With all of the gatherings and potlucks ahead, you may be looking for easy holiday desserts to bring along.
To help get you started, I have compiled a list of some of my favorite desserts to have during Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year!
These recipes are always welcome and devoured by crowds of all types, ensuring full bellies and happy family and friends each holiday season.
Some make amazing potluck or holiday gathering contributions, while others are a delicious (and affordable!) way to gift your peers.
Here are 14 Easy Holiday Desserts:
1. Peppermint Bark
TOTAL COOK & PREP TIME: 35 Minutes
Recipe by: Life She Lives
Who doesn't love some classic peppermint bark over the holidays?
Peppermint Bark is a no bake Christmas dessert made up of layers of chocolate and white chocolate, and topped with crushed candy canes. This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings and gift giving – simple, quick, and minimal ingredients.
One of our top holiday dessert recipes!
2. Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes
TOTAL COOK & PREP TIME: 28 Minutes
Recipe by: Baked by an Introvert
Calling all you pumpkin freaks!
These pumpkin pie cupcakes are a yummy way to bake something festive without breaking your back.
Jen at Baked by an Introvert created a treat that tastes just like pumpkin pie. Moist with hints of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla. Top it with some homemade whipped cream and pie crust pumpkins and holy yum!
3. Chewy Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
TOTAL COOK & PREP TIME: 30 Minutes
Recipe by: Food Duchess
Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside – what more could you want out of a cookie?
If you're looking for a holiday treat that will keep well for a few days, these cookies will stay soft for a while after baking while maintaining that caramelized exterior.
4. Chocolate Coconut Macaroons with Caramel Drizzle
TOTAL COOK & PREP TIME: 65 Minutes
Recipe by: Life She Lives
Chocolate coconut macaroons are a guilty pleasure you won’t be able to get enough of! If you’re a fan of regular macaroons, your taste buds are about to be thrown over the edge with this sweet caramel twist.
Making chocolate coconut macaroons is probably a lot easier than you think. Just a few simple ingredients, quick prep time, and enough time to shower while they’re in the oven.
5. Gingerbread Boozy Fudge
TOTAL COOK & PREP TIME: 17 Minutes
Recipe by: The Decorated Cookie
Man oh man, do I love me some fudge. So rich and delicious, it seems more complicated to make than it is!
Take this gingerbread fudge for instance. Sorry, *BOOZY gingerbread fudge.
This treat is fully of vodka and super simply to whip up – it'll be done in just 17 minutes!
6. Chocolate Turtle Bark
TOTAL COOK & PREP TIME: 30 Minutes
Recipe by: Life She Lives
More bark! But not for nothing.
Chocolate turtle bark is a crowd pleasing dessert that is forgiving and simple to make, yet impressive for your next holiday event! Or for just enjoying alone at home. Either, or.
This would make another easy gift to package up in your favorite tin or goody bags to hand out to family and friends over the holidays.
7. Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cookie Cups
TOTAL COOK & PREP TIME: 25 Minutes
Recipe by: The Crumby Kitchen
Holy Cannoli. If you are a cannoli lover, this one is for you!
When you can't make up your mind between making a simple holiday dessert, like cookies, or stepping it up a notch with something fancier… these Cannoli Cups will have your guests looking at you like you should own a pastry shop.
8. M&M Christmas Cookie Bars
TOTAL PREP & COOK TIME: 50 Minutes
Recipe by: Number 2 Pencil
If you are feeling safe yet festive, these M&M Christmas Cookie Bars will most definitely be a crowd pleaser this holiday season.
If you fancy taking, you are likely to find most of these ingredients in your cabinet already, save the seasonal M&M's!
9. S'mores Rice Krispies Treats
TOTAL COOK & PREP TIME: 20 Minutes
Recipe by: Life She Lives
S'mores Rice Krispie Treats are an easy twist on your favorite campfire classic! You don't need to go to the woods to enjoy this dessert – nor do you need to be in the campfire mindset at all. This treat is perfect for a holiday dessert!
Kids and adults will equally prey over this dish the second it hits the table. Better double up!
10. Peppermint Crunch White Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers
TOTAL COOK & PREP TIME: 10 Minutes
Recipe by: The Baking Chocolatess
Couldn't have a holiday dessert round-up without more peppermint!
These graham crackers are smothered in white chocolate before adding a sprinkling of peppermint, making this treat a combination candy and cookie!
11. Sugar Cookie Truffles
TOTAL COOK & PREP TIME: 55 Minutes
Recipe by: Kleinworth & Co
These no-bake holiday truffles only have 4 ingredients making them a simple (yet fancy!) way to impress your guests at parties or with gifts.
As if sugar cookies weren't tasty enough, this upgrade is well, and UPGRADE!
12. Guinness S'mores Ice Cream Float
TOTAL COOK & PREP TIME: 2 Minutes
Recipe by: The Spicy Apron
Because who DOESN'T love a boozy drink? Combine a boozy drink with a boozy dessert and, um, hello, yes please!
If you enjoy rich Guinness beer, rocky road ice cream, graham crackers, and chocolate, this will be riiiight up your alley.
While you may think brrr, ice cream over the holidays? I've got my eye on that Guinness which is sure to warm you right up.
13. Easy Dutch Apple Pie
TOTAL COOK & PREP TIME: 2 hours 20 Minutes
Recipe by: Baking Mischief
Delicious apples topped with crunchy, crumbly cinnamon and brown sugar topping, and baked in a flaky pie crust – say no more!
You didn't think we'd do a holiday dessert round up without pie, did you?
This show stopping treat is incredible AND easy! Yes please.
14. Baked Chocolate Donut Turkeys
TOTAL COOK & PREP TIME: n/a
Recipe by: The Decorated Cookie
Whether you serve these cute turkeys for breakfast or dessert, you are sure to have a hit on your hands!
This yummy combination of sweet donuts with salty bacon make for a mouthwatering treat that you're going to love.
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