Easy No-Bake Christmas Treats Recipe

Easy No-Bake Christmas Treats Recipe for Snowy Days

Sweet moments of holiday magic sparkle when you whip up these no-bake christmas treats that dance between nostalgic comfort and delightful simplicity.

Festive gatherings become memorable with minimal kitchen effort and maximum flavor potential.

Holiday stress melts away as quick ingredients come together effortlessly.

Family traditions can emerge from such uncomplicated culinary delights that require zero oven time.

Chocolate, nuts, and seasonal spices weave playful textures into each bite-sized creation.

Minimal preparation means more time connecting with loved ones and less time wrestling complicated recipes.

You will discover how deliciously uncomplicated seasonal joy can be with these irresistible treats.

Snack Pairings for Holiday Cheer

  • Blend cranberry juice, ginger ale, and a splash of grenadine for a festive, non-alcoholic drink that matches the playful chocolate and peppermint treats.
  • Whip up rich hot chocolate topped with marshmallows to perfectly complement the chocolate-based desserts, enhancing the holiday flavor profile.
  • Brew a warming chai or cinnamon tea that adds depth and warmth to the sweet and salty pretzel and chocolate bites.
  • Serve cold whole milk or almond milk alongside these treats to balance the richness and provide a classic dessert beverage that kids and adults will love.

Festive Variations to Try This Season

Festive Chocolate-Free Option: Replace chocolate with white chocolate or yogurt coating for a lighter treat that still looks beautiful.

Gluten-Free Christmas Crunch: Substitute regular pretzels with gluten-free pretzels or rice crackers to accommodate wheat sensitivities.

Vegan Winter Nibbles: Use dairy-free chocolate, plant-based marshmallows, and coconut-based caramel alternatives to create inclusive holiday snacks.

Low-Sugar Holiday Bites: Swap traditional ingredients with stevia-sweetened chocolate, sugar-free candies, and natural sprinkles for a healthier version.

FAQ for No-Bake Treats

  • Do I need special baking skills to make these treats?

No, these recipes are perfect for beginners. They require minimal ingredients and no baking, making them super easy to create even for kids with adult supervision.

  • Can I customize these treats for different holidays?

Absolutely! Simply change the sprinkles, use different colored chocolates, or swap seasonal candies to match any celebration. The basic techniques work year-round.

  • What if I don't have parchment paper?

You can use wax paper or a silicone baking mat as alternatives. These help prevent treats from sticking and make cleanup much easier.

  • How long will these treats stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these no-bake treats will remain delicious for 3-5 days. Keep them away from direct heat or sunlight to maintain their texture.

Why These Christmas Treats Are So Handy

  • These recipes require zero baking skills, perfect for kitchen novices or busy holiday planners who want to create festive treats without stress.
  • Transform treat-making into a fun family activity where children can decorate snowmen, dip pretzels, and get creative with sprinkles and toppings.
  • Most treats take less than 30 minutes from start to finish, allowing you to quickly satisfy sweet cravings and impress guests with minimal time investment.
  • Using simple ingredients like pretzels, marshmallows, and chocolate, these recipes are cost-effective and require minimal special equipment or expensive ingredients.

What You’ll Need for No-Bake Holiday Sweets

Chocolate and Coating Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Chips, White Chocolate Chips: Perfect for melting and creating smooth coatings, choose high-quality chocolate for better flavor.
  • Melting Chocolate: Smooth and easy to work with, ideal for dipping and decorating.
  • Caramel Candies: Soft and chewy, provides sweet flavor for pretzel bites.
Candy and Sweet Toppings:
  • Candy Canes: Festive peppermint flavor, great for crushing and sprinkling.
  • M&Ms: Colorful and sweet, adds fun decoration to treats.
  • Holiday Sprinkles: Adds festive color and texture to desserts.
Base and Binding Ingredients:
  • Pretzels: Salty and crunchy base, provides texture contrast.
  • Rice Krispies Cereal: Crispy and light, helps create no-bake treats.
  • Marshmallows: Soft and sweet, perfect for creating snowmen shapes.
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy and rich, helps bind ingredients together.

Steps to Put These Treats Together Fast

Step 1: Craft Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels

Melt chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Dunk each pretzel completely into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Gently place on parchment paper. While chocolate remains wet, shower with:
  • Holiday sprinkles
  • Crushed candy canes
  • Festive colored sugar

Slide the tray into the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes until chocolate hardens.

Step 2: Build Marshmallow Snowmen

Select toothpicks for structure. Stack marshmallows vertically, securing each one tightly. Create adorable faces using:
  • Melted chocolate for eyes and buttons
  • Tiny piping tool or toothpick for details
  • Candy cane snippet as scarf
  • Colorful M&M for playful nose

Arrange on serving platter.

Step 3: Create Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispies Bites

Warm peanut butter and chocolate together in microwave. Stir until completely blended. Pour over Rice Krispies cereal and mix thoroughly. Scoop small rounds onto parchment paper. Decorate with:
  • Holiday sprinkles
  • Crushed nuts
  • Mini chocolate chips

Allow to cool and solidify for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Caramel Pretzel Bites

Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange pretzels in single layer. Top each pretzel with caramel candy. Microwave for 10-15 seconds until caramel softens. Gently press another pretzel or M&M on top. Cool completely until firm.

Step 5: Whip Up Peppermint Bark

Melt white chocolate slowly in microwave, stirring frequently. Pour onto parchment-lined tray, spreading evenly with spatula. Generously sprinkle:
  • Crushed candy canes
  • Peppermint pieces
  • Optional white chocolate drizzle

Let set at room temperature or refrigerate. Break into rustic pieces once hardened.

Tips for Chilling and Storing With Ease

  • Melt Chocolate Smoothly: Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts to prevent chocolate from burning, ensuring a silky-smooth coating for your treats.
  • Prevent Sticking: Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to make removing and storing treats super easy and mess-free.
  • Work Quickly with Toppings: Sprinkle decorations immediately after coating while chocolate or caramel is still warm and soft, so they stick perfectly.
  • Customize Creatively: Swap out toppings like sprinkles, crushed nuts, or different chocolate types to match your holiday theme or personal taste preferences.
  • Chill for Perfect Set: Refrigerate treats for faster setting and firmer texture, helping chocolates and caramels solidify quickly and neatly.

How to Serve and Save Christmas Treats

  • Store treats in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing sticking.
  • Wrap individual treats in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for long-term storage up to 3 weeks, maintaining their delicious texture.
  • Keep chocolate-based treats in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent melting, ideal for short-term storage during holiday gatherings.
  • Add a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture and keep treats crisp and appetizing.
Print
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Easy No-Bake Christmas Treats Recipe

Easy No-Bake Christmas Treats Recipe


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4.7 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Delightful No-Bake Christmas Treats bring festive cheer to holiday gatherings with minimal effort and maximum sweetness. Sweet morsels of joy create magical moments you’ll treasure and share with loved ones.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Chocolate Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (350 g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
  • 1 cup (175 g) white chocolate chips
  • 1 cup (175 g) milk chocolate chips, melted
  • 2 cups (350 g) white chocolate chips or candy melts

Baking and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1 package (36) Oreos, finely crushed
  • 1 (8 ounces / 225 g) block cream cheese, softened
  • 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
  • 1 bag (10 ounces / 280 g) marshmallows
  • 3 tablespoons butter

Flavor and Decoration Ingredients:

  • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
  • ½ cup crushed candy canes
  • 24 Ritz crackers
  • ½ cup (125 g) peanut butter
  • Mini pretzels (for antlers)
  • Red M&Ms (for noses)
  • Candy eyes
  • Christmas sprinkles (for decorating)
  • Green food coloring
  • Mini M&Ms and star-shaped candies (for decorations)

Instructions

  1. Transform pretzels into festive chocolate-coated delights by immersing each stick into melted chocolate, ensuring complete coverage. Immediately dust with holiday-themed sprinkles or finely crushed candy canes while the chocolate remains glossy and liquid.
  2. Construct adorable marshmallow snowmen by carefully threading three marshmallows vertically onto a toothpick. Craft facial features and buttons using melted chocolate applied precisely with a toothpick. Enhance the winter character by attaching a tiny candy cane fragment as a whimsical scarf and placing a vibrant M&M as a charming nose.
  3. Create decadent peanut butter chocolate Rice Krispies bites by thoroughly blending melted chocolate and creamy peanut butter with crispy rice cereal. Gently dollop small clusters onto parchment paper, then embellish with festive sprinkles for a playful touch.
  4. Prepare caramel pretzel bites by arranging pretzels on a flat surface. Crown each pretzel with a soft caramel candy, microwaving briefly to achieve a malleable consistency. Immediately press another pretzel or colorful M&M on top, creating a delightful sweet and salty combination.
  5. Craft elegant peppermint bark by spreading smooth white chocolate across parchment paper in an even layer. Generously scatter crushed candy canes over the surface, creating a visually stunning and flavorful holiday treat. Allow the bark to solidify completely before fragmenting into irregular pieces.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality chocolate for richer flavor and smoother melting during dipping or coating.
  • Keep ingredients at room temperature to ensure easier mixing and better texture in no-bake treats.
  • Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
  • Experiment with different chocolate types like dark, milk, or white for varied taste profiles and visual appeal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 195
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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