Discover easy holiday baking recipes anyone can make! From simple cookies and cupcakes to foolproof cakes and no-bake desserts, this roundup is perfect for people who don’t bake but still want festive Thanksgiving and Christmas treats.

Stress-Free Holiday Baking? Yes, Please!
The holidays are supposed to be joyful, but for those who don’t feel confident in the kitchen, baking can be stressful. I'm right there with you. For years, I was the one who never offered to bring dessert. My baking skills were non-existent.
That's why I put this post today, to be perfectly honest--for the old me, the one who was convinced she would never be a baker. The one who was equally as convinced she would ruin Thanksgiving or Christmas for the others if she offered to bring dessert.
The good news. . .
Holiday desserts don’t have to be complicated.
I know that now. And I've collected so many simple recipes that it just makes sense to share them in one holiday-themed post for those of you who struggle, as I once did. You really can do it, my friend. You can be the one who brings dessert.
Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving dinner, a Christmas cookie exchange, or just want something sweet for your family, these recipes are foolproof, festive, and easy enough for anyone to make.
These holiday-themed desserts that are so simple, you won't have to fret. Some are no-bake, some are low-bake, many involve a simple doctored cake mix, and others (like trifles) could even come together with store-bought products. You can conquer your fears with these simplistic project and have a blast in the process.
No matter which dessert you choose, you'll be the star of the show at this year's holiday gathering, I promise!
Holiday Cookies Made Simple
Cookies are the heartbeat of holiday baking, but you don’t need fancy skills to whip up a batch. These recipes keep it simple while still looking (and tasting) amazing.
Christmas Crinkle Cookies
If you love a colorful Christmas cookie, one that comes together in minutes for just pennies on the dollar, this is the perfect recipe for you! These Christmas crinkle cookies are so pretty and delicious!
Super Soft Pumpkin Cookies
These super soft pumpkin cookies are the ultimate fall treat—light, fluffy, and bursting with pumpkin spice flavor. Made with simple ingredients and easy steps, they’re a foolproof holiday cookie that even beginner bakers can pull off with confidence.
Easy Carrot Cake Cookies (Doctored Cake Mix)
These carrot cake cookies start with a boxed mix and end with a sweet layer of icing—no fuss, all flavor. They’re soft, spiced just right, and simple enough for anyone to make, making them a perfect holiday cookie for “non-bakers.”
Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Cinnamon Glaze
These soft, pillowy gingerbread cookies are full of warm holiday spices and topped with a sweet cinnamon glaze. Perfect for Christmas cookie trays, they’re a festive twist on the classic, and oh so simple to bake!
Heavenly Snickerdoodles
These soft, cinnamon-sugar cookies are a holiday classic—and they’re incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients and no complicated steps, they’re the perfect treat for beginner bakers who want cozy, festive flavors without the stress.
Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Bake up a batch of soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies with cozy fall spices and rich chocolate chips. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are topped with an optional chocolate ganache for an irresistible autumn treat.
Dolly Parton Coconut Cookies with Lemon Glaze
Made with Dolly Parton’s coconut cake mix, these cookies are as easy as they are festive. Topped with a bright lemon glaze, they deliver big holiday flavor with minimal effort—perfect for beginner bakers who want impressive results without the stress.
Chocolate Molasses Spice Cookies
A rich, chewy holiday cookie that starts with a chocolate cake mix and gets a cozy upgrade from warm spices and deep, sweet molasses.
Easy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
These pumpkin snickerdoodles take the classic cinnamon-sugar cookie and give it a festive fall twist. Soft, chewy, and made with simple ingredients, they’re a foolproof holiday cookie that even non-bakers can whip up with confidence.
Peanut Butter Ranger Cookies (aka Cowboy Cookies)
Loaded with oats, peanut butter, and chocolate, these hearty cookies are a holiday crowd-pleaser that couldn’t be simpler to make. With one bowl and easy pantry staples, they’re perfect for beginner bakers who want a festive cookie that feels homemade without the fuss.
Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies
These classic oatmeal cookies are chewy, comforting, and wonderfully simple to make. With just a few basic ingredients and no tricky steps, they’re the perfect holiday cookie for beginner bakers who want a timeless treat that always turns out right.
No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
These classic no-bake cookies come together in minutes with cocoa, oats, and peanut butter—no oven required. Perfect for busy holiday schedules, they’re a foolproof treat that even the most hesitant bakers can master.
Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
Soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced, these pumpkin oatmeal cookies bring cozy holiday flavor in every bite. With simple ingredients and easy steps, they’re a no-fail treat that even beginner bakers can whip up for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings.
Nutter Butter Snowman Cookies
These adorable snowman cookies start with store-bought Nutter Butters and just a few simple decorations. No baking required—perfect for Christmas cookie trays, school parties, or a fun holiday project with the kids.
Oreo Christmas Ornaments
Turn classic Oreos into festive holiday ornaments with just a little candy coating and sprinkles. This no-bake treat is quick, creative, and perfect for beginner bakers who want to impress without turning on the oven.
Gingerbread Whoopie Pies (from a cake mix)
These soft, spiced whoopie pies start with a simple cake mix and come together in no time. Filled with sweet cream and packed with gingerbread flavor, they’re an easy holiday cookie that looks impressive on any Christmas dessert tray.
Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies
Made with a cake mix shortcut, these red velvet sandwich cookies are as easy as they are festive. Filled with cream cheese frosting, they’re a simple yet show-stopping treat for Christmas cookie trays and holiday parties.
German Chocolate Cake Cookies
These rich sandwich cookies start with a German chocolate cake mix and are filled with a sweet coconut-pecan frosting. Simple to make but full of classic holiday flavor, they’re a fuss-free treat that feels special on any Christmas cookie platter.
Easy as Pie Holiday Pies
Pies are often seen as the “scary” holiday dessert, but they don’t have to be. These recipes skip complicated crusts and fancy techniques, making it easy for anyone to bake up a holiday classic. From no-bake fillings to easy shortcuts, you’ll find pies that are as stress-free as they are delicious.
Easy No Bake Oreo Cheesecake Pie
This no-bake Oreo cheesecake pie is rich, creamy, and comes together in just minutes—no oven required. With its festive cookies-and-cream flavor and simple steps, it’s the perfect holiday dessert for beginner bakers who want something impressive without the stress.
No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Pie
This creamy cheesecake pie is layered with sweet strawberries and a graham cracker crust—all without turning on the oven. Quick to assemble and full of festive color, it’s the perfect holiday dessert for beginner bakers who want something beautiful and stress-free.
No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Pie
This no-bake cherry cheesecake pie delivers creamy filling, sweet cherries, and a buttery crust with almost no effort. Quick to prepare and always a crowd favorite, it’s the perfect holiday dessert for Christmas dinners, Thanksgiving gatherings, or anytime you need a stress-free treat.
Easy No Bake Key Lime Pie
This refreshing key lime pie comes together in minutes with a creamy citrus filling and a graham cracker crust—no baking required. Bright, tangy, and foolproof, it’s a festive holiday dessert that adds a pop of color to any Thanksgiving or Christmas table.
Easy Apple Pie with Homemade Crust
If you love the warm rich flavors of apple and cinnamon and the lovely crisp crunch of a flaky crust, this is the recipe for you! Thanks to the addition of canned apple pie filling this Easy Apple Pie comes together so easily. . .but it tastes like it took hours! It's perfect for the holidays.
Deep Dish Pumpkin Pie (two ways)
This easy deep-dish pumpkin pie gives you two delicious options—classic or with a fun twist—so you can pick your favorite. With simple steps and rich pumpkin flavor, it’s a stress-free holiday dessert that even beginner bakers can make with confidence for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
No-Bake and Low-Bake Holiday Desserts
When you want something festive without heating up the kitchen.
Not everything delicious has to come out of the oven. No-bake (and nearly no-bake) desserts are lifesavers during the holidays. They’re fast, forgiving, and almost impossible to mess up—perfect for beginner bakers or anyone short on time.
Cookie Butter Trifle
Layers of spiced cookie butter, creamy pudding, and whipped topping come together in this no-bake holiday trifle. Quick to assemble and guaranteed to impress, it’s a festive dessert that looks elegant on the Christmas table but is simple enough for any beginner baker.
Mint Oreo Trifle
This festive trifle layers mint Oreos, chocolate pudding, and whipped cream for a no-bake dessert that feels special but takes just minutes to make. With its red-and-green flair and simple steps, it’s a perfect Christmas treat for beginner bakers.
Heavenly No-Bake Oreo Dessert
Layers of Oreos, creamy filling, and whipped topping make this no-bake dessert a holiday favorite that anyone can assemble. Quick, simple, and always a crowd-pleaser, it’s the perfect Christmas or Thanksgiving treat for beginner bakers who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Simple Watergate Salad (Green Fluff)
This retro pistachio dessert salad comes together in minutes with just a handful of ingredients. Light, fluffy, and no-bake, it’s a foolproof holiday side or dessert that even non-bakers can whip up for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings.
Old-Fashioned Ambrosia Salad
This classic ambrosia salad combines fruit, marshmallows, and whipped topping for a light, refreshing holiday treat. No baking required and ready in minutes, it’s a nostalgic Christmas or Thanksgiving side that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy.
Oreo Dirt Cake with Succulents
This whimsical dirt cake layers crushed Oreos, creamy filling, and candy “succulents” for a dessert that looks fancy but is incredibly simple to make. With no baking required, it’s a playful holiday centerpiece that beginner bakers can pull off with ease.
Blueberry Cheesecake Ambrosia
This twist on classic ambrosia combines juicy blueberries, creamy cheesecake filling, and mini marshmallows for a no-bake holiday treat. Easy to toss together and full of festive flavor, it’s a simple dessert that works beautifully for both Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings.
Easy Cheesecake Mousse
This light and creamy cheesecake mousse takes just minutes to whip up and requires no baking at all. Elegant enough for Christmas dinner yet simple enough for any beginner, it’s a fuss-free holiday dessert that feels festive without the stress.
No Bake Lemon Swirl Cheesecake
This bright and creamy lemon swirl cheesecake sets up beautifully in the fridge—no baking required. With its cheerful color and refreshing flavor, it’s a simple holiday dessert that adds a burst of sunshine to Christmas parties or Thanksgiving tables, perfect for beginner bakers.
Lemon Lush (Lemon Oreo Dessert)
This creamy layered dessert features a crunchy Lemon Oreo crust, a tangy cheesecake layer, and a bright lemon pudding topping. No complicated steps required—just simple assembly for a refreshing holiday treat that beginner bakers can proudly serve at Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Cupcakes Anyone Can Make
Cupcakes look fancy but they’re one of the simplest desserts to make—especially when you start with a cake mix. Add a swirl of frosting and some sprinkles, and you’ve got holiday magic in minutes.
Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Coffee Buttercream
These moist pumpkin spice cupcakes are topped with a rich coffee buttercream for a festive flavor combo that feels cozy and indulgent. Starting with a cake mix shortcut, they’re an easy holiday dessert that even beginner bakers can whip up for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings.
Butter Pecan Cupcakes
These butter pecan cupcakes are soft, nutty, and topped with a sweet frosting that makes them irresistible. Starting with a simple cake mix, they’re a stress-free holiday dessert that looks bakery-fancy but is easy enough for beginner bakers to whip up for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Carrot Cake Cupcakes
These moist carrot cake cupcakes are packed with warm spices and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Starting with a cake mix shortcut, they’re a simple holiday dessert that looks festive on any Christmas dessert tray or Thanksgiving table—perfect for beginner bakers.
Classic Vanilla Cupcakes (from Scratch)
These light, fluffy vanilla cupcakes are simple to make and pair perfectly with any frosting or festive topping. With easy steps and reliable results, they’re a foolproof holiday treat for Christmas parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, or anytime you need a versatile dessert.
Easy Grinch Cupcakes
These playful Grinch cupcakes start with a cake mix and are topped with bright green frosting and a candy heart—simple, festive, and so fun. Perfect for Christmas parties or classroom treats, they’re an easy holiday dessert that beginner bakers can whip up without stress.
Pull Apart Snowflake Cupcakes
These pull-apart snowflake cupcakes are made from simple cake mix cupcakes arranged into a beautiful snowflake shape. Easy to decorate with white frosting and sprinkles, they’re a festive Christmas dessert that looks impressive but is simple enough for any beginner baker.
Gingerbread Latte Cupcakes
These spiced gingerbread latte cupcakes start with a cake mix and are topped with rich coffee buttercream for a festive twist. Easy to make and full of cozy holiday flavor, they’re a stress-free dessert that’s perfect for Christmas parties or Thanksgiving gatherings.
Christmas Cupcake Decorating
These colorful Christmas cupcakes are easy to decorate and fun to share with your friends and family. So simple and fun, and perfect cupcakes for the holidays.
Foolproof Cakes & Bundts
No layer cakes or complicated decorations—just easy mixes dressed up for the holidays.
Layer cakes can feel intimidating, but bundt cakes and single-layer cakes deliver wow factor with half the work. These recipes are festive, flavorful, and practically bake themselves.
Doctored Spice Cake Mix
This doctored spice cake starts with a simple boxed mix and a few easy add-ins for rich, homemade flavor. Perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving desserts, or Christmas celebrations, it’s a foolproof recipe that saves time while still delivering holiday warmth.
Butter Pecan Pound Cake
This butter pecan pound cake starts with a simple cake mix and a can of coconut pecan frosting for unbeatable flavor with minimal effort. Rich, nutty, and perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings, it’s a holiday dessert that looks impressive but is foolproof enough for beginner bakers.
Mock Angel Food Cake (Doctored Cake Mix)
This mock angel food cake starts with a simple boxed mix and bakes up light, airy, and delicious with hardly any effort. Perfect for topping with whipped cream and berries, it’s a festive holiday dessert that feels elegant but is simple enough for beginner bakers.
Caramel Butterscotch Pound Cake
This rich pound cake combines the ease of a boxed mix with sweet caramel and butterscotch flavors for a dessert that feels indulgent without the work. Simple to prepare and perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas, it’s a foolproof holiday cake that even beginner bakers can master.
Easy Orange Coconut Cake
This bright and flavorful cake starts with a boxed mix and gets a tropical twist from orange and coconut. Simple to make and bursting with festive flavor, it’s a no-fail holiday dessert that adds sunshine to any Thanksgiving or Christmas table.
Sweet Potato Pound Cake
This from-scratch pound cake is rich with sweet potato and warm holiday spices, yet simple enough for any home baker to master. Moist, flavorful, and perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas, it’s a festive dessert that feels homemade without being complicated.
Twinkie Cake
If you love the light, airy texture of those little cakes called Twinkles but you've got a crowd to feed, this is the cake for you! This Twinkie-inspired cake is simple and delicious. Best of all, it starts with a box of cake mix!
Easy Carrot Pound Cake with Frosting in the Mix
If you love carrot cake but you don’t have time to make one from scratch, this doctored cake mix is going to blow you away. There are some very surprising ingredients in the mix, and they all come together to form the best carrot cake ever! Talk about the perfect simple holiday dessert!
Mexican Hot Chocolate Bundt Cake
This rich bundt cake starts with a simple cake mix and gets a festive kick from cinnamon and a hint of spice. Easy to make and topped with a chocolate glaze, it’s a cozy holiday dessert that beginner bakers can proudly serve at Christmas or Thanksgiving gatherings.
Easy Black Forest Bundt Cake
This decadent bundt cake starts with a boxed mix and is dressed up with cherries and whipped cream for a festive touch. Simple to prepare yet impressive on the table, it’s a stress-free holiday dessert that’s perfect for Christmas gatherings or Thanksgiving celebrations.
Luscious Brown Butter Walnut Cake with Maple Glaze
This rich yellow cake, loaded with browned butter, toasted walnuts, and vanilla extract will make you swoon this holiday season. The addition of sour cream makes it sturdy and moist and the milk adds a luscious texture. The brown butter maple glaze on top? Well, that's just the icing on the cake! (Literally!)
German Chocolate Pound Cake (with canned frosting inside)
If you love a terrific German Chocolate cake but the idea of making one fro scratch sounds overwhelming, do I have the perfect easy holiday recipe for you! This Lucious bundt cake is loaded with all of the flavors of a traditional German Chocolate Cake, but made in a fraction of the time. It’s even got a secret ingredient in the batter. . .canned coconut pecan frosting!
Old-Fashioned Molasses Cake with Brown Sugar Buttercream
This rich molasses cake starts with a simple cake mix and is topped with fluffy brown sugar buttercream for old-fashioned holiday flavor. Easy enough for beginner bakers yet festive enough for any Christmas or Thanksgiving table, it’s a foolproof cake that tastes like it took hours.
Pumpkin Pound Cake (Doctored Cake Mix)
This moist pumpkin pound cake starts with a simple boxed mix and bakes up rich with warm holiday spices. Easy to prepare and perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings, it’s a no-fail holiday dessert that beginner bakers can whip up with confidence.
Cranberry Hummingbird Cake
This festive twist on the classic hummingbird cake blends cranberries with warm spices, pineapple, and bananas for incredible holiday flavor. Made from scratch but with simple, reliable steps, it’s a stunning Christmas or Thanksgiving dessert that even beginner bakers can pull off.
Aloha Carrot Cake
This tropical twist on classic carrot cake combines tropical flavors for a moist, flavorful dessert. Easy to make yet festive enough for Thanksgiving or Christmas, it’s a holiday cake that feels special but is simple enough for beginner bakers.
Simple Holiday Cookie Bars
All the flavor of cookies, none of the fuss.
Holiday cookie trays don’t have to mean endless scooping or rolling dough. Cookie bars are the shortcut every “non-baker” needs—just mix, bake in a pan, and slice. They’re festive, foolproof, and perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or Thanksgiving dessert tables.
Orange Cranberry Cheesecake Bars
These creamy cheesecake bars combine the brightness of orange with tart cranberries for a festive holiday twist. Easy to prepare with simple steps, they’re a beginner-friendly dessert that looks elegant on Christmas trays or Thanksgiving tables without the stress of a full cheesecake.
Ultimate Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
These indulgent bars layer creamy cheesecake with a gooey pecan pie topping for the ultimate holiday dessert mashup. Surprisingly simple to make, they deliver all the flavor of a classic pie in an easy, beginner-friendly bar that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
These crisp and chewy cookie bars are swirled with cinnamon-sugar flavor, giving you all the goodness of snickerdoodles without the scooping and rolling. Easy to slice and share, they’re a foolproof holiday treat for Christmas cookie trays or Thanksgiving dessert tables.
Delicious Apple Crumble Bars
These apple crumble bars have all the cozy flavor of apple pie but in an easy bar form. With a buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and crumbly topping, they’re a simple holiday dessert perfect for Thanksgiving tables or Christmas dessert trays.
Easy Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars
These sopapilla cheesecake bars combine flaky crescent roll dough, creamy cheesecake filling, and a sweet cinnamon-sugar topping. Easy to assemble and bake, they’re a crowd-pleasing holiday dessert that’s perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings or Christmas potlucks.
No Bake Chocolate Oats Bars
These chewy chocolate oat bars come together with just a few pantry staples and no time in the oven. Quick, hearty, and beginner-friendly, they’re a foolproof holiday treat for Christmas cookie trays, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or anytime you need a stress-free sweet.
Easy Cherry Almond Bars
These cherry almond bars are layered with sweet cherries and a buttery crust, then topped with sliced almonds for festive flair. Simple to bake and easy to slice, they’re a beginner-friendly holiday dessert perfect for Christmas trays or Thanksgiving gatherings.
Simple Pecan Pie Bars
These easy pecan pie bars have all the gooey, nutty flavor of traditional pecan pie but in a fuss-free bar form. With a buttery crust and simple filling, they’re a beginner-friendly holiday dessert perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert trays.
Easy Seven Layer Bars
These classic seven layer bars are loaded with chocolate, coconut, nuts, and sweetened condensed milk for a rich holiday treat. Quick to assemble and bake, they’re a no-fail dessert that belongs on every Christmas cookie tray or Thanksgiving dessert table.
Easy Blackberry Crumble Bars
These blackberry crumble bars feature a buttery crust, sweet berry filling, and a golden crumb topping—all made with simple steps. Easy to bake, slice, and share, they’re a beginner-friendly holiday dessert that works beautifully for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings.
Cherry Pie Bars (Cherry Cobbler Bars)
These cherry cobbler bars have a soft sugar cookie crust, a cake-like texture, and a gooey cherry-almond filling that melts in your mouth. Easy to bake and perfect for Christmas dessert trays or Thanksgiving gatherings, they’re a festive holiday bar that even beginner bakers can make with confidence.
Cherry Pie Bars with Crescent Rolls
These easy bars use refrigerated crescent roll dough, cherry pie filling, and a simple glaze for a dessert that tastes homemade with hardly any effort. Perfect for Christmas parties or Thanksgiving tables, they’re a beginner-friendly holiday treat that comes together in minutes.
Pumpkin Spice Bars (Doctored Cake Mix)
These moist pumpkin spice bars start with a simple cake mix and bake up full of cozy holiday flavor. Topped with cream cheese frosting, they’re an easy, beginner-friendly dessert that’s perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings or Christmas parties.
Carrot Cake Bars (Doctored Cake Mix)
These carrot cake bars start with a boxed mix and are topped with a sweet cream cheese frosting for classic holiday flavor. Easy to bake, slice, and serve, they’re a foolproof dessert that’s perfect for Christmas trays, Thanksgiving tables, or any festive gathering.
Simple Holiday Candies
Sweet, festive, and no baking required.
Candy-making sounds intimidating, but these recipes couldn’t be easier. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have holiday-ready treats in no time. Perfect for gifting, parties, or filling out a dessert tray without turning on the oven.
Crockpot Candy
If you’re looking for a simple but delicious chocolate candy, one you can make at home and enjoy for weeks, this is the recipe for you!
Quick and Easy Buckeyes
These classic peanut butter and chocolate candies come together in minutes with no baking required. Perfect for Christmas cookie trays, gift boxes, or holiday parties, they’re a foolproof treat that beginner bakers can make with confidence.
Easy Candied Pecans
These sweet, crunchy candied pecans are made with just a few simple ingredients and bake up in minutes. Perfect for holiday gifting, Christmas snack mixes, or topping pies and salads, they’re an easy treat that adds festive flavor without the fuss.
Peppermint Bark
This classic Christmas candy layers rich chocolate with crushed candy canes for a festive, no-bake treat. Quick to make and always a hit on holiday cookie trays or in gift bags, it’s the perfect beginner-friendly recipe for the season.
Easy Almond Joy Truffles
These no-bake truffles combine coconut, almonds, and chocolate for a bite-sized treat that tastes just like the classic candy bar. Simple to make and perfect for Christmas parties or holiday gifting, they’re a festive candy that even beginner bakers can master.
Creamy Maple Walnut Fudge
This smooth, melt-in-your-mouth fudge is flavored with sweet maple and crunchy walnuts for a festive twist. Quick to prepare and perfect for Christmas cookie trays or holiday gift boxes, it’s a simple candy recipe that even beginner bakers can master.
Easy Caramel Pecan Pralines
These caramel pecan pralines are sweet, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious—made with just a handful of ingredients. Quick to prepare and perfect for Christmas gift boxes or Thanksgiving dessert trays, they’re a simple holiday candy that even beginner bakers can master.
Easy Chocolate Coconut Balls
These no-bake chocolate coconut balls come together with just a few ingredients and a quick dip in melted chocolate. Festive, simple, and perfect for Christmas cookie trays or holiday gift boxes, they’re a foolproof candy that beginner bakers will love making.
Easy Peanut Brittle
This classic peanut brittle is crisp, sweet, and packed with roasted peanuts—but simple enough for any home cook to make. Perfect for Christmas gift tins or holiday snack trays, it’s a festive candy that comes together quickly with just a few basic ingredients.
Old-Fashioned Divinity
This classic Southern candy is light, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth sweet—perfect for the holiday season. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s a traditional Christmas treat that beginner candy makers can master with ease.
Peanut Butter Snowballs
These creamy peanut butter snowballs are dipped in white chocolate and rolled to look just like snowy holiday treats. No baking required and simple to make, they’re a festive Christmas candy that even beginner bakers can whip up for gift boxes or cookie trays.
Soft Christmas Peppermints (Easy Butter Mints)
These melt-in-your-mouth butter mints are soft, sweet, and full of refreshing peppermint flavor. Made with just a few simple ingredients, they’re an easy holiday candy that looks beautiful in Christmas candy dishes or packaged as festive gifts.
Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)
This crunchy snack mix is coated in chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar for an irresistible holiday treat. Quick to make and perfect for Christmas parties, gift bags, or Thanksgiving snack tables, it’s a simple no-bake recipe that even beginner bakers can master.
Easy 3 Ingredient Fudge
This creamy fudge comes together with just three simple ingredients—no candy thermometer or special skills required. Quick, foolproof, and perfect for Christmas gift boxes or Thanksgiving dessert trays, it’s a holiday treat that even beginner bakers can master.
Holiday baking doesn’t have to mean stress, mess, or complicated techniques. With these simple recipes, you can bring festive flavors to the table and actually enjoy the process. Remember—baking is about sharing love, not perfection. Even if you’re a “self-proclaimed lousy baker,” these recipes will make you feel like a holiday pro.
That's it for this holiday round-up, friends! Before you go, why no pin some pictures to your Pinterest boards?



About the Baker
Janice Thompson is the baker behind Out of the Box Baking, where she specializes in recipes that prove holiday treats don’t have to be complicated. Known for her love of cake-mix hacks, quick shortcuts, and no-fail desserts, Janice helps self-proclaimed “non-bakers” find joy and confidence in the kitchen. Her mission? To make holiday baking stress-free, fun, and foolproof—because everyone deserves to bring something sweet to the table without the overwhelm.