I get how hard the holidays are. I always start out motivated to cook multiple dishes but by the time I get to dessert, I’m often tired and burnt out.
That’s why I figured, why not make the process simple?
When it’s cold outside and your kitchen smells like chocolate and cinnamon, there’s nothing better than throwing together a few quick holiday treats that look fancy but take no effort at all.
These recipes are the kind that make people think you’ve spent hours baking — but really, it’s just a few ingredients and a cozy evening at home.
So put on your favorite Christmas playlist, grab a warm drink, and let’s make some magic with only three ingredients.
1. Peppermint Bark
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
Instructions:
Melt the dark chocolate, spread it on a parchment-lined tray, and let it set slightly. Melt the white chocolate and spread it gently on top. Sprinkle crushed candy canes while it’s still soft, then refrigerate until solid. Break into pieces and enjoy!
2. Nutella Puff Pastry Twists
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 3 tbsp Nutella
- 1 egg (for brushing)
Instructions:
Spread Nutella over half of the puff pastry, fold it over, slice into strips, and twist each one. Brush with egg wash and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
3. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Ingredients:
- 20 pretzel rods
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (optional if you want white choco pretzels as well)
- Holiday sprinkles
Instructions:
Melt the chocolate, dip each pretzel halfway, and lay on parchment paper. Add sprinkles before the chocolate sets, then refrigerate for 10 minutes.
4. Peanut Butter Fudge
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Ingredients:
- 2 cups peanut butter chips
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Melt peanut butter chips and condensed milk together over low heat until smooth. Stir in vanilla, pour into a parchment-lined pan, and chill for 2 hours before cutting into squares.
5. Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Bites
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp cinnamon sugar
Instructions:
Cut puff pastry into small squares, brush with butter, and coat with cinnamon sugar. Bake at 375°F (190°C) until puffed and golden, about 12–15 minutes.
6. White Chocolate Cranberry Clusters
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup almonds
Instructions:
Melt the white chocolate, stir in cranberries and almonds, and drop spoonfuls onto parchment paper. Chill until firm. They look festive and taste amazing.
7. Oreo Truffles
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 0 mins
Ingredients:
- 20 Oreo cookies
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup melted chocolate (white or dark)
Instructions:
Crush Oreos into fine crumbs, mix with cream cheese until smooth, and form small balls. Dip in melted chocolate and chill until firm.
8. Marshmallow Snowmen Pops
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 0 mins
Ingredients:
- Large marshmallows
- Melted chocolate (for details)
- Pretzel sticks or lollipop sticks
Instructions:
Stack three marshmallows on each stick, use melted chocolate to draw faces and buttons, and add a tiny pretzel scarf or candy hat if you like. Let them set before serving.
9. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Ingredients:
- 12 strawberries
- 1 cup melted chocolate
- Holiday sprinkles
Instructions:
Dip strawberries into melted chocolate, add sprinkles or crushed nuts, and set on parchment paper. Chill 15 minutes before serving.
10. Salted Caramel Chocolate Cups
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ¼ cup caramel sauce
- Sea salt flakes
Instructions:
Pour melted chocolate into mini cupcake liners, add a teaspoon of caramel, and top with a bit more chocolate. Sprinkle sea salt and chill for 30 minutes.
11. 3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
Instructions:
Cream butter and sugar together, mix in flour until dough forms, and shape into small rounds. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or until golden around the edges.
I hope you loved this post. If you’re looking for more Christmasey recipes, check out my recent post on Christmas Breakfasts you can make at home!
