Holiday gatherings tend to come fast, often leaving little time to plan desserts that are easy to share. Choosing treats that travel well can take a lot of pressure off busy days. These 15 holiday desserts focus on familiar flavors that hold their shape and work for potlucks, gift tins, and family get-togethers. They are the kinds of recipes that make sharing feel simple and stress feel smaller.
Reindeer Hershey Kiss Pretzels
Reindeer Hershey Kiss Pretzels are assembled by melting chocolate on baked pretzels until just set. This quick method keeps prep short and cleanup minimal. The chocolate firms up enough to stack without sticking. They work well for last-minute parties and gifting.
Get the Recipe: Reindeer Hershey Kiss Pretzels
Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies
Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies are baked in layers that set firmly once cooled. The bars slice cleanly, which helps when serving a crowd. This recipe works well when a familiar dessert is needed without extra decorating. They hold together nicely during transport.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies
5 Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
5 Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls are no-bake treats that set in the refrigerator. The mixture firms up quickly, making portioning easy. I like this recipe when oven space is limited. Once chilled, they travel well in containers or gift boxes.
Get the Recipe: 5 Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
Christmas Icebox Cookies
Christmas Icebox Cookies are baked after the dough is chilled and sliced, helping each cookie bake evenly. This method makes prep simple and spreads the work over a couple of days. The cookies cool firm enough to transport without breaking. Keeping the dough ready in the fridge makes holiday baking feel more manageable.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Icebox Cookies
Peppermint Oreo Truffles
Peppermint Oreo Truffles are no-bake and set after chilling, which helps them keep their shape. The ingredients are familiar and easy to find during the holidays. I often make these ahead and store them until needed. Their small size works well for dessert trays and gift tins.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Oreo Truffles
Chocolate Clusters with Peanuts
Chocolate Clusters with Peanuts are slow cooked until melted and spooned into portions to cool. The slow cooker keeps hands-on time low. Once set, the clusters stay firm and easy to handle. They are simple to portion for sharing with a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Clusters with Peanuts
Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are baked quickly using a boxed mix to save time. The dough comes together fast and bakes into soft cookies that hold their shape. I like this recipe for busy days when baking needs to stay simple. They pack easily for sharing at school events or family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
Colorful Christmas Cookies
Colorful Christmas Cookies are baked from slice-and-bake dough that creates bright spirals once cut. The dough can be made ahead, which saves time during busy weeks. After baking, the cookies hold clean edges and cool evenly. They look festive while still being easy to transport.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Christmas Cookies
Sheet Pan Brownies Using Box Mix
Sheet Pan Brownies Using Box Mix are baked all at once for even squares and simple serving. Using a boxed mix keeps prep quick and cleanup light. I like cutting them directly in the pan before packing. The flat shape makes them easy to carry to potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Brownies Using Box Mix
Sugar Christmas Cookies
Sugar Christmas Cookies are baked until soft with lightly set edges using simple pantry ingredients. I like making these when I need a reliable dessert that decorates easily and holds its shape. The frosting sets well, which makes stacking and packing much easier. They work nicely for cookie tins, potlucks, and busy holiday afternoons.
Get the Recipe: Sugar Christmas Cookies
Reindeer Brownies
Reindeer Brownies start with baked brownies that are decorated after cooling. Using prepared brownies keeps the process simple and predictable. The decorations stay in place once set, which helps with packing. They add a festive touch without needing extra baking time.
Get the Recipe: Reindeer Brownies
Refrigerator Cookies
Refrigerator Cookies are baked from chilled dough that is sliced just before going into the oven. This keeps prep easy and allows baking in small batches. The cookies bake evenly and cool into firm, stackable layers. Having dough ready ahead of time helps keep holiday schedules flexible.
Get the Recipe: Refrigerator Cookies
Thumbprint Cookies with Jam
Thumbprint Cookies with Jam are baked until tender with a soft center and set edges. The jam adds color and flavor without extra steps or tools. I often choose these when I want something familiar that looks nice on a tray. They travel well and stay neat once cooled.
Get the Recipe: Thumbprint Cookies with Jam
Peppermint Brownies in a Jar
Peppermint Brownies in a Jar are assembled as a layered dry mix that stays shelf stable. This makes prep quick and gifting simple. I often keep a few jars ready during the holidays. They are easy to transport and helpful when a homemade gift is needed fast.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Brownies in a Jar
Chocolate Covered Pretzels Christmas Trees
Chocolate Covered Pretzels Christmas Trees are coated in melted chocolate and left to set until firm. The pretzels keep their crunch even after cooling. I like these because they require no baking time. They stay tidy in containers and travel easily.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Covered Pretzels Christmas Trees
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