Any of these 19 easy make-tonight, gift-tomorrow Christmas treats are the answer when schedules fill up and gift lists keep growing. Finding time to bake ahead without stress makes the season a whole lot more manageable. Homemade treats still feel special, even if you finish them after dinner on a weeknight. Sharing something fresh and thoughtful doesn’t always need hours in the kitchen.
Mississippi Mud Pie
First bites into this Mississippi Mud Pie reveal a dessert that’s impossible not to remember. There’s something about its rich layers and chocolatey goodness that brings people back for seconds. Break it out at a holiday gathering, and watch it disappear quickly. Whoever receives a slice as a gift is in for a wonderful surprise.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Pie
Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter
Few things compare to biting into this Soft Sugar Cookie Without Butter, especially right out of the oven. Its texture is surprising—pillowy and tender without being heavy. These cookies make thoughtful gifts, since they stay fresh and soft longer than many others. Share a batch and you’ll see why everyone requests the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter
Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
Nothing says “welcome home for the holidays” quite like the aroma from this Soft Peanut Butter Cookie recipe. The chewy outside and creamy inside make every bite memorable. Pack these up for a friend, and the treat will lift anyone’s spirits. Bringing these to a party? Expect people to reach right into the tin for one more.
Get the Recipe: Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes
Unwrapping one of these Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes always brings a smile—you never know when the creamy center will hit. Each cupcake strikes a perfect balance, so you get a taste of cake and custard in every bite. Carrying these as a gift wins instant gratitude. They’re also right at home on a festive dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes
Rich Chocolate Pie
What makes this Rich Chocolate Pie memorable is its silky smooth filling paired with a perfectly crumbly base. For chocolate fans, this is the kind of dessert that stops conversations as spoons hit plates. It’s easy to prepare for a cozy night in, then wrap up the rest for someone special the next day. With so much chocolate, there’s always excitement to enjoy another slice.
Get the Recipe: Rich Chocolate Pie
Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
The crinkled tops on these Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies make them instantly eye-catching on any cookie plate. One bite combines a soft center with just the right hint of chewiness. Wrap them as gifts, and you’ll hear about them long after the holidays have ended. They practically beg to be dunked in a mug of cocoa or coffee.
Get the Recipe: Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Soft Lemon Cookies
Bright flavors are the secret behind this Soft Lemon Cookie, making it a cheerful addition among traditional Christmas treats. Each cookie brings a refreshing contrast to all the chocolate-heavy desserts during this season. Gift boxes filled with these always seem to disappear first. Just the aroma of lemon is enough to lift moods.
Get the Recipe: Soft Lemon Cookies
Sweet Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
A warm slice of this Sweet Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie brings back memories of cozy holiday gatherings. Its blend of sweet apples and cinnamon never fails to tempt dessert lovers for just one more piece. Nestle a piece in festive wrapping, and you have a memorable present for anyone. Treating yourself is also just as rewarding.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies
The fudgy centers in these Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies turn a simple bite into something unforgettable. Every square plays up the classic chocolate-peanut butter twist people can’t get enough of during December. These are the treats folks set aside to enjoy later, even after the first round of desserts. Tuck a few into a holiday tin and watch faces light up.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies
Christmas Brownies
Eye-catching sprinkles and ultimate chocolate flavor make these Christmas Brownies a centerpiece at any December party. There’s a pure joy in sharing their colorful look and rich texture with guests or as a thoughtful package for friends. These have a habit of vanishing without warning from dessert platters. No one ever forgets receiving this treat as a gift.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Brownies
Adorable Snowman Cookies
Gentle artistry brings these Adorable Snowman Cookies to life, making them perfect for spreading Christmas cheer. Their whimsical shapes invite smiles, whether presented at a party or wrapped for someone special. Enjoying one instantly brings back simple holiday joys. Cookie jars never stay full for long when these are inside.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Snowman Cookies
Butter Pecan Cookies
Crunchy pecans paired with rich, buttery dough give these Butter Pecan Cookies their signature taste. They’re wonderful for all kinds of gatherings, where a classic treat is always welcomed. Stacking them in gift boxes sends real homemade warmth and care. Every bite hints at why this cookie never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cookies
Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies
With a burst of mint and chocolate, this Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookie stands out from other seasonal treats. Each nibble is cool, smooth, and satisfying in a truly original way. Gifting them to others is just as enjoyable as sneaking a few for yourself. These are the treats people remember long after the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies
Rich Chocolate Cream Pie
Fans of decadence won’t want to pass up a slice of this Rich Chocolate Cream Pie during the holidays. The smooth, chocolatey filling provides a luxurious ending to any December meal. Tucked in a pie box, it becomes a memorable gift for friends or neighbors. It’s one of those desserts people fondly mention even months later.
Get the Recipe: Rich Chocolate Cream Pie
No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls
Simplicity and unbeatable flavor join forces in these No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls. They come together quickly, making them perfect for those last-minute gifts or sudden sweet cravings. Sharing a box lets friends enjoy a homemade treat with zero fuss. Holiday tins with these inside always get rave reviews.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls
Candy Cane Cookies
The swirl of red and white in these Candy Cane Cookies instantly brings seasonal charm to a cookie tray. Each bite melds tradition with a gentle sweetness that feels just right for December. They look beautiful as gifts and add a playful twist to any gathering. There’s always a little excitement when these appear at a party.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Cookies
Gingerbread Cupcakes
Hearty spices make these Gingerbread Cupcakes unforgettable on a chilly December day. Each fluffy bite captures wintery warmth and all the best holiday traditions in a wrapper. Bringing these as a homemade gift shows special care without being complicated. Dessert tables always light up with a tray full of these cupcakes.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Cupcakes
Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies
Warm spices and a pillowy bite set these Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies apart from old-fashioned classics. The balanced flavor makes them the kind of treat people remember well after the holidays wrap up. Gifting these cookies shares a taste of comfort and joy. Around a holiday table, they’re usually the first to disappear.
Get the Recipe: Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies
Eggnog Pie
Unique holiday flavor shines in this Eggnog Pie, delivering a dessert experience you won’t find any other time of year. Its creamy, spiced filling brings nostalgia into every forkful. Gift a slice, and you’ll brighten even the darkest winter day. This pie is a standout for those looking to try something joyfully different this season.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Pie
