This Easy Christmas Treats roundup is packed with delicious holiday recipes that make it easy to share homemade treats with everyone on your list! We’ve curated a collection of festive and fun cookies, candies, no-bake treats, snack mixes, and more that taste amazing but don’t require a culinary degree to pull off. Whether you’re filling cookie tins for neighbors, bringing treats to a holiday party, or just want something sweet to enjoy with your family, these recipes will help you spread holiday cheer without all the stress.
Every December for the past 20 years, my mom and I have had our annual cookie baking marathon where we spend a weekend in the kitchen together, making batch after batch of our favorite holiday treats. We typically make at least a dozen different kinds of cookies that include family favorites and new-to-us recipe to share with family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. It’s one of my absolute favorite traditions, and honestly one of the highlights of my holiday season. Over those two decades of holiday baking, we’ve fine-tuned our process and learned tips and tricks along the way to make the most of our time together so we have fun and can get as much baking done as possible.
I’ve also found joy in making easy treats to compliment our cookies and fill in gaps on our cookie tray for some extra pops of fun. This has been even more true over the past 5 years or so since having a kiddo… little hands love to help, and choosing low-stress recipes makes it a more fun experience for everyone.
The recipes in this roundup are designed so bakers of all skill levels can create something delicious and festive to share. You won’t find overly complicated decorated sugar cookies with intricate royal icing designs here (no shade to those beautiful creations, we’re just keeping this list easy-peasy!). Whether you’re looking for quick no-bake options, classic cookies that never disappoint, or something easy you can make to spread some cheer, this collection is here to help you find your perfect Christmas treat to share this holiday season.
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🎄 Tips for Holiday Baking Success
Always read the recipe thoroughly. Before you start making your holiday treat(s) be sure to read the entire recipe from start to finish. This helps you understand the steps involved and make sure you have all the ingredients and equipment required for what you’d like to make.
Freeze cookie dough or fully baked goodies if you can. Many cookie doughs can be made weeks in advance and thawed overnight in the fridge before baking for fresh-from-the-oven treats anytime. Many holiday treats can also be frozen once fully made to help you be efficient with your time and make your holiday goodies when you have time.
Line baking trays with parchment paper. It makes cleanup so much easier and helps prevent cookies from sticking to the cookie sheet.
Measure ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, so use proper measuring techniques (spooning flour into cups rather than scooping) for the best results.
Bake in batches. Don’t try to make everything in one day! Spread your baking over a few days or weekends to keep it fun instead of overwhelming.
Double your recipes. If you’re already making a mess in the kitchen, why not double whatever you’re making? You’ll thank yourself later when you have extra treats to share or freeze.
For more tips, I actually have a FREE e-book for holiday cookie tray success you may enjoy!
❤️ How to Store Christmas Treats
Be sure to review each individual recipe’s storage notes for specific instructions. But generally, here’s how to store different types of holiday treats:
Cookies: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Use wax paper or parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Many types of cookies freeze well for up to 3 months, which may be a great option if baking cookies early is best for your schedule.
No-bake treats: Keep no-bake treats like truffles and bark in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Many can also be frozen for up to 1 month.
Candy and confections: Store homemade candies like fudge and toffee in airtight containers at room temperature (unless otherwise specified) for up to 2 weeks. Keep different types of candy in separate containers to prevent flavors from mixing.
Bars and brownies: Store bars and brownies tightly covered at room temperature for 3 to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. Many kinds can also freeze well for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly.
🎁 Packaging Ideas for Gift Giving
Holiday tins: I love picking up holiday tins at Michaels, especially when I need several matching ones for teachers or neighbors. You can also find great vintage tins at thrift shops (just wash them well before using!).
Clear cellophane bags: Tie them with festive ribbon for a simple, beautiful presentation that shows off your treats.
Mason jars: Layer bar cookies or candies in mason jars and tie a ribbon around the lid with a gift tag.
Paper treat boxes: These fold-up boxes are inexpensive, come in tons of holiday designs, and are perfect for stacking cookies or candies.
Reusable containers: Give treats in containers the recipient can keep and use, like nice plastic storage containers or small serving platters.
🎄 Easy Christmas Cookies
These classic baked cookies are what holiday baking is all about! From brightly colored cookies to chocolate-dipped favorites, these recipes will fill your cookie tins and make your kitchen smell amazing. No cookie cutters required! These recipes are perfect for cookie exchanges, filling up Santa’s plate, or sharing with everyone on your nice list.
❤️ No-Bake Christmas Treats
When you’re short on time or oven space, these no-bake treats are lifesavers! Just a few easy steps plus chilling time for delicious results. These are also great options to make with kids since there’s no hot oven involved.
✨FYI: you’ll find even more no bake fun down in the ‘Christmas Candy and Confections’, ‘Simple Bars and Brownies’, and ‘Holiday Snack Mixes’ sections too! You’ll see (no bake) in the titles.
🎁 Christmas Candy & Confections
Homemade candy makes such a special gift and is often easier to make than you’d think! From creamy fudge to crunchy toffee, these sweet confections are sure to impress.
🎄 Simple Bars & Brownies
When you need to feed a crowd or want something you can slice and serve easily, bars and brownies are always a great choice! These treats are simple to make, are easy to transport, and can be cut into whatever size you need. Plus, you don’t have to spend time scooping individual cookies onto baking sheets!
❤️ Christmas Snack Mixes
Holiday-themed snack mixes are the perfect treat for Christmas movie marathons or to set out for guests to snack on during holiday gatherings. Just be ready to refill the serving bowl, these are sure to disappear fast!
🎁 Other Easy Holiday Sweet Treats
Sometimes the best holiday treats don’t fit neatly into a category, and that’s what makes them special! These unique treats will add variety (and joy) to your holiday spread.
I hope you’ve found some fun and delicious treats to make this holiday season! Want even more festive ideas? Check out all of our Christmas recipes!
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