Pinterest is a beautiful and dangerous thing – it inspires great ideas and projects, but it also puts enormous pressure to become the best blend of Bob Villa, Martha Stewart, and Betty Crocker – all while fitting in those 25 steps to rock hard abs. Then you add the Holidays with the endless office parties, ugly sweater contests, and all the mischief that Elf on the Shelf causes and it’s enough to make you want to hide in your house until January.
Christmas homemade treats does this for many of us – we want to create yummy items to share at gatherings and with the neighbors, but it seems that every year they get more and more complicated. These treats are the easiest things you can make with regular ingredients from the grocery store. Some don’t even require an oven! For more inspiration make sure to check out our Pinterest page.
Caramel Stuffed Snickerdoodles
Want to impress then these are a cookies for you. And the best part is that they only take a few items. The key is Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix and caramel square. Just whip up the cookies according to the directions, scoop the dough into balls and then put a square of caramel into the center and tuck in. Yummy and especially good warm out of the oven.
Snowman Cookies – NO BAKE!
Want super cute cookies that never require you to do more than melt some white chocolate or almond bark in the microwave? Then lets build a snowman because they ridiculously easy cookies take Nutter Butters dipped in white chocolate and then decorated with sprinkles and candy coated sunflower seeds.
Cake Mix Cookie Bars
Five minutes is all it takes to whip up these cookies – plus only one mixing bowl and pan to clean up after. Bar cookies are a great way to make a big batch of treats without a lot of fuss. These use red and green M&Ms for a festive feel but you could add anything you wanted making this a year round option for any cookie needs you might need.
Millionaire’s Shortbread Bars – NO BAKE!
The author of this recipe flat out says “Why bother to make you own shortbread when store bought shortbread and butter make the perfect foundation layer?” AMEN! These layered bars are sophisticated enough for a dinner party but scrumptious enough to impress Santa. Plus shortbread, caramel, and chocolate – how bad could that possibly be?
Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups
Yay for pre-made dough you buy in the grocery store. What a super cute cookie for a cookie exchange or for pairing with a delicious cup of hot chocolate.
Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispie Treats – NO BAKE!
This could be the laziest recipe ever – just make a batch of rice krispie treats and cut into squares. Dip the squares in melted chocolate and decorate. You can also buy sheets of pre-made rice krispie treats from places like Costco and just cut and dip.
Oreo Truffles – NO BAKE!
Another fantastic no bake treat that takes three store bought ingredients and turns them into something amazing.
Coconut Macaroons
The are a flour less cookie – just coconut and other ingredients – the nice thing about this treat is you can adapt it into many flavors – dip them in chocolate or add dried cranberries.
Cinnamon Sugared Pecans
Great treat – just mix the ingredients together and bake in a low oven – then pass out to friends and neighbors. Toasted nuts is a great way to make your home smell amazing.
Five-minute Fudge – NO BAKE!
No Holiday is complete without fudge – and this is super simple to make.
We’d love for you to share your own favorite recipes.