17 Last-Minute Christmas Day Treats You Can Still Pull Off

ByMandy

There’s always that moment on Christmas Day when you realize you still want something sweet on the table, and time isn’t exactly on your side. That’s why I pulled together 17 treats that come together fast without feeling rushed or complicated. Each one brings a little comfort to the day without asking for too much from you.

Close-up of several pecan cookies on a white surface, with pecan halves on top and crumbs scattered around.
Butter Pecan Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Christmas Brownies

Several brownies decorated with candy eyes, red candy noses, and pretzel antlers are arranged on a white surface to resemble reindeer faces.
Christmas Brownies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sometimes, the best desserts are the simplest. This Christmas Brownies recipe brings festive cheer through rich chocolate flavor that feels indulgent without the fuss. It’s perfect for when you realize last-minute treats can still wow everyone. These are festive staples you’ll wish you could keep around year-round.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Brownies

Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter

Three sugar cookies stacked on top of each other.
Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

I’ve seen how these Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter can surprise even the most skeptical cookie fans. Who knew a small pantry adjustment could create a cookie this tender and sweet? They’re perfect to whip up when butter shortages or unexpected guests hit. Plus, they offer holiday charm without missing a beat.
Get the Recipe: Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter

Eggnog Pie

Close-up of a sliced pie with a crumb crust, topped with star-shaped cookies dusted with powdered sugar.
Eggnog Pie. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

You can almost hear the excitement when this Eggnog Pie hits the dessert table; it’s like Christmas in pie form! With a unique twist on traditional holiday flavors, it’s a dessert that feels fancy enough for guests but effortless enough for a last-minute treat. Leave space because people might just ask for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Pie

Candy Cane Cookies

Twisted red and white candy cane cookies dusted with powdered sugar, surrounded by decorative snowflake and tree-shaped sprinkles.
Candy Cane Cookies. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

These Candy Cane Cookies are holiday fun on a plate, making them a great choice for lighthearted celebrations. Their bright and festive look adds just the right amount of whimsy to any Christmas table. I think these are perfect to sweeten up quiet family nights or blow everyone away at a holiday party!
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Cookies

Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

A close-up image shows a stack of four chocolate crinkle cookies covered in powdered sugar, revealing their cracked texture.
Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

The festive powdered sugar topping on these Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies is enough to make mouths water before anyone even takes a bite. Once they do, the fudgy richness underneath confirms they’re everything you need for chocolate-filled holiday moments. These are a dessert that makes the holidays unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Close-up of a classic peanut butter cookie with the iconic crisscross pattern on top, nestled among a delightful batch of similar peanut butter cookies.
Soft Peanut Butter Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Soft Peanut Butter Cookies blend comfort, simplicity, and just enough indulgence to feel special but not overwhelming. They’ve got that melt-in-your-mouth texture that instantly reminds you of cozy evenings near the fireplace. Share these with loved ones or enjoy all to yourself; you really can’t go wrong.
Get the Recipe: Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies

A close-up of a chocolate cookie with chocolate chips and small white marshmallows on top.
Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

I couldn’t think of a better pairing for Christmas morning coffee than these Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies. They’re the dessert that transforms a classic winter drink into bite-sized holiday perfection. Chocolate lovers will appreciate how unexpected yet nostalgic they feel! These really stand out on the dessert table!
Get the Recipe: Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies

Chewy Chocolate Brownies

Close-up image of several chocolate brownies featuring a slightly crumbly texture and a sprinkling of coarse salt on top.
Chewy Chocolate Brownies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

The rich, gooey texture of these Chewy Chocolate Brownies makes them a go-to option when something chocolatey is absolutely non-negotiable. They’re comforting in that “just what I needed” way, especially during colder months. Perfect for Christmas gatherings when you’re craving dessert staples that truly deliver.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Chocolate Brownies

Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Close-up of sliced crumbly cakes topped with white icing. One piece is positioned vertically to show its texture.
Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

There’s nothing that feels more like holiday warmth than these Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies. A subtle burst of spice and sweetness makes them impossible to forget, especially after pairing them with coffee or eggnog. These blondies can turn any casual get-together into something memorable; so worth the quick effort!
Get the Recipe: Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Rich Chocolate Pie

A slice of chocolate pie with a swirl of whipped cream.
Rich Chocolate Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

I’ll admit, a dessert like this Rich Chocolate Pie just screams perfection for Christmas. It looks like something you’d spend hours on, but it’s ideal when you need decadence without all the fuss. Every bite feels like a celebration with rich, velvety chocolate you won’t stop talking about long after the holidays!
Get the Recipe: Rich Chocolate Pie

Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Green cookies topped with powdered sugar and red, green, and white candy shapes resembling trees and candy canes.
Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

I love desserts that bring smiles, and these Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies are exactly that kind of treat. Their bright green color and playful vibe make them an instant conversation starter! They’re perfect for kids or holiday fans of all ages and guaranteed to add flair to any dessert spread this Christmas.
Get the Recipe: Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Buttery Shortbread Cookies

Close-up view of a pile of Shortbread Cookies with visible small holes on the surface.
Buttery Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

These Buttery Shortbread Cookies are timeless; they fit seamlessly into any Christmas celebration, whether it’s casual or formal. With their crumbly texture and light sweetness, they’re never overwhelming. They feel just right alongside a hot drink or as part of a dessert tray that everyone will remember.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Shortbread Cookies

Rich Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Slice of cheesecake topped with caramel, pretzel, pecan, and sea salt on a plate, with a spoon beside it.
Rich Salted Caramel Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

I can’t not mention this Rich Salted Caramel Cheesecake because it’s everything a holiday dessert should be: creamy, dreamy, and packed with layers of indulgence. It has the kind of sweet-salty magic that makes it impossible to have just one slice. Honestly, this one feels like luxury in dessert form, perfect for celebrating right!
Get the Recipe: Rich Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Sweet Candy Cane Fudge

Two pieces of vanilla and red swirled candy cane fudge stacked, with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint on top. Greenery in the background.
Sweet Candy Cane Fudge. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Nothing spreads holiday spirit faster than this Sweet Candy Cane Fudge. With its eye-catching colors and bold peppermint flair, it has everything you want in a Christmas dessert. This treat is perfect for gifting to loved ones or bringing to potlucks when you want a crowd-pleaser that feels truly festive.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Candy Cane Fudge

Fudgy Cream Cheese Brownies

Brownies with a cream cheese layer in the center are cut into squares and arranged on parchment paper.
Fudgy Cream Cheese Brownies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

These Fudgy Cream Cheese Brownies somehow balance rich, decadent chocolate with creamy layers that just scream indulgence. I think desserts like this are the ones everyone talks about when the holidays are over; not just because they taste good but because they feel extra special. These brownies are pure holiday magic!
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Cream Cheese Brownies

Rich Homemade Buckeyes

Close-up of homemade buckeyes, featuring chocolate-covered peanut butter balls. One is bitten to reveal the creamy peanut butter filling inside.
Rich Homemade Buckeyes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

If holiday baking isn’t a priority but chocolate is, these Rich Homemade Buckeyes are perfect for keeping things simple. The peanut butter-chocolate pairing always feels like a win, especially with no complicated prep involved. Their bite-sized goodness might just make them disappear faster than you’d expect!
Get the Recipe: Rich Homemade Buckeyes

Butter Pecan Cookies

Close-up of several pecan cookies on a white surface, with pecan halves on top and crumbs scattered around.
Butter Pecan Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

These Butter Pecan Cookies give off that homemade comfort vibe, with a holiday-worthy nuttiness that feels both classic and irresistible. Perfect for enjoying by yourself or sharing at a gathering, these cookies are low-key stars of the season while being unmatched in flavor and crunch.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cookies

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