From no-bake fudge and truffles to spiced cakes and chewy cookies, these easy Christmas desserts make enjoying sweet treats simple and stress-free all season long.

For many years, my next-door neighbor gifted my family a beautiful, homemade Yule log cake to enjoy on Christmas—meringue mushrooms and all! It was extra-special to me because, in my chaotic house, we relied on easy Christmas desserts that could be made in a flash. But I’m not complaining. As this collection shows, quick Christmas treats are just as festive, beautiful and delicious as more labor-intensive ones. Christmas dinner is great, but no-fuss holiday desserts are the real stars of the day.

We compiled simple Christmas dessert recipes that can be prepped in 20 minutes or less and are full of seasonal flavors. There are rich, chocolaty treats that taste like hot cocoa, red and white swirled minty bites, and pretty Bundts that practically decorate themselves. If the oven is full, try a no-bake treat, like fudge or truffles. And, of course, we include Christmas cookies, from jammy thumbprints to sugary snowballs and buttery shortbread. All that’s left is to make a batch of homemade eggnog and enjoy the holiday.

Taste of Home