December 16 Christmas Countdown
Holiday Baking - Quick Desserts to Impress Christmas Guests
It’s December 16, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve got two things on your mind: Christmas is so close, and your to-do list is officially in panic mode. Between shopping, decorating, and figuring out how to entertain family for five whole days, baking is the last thing you want to stress over. But guess what? You don’t have to! I’ve got you covered with three quick, crowd-pleasing desserts that’ll make you look like a baking superstar (even if you’ve barely got the time to preheat the oven). Let’s get into it!
1. Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies
These cookies scream holiday vibes with their festive red and green color combo. Plus, they’re buttery, crisp, and absolutely divine.
What You’ll Need:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
½ cup chopped dried cranberries
½ cup chopped pistachios
How to Make It:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla.
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together. Stir in the cranberries and pistachios.
Roll the dough into a log, wrap in plastic, and chill for about 30 minutes.
Slice into ¼-inch rounds and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden.
Let them cool completely and serve with a mug of hot cocoa. Your guests will love them!
2. 5-Minute Peppermint Bark
This is the ultimate I-have-no-time-but-still-need-to-impress dessert. It’s rich, minty, and almost too easy to make.
What You’ll Need:
1 bag (12 oz) dark chocolate chips
1 bag (12 oz) white chocolate chips
½ tsp peppermint extract
Crushed candy canes
How to Make It:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Melt the dark chocolate chips in the microwave (stir every 30 seconds to prevent burning). Spread the melted chocolate in an even layer on the parchment paper.
Melt the white chocolate chips using the same method. Stir in the peppermint extract. Pour the white chocolate over the dark chocolate and swirl them together with a toothpick for a marbled effect.
Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
Let it set in the fridge for 20-30 minutes, then break it into pieces. Voilà—holiday magic in no time!
3. Festive Berry Trifle
When you need something a little fancy but don’t want to overthink it, a trifle is the answer. Layers of creamy, fruity goodness? Yes, please.
What You’ll Need:
1 store-bought pound cake, cubed
1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
1 cup fresh raspberries
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream, whipped (or use whipped topping to save time)
How to Make It:
Prepare the pudding by whisking together the mix and milk. Let it set for a few minutes.
In a large trifle dish (or individual glasses if you’re feeling fancy), layer the ingredients: start with pound cake cubes, then pudding, whipped cream, and a handful of berries. Repeat until you reach the top.
Finish with a dollop of whipped cream and a few berries for garnish. Chill until ready to serve.
And there you have it—three desserts that are easy, festive, and guaranteed to make you the host(ess) of the year. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with your favorite holiday movie, these recipes will do the trick.
What are your favorite go-to holiday desserts? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for new ideas! Happy baking! 🎄✨