treat Cookies
Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
Brighten holiday trays with buttery shortbread dotted with peppermint pieces for a clean, festive flavor. Partially dipping the cookies in chocolate adds a finishing touch without extra work. This dessert is simple to make and perfect for gifting or sharing with friends and family.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
Toasted S’mores Cookies
Bring a fun twist to holiday dessert tables with graham cookie bases, chocolate ganache, and toasted marshmallow layers. They bake quickly and are easy to share with friends and family. This dessert combines crunchy and gooey textures in a simple way that keeps everyone coming back for another bite.
Get the Recipe: Toasted S’mores Cookies
Lemon Squares
Brighten holiday trays with a zesty lemon filling layered over a soft, tender crust that cuts neatly for sharing. It bakes easily and stacks well, making it simple to serve to friends and family. This light, sweet bite delivers a refreshing citrus flavor that balances richer desserts and adds a cheerful touch to any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Squares
Apricot Crescent Cookies
Add soft, buttery crescent cookies filled with sweet apricot to holiday dessert spreads. They’re simple to bake in batches and easy to share with friends and family. This gentle, sweet bite offers a subtle flavor and attractive shape that makes any tray feel special.
Get the Recipe: Apricot Crescent Cookies
Classic Thumbprint Cookies
Create colorful dessert trays with soft cookies topped with bright jam centers. It holds its shape well and is easy to arrange for friends and family. This familiar sweet bite brings a comforting balance of sweetness that fits perfectly on holiday tables.
Get the Recipe: Classic Thumbprint Cookies
Hot Chocolate Cookies
Make handheld holiday treats with soft chocolate cookies hiding gooey marshmallow centers. They bake quickly and are simple to share with friends and family. This cozy dessert brings chocolatey warmth and a comforting twist in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Cookies
Gochujang Caramel Cookies
Add a unique twist to holiday desserts with cookies that combine sweet caramel and a hint of gentle heat. It’s easy to prepare and share with friends and family. This dessert introduces a playful flavor that stands out without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Caramel Cookies
Peppermint Brownie Trifle
Layer brownies, cream, and peppermint flavor for a rich dessert that’s simple to assemble for holiday gatherings. It looks impressive while staying easy to prepare for friends and family. This sweet treat brings creamy texture and festive flavor to any dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Brownie Trifle
Nutella No Bake Cookies
Make quick chocolatey cookies with hazelnut flavor that require no baking, perfect for busy holiday days. They’re easy to portion and share with friends and family. This dessert disappears fast while keeping everyone asking for one more.
Get the Recipe: Nutella No Bake Cookies
Cherry Surprise Cookies
Surprise friends and family with soft cookie dough hiding a bright cherry in the center for a sweet pop in every bite. It’s easy to bake and hold its shape well for sharing. This cheerful dessert adds a fun and approachable element to any holiday tray.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Surprise Cookies
Classic Holly Wreath Cookies
Decorate holiday dessert trays with bright green cookies and small festive decorations. They’re easy to bake in batches and simple to pass around for friends and family. This colorful sweet bite adds charm and style without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Classic Holly Wreath Cookies
Copycat Mrs. Fields Chocolate Dipped Cookies
Make a classic treat with chewy chocolate cookies half-dipped in creamy chocolate for holiday trays. It’s simple to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family. This sweet dessert combines nostalgia and flavor in a way that keeps everyone reaching for more.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Mrs. Fields Chocolate Dipped Cookies
Edible Cookie Dough Snickerdoodle Truffles
Turn soft snickerdoodle dough into chocolate-covered truffles for a quick, no-bake holiday treat. They travel well and are easy to share with friends and family. This dessert pairs familiar flavors with a playful twist that keeps everyone coming back.
Get the Recipe: Edible Cookie Dough Snickerdoodle Truffles
Brownie Batter Truffles
Coat rich brownie batter in smooth chocolate to create a dessert that feels fancy without much effort. The truffles are portable and easy to pass around, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family during gatherings. This small, sweet bite delivers chocolatey richness in a simple, elegant way while standing out on any dessert tray.
Get the Recipe: Brownie Batter Truffles