23 Last Minute Christmas Desserts That Will Save Your Holiday Feast
The holiday season is full of hustle and bustle, and desserts often become an afterthought in the midst of all the preparations. That’s why these last-minute Christmas desserts are a game-changer! They’re designed to help you whip up something festive and delicious, even when you’re short on time.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or need a treat to bring to a party, these recipes take the stress out of dessert-making. From tried-and-true classics to creative and whimsical options, there’s something here for every taste and occasion.
Best of all, these desserts are quick and easy to prepare, ensuring you can enjoy the holidays without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a little effort, you can create sweet treats that look and taste like they took much longer to make. This year, let these simple yet impressive desserts be the cherry on top of your holiday celebrations!
Christmas Tree Cake Dip
This festive dessert is perfect when you need last minute Christmas desserts that impress without stress. With just a few ingredients and about ten minutes, you can create a creamy dip packed with holiday cheer. Pair it with cookies, crackers, or fruit for a fun treat that brings the holiday spirit to any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Cake Dip
Christmas Cornflake Brittle
Crunchy, sweet, and ready in a flash, this brittle is a lifesaver for last minute Christmas desserts. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick prep time, it combines caramel and cornflakes into a dessert that’s as festive as it is easy. Share it at holiday parties or wrap it up as a thoughtful edible gift.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Cornflake Brittle
15-Minute Pineapple Carpaccio Dessert
When time is tight but you want a dessert that wows, this pineapple carpaccio is your answer. Fresh or baked pineapple slices, drizzled with sweetness, create a refreshing treat ideal for last minute Christmas desserts. Quick to prepare and effortlessly elegant, it’s a light option to balance out rich holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: 15-Minute Pineapple Carpaccio Dessert
Peppermint Kiss Cookies
Peppermint Kiss Cookies bring together festive flavors and an easy process, making them perfect for last minute Christmas desserts. Soft and chewy with a bright peppermint kick, they turn basic sugar cookie dough into a holiday favorite. Great for cookie swaps or a snack after decorating the tree.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Kiss Cookies
3-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse Cups
Rich, creamy, and impossibly quick, these mousse cups are a dream for last minute Christmas desserts. With only three ingredients, you’ll have a decadent treat that’s ready in no time. Serve them in individual cups for an elegant touch that feels fancy but requires minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse Cups
Christmas Tree Cake Trifle
Layers of fluffy cake, creamy pudding, and holiday-themed decorations make this trifle an eye-catching addition to your dessert table. Ideal for last minute Christmas desserts, it’s simple to assemble and looks like you spent hours. Each bite brings festive flavors to the forefront, delighting guests of all ages.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Cake Trifle
Snowballs Coconut Fudge Truffles
These coconut fudge truffles are a snowy treat that’s perfect when you need last minute Christmas desserts. Their rich, fudgy texture and quick assembly make them an easy choice. Roll them in coconut for a wintry look that stands out at any holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Snowballs Coconut Fudge Truffles
Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
Snickerdoodle cookie bars are a quick and crowd-pleasing option for last minute Christmas desserts. Thick, chewy, and coated in cinnamon sugar, they take the classic cookie to the next level. Bake a batch to enjoy at family gatherings or share with neighbors for instant holiday cheer.
Get the Recipe: Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
Christmas Rolo Pretzel Bites
Sweet, salty, and made in minutes, these Rolo pretzel bites are ideal for last minute Christmas desserts. Each bite combines the crunch of a pretzel, the gooey caramel of a Rolo, and festive sprinkles. Perfect for holiday parties, these are as fun to eat as they are easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Rolo Pretzel Bites
Chocolate Mint Truffles
These rich and creamy chocolate mint truffles are a standout option for last minute Christmas desserts. Made with simple ingredients like biscuits and condensed milk, they come together quickly and deliver a perfect balance of chocolate and peppermint flavors. Dress them up with a drizzle or candy topping for extra holiday flair.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Mint Truffles
Peppermint Hot Cocoa Bombs
These peppermint hot cocoa bombs are a fun way to bring winter flavors to life. Perfect for last minute Christmas desserts, they’re quick to make and even more enjoyable to use. Drop one into a mug of warm milk for a delicious cocoa experience complete with peppermint and marshmallows.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Hot Cocoa Bombs
Peppermint Puppy Chow
Peppermint Puppy Chow is a crunchy, peppermint-infused treat that’s a lifesaver when you need last minute Christmas desserts. Made with Chex cereal, white chocolate, and crushed candy canes, it’s ready in no time and perfect for snacking or gifting. Pack it in holiday bags for an easy and festive party favor.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Puppy Chow
Reindeer Tim Tams
These adorable reindeer treats turn a simple biscuit into a showstopper. Perfect for last minute Christmas desserts, they’re quick to make with candy eyes, red M&M noses, and pretzel antlers. Kids will love helping assemble them, making them an instant hit for holiday parties or family time.
Get the Recipe: Reindeer Tim Tams
Easy Christmas Fudge
No-bake and simple to prepare, this Christmas fudge is perfect for anyone needing last minute Christmas desserts. With just two ingredients, it’s as straightforward as dessert gets. Customize with sprinkles or candy toppings to make it extra festive for the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Easy Christmas Fudge
Edible Christmas Cookie Dough
This safe-to-eat cookie dough is a sweet treat that’s ready in minutes. Ideal for last minute Christmas desserts, it’s made without raw eggs or flour, so you can enjoy it worry-free. Serve it as-is or use it as a dip for an instant holiday crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Edible Christmas Cookie Dough
Best Christmas Bark Recipe
This five-minute Christmas bark is the definition of quick and easy. Perfect for last minute Christmas desserts, it combines white chocolate and festive toppings into a colorful, shareable treat. Break it into pieces for dessert trays or holiday gift bags that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Best Christmas Bark Recipe
Air Fryer Christmas Cookies
These air fryer cookies are a game-changer for holiday baking. Ready in minutes, they’re perfect for last minute Christmas desserts when time is tight. Add sprinkles or decorations to match any occasion, and you’ll have fresh-baked treats without the hassle of traditional oven baking.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Christmas Cookies
Christmas Cookie Bars
Packed with holiday colors and flavors, these cookie bars are a festive addition to your dessert spread. Quick to prepare, they’re perfect for last minute Christmas desserts. With red and green M&M’s, chocolate chips, and sprinkles, they’re a fun and cheerful option for holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Cookie Bars
Ritz Cookies
Ritz cookies are a simple, nostalgic favorite that work wonderfully as last minute Christmas desserts. The salty-sweet combo, paired with chocolate coating, makes them irresistible. Assemble them quickly for a treat that’s easy to share and sure to bring back fond holiday memories.
Get the Recipe: Ritz Cookies
Watergate Salad
This creamy pistachio dessert salad is a retro classic that fits perfectly as a last minute Christmas dessert. It requires just a few ingredients and is ready in five minutes. Serve it as a light, refreshing addition to your holiday spread, or bring it to potlucks for an instant hit.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad
Pretzel Christmas Crack
Sweet, salty, and crunchy, this Pretzel Christmas Crack is a speedy choice for last minute Christmas desserts. The combination of caramel, pretzels, and chocolate comes together in a snap, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules. Share it at parties or wrap it up as a homemade gift.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Christmas Crack
Christmas Muddy Buddies
These sweet and crunchy Muddy Buddies are a classic holiday favorite. They’re quick to make and ideal for last minute Christmas desserts. Toss them in powdered sugar with festive candy pieces for a treat that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Muddy Buddies
Cherry Ripe Balls
These cherry ripe balls are an easy no-bake treat perfect for last minute Christmas desserts. Made with cherries, biscuits, and coconut, they’re coated in chocolate for a decadent finish. Whip up a batch for dessert trays or to share as holiday gifts—no one will guess how effortless they were to make.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Ripe Balls