Busy December days can make it hard to find time for fun treats, but there are easy options that still feel special. This list of 21 super-easy treats helps you make something sweet without a long wait or a long list of steps. You can bring them to a party, pack them for a school event, or enjoy them at home on a quiet night. These treats keep things simple while giving you something good to share.
Egg Nog Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Chewy Lemon Cookies
The bright lemon flavor gives these cookies a fresh and cheerful touch that works well on any holiday dessert table. Their soft and chewy texture makes them easy to share with friends and family during gatherings. This simple, sweet bite adds a light, zesty note that balances richer holiday desserts.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Lemon Cookies
Nutella No Bake Cookies
The chocolate hazelnut flavor and soft texture make this a quick dessert for busy holiday days. No baking is required, which makes it easy to make a batch for friends and family. This fun holiday dessert disappears fast and keeps everyone coming back for one more.
Get the Recipe: Nutella No Bake Cookies
Rudolph’s Oat Treat Cookies
Soft oats and gentle sweetness make these cookies a fun and friendly snack for sharing during holiday visits. The recipe uses ingredients that are easy to find and comes together quickly. This playful holiday dessert is simple, cheerful, and perfect for passing around with friends and family.
Get the Recipe: Rudolph’s Oat Treat Cookies
Classic Holly Wreath Cookies
Bright green color and small decorations make these cookies a cheerful addition to holiday dessert tables. They’re easy to make in a batch and simple to share with friends and family. This festive sweet bite brings a playful look and a fun start before anyone even takes a bite.
Get the Recipe: Classic Holly Wreath Cookies
Peppermint Bark
Layers of chocolate and peppermint come together quickly in a crunchy dessert that’s perfect for holiday parties. Leftover chocolate or fresh, melted chocolate works for this simple recipe. This festive sweet bite looks fancy but is easy to make and share with friends and family.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Bark
Chewy Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie
Soft chocolate cookies hide a gooey marshmallow center that adds a playful surprise to holiday desserts. The rich chocolate flavor is comforting without being heavy, and friends and family love sharing them. This holiday dessert combines a soft, chocolatey bite with a fun twist everyone will remember.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie
Palmier Cookies
Flaky layers and a sweet crunch make this cookie look fancy with minimal effort, perfect for a holiday table. Large batches are easy to bake and share with friends and family. This holiday dessert gives a bakery-style touch without requiring complicated steps or ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Palmier Cookies
Brown Sugar Cookie Dough Truffles
A rich cookie dough center coated in smooth chocolate feels special without needing any baking. These truffles are easy to make in large batches for sharing during holiday gatherings. This sweet bite offers a polished look and soft texture that stands out on dessert trays.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Cookie Dough Truffles
Egg Nog Cookies
Soft cookies flavored with eggnog create a comforting dessert that’s gentle but flavorful for holiday gatherings. The dough is easy to shape, making it simple to bake a batch for friends and family. This seasonal sweet bite gives familiar flavors in a way that feels warm and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Egg Nog Cookies
Gochujang Caramel Cookies
Sweet caramel and a hint of heat give this cookie a unique twist that stands out among other holiday desserts. The recipe is simple to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family. This creative sweet bite adds a playful flavor that brings something different to the dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Caramel Cookies
Spiced Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
Soft oatmeal cookies with warm spices and tart cranberries make a comforting and festive dessert. They hold up well for gift boxes or dessert trays when sharing with friends and family. This holiday treat balances sweet and tangy flavors in a way everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
Hot Chocolate Cookies
Soft chocolate cookies with a marshmallow center bring the flavor of hot chocolate to a handheld holiday dessert. They bake quickly and are easy to share with friends and family. This cozy, sweet bite delivers warmth and comfort in every chewy mouthful.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Cookies
Brownie Batter Truffles
Smooth chocolate coating surrounds a rich brownie batter center for a dessert that feels fancy yet is easy to make. They travel well and are perfect for sharing with friends and family. This small holiday sweet bite offers chocolatey satisfaction in a simple, elegant package.
Get the Recipe: Brownie Batter Truffles
Candy Cane Brookies
Soft brownie and chewy cookie layers combine with crushed candy canes for a festive holiday dessert. They’re easy to make in a batch and share with friends and family. This sweet bite delivers chocolate and mint flavors in a fun, playful way that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Brookies
Lemon Squares
Zesty lemon filling over a soft crust creates a bright dessert that cuts neatly for holiday gatherings. They’re easy to make and stack for sharing with friends and family. This simple, sweet bite offers a refreshing tang that pairs well with heavier holiday desserts.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Squares
Chewy Molasses Cookies
Deep molasses flavor and soft, chewy texture make this cookie a classic for holiday gatherings. The recipe is simple to follow, and the cookies hold their flavor well. This traditional sweet bite disappears fast whenever friends and family are around.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Molasses Cookies
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cereal Bars
Crunchy cereal, chocolate, and peppermint combine for a simple yet festive holiday dessert. They slice cleanly and travel well when sharing with friends and family. This sweet bite delivers chocolatey flavor and a playful crunch that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Peppermint Cereal Bars
7 Layer Bars
Layers of chocolate, coconut, and other sweet fillings come together quickly for a rich holiday dessert. The bars are simple to bake and slice for sharing with friends and family. This multi-layered sweet bite offers variety and flavor in every piece.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Bars
Easy Sugar Cherry Cookies
Soft cookies with bright cherries in the center create a cheerful holiday dessert that is easy to enjoy with friends and family. The dough is simple to roll and bakes quickly, making it a convenient option for gatherings or gift boxes. This sweet bite brings a pop of color and a burst of flavor that stands out on any dessert tray.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sugar Cherry Cookies
Apricot Crescent Cookies
Buttery crescent shapes filled with sweet apricot create a soft, approachable holiday dessert. They’re simple to bake in batches for sharing with friends and family. This gentle, sweet bite brings a subtle flavor and pretty shape to the dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Apricot Crescent Cookies
Toasted S’mores Cookies
A Graham cookie base with chocolate ganache and toasted marshmallow layers creates a fun holiday dessert. They look impressive but are easy to make for friends and family. This treat combines crunchy and gooey textures in a way that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Toasted S’mores Cookies