Christmas is closing in, but there’s no need to panic about dessert. These quick and easy recipes are made for last-minute bakers who need something festive without the hassle. With simple steps and big holiday vibes, these treats let you keep the focus on enjoying the season—not stressing over the oven.
Chocolate Cashew Cookies
Chocolate cashew cookies are a delightful blend of chewy brownie and sugar cookie textures. Rolled in chopped nuts, they’re a fun, chocolaty treat for the holidays, offering a healthier option that’s simple to prepare and sure to please chocolate lovers.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cashew Cookies
Easy Thumbprint Cookies
Easy thumbprint cookies are a fantastic choice for a simple, festive holiday cookie. They require minimal ingredients and are straightforward to prepare, making them an excellent last-minute addition to your holiday baking, perfect for when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Easy Thumbprint Cookies
Dark Chocolate Kahlua Coffee Bites
Dark chocolate Kahlua coffee bites offer a decadent, easy-to-make treat, perfect for last-minute holiday dessert needs. They combine the richness of truffles with the ease of home preparation, making them an ideal quick fix for chocolate lovers during the festive season.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Kahlua Coffee Bites
Amaretto Fudge Cookies
Amaretto fudge cookies are a luxurious choice for your holiday dessert spread. They offer a decadent chocolate taste with just a hint of amaretto, perfect for those seeking a quick, sophisticated treat that captures the festive spirit with a touch of elegance.
Get the Recipe: Amaretto Fudge Cookies
Cranberry Orange Thumbprint Cookies
Cranberry orange thumbprint cookies are an easy and tasty way to use leftover ingredients. They combine the flavors of cranberries and oranges in a delightful cookie, perfect for those seeking a simple yet flavorful option for their holiday baking, adding a homemade touch to festive gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Thumbprint Cookies
Chocolate Matcha Shortbread Cookies
Chocolate matcha shortbread cookies are a delightful fusion of flavors, ideal for a quick holiday treat. These gluten-free cookies are buttery and crisp, perfect for dunking in a warm holiday beverage, and their chocolate drizzle adds an extra layer of flavor for a simple yet elegant dessert.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Matcha Shortbread Cookies
Cranberry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cranberry almond chocolate chip cookies, infused with orange zest and dipped in chocolate, are a delightful holiday treat. Sprinkled with sea salt, these cookies offer a unique twist on a classic dessert, ideal for last-minute baking
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sparkling Grapefruit Jello
Sparkling grapefruit jello is a refreshing and incredibly easy dessert, ideal for a last-minute holiday addition. Its bubbly, light texture and adjustable sweetness make it a delightful choice for a festive meal, offering a zesty finish that can be whipped up in no time.
Get the Recipe: Sparkling Grapefruit Jello
Orange Pomegranate Chocolate Chip Cookies
Orange pomegranate chocolate chip cookies bring a unique winter-themed flavor to your holiday baking. Flavored with orange zest, these cookies are a great choice for a festive and easy dessert, adding a fresh twist to the classic chocolate chip cookie for your holiday celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Orange Pomegranate Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cranberry Orange Biscotti
Cranberry orange biscotti is a must-try for your holiday cookie baking. These cookies feature crisp edges, a buttery texture, and are infused with fresh cranberries and orange flavor, making them an irresistible choice for dunking in tea or coffee, and a wonderful last-minute treat for the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Biscotti
Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cranberry chocolate chip cookies offer a delightful twist on the classic favorite. With a soft, chewy center, crispy edges, and gooey chocolate chips, these cookies are interspersed with bright pops of cranberries, making them a fantastic last-minute addition to your holiday dessert menu.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate Dipped Orange Macaroons
Chocolate dipped orange macaroons are the perfect easy-to-make holiday treat. They combine the classic flavors of orange and chocolate in a delightful cookie, ideal for last-minute dessert preparations, adding a touch of elegance to your holiday table with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Dipped Orange Macaroons
Pignoli Cookies
Pignoli cookies are a delicious and easy treat for your holiday festivities. These cookies, featuring a chewy almond base and crunchy pine nut topping, replicate the beloved flavors of classic Italian desserts, providing a delightful and simple option for your dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Pignoli Cookies
Gingerbread Molasses Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Gingerbread molasses chocolate chunk cookies are a healthier option for a chewy, soft holiday treat. Packed with the flavors of the holidays, these cookies are an excellent choice for those seeking a quick, flavor-rich dessert that still embodies the festive spirit.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Molasses Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies are a cozy and festive treat, perfect for adding a holiday touch to your dessert selection. They are high in protein and offer a comforting spice blend, making them a great choice for a quick, health-conscious treat that embodies the spirit of the season.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Cookies
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
