17 Quick Christmas Desserts for When You Need Something Sweet Tonight

Some nights just call for a dessert you can pull together without much effort. This list of 17 quick Christmas desserts covers easy, festive options you can turn to when time is short. Whether you’re winding down after dinner or expecting a few friends to stop by, there’s something to keep on hand. No planning required.

Close-up of sliced crumbly cakes topped with white icing. One piece is positioned vertically to show its texture.
Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies

A stack of rich peanut butter brownies with a spoonful of creamy peanut butter on the side.
Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Every bite of this Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies brings the perfect balance of chocolate and nutty goodness. They’re rich, chewy, and irresistibly moist. These are always gone fast because they’re just the kind of sweet treat people can’t forget. Make them when you want an easy dessert that feels extra special.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies

Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies

A close-up of Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies, elegantly coated in white chocolate and adorned with colorful candy lights, red sprinkles, and chocolate pieces on top.
Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

What makes this Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies stand out is how they transform simple ingredients into edible holiday magic. They’re visually charming and just as delicious. Perfect for decorating parties or sharing with loved ones, they’re an easy way to spread some cheer. You’ll love how festive they make your dessert table look.
Get the Recipe: Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies

Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

A close-up of a sliced muffin filled with creamy vanilla custard and topped with chocolate glaze.
Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

The creamy center and glossy chocolate topping make this Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes an irresistible favorite. They combine classic flavors in a compact, easy-to-serve version. Perfect for impressing guests or treating your family to something a little fancier. These are proof that small desserts pack big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

Soft Lemon Cookies

A stack of lemon cookies on a cooling rack.
Soft Lemon Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Light and fluffy, this Soft Lemon Cookies delivers a refreshingly sweet citrus flavor. Their tender texture makes them perfect if you love desserts that melt in your mouth. These are a wonderful addition to any dessert table and always a hit with guests. You might want to make extra because they disappear quickly.
Get the Recipe: Soft Lemon Cookies

Rich Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Slice of cheesecake topped with caramel, pretzel, pecan, and sea salt on a plate, with a spoon beside it.
Rich Salted Caramel Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy, decadent, and kissed with a hint of salt, this Rich Salted Caramel Cheesecake is pure indulgence. Its luxurious flavor makes it a standout dessert for special occasions or cozy nights in. Each slice feels like a small escape from the everyday. Sharing is optional, but savoring every bite is non-negotiable.
Get the Recipe: Rich Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Rich Buckeye Brownies

Several squares of chocolate cake with a layer of peanut butter filling and a chocolate topping are arranged on brown parchment paper.
Rich Buckeye Brownies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chocolate and peanut butter lovers will adore this Rich Buckeye Brownies at first bite. They’re layered with everything you crave in a dessert, from fudgy richness to creamy sweetness. They’re ideal for potlucks or a holiday movie night. Don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe after tasting them.
Get the Recipe: Rich Buckeye Brownies

Gingerbread Cupcakes

Three cupcakes topped with swirled frosting, cranberries, rosemary sprigs, pinecones, and powdered sugar, with a small decorative house in the foreground.
Gingerbread Cupcakes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Few desserts bring the holiday spirit to the table like this Gingerbread Cupcakes. The blend of warm spices and creamy frosting creates a dessert full of flavor. These cupcakes make an excellent choice for potlucks or as an after-dinner treat. Everyone will appreciate the timeless charm they bring to the season.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Cupcakes

Eggnog Pie

Close-up of a sliced pie with a crumb crust, topped with star-shaped cookies dusted with powdered sugar.
Eggnog Pie. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Dessert doesn’t get more comforting than this Eggnog Pie inspired by a favorite holiday drink. Creamy, spiced, and indulgent, this pie is perfect for sharing. It’s an easy way to upgrade your holiday dessert table without much effort. Serve it up, and it’ll quickly become a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Pie

Buttery Pecan Pie Bars

Two pecan-topped dessert bars are stacked on parchment paper, showing a dense, crumbly base and a caramelized nut topping.
Buttery Pecan Pie Bars. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Crunchy pecans and a buttery, smooth filling make this Buttery Pecan Pie Bars unforgettable. Unlike a full pie, they’re easy to slice and share with a crowd. These bars bring a comforting warmth to any gathering. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic dessert in an easy-to-serve form.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Pecan Pie Bars

Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Christmas tree shaped cookies on a baking sheet.
Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

There’s something so fun about decorating this Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies during the holidays. These colorful, holiday-themed treats are both beautiful and delicious. They’re ideal for cookie exchanges, gift-giving, or just baking with the family. The simple joy of decorating and sharing them makes the season even sweeter.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Rich Chocolate Pie

A slice of chocolate pie with a swirl of whipped cream.
Rich Chocolate Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

With its dense, velvety filling, this Rich Chocolate Pie is a chocolate lover’s dream. It’s the kind of dessert that speaks for itself and doesn’t need much fanfare. Whether for a family meal or a festive gathering, it rarely leaves leftovers. One slice is decadent enough to satisfy, but you might go back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Rich Chocolate Pie

No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

A stack of chocolate truffles with white icing, one cut open to reveal a peanut butter filling.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Smooth and coated with chocolate, this No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls delivers classic flavors with minimal effort. They’re a straightforward dessert that feels like a little bite of luxury. Since they require no baking, they’re perfect for last-minute treat cravings. These are a favorite for parties, gift boxes, or even just snacking.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Soft Marry Me Cookies

A stack of four chocolate chip cookies, with the top cookie partly broken, next to a metal container and a ceramic bowl on a light surface.
Soft Marry Me Cookies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ever tried a cookie so soft and sweet it feels like love at first bite? That’s what this Soft Marry Me Cookies brings to the table. These tender treats have a charm that’s impossible to deny. Once you’ve had a bite, you’ll understand why they’re so unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Soft Marry Me Cookies

Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Chocolate cupcakes with white frosting and small pastel-colored marshmallows on top, arranged in a group against a neutral background.
Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Topped with a swirl of creamy frosting, this Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes is everything you love about hot cocoa in dessert form. The chocolate flavor feels indulgent yet familiar. These are perfect for chilly nights or festive gatherings. Pair them with a warm drink and see how satisfying a simple dessert can be.
Get the Recipe: Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies

Three stacked Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies, with vibrant red hues and white chocolate chips, the top cookie partially eaten.
Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Treat yourself to bakery-level perfection with this Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies. They combine the rich, velvety chocolate of red velvet with sweet, creamy white chips. Great for holiday parties or a cozy night at home, they deliver on both flavor and presentation. Baking these is like getting a little shop-bought indulgence, at home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies

Christmas Crack

A plate of chocolate-covered cracker toffee squares topped with festive holiday sprinkles and decorations.
Christmas Crack. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sweet and crunchy, this Christmas Crack is the kind of treat people keep sneaking bites of. It comes together easily to make a big batch perfect for holiday snacking or gifting. Once you share it, everyone will ask for more. Have it on hand for family movie nights, parties, or quiet evenings at home.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Crack

Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Close-up of sliced crumbly cakes topped with white icing. One piece is positioned vertically to show its texture.
Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

The warmth of cinnamon and the sweetness of every bite make this Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies a comforting dessert you’ll love. They’re chewy and perfectly soft, striking just the right balance of flavor. Whether for a party or a quiet treat at home, they always hit the mark. These blondies have a way of disappearing quickly.
Get the Recipe: Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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