Holiday baking is such a joy, but let’s be honest, sometimes we just don’t have the time. I completely understand that feeling. That’s why I’ve curated these 12 no-bake cookie recipes to make your festive treats quick and easy. Picture rich chocolate peppermint or sweet coconut flavors, all without turning on the oven. These delightful, time-saving treats are sure to wow your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Chocolate Peppermint No-Bake Cookies

Indulge in the festive flavors of the holiday season with these Chocolate Peppermint No-Bake Cookies. Perfect for those who love the combination of chocolate and mint, these cookies are a delightful treat that requires no baking, making them an easy and quick option for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in.

The rich chocolate base is perfectly complemented by the invigorating hint of peppermint, creating a deliciously addictive cookie that will surely impress your family and friends.

These no-bake cookies come together in just a few simple steps and are a fantastic way to get kids involved in holiday baking without the worry of using the oven. The recipe yields approximately 18-24 cookies, making it ideal for serving a group of 4-6 people.

Whether you’re looking for a last-minute dessert or want to add a new favorite to your holiday cookie repertoire, these Chocolate Peppermint No-Bake Cookies are sure to become a beloved tradition.

Ingredients (Serves 4-6):

2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

Instructions:

Prepare the Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, whole milk, cocoa powder, and salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture until the butter is completely melted and the ingredients are well combined.
Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Allow it to boil for 1 minute, stirring continuously to prevent any burning or sticking at the bottom of the pan.
Mix the Oats and Chocolate: Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the quick-cooking oats, semi-sweet chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Mix until the oats and chocolate chips are fully coated with the chocolate sauce.
Shape the Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently press the cookies down slightly and sprinkle the tops with crushed peppermint candies or candy canes.
Cooling Time: Allow the cookies to cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or until they’ve set. For quicker setting, you can refrigerate them for about 15 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the cookies have fully set, serve them on a festive platter and enjoy the rich, minty goodness with your loved ones.

Extra Tips: For a smoother texture, make sure that you use quick-cooking oats, as old-fashioned oats may result in a chewier cookie. If you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, you can increase the peppermint extract by a quarter teaspoon.

Be cautious when boiling the chocolate mixture, as it can quickly overcook and affect the final texture of the cookies. For an added festive touch, consider drizzling melted white chocolate over the cookies before they set.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Snowballs

No-Bake Peanut Butter Snowballs are a delightful and easy treat that brings festive joy to any holiday gathering. These delicious bites are perfect for those who want to whip up something sweet without the need for an oven. With their creamy peanut butter center and a sweet, crunchy outer layer, these snowballs are bound to be a hit among family and friends.

Not only are they simple to prepare, but they also make for a fun activity to do with kids, who’ll love rolling the mixture into snowball shapes and coating them in powdered sugar. Perfect for serving a group of 4-6 people, these no-bake treats capture the essence of the holiday season with their snowball-like appearance while delivering a rich, nutty flavor.

Ideal for last-minute holiday preparations, these Peanut Butter Snowballs can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family dinner, or simply as a sweet snack, they’re sure to become a new holiday tradition.

Ingredients:

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup crushed graham crackers
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup white chocolate chips
2 tablespoons coconut oil
Additional powdered sugar for coating

Instructions:

Prepare the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, crushed graham crackers, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until well combined and it forms a dough-like consistency.
Shape the Snowballs: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll them between your palms to form smooth balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
Coat the Snowballs: Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted white chocolate, making sure it’s completely covered. Use a fork to lift the ball out, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off, and place it back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Chill and Set: Once all the balls are coated, transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate coating is firm.
Final Touch: After the chocolate has set, roll each snowball in additional powdered sugar to give them a snowy appearance. Serve immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Extra Tips: When making No-Bake Peanut Butter Snowballs, using a high-quality white chocolate will enhance the flavor and texture of your treats. If the mixture becomes too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for about 10 minutes to firm up before shaping.

For a different twist, consider adding a pinch of sea salt on top of the snowballs after dipping them in chocolate. This will create a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the chocolate and peanut butter. Finally, confirm the snowballs are stored in a cool place to prevent the chocolate from melting, especially if you plan to make them ahead of time.

Coconut Macaroon No-Bake Bites

Coconut Macaroon No-Bake Bites are the perfect treat to add a tropical twist to your holiday dessert table. These delightful bites aren’t only incredibly easy to make, but they also require no baking, making them an ideal choice for busy holiday seasons.

With a rich coconut flavor and a hint of sweetness, these bites offer a chewy texture that’s sure to impress your family and friends. The best part? You can whip them up in no time, and they’re a great activity to involve your kids in the kitchen, too.

These no-bake treats aren’t only delicious but also versatile. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit different dietary needs or preferences, such as making them vegan or gluten-free.

With a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of these Coconut Macaroon No-Bake Bites that serve 4-6 people, bringing a little bit of tropical warmth to your holiday festivities. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or as a sweet snack, these bites are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients for Coconut Macaroon No-Bake Bites (Serves 4-6)

2 cups shredded coconut
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions

Prepare the Coconut Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir the ingredients together until they’re well combined and the coconut is thoroughly coated with the milk mixture.
Shape the Bites: Using your hands, scoop out small portions of the coconut mixture and form them into bite-sized balls, about one inch in diameter. Place each formed bite onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat the process until all the mixture is used.
Chill the Bites: Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and let the bites chill for at least 30 minutes. This will help them firm up and hold their shape.
Melt the Chocolate: While the bites are chilling, melt the dark chocolate chips with the coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
Coat the Bites: Once the bites have chilled, remove them from the refrigerator. Dip each one into the melted chocolate, making certain they’re evenly coated. Return them to the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Set the Chocolate: Place the chocolate-coated bites back in the refrigerator for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened.
Serve: Once the chocolate is set, your Coconut Macaroon No-Bake Bites are ready to be served. Enjoy them as a holiday treat or a delightful snack.

Extra Tips

To make these Coconut Macaroon No-Bake Bites vegan, substitute the sweetened condensed milk with a plant-based alternative, such as sweetened condensed coconut milk.

For a gluten-free version, ascertain that all your ingredients, particularly the chocolate chips, are certified gluten-free. You can also try rolling the bites in crushed nuts or drizzle them with white chocolate for an added festive touch.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for several days.

No-Bake Gingerbread Cookie Truffles are a delightful and festive treat that captures the essence of the holiday season without requiring any oven time. Perfect for those who love the warm, spicy flavors of gingerbread but want a quick and easy option, these truffles are the ideal sweet indulgence. They combine the traditional spices of gingerbread with a creamy, rich filling, all wrapped in a smooth chocolate coating.

These truffles make a great addition to any holiday dessert table or can be packaged beautifully for gift-giving. The beauty of No-Bake Gingerbread Cookie Truffles lies in their simplicity and versatility. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a batch of these delicious truffles ready to enjoy or share in under an hour.

They’re perfect for those who enjoy getting creative in the kitchen, as you can easily customize them with your favorite toppings or mix-ins. Gather your family or friends, and enjoy making this holiday treat together!

Ingredients (Serves 4-6):

2 cups of crushed gingersnap cookies
8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon of ground ginger
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
10 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional toppings: sprinkles, crushed nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar

Instructions:

Prepare the Cookie Base:

Begin by placing the gingersnap cookies in a food processor. Pulse until they’re finely crushed, yielding about 2 cups of cookie crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a mixing bowl.

Mix the Truffle Filling:

Add the softened cream cheese, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla extract to the bowl with the cookie crumbs. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined and form a smooth, cohesive dough.

Shape the Truffles:

Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, roll the mixture into small balls, roughly 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once all the balls are shaped, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator to chill for about 20 minutes.

Melt the Chocolate:

While the truffles are chilling, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler. If microwaving, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until completely melted and smooth.

Coat the Truffles:

Remove the chilled truffle balls from the refrigerator. Using a fork or a dipping tool, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Place the coated truffles back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.

Add Toppings:

While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle your choice of toppings over the truffles. This can include festive sprinkles, crushed nuts, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Set the Truffles:

Once all the truffles are coated and decorated, return them to the refrigerator to set for at least 15 minutes or until the chocolate is firm.

Extra Tips:

For a more intense ginger flavor, consider adding a bit of freshly grated ginger to the truffle mixture. If you find the mixture too sticky to handle, slightly chill it before rolling into balls.

For an added twist, try using different types of chocolate for coating, such as white or dark chocolate, to suit your taste preferences. If you plan to store the truffles for a longer period, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Enjoy experimenting with different toppings to make your No-Bake Gingerbread Cookie Truffles uniquely festive!

No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Cookies

No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Cookies are the perfect combination of sweet and salty flavors, making them a delightful treat for the holiday season. These cookies are incredibly easy to prepare, requiring no oven time, which means you can save precious space for other festive dishes.

The crunchy pretzels combined with creamy caramel and a touch of salt create an irresistible texture and taste that will leave your guests asking for more. This recipe is ideal for when you’re short on time but still want to impress your friends and family with a homemade treat.

With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll have these delicious cookies ready in no time. Perfect for a serving size of 4-6 people, these cookies are great for holiday gatherings or as a sweet gift to share with loved ones. So, let’s explore the ingredients and steps needed to create these delectable no-bake cookies.

Ingredients:

1 cup crushed pretzels
1/2 cup caramel sauce
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Additional sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions:

Prepare the Pretzels: Begin by crushing the pretzels into small pieces. You can do this by placing them in a zip-top bag and using a rolling pin to gently crush them. Set aside.
Make the Caramel Mixture: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the caramel sauce, peanut butter, butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Remove from heat and mix in the sea salt.
Form the Cookies: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels with the caramel mixture. Stir until the pretzels are evenly coated. Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, forming cookie shapes.
Melt the Chocolate: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
Coat the Cookies: Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of each cookie. Use a spoon to spread the chocolate if needed. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie.
Chill: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the cookies are firm and the chocolate has set.

Extra Tips:

For an added layer of flavor, try using different types of pretzels such as butter-flavored or honey wheat. If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, opt for dark chocolate chips instead of regular ones.

To store the cookies, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their texture and flavor. These no-bake cookies can also be made ahead of time and stored for up to a week, making them an excellent option for holiday planning.

No-Bake White Chocolate Cranberry Clusters

No-Bake White Chocolate Cranberry Clusters are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that perfectly captures the festive spirit of the holiday season. These clusters combine the rich, creamy taste of white chocolate with the tartness of dried cranberries and the satisfying crunch of nuts to create a deliciously balanced bite. Perfect for gifting or serving at holiday gatherings, these no-bake treats aren’t only quick to prepare but also a fun activity to enjoy with family and friends.

The beauty of these clusters lies in their simplicity and versatility. With minimal ingredients and no need for an oven, you can whip up a batch in no time, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities. These clusters can also be customized to suit your taste preferences; whether you prefer almonds, pecans, or pistachios, they all pair wonderfully with the smoothness of white chocolate and the zing of cranberries. Designed to serve 4-6 people, this recipe is sure to become a holiday favorite.

Ingredients:

12 ounces white chocolate chips
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

Start by gathering all your ingredients and equipment. This includes a microwave-safe bowl, a spatula, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and a spoon for scooping.

2. Melt the White Chocolate:

Place the white chocolate chips in the microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring in between each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. This process typically takes about 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate to prevent it from burning.

3. Mix in Cranberries and Nuts:

Once the chocolate is melted, stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Add the dried cranberries and mixed nuts to the bowl. Mix everything together until the cranberries and nuts are evenly coated with the white chocolate.

4. Form the Clusters:

Use a spoon to scoop out small mounds of the mixture and place them onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. You can make the clusters as large or small as you prefer, but aim for uniform sizes to guarantee even setting.

5. Set the Clusters:

Allow the clusters to sit at room temperature until the chocolate has hardened and the clusters hold together firmly. This can take about 30 minutes to an hour. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to speed up the process.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Once the clusters are set, they’re ready to be served. Transfer them to a serving platter or store them in an airtight container until ready to enjoy.

Extra Tips:

For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of each cluster before the chocolate sets. If you want to add more variety, you can include other dried fruits such as apricots or raisins.

When melting the chocolate, be patient and stir frequently to guarantee a smooth, even consistency. Finally, these clusters can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks, making them perfect for preparing in advance of holiday events.

No-Bake Almond Joy Cookies

No-Bake Almond Joy Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the deliciousness of everyone’s favorite candy bar in a simple, no-bake format. Perfect for the busy holiday season, these cookies combine rich chocolate, crunchy almonds, and sweet coconut to create a burst of flavor in every bite.

Ideal for holiday parties or a cozy night in, Almond Joy Cookies are certain to bring joy to your festive celebrations without the hassle of traditional baking.

These cookies aren’t only incredibly easy to make, but they also require minimal ingredients and time. By following this straightforward recipe, you can whip up a batch in no time, allowing you to focus on enjoying the company of friends and family.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner in the kitchen, these No-Bake Almond Joy Cookies are a must-try addition to your holiday dessert repertoire.