These Easy No-Bake Christmas Treats are festive, fun, and perfect for the holiday season! Whether you’re short on time or just want a simple way to spread holiday cheer, these treats are quick to assemble and require no oven. Featuring classic holiday flavors like chocolate, peppermint, and caramel, these bite-sized goodies are perfect for parties, gift-giving, or a fun family activity.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No baking required—perfect for quick holiday treats
- Great for gifting, parties, or dessert platters
- Fun and easy to make with kids
- Customizable with festive toppings and flavors
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead convenience
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the treats:
- Chocolate chips (semi-sweet, white, or dark)
- Pretzels (mini twists or rods)
- Marshmallows (mini or large)
- Peanut butter (optional)
- Graham crackers
- Caramel candies or caramel sauce
- Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
- Rice Krispies cereal
- Sprinkles (holiday-themed)
- M&Ms or other festive candies
For decoration:
- White chocolate for drizzling
- Red and green sprinkles
- Edible glitter or gold dust (optional)
Directions
1. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels
- Dip pretzels into melted chocolate and place them on parchment paper.
- Add festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes while the chocolate is still wet.
- Let them set in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
2. No-Bake Marshmallow Snowmen
- Stack three marshmallows on a toothpick.
- Use melted chocolate to draw eyes, buttons, and a smile with a toothpick or piping bag.
- Add a candy cane piece for the scarf and an M&M for the nose.
3. Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispies Bites
- Mix melted peanut butter and chocolate with Rice Krispies cereal.
- Scoop small spoonfuls onto parchment paper and top with holiday sprinkles.
- Let them cool until set (about 20 minutes).
4. Caramel Pretzel Bites
- Place pretzels on a baking sheet and top each with a caramel candy.
- Microwave for 10-15 seconds until soft.
- Press another pretzel or M&M on top and let them cool completely.
5. Peppermint Bark
- Melt white chocolate and spread it evenly on parchment paper.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top.
- Let it set, then break into pieces.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 20-24 treats (varies by type)
- Prep time: 10-15 minutes
- Chill time: 10-30 minutes (depending on the treat)
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Skip peanut butter or replace with sunflower seed butter.
- Spicy Chocolate: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the melted chocolate for a subtle kick.
- Vegan-Friendly: Use dairy-free chocolate and marshmallows for a vegan version.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pretzels and check other ingredients for hidden gluten.
Storage/Reheating
- Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks for extra freshness.
- Freeze: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Yes, use white, dark, or milk chocolate based on your preference. You can even mix them for a marbled effect.
How do I melt chocolate without burning it?
Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round, or use a double boiler on the stove.
Can I make these treats ahead of time?
Yes, these treats can be made several days ahead and stored in an airtight container until ready to serve.
How do I package these treats for gifts?
Place the treats in festive tins, cellophane bags tied with ribbons, or small mason jars for a charming holiday gift.
Can kids help with making these treats?
Absolutely! Kids can help dip, decorate, and assemble these treats with minimal supervision.
Can I add other toppings?
Yes! Crushed nuts, coconut flakes, mini marshmallows, or festive M&Ms are great options.
How long do these no-bake treats last?
They last up to 1 week at room temperature, 2 weeks in the fridge, and 2 months in the freezer.
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter are great substitutes.
What’s the best way to prevent sticky hands while working with caramel?
Lightly oil your hands or utensils with non-stick spray before handling sticky ingredients.
How do I keep chocolate from seizing?
Avoid getting water in the chocolate and melt it slowly at a low temperature.
Conclusion
These Easy No-Bake Christmas Treats are festive, fun, and perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season. Whether you’re preparing treats for a party, gifting to loved ones, or enjoying a fun baking day with kids, these quick and easy recipes are sure to bring holiday cheer to everyone who tries them!
Print
Easy No-Bake Christmas Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
- Total Time: 30-45 minutes
- Yield: 16–24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Holiday Treats
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy No-Bake Christmas Treats are festive, fun, and perfect for the holiday season! Whether you’re looking for last-minute desserts or fun activities for kids, these treats are quick to make and require no oven time. From chocolatey delights to crunchy bites, they’re perfect for holiday parties, gift boxes, or simply enjoying by the fireplace.
Ingredients
🎁 Chocolate Peppermint Bark:
- 2 cups (350 g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup (175 g) white chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
🎄 Peanut Butter Reindeer Ritz Crackers:
- 24 Ritz crackers
- 1/2 cup (125 g) peanut butter
- 1 cup (175 g) milk chocolate chips, melted
- Mini pretzels (for antlers)
- Red M&Ms (for noses)
- Candy eyes
☃️ Holiday Oreo Truffles:
- 1 package (36) Oreos, finely crushed
- 1 (8 oz / 225 g) block cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups (350 g) white chocolate chips or candy melts
- Christmas sprinkles (for decorating)
⭐ Rice Krispie Christmas Trees:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 bag (10 oz / 280 g) marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Green food coloring
- Mini M&Ms and star-shaped candies (for decorations)
Instructions
🎁 Chocolate Peppermint Bark:
- Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Stir in peppermint extract, then spread the chocolate onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Melt white chocolate chips and drizzle over the dark chocolate layer.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. Chill until set, then break into pieces.
🎄 Peanut Butter Reindeer Ritz Crackers:
- Spread peanut butter on half the Ritz crackers and sandwich with the remaining crackers.
- Dip each sandwich into melted milk chocolate until coated.
- Add pretzels for antlers, M&Ms for noses, and candy eyes while the chocolate is still wet.
- Chill until the chocolate hardens.
☃️ Holiday Oreo Truffles:
- Mix crushed Oreos with cream cheese until fully combined.
- Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Freeze for 15-20 minutes until firm.
- Dip each ball in melted white chocolate, then top with festive sprinkles. Chill until set.
⭐ Rice Krispie Christmas Trees:
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat and stir in marshmallows until smooth.
- Add green food coloring until you get the desired shade.
- Stir in Rice Krispies and mix until coated.
- Shape the mixture into cones to resemble trees. Decorate with mini M&Ms and top with a star candy.
Notes
- Use almond or sunflower butter for nut-free variations.
- Store all treats in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Package in festive bags or tins for easy homemade holiday gifts!