15 Quick Christmas Desserts You Can Make Last Minute

Short on time, ingredients, or energy? These last-minute Christmas desserts are fast, simple, and festive. From no-bake tarts and creamy fudge to quick cookies and tiny cakes, each recipe comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor. Whether you need a dessert for a last-minute gathering or a simple treat to share, this collection offers reliable, crowd-pleasing options that feel special for the holidays.

For more festive ideas and easy bakes, explore the Christmas Favorites in the recipe box to find additional inspiration for the holiday table.

1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

This easy, no-bake fudge is rich, creamy, and perfect for chocolate–peanut butter lovers. It can be prepared in about 15 minutes and makes a generous batch for gifting or entertaining.

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2. Homemade Chocolate Shortbread

Homemade Chocolate Shortbread

Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate shortbread with a delicate texture and deep chocolate flavor. These cookies are easy to make and ideal for holiday cookie platters.

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3. Dark Chocolate Gingersnap Tart

Dark Chocolate Gingersnap Tart

A silky dark chocolate ganache paired with a spiced gingersnap crust and garnished with chocolate curls. Simple to prepare and wonderfully festive.

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4. Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms

Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms

Soft, chewy peanut butter cookies with a crackled sugar top, finished with a milk chocolate kiss. A holiday classic that’s easy to bake and nearly universally loved.

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5. Mint Chocolate Pie

No Bake Mint Chocolate Pie

A light, creamy mint filling topped with whipped topping and cookie crumbles. No baking required, making it a perfect quick dessert for gatherings.

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6. Almond Sprinkle Cookies

Almond Sprinkle Cookies

Soft, buttery almond cookies rolled in festive colored sugar. Quick to prepare and ideal for brightening a cookie tray.

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7. Gingerbread Whoopie Pies

Gingerbread Whoopie Pies

Moist gingerbread rounds sandwiched with creamy cream cheese frosting. A cozy, shareable treat for holiday gatherings.

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8. Single Layer Peppermint Chocolate Cake

Peppermint Chocolate Cake

A single-layer chocolate cake flavored with peppermint, topped with a light peppermint buttercream. A small but impressive centerpiece dessert.

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9. Cookies and Cream Fudge

Cookies and Cream Fudge

White chocolate fudge studded with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies for a nostalgic, no-bake treat that’s easy to slice and serve.

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10. Easy Blender Chocolate Mousse

Decadent Blender Chocolate Mousse

A silky, rich mousse made in the blender with minimal fuss. It uses only a handful of ingredients and comes together quickly for an elegant finish.

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11. Peppermint Bark Crinkle Cookies

Peppermint Bark Brownie Crinkle Cookies

Fudgy brownie-like cookies with a crackly top and bits of peppermint bark folded in—rich, chocolatey, and festive.

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12. Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake

Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake

A light, tender cake made with ricotta and studded with mini chocolate chips. It’s moist, elegantly simple, and delicious year-round.

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13. Small Batch Chocolate Cupcakes

Small Batch Chocolate Cupcakes

Made for two to three people or a small gathering, these cupcakes are intensely chocolatey and topped with a generous swirl of chocolate buttercream.

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14. Small Flourless Chocolate Cake

Small Flourless Chocolate Cake

Dense, fudgy, and intensely chocolate—this flourless cake is elegant and indulgent. Serve plain or with a dusting of cocoa and fresh berries.

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15. Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Tart

Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Tart

A no-bake tart layered with chocolate ganache and a creamy peanut butter filling, finished with a chocolate swirl. Rich, smooth, and impressive with minimal effort.

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