20 Quick Christmas Desserts That Look Impressive

20 Quick Christmas Desserts That Look Impressive

By Sara Taylor

20 Quick Christmas Desserts That Look Impressive

By Sara Taylor
•
Updated
•
Recipes

Every now and then, a dessert that looks like you put in all the effort is needed and it really came together during nap time. These fast Christmas desserts are short on effort and big on wow factor. Pick a few and set out a pretty platter. Let everyone believe you're a holiday magician!

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1) Peppermint Bark Fudge

squares of chocolate fudge topped with white chocolate swirls and crushed red and white peppermint, in a wide horizontal shot on a white platter with candy canes scattered nearby, bright festive light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Every time we set these out, they're the first to disappear from the table. We love the combination of rich fudge with bits of candy cane for a fresh crunch in every bite.

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squares of chocolate fudge topped with white chocolate swirls and crushed red and white peppermint, in a wide horizontal shot on a white platter with candy canes scattered nearby, bright festive light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Peppermint Bark Fudge

Decadent chocolate fudge with a white chocolate drizzle and crushed peppermint candy pieces.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 24 pieces
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/3 cup crushed candy canes

Method
 

  1. Line an 8x8 pan with parchment.
  2. Melt the semisweet chips with the condensed milk over low heat until smooth, then spread into the pan.
  3. Melt the white chocolate and drizzle it over the top, swirling lightly with a knife.
  4. Scatter the crushed candy canes over the surface and press in gently.
  5. Chill until firm, then lift out and cut into squares.

Notes

Crush the candy canes in a zip bag with a rolling pin for easy cleanup.

2) No-Bake Eggnog Cheesecake

a creamy no-bake cheesecake slice dusted with nutmeg on a small plate, in a wide horizontal shot on a holiday table with a sprig of greenery and a mug of eggnog nearby, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Cheesecake is a no-bake recipe that has all the flavors of the cozy eggnog season.

a creamy no-bake cheesecake slice dusted with nutmeg on a small plate, in a wide horizontal shot on a holiday table with a sprig of greenery and a mug of eggnog nearby, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

No-Bake Eggnog Cheesecake

A buttery graham crust with no-bake cheesecake topped with nutmeg.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tbsp butter melted
  • 16 oz cream cheese softened
  • 3/4 cup eggnog
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup whipped topping
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

Method
 

  1. Mix the graham crumbs with melted butter and press firmly into a springform pan.
  2. Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then blend in the eggnog, powdered sugar, and nutmeg.
  3. Fold in the whipped topping until light and airy.
  4. Spread the filling over the crust and smooth the top.
  5. Chill at least 4 hours, or overnight, until firmly set before slicing.
  6. Dust with extra nutmeg just before serving.

Notes

The chill time is non-negotiable, so make this the night before.

3) Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Rods

chocolate-dipped pretzel rods covered in red and green sprinkles, in a wide horizontal shot arranged in a mason jar and laid across a wooden board, bright cheerful light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Sweet, salty, and super easy to customize, these are the fanciest looking treats you will make this season!

chocolate-dipped pretzel rods covered in red and green sprinkles, in a wide horizontal shot arranged in a mason jar and laid across a wooden board, bright cheerful light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Rods

Crunchy pretzel rods that are dipped in chocolate and rolled in some festive sprinkles.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 12 rods
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 pretzel rods
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles

Method
 

  1. Melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil until smooth and pourable.
  2. Dip each pretzel rod three-quarters of the way into the chocolate.
  3. Let the excess drip off, then immediately roll in festive sprinkles.
  4. Lay the dipped rods on parchment to set.
  5. Chill for 10 minutes until the chocolate firms up.

Notes

Stand them upright in a tall glass to dry for an even coat.
frosted gingerbread bars cut into squares showing the dark spiced interior, in a wide horizontal shot on a white plate with cinnamon sticks alongside, warm cozy light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

No need for rolling and cutting. These bars are all the spiced flavors of gingerbread cookies!

frosted gingerbread bars cut into squares showing the dark spiced interior, in a wide horizontal shot on a white plate with cinnamon sticks alongside, warm cozy light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Cream cheese frosting swirled on top of soft bars spiced with molasses.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup molasses
  • 1 egg
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 cup cream cheese frosting

Method
 

  1. Cream the butter and brown sugar, then beat in the molasses and egg.
  2. Stir together the flour, spices, and baking soda, then mix into the wet ingredients.
  3. Spread the thick dough into a lined 9x9 pan.
  4. Bake at 350F for 22-25 minutes until set in the center.
  5. Cool completely, then swirl cream cheese frosting over the top and cut into bars.

Notes

Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon over the frosting for a pretty finish.

5) Mini Caramel Apples

mini caramel-dipped apple bites on sticks rolled in crushed nuts, in a wide horizontal shot standing in a block or jar on a rustic table with autumn-toned napkins, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

These mini caramel apples are adorable and way less messy than traditional caramel apples!

mini caramel-dipped apple bites on sticks rolled in crushed nuts, in a wide horizontal shot standing in a block or jar on a rustic table with autumn-toned napkins, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Mini Caramel Apples

Caramel-coated apple balls with crushed nuts on a stick.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 20 pieces
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 apples
  • 1 bag caramels unwrapped
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup crushed peanuts
  • 20 lollipop sticks

Method
 

  1. Scoop balls from the apples using a melon baller and pat them dry.
  2. Press a lollipop stick into each apple ball.
  3. Melt the caramels with the cream until smooth and glossy.
  4. Dip each apple ball into the caramel, letting the excess drip off.
  5. Roll the bottoms in crushed peanuts and set on parchment to firm up.

Notes

Drying the apple balls well helps the caramel actually stick.

6) Holiday Trifle Cups

individual trifle cups layered with cake, red berries, and whipped cream, in a wide horizontal shot lined up on a marble surface with greenery accents, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

These trifles are layered, colorful, and come in individual cups, making them look fabulous with very little skill.

individual trifle cups layered with cake, red berries, and whipped cream, in a wide horizontal shot lined up on a marble surface with greenery accents, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Holiday Trifle Cups

Cake layers in single-serve festive cups with whipped cream and berries.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cubed pound cake
  • 2 cups whipped cream
  • 1 cup raspberries
  • 1 cup strawberries sliced
  • 1/4 cup white chocolate shavings

Method
 

  1. Drop a layer of cubed pound cake into the bottom of each clear cup.
  2. Spoon a layer of whipped cream over the cake.
  3. Add a layer of mixed berries.
  4. Repeat the layers until the cups are full, ending with whipped cream.
  5. Top with white chocolate shavings and a single berry, then chill until serving.

Notes

Use clear cups so all those pretty layers show off.

7) Cranberry Bliss Bars

triangular cranberry blondie bars with white frosting and dried cranberries on top, in a wide horizontal shot on a festive plate with a cup of coffee beside them, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

These bars have a bright, sweet flavor to mimic one of the most loved coffee shop treats. Think Christmas, in blondie form!

triangular cranberry blondie bars with white frosting and dried cranberries on top, in a wide horizontal shot on a festive plate with a cup of coffee beside them, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Cranberry Bliss Bars

Blondie bars with cranberries and a drizzle of cream cheese frosting.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup butter melted
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Method
 

  1. Whisk the melted butter and brown sugar, then beat in the eggs.
  2. Stir in the flour, then fold in the white chocolate chips and half the cranberries.
  3. Spread into a lined 9x9 pan and bake at 350F for 22-25 minutes until golden.
  4. Cool, then beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and spread over the top.
  5. Scatter the remaining cranberries over the frosting and cut into triangles.

Notes

Cut them into triangles for that signature coffee-shop look.

8) Easy Pecan Snowball Cookies

round powdered-sugar-coated pecan cookies piled on a plate like little snowballs, in a wide horizontal shot on a white surface with pine sprigs nearby, soft bright light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

The cookies are rolled in powdered sugar making them look snowballs, and they melt in your mouth!

round powdered-sugar-coated pecan cookies piled on a plate like little snowballs, in a wide horizontal shot on a white surface with pine sprigs nearby, soft bright light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Easy Pecan Snowball Cookies

Rolling in powder sugar, these tender shortbread-style cookies with lots of pecans.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup butter softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans
  • 1 cup powdered sugar for rolling

Method
 

  1. Cream the butter and powdered sugar, then beat in the vanilla.
  2. Mix in the flour and chopped pecans until a soft dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough into small balls and place on a lined sheet.
  4. Bake at 350F for 12-15 minutes until the bottoms are just golden.
  5. Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar, then roll again once cooled for a snowy coat.

Notes

Double-rolling in sugar gives them that classic snowball look.

9) Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Pops

chocolate-dipped marshmallow pops on sticks topped with mini marshmallows, in a wide horizontal shot beside a steaming mug of hot milk on a cozy table, warm inviting light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Put one of these into hot milk, then see it transform into the most blissful cocoa.

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chocolate-dipped marshmallow pops on sticks topped with mini marshmallows, in a wide horizontal shot beside a steaming mug of hot milk on a cozy table, warm inviting light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Pops

When it comes to marshmallows, think about chocolate-covered marshmallows that go with the cocoa and milk.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 12 pops
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 large marshmallows
  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup mini marshmallows
  • 12 lollipop sticks

Method
 

  1. Push a lollipop stick into each large marshmallow.
  2. Melt the chocolate chips until smooth.
  3. Dip each marshmallow into the chocolate to coat.
  4. Sprinkle with cocoa powder and press a few mini marshmallows on top.
  5. Stand upright to set, then wrap and serve with a mug of hot milk for stirring.

Notes

Wrap them in cellophane and they make adorable little gifts.

10) Festive Oreo Truffles

round white-chocolate-coated cookie truffles topped with red and green sprinkles, in a wide horizontal shot in a paper-lined gift box on a holiday table, bright festive light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Three ingredients and no baking transform into rich fudgy truffles that you would think were purchased from a chocolatier.

round white-chocolate-coated cookie truffles topped with red and green sprinkles, in a wide horizontal shot in a paper-lined gift box on a holiday table, bright festive light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Festive Oreo Truffles

Crushed cookies and cream cheese ball dipped in chocolate and decorated with fun holiday sprinkles!
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 24 truffles
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 36 chocolate sandwich cookies
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 2 cups white chocolate chips
  • 2 tbsp red and green sprinkles

Method
 

  1. Crush the cookies into fine crumbs in a food processor.
  2. Mix the crumbs with the cream cheese until a dough forms.
  3. Roll into small balls and chill 15 minutes until firm.
  4. Melt the white chocolate and dip each ball to coat.
  5. Top with festive sprinkles and let set on parchment.

Notes

Chilling the balls before dipping keeps them from falling apart.

11) Raspberry Swirl Brownies

fudgy brownies with bright raspberry swirls on top cut into squares, in a wide horizontal shot on a dark slate board with fresh raspberries scattered around, moody natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Fudgy brownies with a bright raspberry swirl are a dessert that looks as good as they taste.

fudgy brownies with bright raspberry swirls on top cut into squares, in a wide horizontal shot on a dark slate board with fresh raspberries scattered around, moody natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Raspberry Swirl Brownies

Thick chocolate brownies with swirling raspberry jam.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 16 brownies
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup butter melted
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup raspberry jam
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla

Method
 

  1. Whisk the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla together.
  2. Stir in the cocoa and flour until just combined.
  3. Spread the batter into a lined 8x8 pan.
  4. Dollop the raspberry jam over the top and swirl through with a knife.
  5. Bake at 350F for 28-30 minutes until set, then cool before cutting.

Notes

Don't over-swirl or the marble pattern muddies together.

12) Candy Cane Chocolate Mousse

chocolate mousse piped into glasses topped with crushed red and white candy cane, in a wide horizontal shot on a marble counter with a few peppermint pieces nearby, soft elegant light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Light and fluffy chocolate mousse has a delightful peppermint flavor that is served in lovely glasses.

chocolate mousse piped into glasses topped with crushed red and white candy cane, in a wide horizontal shot on a marble counter with a few peppermint pieces nearby, soft elegant light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Candy Cane Chocolate Mousse

Fluffy chocolate mousse with peppermint flavor and topped with candy canes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 6 oz semisweet chocolate melted
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
  • 2 tbsp crushed candy canes

Method
 

  1. Whip the cream with the powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
  2. Gently fold the melted chocolate and peppermint extract into the whipped cream.
  3. Fold until smooth and no streaks remain.
  4. Spoon or pipe the mousse into small glasses.
  5. Chill 20 minutes, then top with crushed candy canes before serving.

Notes

Fold gently to keep all that airy texture intact.

13) Apple Cinnamon Crescent Rolls

golden baked crescent rolls filled with cinnamon apple slices drizzled with icing, in a wide horizontal shot on a baking sheet with a dusting of cinnamon, warm cozy light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Warm cinnamon apples wrapped in crispy crescent rolls create a delightful flavor sensation that is reminiscent of an apple pie.

golden baked crescent rolls filled with cinnamon apple slices drizzled with icing, in a wide horizontal shot on a baking sheet with a dusting of cinnamon, warm cozy light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Apple Cinnamon Crescent Rolls

Golden-baked spiced apple slices wrapped in buttery crescent dough.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 rolls
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can crescent roll dough
  • 1 apple thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter melted
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Method
 

  1. Unroll the crescent dough and separate into triangles.
  2. Toss the apple slices with brown sugar and cinnamon.
  3. Lay a few apple slices on the wide end of each triangle and roll up.
  4. Place on a lined sheet and brush with melted butter.
  5. Bake at 375F for 18-20 minutes until puffed and golden.

Notes

A drizzle of icing while warm makes these extra special.

14) Spiced Rum Balls

powdered-sugar-coated rum balls piled in a vintage tin, in a wide horizontal shot on a wooden table with walnut halves scattered nearby, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

These adult holiday classics improve with age and are a little bit boozy and no bake!

powdered-sugar-coated rum balls piled in a vintage tin, in a wide horizontal shot on a wooden table with walnut halves scattered nearby, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Spiced Rum Balls

Cookie dough balls that are rolled in powdered sugar and mixed with rum.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 24 balls
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 3 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup dark rum
  • 2 tbsp corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar for rolling

Method
 

  1. Mix the wafer crumbs, powdered sugar, walnuts, and cocoa in a bowl.
  2. Stir in the rum and corn syrup until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Roll the mixture into small balls.
  4. Roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat.
  5. Store in an airtight tin for a couple days so the flavor mellows and deepens.

Notes

These taste best after a few days, so make them early.

15) Snowman Cake Pops

white cake pops decorated as cheerful little snowmen with tiny faces, in a wide horizontal shot standing in a row on a snowy white surface with greenery, bright cheerful light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Inevitably, the kids will squeal with delight when they spot these happy snowmen on sticks at the dessert table.

white cake pops decorated as cheerful little snowmen with tiny faces, in a wide horizontal shot standing in a row on a snowy white surface with greenery, bright cheerful light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Snowman Cake Pops

Cake and frosting balls covered in white chocolate and designed like snowmen.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 16 pops
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups crumbled vanilla cake
  • 1/3 cup vanilla frosting
  • 2 cups white chocolate chips
  • 2 tbsp orange and black icing for faces
  • 16 lollipop sticks

Method
 

  1. Mix the crumbled cake with the frosting until it holds together.
  2. Roll into balls and chill 15 minutes.
  3. Insert a lollipop stick into each and dip into melted white chocolate.
  4. Let set, then pipe on tiny eyes, an orange carrot nose, and a smile.
  5. Stand upright to dry completely before serving.

Notes

Stack two balls per stick if you want full-bodied snowmen.

16) Salted Caramel Chocolate Bark

broken pieces of dark chocolate bark drizzled with caramel and flecked with sea salt and pecans, in a wide horizontal shot on parchment over a dark board, dramatic natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Crackly chocolate bark, layered with caramel, and sprinkled with flaky sea salt is alway a hit! Plus, it's quick and easy to make!

broken pieces of dark chocolate bark drizzled with caramel and flecked with sea salt and pecans, in a wide horizontal shot on parchment over a dark board, dramatic natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Salted Caramel Chocolate Bark

Flaky sea salt tops a drizzle of caramel on dark chocolate bark.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 20 pieces
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups dark chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce
  • 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Method
 

  1. Melt the dark chocolate until smooth and spread thin over a parchment-lined sheet.
  2. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the chocolate in ribbons.
  3. Swirl lightly with a toothpick for a marbled look.
  4. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and flaky sea salt.
  5. Chill until firm, then break into irregular pieces.

Notes

Flaky salt, not table salt, is what makes this taste gourmet.

17) Matcha Christmas Tree Cookies

green matcha shortbread cookies shaped like Christmas trees dusted with powdered sugar, in a wide horizontal shot lined up on a white plate with a sprig of pine, bright clean light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

The shortbread trees also offer a slight earthy taste and brightens up the dessert table with its green color.

green matcha shortbread cookies shaped like Christmas trees dusted with powdered sugar, in a wide horizontal shot lined up on a white plate with a sprig of pine, bright clean light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Matcha Christmas Tree Cookies

Buttery matcha shortbread cookies shaped like Christmas trees and sprinkled with powdered sugar snow.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 20 cookies
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup butter softened
  • 2/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp matcha powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar for dusting

Method
 

  1. Cream the butter and powdered sugar until fluffy.
  2. Beat in the vanilla, then mix in the flour and matcha until a dough forms.
  3. Roll out the dough and cut into Christmas tree shapes.
  4. Place on a lined sheet and bake at 350F for 10-12 minutes until set but not browned.
  5. Cool, then dust lightly with powdered sugar like fresh snow.

Notes

Sift the matcha first so it blends in without green specks.

18) Lemon Coconut Bites

round coconut-coated lemon bites piled on a plate with lemon zest sprinkled over, in a wide horizontal shot on a bright marble surface with a lemon half nearby, fresh natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Bright, tangy, and tropical, these little bites stand out from all the chocolate and peppermint hype.

round coconut-coated lemon bites piled on a plate with lemon zest sprinkled over, in a wide horizontal shot on a bright marble surface with a lemon half nearby, fresh natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Lemon Coconut Bites

Lemon and coconut balls, with a roll in shredded coconut and no baking involved!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 20 bites
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
  • 1 cup crushed shortbread cookies
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 lemon zested
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut for rolling

Method
 

  1. Mix the coconut, crushed cookies, cream cheese, lemon juice, and zest into a dough.
  2. Chill 15 minutes until firm enough to handle.
  3. Roll the mixture into small balls.
  4. Roll each ball in extra shredded coconut.
  5. Keep chilled until serving so they stay firm.

Notes

A little extra lemon zest on top makes them pop.

19) White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

soft cookies studded with red cranberries and white chocolate chips on a cooling rack, in a wide horizontal shot on a wooden counter with a glass of milk, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Adding chewy cookies with tart cranberries and white chocolate to your holiday cookie tins will make them even better.

soft cookies studded with red cranberries and white chocolate chips on a cooling rack, in a wide horizontal shot on a wooden counter with a glass of milk, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Soft drop cookies loaded with dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries

Method
 

  1. Cream the butter and brown sugar, then beat in the egg.
  2. Stir together the flour and baking soda, then mix into the wet ingredients.
  3. Fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
  4. Drop spoonfuls onto a lined sheet, spacing them apart.
  5. Bake at 350F for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden but centers still soft.

Notes

Pull them when the centers look slightly underdone for chewy cookies.

20) Nutella Puff Pastry Trees

a golden puff pastry shaped like a Christmas tree with twisted branches and a dusting of powdered sugar, in a wide horizontal shot on a baking sheet with festive greenery, warm bakery light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Though they may seem like they were made by a fancy bakery, these chocolate hazelnut trees use store bought puff pastry as the base!

a golden puff pastry shaped like a Christmas tree with twisted branches and a dusting of powdered sugar, in a wide horizontal shot on a baking sheet with festive greenery, warm bakery light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Nutella Puff Pastry Trees

Cut into a tree shape, the puff pastry layers are filled with chocolate-hazelnut spread.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 sheets puff pastry thawed
  • 1/2 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1 tbsp powdered sugar for dusting

Method
 

  1. Lay one sheet of puff pastry down and spread evenly with chocolate-hazelnut spread.
  2. Top with the second sheet and cut into a triangle tree shape.
  3. Cut horizontal strips along both sides, leaving the center trunk intact, and twist each strip.
  4. Brush with beaten egg and bake at 400F for 18-20 minutes until puffed and golden.
  5. Cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar for a snowy finish.

Notes

Twist each branch a couple times for that gorgeous pull-apart look.
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