10 Easy Christmas Desserts with 5 Ingredients or Less

Making festive desserts doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just five ingredients or less, you can whip up delicious Christmas treats that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. This guide is all about sharing simple yet delightful recipes that maximize flavor while minimizing fuss, so you can enjoy the holiday magic without the stress of elaborate baking.

Simple Peppermint Bark For Festive Treats

Nothing says holiday cheer quite like peppermint bark. This delightful treat combines rich chocolate with refreshing peppermint, making it a favorite during the festive season. The image showcases a beautifully arranged platter of peppermint bark, featuring a mix of dark and white chocolate topped with crushed peppermint candies. The vibrant colors and festive presentation make it perfect for holiday gatherings.

Making peppermint bark is super easy and requires just a few ingredients. You can whip this up in no time, and it’s a great way to add a sweet touch to your holiday celebrations. Plus, it’s a fantastic gift idea for friends and family!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
• 8 ounces white chocolate, chopped
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Melt the Dark Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Stir in a pinch of salt.
2. Spread the Chocolate: Pour the melted dark chocolate onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread it evenly to about 1/4 inch thick. Let it cool for about 10 minutes.
3. Melt the White Chocolate: In another bowl, melt the white chocolate using the same method. Once melted, stir in the peppermint extract.
4. Layer the White Chocolate: Pour the melted white chocolate over the cooled dark chocolate layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
5. Add the Peppermint: Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies over the top while the white chocolate is still warm. Gently press them in.
6. Chill and Break: Refrigerate for about 1 hour until fully set. Once set, break the bark into pieces and serve!

Creamy No-Bake Cheesecake Cups In A Jiffy

These creamy no-bake cheesecake cups are a delightful treat that fits perfectly into the holiday spirit. They’re simple to make and require only a handful of ingredients. The image shows charming little cups filled with a smooth cheesecake mixture, topped with fresh berries. The vibrant colors of the strawberries and blackberries make them look even more inviting.

Making these cheesecake cups is a breeze. You can whip them up in no time, making them a great option for last-minute holiday gatherings. The combination of the creamy filling and the crunchy base creates a satisfying texture that everyone will love.

Now, let’s get to the fun part! Here’s how you can make these delicious cheesecake cups at home.

Ingredients

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whipped topping
• Fresh berries for topping

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base: In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until combined. Press this mixture into the bottom of small cups or jars to form a base.
2. Make the Filling: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gently fold in the whipped topping until smooth.
3. Assemble the Cups: Spoon the cheesecake filling over the graham cracker base in each cup. Smooth the top with a spatula.
4. Chill: Place the cups in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set.
5. Serve: Before serving, top each cheesecake cup with fresh berries. Enjoy your delicious, no-bake treat!

Lemon Bars With A Tangy Twist And Simple Ingredients

Lemon bars are a classic dessert that brings a bright, refreshing flavor to any holiday table. With their sunny yellow color and a dusting of powdered sugar, they look as delightful as they taste. The combination of sweet and tangy makes them a perfect treat for Christmas gatherings.

These lemon bars are made with just a few simple ingredients, making them easy to whip up even on busy days. The buttery crust pairs perfectly with the zesty lemon filling, creating a delightful balance that everyone will love. Plus, they are quick to prepare, so you can focus on enjoying the festivities.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want a sweet treat to enjoy at home, these lemon bars are sure to impress. They’re light, refreshing, and oh-so-satisfying. Let’s get into the recipe!

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.
2. In a bowl, mix the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Add the flour and mix until combined.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, lemon juice, and baking powder. Pour this mixture over the crust.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden.
6. Let cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar before cutting into squares.

Decadent Nutella Brownies Made Easy

These Nutella brownies are a chocolate lover's dream. They are rich, fudgy, and incredibly simple to make. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch that will impress everyone at your holiday gathering. The glossy Nutella topping adds a smooth finish that makes these brownies look as good as they taste.

To make these brownies, you'll need Nutella, eggs, flour, and a pinch of salt. That's it! The process is straightforward, so even if you're new to baking, you can nail this recipe. Just mix the ingredients, pour the batter into a baking dish, and let the oven do the work.

These brownies are perfect for sharing or enjoying with a scoop of ice cream. They also make a great gift for friends and family during the holiday season. So, let’s get to the recipe!

Ingredients

• 1 cup Nutella
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine Nutella and eggs. Stir until smooth.
3. Add flour and salt to the mixture, and mix until just combined. If you like, fold in chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
6. Let the brownies cool in the pan before slicing into squares. Enjoy!

Classic Rice Krispie Treats With A Twist

Rice Krispie treats are a classic favorite, and they’re perfect for the holiday season. This version adds a fun twist with colorful sprinkles, making them festive and appealing to everyone. The combination of gooey marshmallows and crispy cereal is hard to resist, especially when they look this cheerful!

Making these treats is super easy and requires just a few ingredients. You can whip them up in no time, making them a great option for last-minute holiday gatherings. Plus, they are a hit with kids and adults alike!

Ingredients

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 4 cups mini marshmallows
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup colorful sprinkles

Instructions

1. Melt the Butter: In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
2. Add Vanilla: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Mix in Cereal: Gradually add the Rice Krispies cereal to the melted marshmallow mixture. Stir until the cereal is well coated.
4. Add Sprinkles: Fold in the colorful sprinkles, reserving a few for topping.
5. Press into Pan: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour the mixture into the dish and press it down evenly. Sprinkle the reserved sprinkles on top.
6. Cool and Cut: Let the treats cool for about 30 minutes before cutting them into squares. Enjoy your festive treats!

Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chocolate Covered Oreos

Chocolate covered Oreos are a simple yet delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. These cookies are not only easy to make, but they also look festive and taste amazing. Imagine biting into a crunchy Oreo, coated in smooth chocolate, and topped with various sprinkles or drizzles. They’re sure to impress your friends and family!

This recipe is all about keeping it simple. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious dessert that feels special. The beauty of chocolate covered Oreos is that they can be customized to fit any occasion. You can use white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even milk chocolate, and add toppings like crushed candy canes or colorful sprinkles.

Let’s get started with the recipe!

Ingredients

• 1 package of Oreo cookies
• 1 cup of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white)
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil (optional, for smoothness)
• Toppings of your choice (sprinkles, crushed nuts, etc.)

Instructions

1. Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
2. Dip the Oreos: Using a fork, dip each Oreo into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let the excess chocolate drip off.
3. Add Toppings: Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle your desired toppings on the cookies.
4. Set the Cookies: Place the coated Oreos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate hardens.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Once set, serve your chocolate covered Oreos on a festive platter. They make a great gift or party treat!

Easy Vanilla Pudding Parfaits Layered With Joy

Vanilla pudding parfaits are a delightful treat that brings joy to any holiday gathering. This dessert is not only simple to make but also visually appealing. The creamy layers of vanilla pudding, combined with crunchy cookie bits, create a perfect balance of textures. Topped with whipped cream and cookie crumbles, these parfaits are sure to impress your guests.

To make these parfaits, you only need a few ingredients. The layers of pudding and cookies create a beautiful presentation in clear cups or glasses. You can customize them by adding your favorite toppings or using different flavored cookies. It’s a fun way to get creative in the kitchen without spending hours on preparation.

These parfaits are perfect for Christmas parties or family gatherings. They can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without stress. Just grab a spoon and dig into these delicious layers of joy!

Ingredients

• 2 cups vanilla pudding (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
• 1 cup whipped cream
• Whole chocolate sandwich cookies for garnish
• Chocolate shavings or cookie crumbs for topping

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pudding: If using store-bought pudding, follow the package instructions. If making homemade, whisk together milk and pudding mix until thickened.
2. Layer the Ingredients: In clear cups, add a layer of vanilla pudding at the bottom. Follow with a layer of crushed cookies, then a layer of whipped cream.
3. Repeat Layers: Continue layering until the cups are filled, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
4. Garnish: Top each parfait with a whole chocolate sandwich cookie and sprinkle with chocolate shavings or cookie crumbs.
5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Gentle Gingerbread Cookies For Holiday Cheer

Gingerbread cookies are a classic treat that brings warmth and joy during the holiday season. These delightful cookies, with their soft texture and sweet spices, are perfect for sharing with family and friends. The image shows a variety of gingerbread cookies, including cheerful gingerbread men and festive star shapes, all decorated with colorful icing and candy. They are not only tasty but also fun to make!

Making gingerbread cookies is simple and requires just a few ingredients. You can easily whip up a batch in no time. These cookies are great for decorating, so gather your loved ones and get creative with icing and toppings. They make wonderful gifts or can be used to decorate your holiday table.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, ginger, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add molasses and egg, mixing well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters.
6. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are firm.
7. Let cool before decorating with icing and candy.

Sweet And Salty Caramel Popcorn Treats

These sweet and salty caramel popcorn treats are a delightful mix of flavors that everyone will love. The image shows a bowl filled with popcorn, featuring a mix of buttery and caramel-coated pieces, drizzled with chocolate. It's a festive treat perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.

Making this snack is super easy, and you only need five ingredients. The combination of sweet caramel and salty popcorn creates a satisfying crunch that’s hard to resist. Plus, the chocolate drizzle adds a touch of elegance, making it perfect for any holiday table.

Gather your friends and family, and enjoy making this simple yet delicious treat together. It’s a fun way to get everyone involved in the holiday spirit!

Ingredients

• 8 cups popped popcorn
• 1 cup caramel sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

1. Prepare the Popcorn: Start by popping your popcorn. You can use an air popper or microwave popcorn. Place the popped popcorn in a large bowl.
2. Add Caramel: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the popcorn. Sprinkle the salt on top and gently toss to coat the popcorn evenly.
3. Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
4. Drizzle Chocolate: Using a spoon or a piping bag, drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel-coated popcorn.
5. Let it Set: Allow the popcorn to cool for about 30 minutes, so the chocolate hardens. Once set, break apart any clumps and enjoy!

No-Fuss Berry Crumble With A Crunchy Finish

This berry crumble is a delightful treat that brings together the sweetness of fresh berries and a crunchy topping. Perfect for the holiday season, it’s simple to make and requires just a handful of ingredients. Imagine digging into a warm, bubbly dessert topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a cozy way to celebrate!

The best part? You can customize it with your favorite berries. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries all work beautifully together. The crunchy topping adds a satisfying texture, making each bite a joy. Plus, it’s quick to whip up, so you can spend more time enjoying the festivities.

Gather your ingredients and let’s get started on this easy recipe!

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup granola
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the mixed berries and brown sugar. Spread this mixture evenly in a baking dish.
3. In another bowl, mix the granola, flour, and melted butter until crumbly.
4. Sprinkle the granola mixture over the berries, covering them well.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the berries are bubbly.
6. Let it cool slightly before serving. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired!