Need fast New Year’s Eve appetizers or simple desserts? These quick, delicious party foods come together in minutes and are perfect for ringing in the New Year!

Easy Bakes to Ring in the New Year
I’m all about recipes that feel special without keeping you in the kitchen for hours — especially on holidays like New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Most of us are still exhausted from Christmas, after all. More work in the kitchen? No thanks!
That's why I put together a list of some of my easiest appetizers and sweet treats--both from this site and from my Storybook Kitchen site, as well. I've even included a few easy appetizers from my son-in-law's grilling blog, Backyard Texas Grill.
As you prep for your New Year's guests, you can remain stress free with these easy recipe. So, relax, celebrate, and ring in the New Year with fabulous flavor and very little fuss.
The Best (and Easiest) Party Appetizers!
Whether you’re hosting a big New Year’s Eve bash or keeping things simple with a few close friends, easy appetizers are a must. These quick, flavorful party bites come together in no time but still feel special enough for the occasion. From puff pastry nibbles to creamy dips and savory small bites, every recipe on this list is simple, stress-free, and perfect for sharing. Mix and match a few favorites, set them out on a pretty platter, and watch them disappear while you enjoy the celebration right along with your guests!
Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls
Flaky, golden puff pastry wrapped around savory sausage… what could be better for a party? These Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls are cozy, comforting, and unbelievably easy to make — yet they feel totally gourmet. The pastry bakes up buttery and crisp while the sausage inside stays juicy and flavorful. Slice them into bite-size pieces for the appetizer tray and watch them vanish. They’re always one of the first things to go!
King Ranch Chicken Rolls
If you love classic King Ranch Chicken, you’re going to flip for these puff-pastry rolls! Creamy, cheesy chicken filling is tucked inside flaky pastry and baked until perfectly golden. Every bite is comfort food meets party finger-food, with just a touch of Tex-Mex flavor. They’re easy to assemble, totally crave-worthy, and guaranteed to disappear fast from your appetizer table.
French Dip Sliders (with Puff Pastry)
These French Dip Sliders take everything you love about the classic sandwich and wrap it in buttery, flaky puff pastry. Tender roast beef and melty cheese are baked inside golden pastry squares, then served with warm au jus for dipping. They feel totally upscale but are secretly so simple — the perfect bite-size party appetizer for New Year’s gatherings or game day snacking. One dip and your guests will be hooked!
Puff Pastry Pizza Rolls
All the flavors of your favorite pizza, wrapped in buttery puff pastry! These Puff Pastry Pizza Rolls bake up flaky on the outside and cheesy on the inside, with classic pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella, and your favorite toppings tucked into every bite. They’re quick to assemble, perfect for dipping in marinara, and always a hit with both kids and adults. A total party win — and so easy, you may want to make a double batch!
Mac and Cheese Bites Ingredients
These Mac and Cheese Bites are everything you love about creamy, comforting mac and cheese — only mini and totally party-ready! Each bite-size cup is filled with rich, cheesy pasta and baked until golden on the edges and irresistibly tender inside. They’re easy to pick up, fun to eat, and absolutely perfect for New Year’s Eve snacking or New Year’s Day gatherings when you want something warm and familiar. Kid-friendly, crowd-approved, and guaranteed to disappear fast!
Sloppy Joe Roll Ups
Take classic Sloppy Joes and give them a party-perfect twist! These Sloppy Joe Roll Ups wrap that sweet-and-savory meat filling inside flaky puff pastry, then bake up golden, crisp, and irresistible. They’re easy to pick up, totally comforting, and bursting with familiar flavor — perfect for New Year’s Eve gatherings or New Year’s Day snacking when you want something cozy without a lot of work. A delicious handheld bite your guests will absolutely love!
Herbed Mozzarella Crescent Pinwheels
These Herbed Mozzarella Crescent Pinwheels are as beautiful as they are delicious! Flaky dough is rolled up with melty mozzarella and a sprinkle of Italian herbs, then baked until golden and bubbly. They’re light, cheesy, and wonderfully fragrant — the kind of appetizer guests can’t resist grabbing as they pass by. Serve them straight from the oven for New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day and watch everyone swoon over that warm, savory goodness!
Puff Pastry Pizza Pinwheels
These Puff Pastry Pizza Pinwheels take classic pizza flavors and swirl them into buttery, flaky pastry for the ultimate party bite. Each little pinwheel is filled with sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings, then baked until golden and crisp around the edges. They’re easy to make, fun to serve, and perfect for New Year’s Eve parties or New Year’s Day snacking when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Savory Oyster Crackers with Ranch
They're crisp, they're light, they're packed full of flavor! These Savory Oyster Crackers are the perfect snack when you're expecting a crew. Best of all, they're super-duper easy to make!
Sourdough Discard Breadsticks (Sourdough Grissini)
Crispy, golden, and full of flavor, these sourdough discard breadsticks (grissini) are the perfect snack or appetizer. A simple, no-waste recipe that makes the most of your extra starter!
Smoked Cream Cheese with Bacon and Hot Pepper Cranberry Jelly
This Smoked Cream Cheese with Bacon and Hot Pepper Cranberry Jelly is the kind of appetizer that makes people stop in their tracks. A block of cream cheese is slowly smoked until warm and velvety, then topped with crispy bacon and a sweet-heat cranberry pepper jelly that’s downright addictive. Serve it with crackers or crostini and let everyone dig in. It’s simple, elegant, and bursting with flavor — the perfect New Year’s Eve show-stopper or New Year’s Day party bite your guests will be talking about long after the ball drops!
Smoked Hot Wings (Two Ways: Sweet & Heat)
These Smoked Hot Wings bring big flavor to your party table — and you get to choose your favorite finish! Make them sweet and sticky or turn up the heat with a spicy glaze. Either way, the smoker adds incredible depth and tenderness that keeps everyone coming back for more. They’re the perfect New Year’s Eve finger food or New Year’s Day game-time snack, and they disappear almost as fast as you can set them out!
Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Simple, Juicy, and Flavorful
These Grilled Shrimp Skewers are light, juicy, and bursting with fresh flavor — the perfect balance to all those rich party bites. A quick marinade infuses the shrimp with zesty, savory goodness, and the grill adds just the right smoky char. They cook in minutes, look beautiful on a platter, and feel just fancy enough for New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day gatherings. Fresh, simple, and totally irresistible!
Smoked Brisket Queso
This Smoked Brisket Queso takes classic cheese dip to a whole new level. Creamy, melty cheese is blended with smoky brisket and just the right amount of spice for a dip that feels hearty, comforting, and absolutely irresistible. Serve it warm with tortilla chips and watch your guests hover around the bowl — it’s the ultimate New Year’s Eve appetizer or New Year’s Day party snack for anyone who loves big, bold flavor.
Smoked Candied Bacon
This Smoked Candied Bacon is pure party magic! Thick slices of bacon are coated in a sweet glaze, then slowly smoked until they’re caramelized, sticky, and irresistibly crisp around the edges. The smoky flavor paired with that sugary crunch makes every bite unforgettable. Serve it as strips or break it into bite-size pieces for the appetizer tray — either way, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at your New Year’s Eve celebration or New Year’s Day brunch. Totally addictive in the very best way!
Smoked Cream Cheese with Honey Drizzle
This Smoked Cream Cheese with Honey Drizzle is the perfect blend of smoky, creamy, and sweet. A simple block of cream cheese is slow-smoked until it’s ultra-soft and spreadable, then finished with a golden ribbon of honey that adds just the right touch of sweetness. Serve it with crackers, crostini, or sliced fruit for an elegant but incredibly easy appetizer. It’s a beautiful addition to any New Year’s Eve spread or New Year’s Day gathering — simple to make, but special enough for the occasion!
Smoked Pig Shots
These Smoked Pig Shots are the definition of crowd-pleasing party food! Thick slices of sausage are wrapped in bacon to form little “cups,” then filled with a creamy, smoky, slightly sweet mixture and cooked until the bacon is perfectly caramelized. Every bite is rich, savory, and absolutely unforgettable. Set a platter of these out for your New Year’s Eve celebration or New Year’s Day gathering, and watch your guests light up — they’re guaranteed to disappear in a hurry!
Savory Southern Corn Dip (Fiesta Corn Dip)
This Savory Southern Corn Dip — also known as Fiesta Corn Dip — is creamy, colorful, and full of zesty flavor. Sweet corn is blended with cheese, peppers, and spices to create a chilled dip that’s perfect with salty tortilla chips or crunchy crackers. It’s easy to stir together ahead of time, which makes it a stress-free option for New Year’s Eve parties or New Year’s Day get-togethers. Bright, flavorful, and always a hit with a crowd!
The Yummiest (and Simplest) Party Desserts!
No New Year’s celebration is complete without something sweet! These quick, fuss-free desserts are perfect for parties because they come together fast but still taste incredible. From creamy, dreamy treats to handheld favorites everyone can nibble on between countdowns, each one is easy enough for busy hosts — yet special enough for the occasion. Mix and match a few, pile them onto a pretty tray, and end your New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day celebration on the sweetest note possible!
Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
These Cut-Out Sugar Cookies are a timeless favorite — soft in the center, lightly crisp on the edges, and perfect for decorating! Use your favorite festive shapes and add a swirl of icing or sprinkles to match your New Year’s theme. They’re easy to make, fun to customize, and always a hit with guests of every age. A delicious way to add a little sparkle to your New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day dessert table!
Easy Twix Cookies from Scratch
If you love a good shortbread crust and you're also a huge fan of caramel and chocolate, have I got a treat for you! These easy Twix cookies come together quickly and require very few ingredients and they're perfect for ringing in the New Year!
Classic Linzer Cookies
These Classic Linzer Cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. Buttery shortbread is sandwiched with sweet jam, then dusted with a light snowfall of powdered sugar for an elegant finish. They look stunning on a dessert tray and feel extra special for the holidays — perfect for adding a touch of charm to your New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day celebration. Delicate, flavorful, and completely irresistible!
Peppermint Bark
This Peppermint Bark is simple, sweet, and wonderfully refreshing — the perfect blend of creamy chocolate and cool peppermint crunch. It comes together in just minutes and breaks into beautiful, giftable pieces that look stunning on a dessert tray. A lovely way to add a pop of sparkle and holiday cheer to your New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day celebration!
Old-Fashioned Divinity
If you love the light, sweet texture and flavor of divinity but you've been scared to make it because you think it's too difficult, think again! This easy recipe comes together with ease and tastes amazing. It's perfect for ringing in the New Year!
Peanut Butter Snowballs
If you're looking for the perfect candy to serve your guests, one rich with flavor, you're going to love these delicious snowballs! They're loaded with peanut butter and coated in white chocolate. Yum!
Soft Christmas Peppermints (Easy Butter Mints)
These Soft Christmas Peppermints — also known as Easy Butter Mints — simply melt in your mouth! Light, creamy, and delicately sweet with a refreshing peppermint finish, they’re the kind of old-fashioned candy everyone remembers from childhood. They look beautiful in a candy dish and are perfect for nibbling after a rich holiday meal. Add them to your dessert table for New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, and watch guests keep coming back for “just one more.”
Easy Homemade Turtles Candy
If you love the combination of caramel, chocolate, and pecans, have I got an easy treat for you! These classic Turtles are a no-bake recipe. In fact, they're easy that the kids can help you!
English Toffee
It's light, it's crunchy, it's buttery, it's covered in chocolate nuts. What more could you ask for from a simple English Toffee recipe? This one's going to make your New Years guests flip (in a good way)!
Homemade Caramel Pecan Pralines
If you love those chewy, rich pralines, the kind that leave your teeth feeling a bit sticky, you’re going to flip over this great recipe. You cook these pralines up in a heavy saucepan. There’s no baking involved!
Creamy Maple Walnut Fudge
This Creamy Maple Walnut Fudge is rich, smooth, and wonderfully comforting — the perfect blend of buttery sweetness and crunchy toasted walnuts. The hint of maple adds a warm, cozy flavor that feels just right for winter gatherings. Best of all, it comes together quickly and sets up beautifully, making it ideal for New Year’s Eve dessert trays or New Year’s Day celebrations. Slice it into little squares and watch everyone swoon!
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. Great treat for the kids this New Years!
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! (Your guests will think you slaved away!)
Copycat York Peppermint Patties
If you love the refreshing flavor of mint and enjoy rich chocolate, then I have a great recipe for you! These Copycat York Peppermint Patties are exactly like the ones you buy in the checkout line. . .but at a fraction of the cost!
Hot Cocoa Fudge
This Hot Cocoa Fudge tastes just like your favorite mug of hot chocolate — only richer, creamier, and sliceable! Made with plenty of chocolate and topped with soft mini marshmallows, it’s a sweet treat that feels warm and nostalgic, even when served chilled. It comes together quickly and looks adorable on a dessert tray, making it perfect for New Year’s Eve celebrations or New Year’s Day gatherings. A chocolaty little bite of comfort everyone will love!
Crockpot Candy
This Crockpot Candy is one of the easiest — and most delicious — candies you’ll ever make. Just add the ingredients to your slow cooker, let the chocolate melt low and slow, then scoop into bite-size clusters. That’s it! You’ll end up with a HUGE batch of sweet, nutty chocolates for very little effort, which makes this recipe perfect for New Year’s Eve parties or New Year’s Day gatherings. Share them with guests… or tuck a few away for yourself!
Quick and Easy Buckeyes
These classic Buckeyes are a chocolate–peanut butter lover’s dream! Smooth, creamy peanut butter centers are dipped in rich melted chocolate, leaving just a little “eye” peeking through — just like the traditional candy. They’re simple to make, freezer-friendly, and totally irresistible on a holiday dessert tray. Add them to your New Year’s Eve lineup or New Year’s Day celebration, and watch them disappear one by one!
Old-Fashioned Jelly Nougat Candy
If you loved those amazing Brach’s nougat candies as a child you’re going to flip over this easy DIY version. It calls for just a few ingredients and comes together in minutes! It's going to be a colorful and fun (and much talked about) offering at your party!
Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Crackers
If you love the flavors found in a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup—peanut butter and chocolate, with a bit of a crispy texture, you’re going to absolutely flip over these simple treats! Your guests will love them!
Simple Pecan Pie Bars
If you love the ease of a bar but the luscious richness of pecan pie you're going to flip over this simple pecan pie bar recipe! It merges both of those worlds into one dreamy bite, loaded with flavor and crunch! This is one of my most requested recipes. . .for a reason!
Easy Chocolate Chip Brookies
If you love brownies but you're equally as fond of chocolate chip cookies, this is the perfect recipe for you! These Brookies have a lush brownie bottom and a tender chocolate chip cookie on top. Best of all, they start with a box mix.
Easy Chocolate Coconut Balls
These Easy Chocolate Coconut Balls are little bites of pure bliss! Sweet coconut filling is rolled into soft centers, then dipped in rich melted chocolate for the perfect contrast of textures and flavors. They look beautiful on a dessert tray and come together with very little effort — ideal for New Year’s Eve parties or New Year’s Day celebrations when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Simple, elegant, and absolutely delicious!
Cherry Pie Bars (Cherry Cobbler Bars)
If you’re looking for a bar with a soft sugar cookie crust, cake-like in texture, with a rich almond and cherry flavor, have I got a treat for you! These Simple Cherry Pie Bars (Cherry Cobbler Bars) are gooey, soft, and absolutely melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
Easy Blackberry Crumble Bars
These Easy Blackberry Crumble Bars are the perfect mix of buttery, crumbly crust and sweet, juicy blackberry filling. They bake up into soft, tender bars with a golden topping that feels totally homemade and comforting. Cut them into small squares for your dessert tray and watch them disappear — they’re ideal for New Year’s Eve parties or New Year’s Day gatherings when you want something fruity, simple, and absolutely delicious!
Delicious Apple Crumble Bars
These Delicious Apple Crumble Bars taste like a warm slice of apple pie in easy handheld form. A buttery crust and crumbly topping surround a sweet cinnamon-kissed apple filling that feels perfectly cozy for winter. Cut them into bite-size bars for your dessert platter and serve them warm or chilled — they’re a wonderful treat for New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day when you want something simple, comforting, and absolutely scrumptious!
Luscious Lemon Custard Bars
These Luscious Lemon Custard Bars bring a burst of sunshine to your dessert table! Dust them with powdered sugar and slice into petite squares for a treat that feels light and refreshing — perfect for balancing all those rich holiday goodies. They’re a beautiful addition to any New Year’s Eve spread or New Year’s Day celebration!
Orange Cranberry Cheesecake Bars
These Orange Cranberry Cheesecake Bars are creamy, tangy, and absolutely stunning on a dessert tray. Smooth cheesecake is brightened with fresh orange flavor and swirled with sweet–tart cranberry for the perfect balance of richness and zing. The colors feel wonderfully festive for winter, making these bars a beautiful choice for New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day gatherings. Elegant, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make!
Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
These Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars have been my most popular recipe this Christmas season — and it’s easy to see why! They’re soft, buttery, and sprinkled generously with cinnamon sugar, giving you all the cozy flavors of classic snickerdoodles in easy bar form. Bake them in a single pan, slice, and serve — perfect for feeding a crowd with very little effort. They make a warm, nostalgic addition to any New Year’s Eve dessert spread or New Year’s Day celebration, and they always disappear fast!
Heath Shortbread
If you’re looking for a simple shortbread recipe, one loaded with heath flavor, this is the recipe! Keep reading for this Short & Sweet offering from Out of the Box Baking!
Pecan Pie Snickerdoodle Bars
Buttery snickerdoodle cookie bars topped with a gooey, maple-sweet pecan pie filling — the best of two classic desserts in one easy bar.
The Ultimate Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
These Ultimate Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars take two beloved classics — creamy cheesecake and gooey pecan pie — and layer them into one unforgettable dessert. A buttery crust holds a smooth, velvety cheesecake filling, all topped with a caramel-kissed pecan layer that bakes up glossy and irresistible. Slice them into small squares for an elegant treat that feels extra special for the holidays. They’re a show-stopping addition to any New Year’s Eve dessert table or New Year’s Day celebration — rich, decadent, and absolutely unforgettable!
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars with Crescent Rolls
These Strawberry Cheesecake Bars with Crescent Rolls are creamy, fruity, and unbelievably easy to make. A layer of sweet strawberry filling and rich cheesecake is tucked between buttery crescent dough, then baked until golden and irresistible. They slice beautifully and look so pretty on a dessert tray — perfect for New Year’s Eve celebrations or New Year’s Day gatherings when you want something special without spending all day in the kitchen. Fresh, simple, and totally delicious!
Golden Girls Cheesecake Cookies
These Golden Girls Cheesecake Cookies are one of my most-requested recipes — and for good reason! Soft, tender cookies are topped with a rich, creamy cheesecake layer that feels totally decadent but is surprisingly simple to make. They’re sweet, nostalgic, and just a little bit sassy… kind of like our favorite Golden Girls! Add them to your dessert tray for New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, and be prepared for guests to ask for the recipe — because they always do!
Easy and Quick Sopapillas
If you’re looking for a sopapilla recipe that’s simple and fast, have I got a treat for you! These tasty treats come together in minutes and taste even better than the ones you get in a restaurant! Your guests won't believe you made them yourself!
Easy Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars
If you love sopapillas, but you’re also in love with sugar and cinnamon, have I got a treat for you! These easy Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars are simple to make and absolutely packed with texture and flavor. You're going to love this viral recipe and so will your guests!
Monster Cookie Bars
These soft, chewy Monster Cookie Bars are packed with peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and colorful M&Ms. This easy recipe feeds a crowd and bakes in under 30 minutes—no scooping required!
Peppermint Brownie Kiss Cookies
These cookies are thick, chewy, deeply chocolatey, gently minty inside, and finished with a bold peppermint kiss on top—pure winter perfection.
Peppermint Bark Cookie Bars
Soft, buttery cookie bars topped with swirls of marshmallow buttercream, crushed peppermint, and a drizzle of chocolate—these Peppermint Bark Cookie Bars taste like winter-time in every bite.
Cinnamon Sugar Palmiers (Elephant Ears)
If you love a crisp pie-crust cinnamon roll, then you’re going to flip over these simple palmiers! They start with a roll of pre-made puff pastry but they don’t end there!
Puff Pastry Baklava Bites
If you love the rich flavors of Baklava but don't have time to make it from scratch, this is the recipe for you. This simple baklava recipe starts with a simple puff pastry, but it definitely doesn't end there!
Puff Pastry Pecan Pie Bites
If you’re a fan of pecan pie but you’re looking for a quick, tasty dessert for your New Year's event, this is the recipe for you! In this post I’m going to show you how to make delicious Pecan Pie Bites using a simple sheet of puff pastry.
Puff Pastry Nutella Rolls
If you’re a fan of flaky, crisp pastry and you also enjoy the rich flavor of Nutella, this is the recipe for you! They're going to be a hit this holiday season!
Puff Pastry Cream Horns
If you love those light flaky cream horns loaded with creamy goodness on the inside, you're going to flip over this recipe. It's easy and delicious and starts with a package of store-bought puff pastry.
Puff Pastry Apple Pies
Looking for a quick apple pie recipe that comes together in minutes but has all of the traditional flavors you've come to enjoy! This is it, folks!
Orange Pinwheels with Puff Pastry
Simple, delicious, and oh, so tasty! These are going to be a huge hit at your New Year's gathering!
Puff Pastry Turtles
If you love that combination of chocolate, caramel and pecans but you’re also a fan of a light, fluffy puff pastry, you’re going to flip over these delicious treats! This has to be the simplest way to make turtles yet!
That's it for this New Year's post, friends. I hope the upcoming year is very, very good to you, and that all of your wishes come true!
Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget to comment if you bake any of these fun treats. And before you go, why not pin some photos to your Pinterest boards?


Janice Thompson is a professional baker, cake designer, and author with over 20 years of experience creating unique cakes and desserts. She’s the creator of Out of the Box Baking, where she shares her favorite doctored cake mix recipes, tutorials, and baking tips. Learn more →
