It’s getting close to Christmas. You’re tired. But you’ve still got some baking obligations. You need that one last thing to take to the party. What can you whip up in a hurry? Read this post for 23 amazing ideas!
If you’re like most folks, you love holiday baking. But let’s face it: sometimes it can get overwhelming. About three years ago I faced this problem when I overcommitted myself during the Christmas season. I baked so much that I ended up getting sick. It took a while to recover.
I’d like to say I’ve learned how to pace myself, but If you know me in person (cough-cough) you know it ain’t true. I’m just as busy as ever. But I’m a huge fan of putting together recipes that are fast, easy, and can feed a crew.
That’s why I decided I would dedicate an entire post to no-bake Christmas treats.
Why Go with a No-Bake Dessert?
Let’s talk about that. It’s not just about convenience. There are other reasons to whip up no-bake desserts.
- Because they don’t require baking, they usually don’t take as long. If you get home from work at 5:30 and need a sweet treat to take to a party at 7:30 there’s just not time to make that delicious cake you’d hoped to bake. No-bake treats can come together in minutes.
- You can use up leftover ingredients. You’ve got tubs of peanut butter left over from all those cookies? No problem. Just use it to make some delicious snowballs (peanut butter balls). You get the idea. Those leftover bits and pieces can merge forces to create yummy candies, no bake cookies, bars, and so on.
- No electricity or gas required. No doubt your oven’s been running all holiday season long! It’s time to give that baby a rest! These no-bake treats won’t have you reaching to turn on the oven.
- Individual portions: Most of these no-bake offerings are in individual serving sizes. You won’t be hauling a huge tiered cake to your event after all.
- Kid Friendly: Because there’s no baking involved, you can get the kids onboard to help with most of these. They’re going to love the process. . .and the outcome!
There are hundreds of other reasons why you might opt for no-bake desserts, but for now, let’s just get right to it. In this post you’ll find 23 no-bake options for Christmas 2023!
23 No-Bake Christmas Treats for 2023
These come together in a hurry and they're delicious. Best of all, you can make most with the kids!
Easy Peanut Butter Snowballs
These are a personal favorite, very much like your own Reese's peanut butter cups but in lovely white snowball form!
Easy Oreo Christmas Ornaments (Chocolate Covered Oreos)
I had a blast making these with the kids last year. You're going to love the process, too! They start with a package of store-bought Oreos.
Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)
This is a simple no-bake sweet treat, perfect for the holidays! A little cereal, a little chocolate, a lot of powdered sugar. . .and you've got a tasty treat for your guests!
Simple Canned Frosting Fudge
Did you realize you can make fudge from a can of frosting? It's true! If you're in a hurry and looking for a sweet treat to take to a party this one is perfect!
Easy S'Mores Truffles
I fell in love with these little truffles last year at Christmas time. They're fun and easy to make.
Christmas Party Ideas: Edible Christmas Trees
Want to talk about a fun way to make a statement! This post is full of no-bake ideas to turn a simple styrofoam tree into a thing of (edible) beauty!
No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
If you’re in the mood for a quick, easy cookie—one loaded with oats, chocolate, and peanut butter—have I got the perfect no-bake recipe for you!
Nutter Butter Snowman Cookies
Quick, easy, and fun for the whole family! You can turn Nutter-Butter cookies into adorable snowmen with white chocolate and a few other items!
Easy Caramel Pecan Pralines
Oh, how I love my pralines. (I'm a southerner; what can I say?) I absolutely love this recipe!
Traditional English Toffee (Buttercrunch Toffee)
Yum, yum, and yum! Nothing says Christmas like this traditional English Toffee. It's so easy to make and everyone loves it!
Chocolate Covered Peanuts (Peanut Clusters)
Running low on time? You can quickly cover mounds of peanuts with melted chocolates, then toss on some sprinkles for a festive effect!
Homemade Cracker Jack (Easy Caramel Popcorn)
These will take you back to your childhood. (Sorry, there's no prize inside!)
Creamy Maple Walnut Fudge
This is my favorte fudge. . .ever! (No kidding! I'll chosse maple any day over chocolate!)
Easy 3 Ingredient Fudge
If you're looking for the world's simplest fudge recipe, you've found it here! Mix it up and feed those hungry guests!
Dark Chocolate Raspberry Truffles
Every now and again a simple recipe comes along that totally blows you away. This is that recipe. Whether you're hoping to impress that special someone or simply come up with a delicious snack, these Dark Chocolate Raspberry Truffles will hit the spot!
Simple Haystack Cookies
Are you a fan of butterscotch? Me too! And I love the way that flavor merges with the other ingredients in these delicious cookies!
Easy Fruit Loop Puppy Chow
If you love the fruity flavors of this delicious cereal but you're in the mood for a sweet treat everyone will enjoy, I've got the perfect recipe for you! This fruity puppy chow is easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and loved ones!
Copycat York Peppermint Patties
My grandkids told me these are even better than the store-bought version!
Easy Chocolate Coconut Balls
Oh, how I love these little Mounds-like balls of wonder and deliciousness! Best of all, they're super simple to make!
No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars
Make 'em, slice 'em, plate 'em, take 'em. . .then watch your friends eat 'em up!
Old-Fashioned Cornflake Candy
You'll feel like you've flown back in time with these tasty cornflake candies!
Easy Cinnamon Toast Crunch Treats
Rice Krispy alternative! Use Cinnamon Toast Crunch to make yummy bars!
No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Pie
Okay, so this one's not in individual servings but it can be made without baking!
That’s it for this post, friends! I hope you enjoyed these delicious no-bake Christmas recipes!
About the Author
Janice Thompson is an author, baker, and all-around mischief maker! She has overcome a host of baking catastrophes, including a toppled wedding cake, to learn more about the baking process. Janice has published over 165 books for the Christian market but particularly enjoys writing recipes and baking devotions. To learn more about Janice or to drop her a note, visit her About the Author page.