These 10 easy last-minute Christmas treats are perfect for your holiday baking. From sugar cookies and no-bake bars to creamy fudge, every recipe is simple, quick, and festive. 
Christmas is the season for cookies, homemade candy, and all sorts of sweet treats—but it’s also one of the busiest times of year. If you’re short on time, you don’t have to skip baking. These easy recipes are ideal for last-minute gifts, quick snacks while wrapping presents, or adding variety to your holiday dessert spread.
Easy, Last-Minute Christmas Treats
Chocolate Peppermint Pretzels
Salty, sweet and utterly addictive, these chocolate peppermint pretzels require only three ingredients: pretzels, chocolate, and crushed candy canes. They’re quick to make, great for snacking, and lovely as homemade gifts. 
Sugar Cookie Bars
If you love sugar cookies but don’t have time to roll and cut dough, sugar cookie bars are an excellent shortcut. They’re soft and chewy—similar to Lofthouse-style cookies—and topped with fluffy buttercream for an easy, festive treat. 
Easy Fudge
No holiday baking tray feels complete without fudge. This simple fudge is creamy and smooth with just three ingredients and no candy thermometer. It can be made in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick and satisfying treat. 
Whipped Shortbread Cookies
Buttery and delicate, these whipped shortbread cookies melt in your mouth and are perfect for the holidays. They’re easy to make with no chilling required, and holiday sprinkles add festive flair. 
Confetti Squares
A retro favorite, confetti squares are a no-bake delight for those with a sweet tooth. Made with peanut butter, butterscotch chips, and mini marshmallows, they use only four ingredients and can be mixed in minutes before chilling. 
Easy Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread is a holiday classic, but traditional recipes can be time-consuming. These easy gingerbread cookies skip dough chilling and rolling—no cutters required—and are finished with a fluffy cream cheese frosting for a soft, chewy result. 
Butter Pecan Fudge
This butter pecan fudge delivers a rich, buttery flavor with toasted pecans and a smooth, creamy texture. It’s made without specialized tools or a candy thermometer, so it’s approachable even for busy bakers. 
No-Bake Rocky Road Bars
If you love the combo of peanut butter and chocolate, these rocky road bars are for you. With Rice Krispies for crunch and mini marshmallows for chew, they’re crispy, gooey, and ready with just five ingredients—no oven needed. 
Peanut Butter Fudge
For peanut butter lovers, this microwave peanut butter fudge is fast and simple. It requires only a few ingredients and no candy thermometer—perfect when you need a quick batch of homemade candy. 
Christmas M&M Cookies
These no-chill cookies are soft, chewy, buttery, and studded with M&Ms and chocolate chips for a festive look without the fuss. They’re faster than decorated cookies and just as crowd-pleasing. 
Each of these quick recipes is excellent for entertaining or gifting. They’re family favorites that add variety and cheer to any holiday dessert table.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas! – Fiona
Five extra quick ideas for last-minute treats:
- Maple Walnut Fudge – rich and nutty with just a few ingredients
- Peppermint White Chocolate Cookies – bright, minty, and festive
- Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Cookies – a tangy-sweet holiday cookie
- Candy Cane Oreo Bark – easy no-bake peppermint bark with cookies
- M&M Chocolate Pizza – a fun party-style dessert that’s quick to assemble