I Lean On 51 Christmas Baking Ideas When Time Is Short

Holiday baking sounds fun until the schedule says otherwise. Having 51 shortcut-worthy ideas feels like finding an extra week in December. It keeps spirits high, ovens busy, and expectations met with minimal panic. Guests think you planned it all; only you know it’s organized chaos disguised as Christmas cheer.

Two round cookies, one red and one white, are decorated with white icing drizzles and white sprinkles, placed on a wooden surface. — Candy Cane Oreos. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Salted Honey Cookies

A stack of three round, golden-brown cookies with chocolate flecks and a sprinkle of salt on top, resting on a cooling rack with more cookies around them. — Salted Honey Cookies. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

These treats are ideal for quick baking projects during the holidays. Salted Honey Cookies combine the perfect balance of sweet and savory with a soft texture. They’re simple to whip up and are always a crowd-pleaser. Share them at gatherings and watch them disappear within minutes.
Get the Recipe: Salted Honey Cookies

Coconut Cream Pie

Make the most of dessert time with easy and impressive ideas. Coconut Cream Pie brings creamy texture and rich flavor to your table without being overly complicated. A perfect addition to your Christmas baking list, and it feels right for special occasions. Add this to your holiday spread for something effortless but loved.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cream Pie

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

A close-up of several chocolate chip cookies on parchment paper, with one cookie broken in half to show the chocolate chips inside. — Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Great for when you want a seasonal dessert in no time. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are simple and pair a classic fall taste with the richness of chocolate chips. They’re quick to put together and are perfect for cozy gatherings. Everyone at the table will appreciate how easy they are to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cinnamon Pie

A pie doesn’t have to be fancy to be wonderful for the holidays. Cinnamon Pie is a great option for stress-free baking when your schedule is packed. It’s ideal for creating warmth and comfort at your holiday table without major preparation. Good for both small get-togethers and larger celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Pie

Lemon Cookies

Switch things up with something lighter and refreshing for Christmas baking. Lemon Cookies are easy to prepare and bring just the right balance of sweetness. They’ll stand out among other desserts without requiring too much effort. Perfect for gift boxes or serving with tea at small gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cookies

Pecan Pie Bars

Two pecan-topped dessert bars are stacked on parchment paper, showing a dense, crumbly base and a caramelized nut topping. — Pecan Pie Bars. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Short on time but need a dessert that delivers? Pecan Pie Bars bring all the goodness of pie in an easy-to-make format. These can be sliced up effortlessly and are ready to share without the hassle of making an entire pie. Keep this recipe on hand for no-fuss entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Bars

Reindeer Cookie Pops

Make holiday treats a bit more fun with creative recipes. Reindeer Cookie Pops are cute, festive, and effortless to create with minimal time. They’re perfect for kids and adults alike, offering a playful way to serve dessert. Add them to your party and watch smiles grow all around the room.
Get the Recipe: Reindeer Cookie Pops

Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

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

Need something quick that still feels festive? Cinnamon Sugar Blondies have all the cozy vibes you’d want from a holiday dessert. They’re simple to make and easier to enjoy with minimal cleanup. Perfect for gatherings or just a treat for yourself during the busy holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Easy Whoopie Pie

Chocolate whoopie pies with cream and powdered sugar. — Easy Whoopie Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes you want nostalgia to be quick and simple during the holidays. Easy Whoopie Pie gives you that without spending hours in the kitchen. These soft sandwich-style treats bring a bit of tradition with none of the stress. You’ll love how easily they come together for sharing (or keeping for yourself).
Get the Recipe: Easy Whoopie Pie

Key Lime Bars

A close-up of dessert bars with a crumbly crust, creamy filling, and whipped topping, garnished with lime slices in the background. — Key Lime Bars. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bring something a little different to holiday baking with quick recipes. Key Lime Bars are effortless but add a pop of citrus to your recipe list. They’re a lighter option that still feels special enough for any gathering. Slice them up and add to dessert trays for a fun twist.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Bars

Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Christmas tree shaped cookies on a baking sheet. — Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Go ahead and make something festive and simple. Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies are perfect for quick holiday baking projects. Just bake, decorate, and serve these cute and classic cookies. They’re ideal for family activities or hosting one of those last-minute holiday parties.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Sugar 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.

These Chewy Chocolate Brownies are a classic choice for quick holiday baking. Rich and filling, they’ll be a hit with everyone. You can make them fast and still look like a pro. Perfect for any Christmas gathering when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Chocolate Brownies

Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

Close-up of spiral cookies with red jam filling on parchment paper, reminiscent of Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies, one partially eaten and surrounded by crumbs. — Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Busy days call for fun recipes that are big on flavor. Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie feels like a grown-up version of the classic sandwich. Everything about it is cozy and nostalgic, yet it’s easy to make and share. These cookies work both as snacks and festive desserts alike.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

Mississippi Mud Pie

When you want a dessert with layers, Mississippi Mud Pie delivers a bold punch. This quick and easy option is ideal for holiday parties or get-togethers. It’s rich and satisfying without complicated prep. Bring it to the table, and watch it disappear.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Pie

Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies

Close up image of lemon blueberry muffin cookies on a wooden board. — Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Fresh and fruity treats are always great options during the holidays. Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies are quick and easy without sacrificing flavor. They’re great for gifting or sharing with a crowd. Perfect when your schedule is packed.
Get the Recipe: Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies

Pecan Pie Cheesecake

A slice of pecan pie being served on a cake slice. — Pecan Pie Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Rich desserts don’t have to take up all your time. Pecan Pie Cheesecake is quick yet combines a classic pie with creamy cheesecake. It’s a standout option for holiday parties or family gatherings. Skip the stress with this impressive yet easy dessert.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

A stack of chocolate cookies with a bottle of milk in the background on a white surface. — Double Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Chocolate lovers will appreciate Double Chocolate Chip Cookies during the holidays. They’re simple to prepare and packed with rich chocolate. Done in no time, these cookies work for every occasion. Ideal when you want homemade without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Christmas Poke Cake

Brighten your holiday table with Christmas Poke Cake, a simple yet festive dessert. It’s ready to go quickly and adds cheer to any gathering. The colorful look and great taste make it a hit with all kinds of guests. Easy prep, big impact.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Poke Cake

Marshmallow Swirl Cookies

Close-up of a marshmallow swirl cookie with a bite taken out, revealing its gooey interior and white filling. Other cookies are partially visible in the background. — Marshmallow Swirl Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Homemade treats don’t have to be difficult, and Marshmallow Swirl Cookies prove it. These cookies are fun to bake and even better to eat. Their swirled look adds holiday charm to your dessert lineup. Quick to make, they’re perfect for sharing at the table.
Get the Recipe: Marshmallow Swirl Cookies

Strawberry Crunch Cake

A slice of crumb-topped strawberry coffee cake sits on a white plate with a spoon beside it; additional cake and plates are in the background. — Strawberry Crunch Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Add something special to your holiday desserts with Strawberry Crunch Cake. It’s easy to put together and always looks impressive. Perfect for those busy days when you still want dessert to stand out. Everyone will enjoy this crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Crunch Cake

Cream Cheese Brownies

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

Need a simple but indulgent holiday dessert? Cream Cheese Brownies are the perfect mix of rich and smooth textures. They’re easy to whip up and guaranteed to be a hit. No need to spend hours in the kitchen with this go-to recipe.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Brownies

Cranberry Brie Bites

Small bites can leave big impressions, and Cranberry Brie Bites do just that. They’re quick to make when you need a crowd-friendly appetizer. These bites are festive and work perfectly for Christmas gatherings. A simple option for last-minute entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Brie Bites

Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies

A delectable close-up of a Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookie, crowned with a swirl of rich chocolate frosting, resting on a pristine white surface. — Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Homemade recipes can still have that bakery charm, like Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookie. This easy dessert delivers rich, chocolatey goodness every time. Great for anyone who needs dessert in a pinch but wants something extra. You won’t believe how simple they are to make.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies

Salted Caramel Cheesecake

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

Whipping up something special doesn’t have to take forever. Salted Caramel Cheesecake can be a great choice when time’s tight during the holidays. It’s smooth, super simple to pull together, and perfect for sharing. A quick dessert that feels festive without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Hot Cocoa Cookies

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

Cookie trays never last long once Hot Cocoa Cookies hit the table. Their rich middle melts right in, making every bite cozy and soft. They’re perfect for dessert spreads or an easy grab-and-go treat. Each slice pairs nicely with coffee, and people look forward to them every year.
Get the Recipe: Hot Cocoa Cookies

Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake

Close-up of a Pumpkin Dump Cake, a baked dessert topped with chopped pecans and drizzled with caramel sauce, served in a white dish on a wooden surface. — Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Snack pans clear out fast with sweet Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake squares. Layers stay moist for hours. Packs up great for parties. Quick treat for busy schedules. Always gets positive comments from everyone who takes a bite.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake

Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie

A slice of Reese's pie sits on a cake slice, ready to be served. — Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dessert plates don’t stay empty for long when Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie makes an appearance. Smooth bites bring a classic combo that always draws attention. Cuts neat for gatherings and saves well for the next day. Easy to serve, easy to love, and a sure hit at any event.
Get the Recipe: Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie

German Chocolate Cake

A slice of double-layer chocolate cake with a creamy filling and glossy chocolate frosting on top. — German Chocolate Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Party tables fill up with layers of German Chocolate Cake to share. Rich middle stacks for every slice. Handy for special occasions or potlucks. Stays soft for days. Everybody comes back asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: German Chocolate Cake

Santa Whoopie Pies

Three Santa Claus whoopie pies on a baking sheet. — Santa Whoopie Pies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Running short on time? Santa Whoopie Pies are fun, quick, and a nice treat for everyone. They bring holiday cheer without overcomplicating your baking plans. Perfect for spreading a smile when the hours before guests arrive are flying by.
Get the Recipe: Santa Whoopie Pies

Fried Banana

Snack plates get light with bites of warm Fried Banana set out. The crisp shell gives way to a soft, chewy middle that keeps everyone reaching for more. Easy to share with a crowd or pack up for quick snacking. They always seem to disappear before cleanup even starts.
Get the Recipe: Fried Banana

Buckeye Brownies

Several squares of chocolate cake with a layer of peanut butter filling and a chocolate topping are arranged on brown parchment paper. — Buckeye Brownies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bins empty quicker once chewy Buckeye Brownies start getting passed. Layers pack a sweet punch. Good for lunch or dessert. Handy for potluck snack tables. Always brings compliments and never last long once served.
Get the Recipe: Buckeye Brownies

Chocolate Pie

Rich slices stack sweet trays with a smooth finish fit for solo snacking or passing around. Chocolate Pie cuts clean and keeps fine in the fridge for a late-night snack. Plates always get cleared before anyone can have seconds. Friends always want to know what’s inside.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pie

Strawberry Cheesecake

Creamy slices fill plates with color and stand out for group dinners or coffee breaks. Strawberry Cheesecake stays firm and packs well for lunches. Extras don’t last very long. Every batch runs out before the next meal.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cheesecake

Banoffee Pie

Dessert forks scoop up layers from thick Banoffee Pie and never stop at one bite. Smooth filling grabs attention every time. Slices hold up for serving and travel easily for meal prep. Always a hit at the table, and there’s never any left when everyone leaves.
Get the Recipe: Banoffee Pie

Pink Snoball Brownies

Party tables get bright when you serve chewy Pink Snoball Brownies. Unique look brings curiosity to snack trays. Slices pack up great for group sharing. Handy for gift boxes. Quick favorite from any batch.
Get the Recipe: Pink Snoball Brownies

Best Chocolate Cake

A person holding a slice of chocolate layer cake with frosting from a chocolate cake recipe. — Best Chocolate Cake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Tall layers give solid slices to dessert trays and work for solo snacking at home or festive spreads. Best Chocolate Cake keeps fresh longer than most and cuts clean for plate sharing. Leftovers don’t stick around after dinner. It’s the cake people talk about all week.
Get the Recipe: Best Chocolate Cake

Snowman Cookies

Christmas cookies with cherries and icing on a baking sheet. — Snowman Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cute shapes pop from cookie plates and give snack time a bit of fun with every round. Snowman Cookies keep their form for parties or casual night treats and always end up snapped up first. Jars don’t hold onto these for long. Everyone asks how they’re made before taking one.
Get the Recipe: Snowman Cookies

Strawberry Brownies

Two pieces of chocolate brownies with a swirl of red fruit, possibly raspberry or cherry, stacked on a surface with more brownies in the background. — Strawberry Brownies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Dessert trays light up with soft Strawberry Brownies stacked high. Rich sweetness hits in every bite and makes every plate look more inviting. Handy for potlucks or coffee breaks. Slices hold up great for gifting. Always the first snack gone.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Brownies

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

A slice of apple cinnamon roll on a plate. — Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Pie plates crowd up with flaky Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie slices. Sweet filling stays inside every layer. Handy for dessert or a quick snack. Packs up for lunch boxes. Everyone comes back for more.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Frosting

Vanilla and lemon cupcakes with swirled pink raspberry buttercream frosting, each topped with a fresh raspberry, arranged closely together. — Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Frosting. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cupcake trays stand out with bright Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Frosting. Soft base holds creamy top for a nice balance in every bite. Packs up for snack or dessert and fits right into any spread. Quick share at gatherings where they disappear fast. Always gets good reviews from anyone who grabs one.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Frosting

Pumpkin Bars

Baking trays go fast with moist Pumpkin Bars laid out for grabbing. Each slice comes sweet and smooth. Handy for snack tables. Packs up great for leftovers. People request these for brunch and dessert.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Bars

Basque Cheesecake

A close-up of several slices of a dense, golden-brown custard or cheesecake on parchment paper. — Basque Cheesecake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Rough tops give thick slices to dessert trays for creamy bites people talk about all week. Basque Cheesecake stacks up for brunch or busy nights and chills fine for leftovers. Slices cut out easy for solo snacking. Nobody waits long before grabbing a piece.
Get the Recipe: Basque Cheesecake

Sweet Potato Pie

Thick slices offer comfort for snack trays and solo dessert breaks with a firm texture. Sweet Potato Pie works for breakfast or after dinner and stays moist for days. Plates never last through a second round. Friends reach for this one quick.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Pie

Chocolate Cheesecake

Dessert trays shine with been thick Chocolate Cheesecake slices. Smooth flavor balances every bite. Handy for snack boxes or party trays. Cuts clean and holds firm. Always asked for at each event.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cheesecake

Pumpkin Pie

Smooth layers fill pie plates for group dinners and solo snacks without getting messy. Pumpkin Pie packs well for work or parties and stays soft in the fridge. Most of the time, there’s nothing left for seconds. Guests will ask for another slice every time.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie

Orange Rolls

A round baking dish lined with parchment paper holds several cinnamon rolls covered in a thick layer of icing. — Orange Rolls. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Soft spirals line up for snack trays offering a light finish to any meal or breakfast spread. Orange Rolls stack high at a party and warm up fine for lunch. Boxes come up empty in hours. Guests always go back for more.
Get the Recipe: Orange Rolls

Sugar Cookies Without Butter

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

Need a quick baking fix? Sugar Cookies Without Butter keep things quick and easy, with no fuss about ingredients. They make holiday baking doable even if you’re running low on pantry staples. Great for a quick batch when you still want to keep it festive.
Get the Recipe: Sugar Cookies Without Butter

Red Velvet Brownies

Stack of four chocolate brownies with visible white chocolate chunks. — Red Velvet Brownies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Quick ideas always work best during busy days. Red Velvet Brownies bring holiday vibes with that pop of red. They look festive and don’t take much time to make. Sweet, simple, and always popular at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Brownies

Chocolate Croissant

Chocolate and pretzel rolls with powdered sugar. — Chocolate Croissant. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Nothing says easy and fancy quite like Chocolate Croissant for the holidays. They feel special but don’t require spending ages prepping. Perfect for holiday mornings when you’re in the baking mood but want something simple. Well-suited to pair with coffee or tea for guests.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Croissant

Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies

A close-up of a brownie square topped with a swirl of cheesecake and cherry filling. — Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Don’t sleep on simple recipes for big moments. Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies balance sweet richness and are so easy to make. They give you a holiday dessert that’s a quick crowd-pleaser. Just the thing for last-minute baking sessions.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies

Candy Cane Oreos

Got people craving something minty? Candy Cane Oreos combine holiday vibes and quick prep perfectly. You’ll get winter notes in every bite, and they’re ridiculously easy to make. A fast dessert for anyone chasing Christmas sweet treats without stress.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Oreos