Hosting this holiday season doesn’t have to feel overwhelming when you have the right recipes up your sleeve. These Christmas drinks and desserts are so impressively delicious and easy to make, your guests will be convinced you brought in professional help. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, you’ll create a festive spread that leaves everyone raving—and leaves you stress-free.
M&M Christmas Cookies
These M&M Christmas cookies are so good, your guests might actually think a professional baker whipped them up. Soft, chewy, and perfectly chocolatey, they’re made from scratch with simple ingredients and come together in just 30 minutes. They’ll brighten up your holiday cookie platter, bring smiles to every bite, and make you the star of the dessert table—without any stress.
Get the Recipe: M&M Christmas Cookies
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Serve up this peppermint hot chocolate, and watch your guests swoon like you hired a barista. With rich cocoa, creamy milk, and the refreshing zing of crushed candy canes, it’s the ultimate winter drink that’s both festive and indulgent. Top it with whipped cream for an easy yet fancy-looking Christmas treat that turns cozy evenings into unforgettable ones.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Red Velvet Cake
This red velvet cake is the showstopper dessert that tastes as impressive as it looks. Light, moist layers of cocoa and vanilla are paired with luscious cream cheese frosting for a flavor combo that screams “professionally catered.” Whether it’s for Christmas dinner or a New Year’s bash, your guests will be asking for the recipe—and maybe even seconds.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Cake
Slow Cooker Mulled Wine
Set the mood with this slow cooker mulled wine that smells and tastes like holiday magic. With fruity red wine, citrus, and warm spices simmered to perfection, it’s the Christmas drink that keeps your guests coming back for more. Toss everything into your slow cooker, let it work its magic, and enjoy the endless compliments—it’s a low-effort way to look like a hosting pro.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mulled Wine
Peppermint Ice Cream
Peppermint ice cream isn’t just a dessert; it’s a conversation starter. Creamy, minty, and loaded with crushed candy canes, it’s like a Christmas wonderland in every scoop. Serve it up at your holiday party, and everyone will assume you snagged it from a high-end caterer—but only you’ll know how easy it was to make.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Ice Cream
Cinnamon Palmiers
These cinnamon palmiers are sweet, buttery bites of joy that’ll leave your guests raving about your “culinary” skills. Their delicate, flaky layers and swirl of cinnamon sugar look bakery-fancy, but they’re a breeze to make. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they’ll sweeten up your Christmas table with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Palmiers
Reindeer Chocolate Bark
This reindeer chocolate bark is the definition of holiday fun and festive flavor. Adorably decorated with candy faces, it’s a playful treat that your guests—both kids and adults—won’t be able to resist. It’s so charmingly creative, everyone will think you went all out when it’s actually as simple as melting and decorating.
Get the Recipe: Reindeer Chocolate Bark
Chocolate Chai Latte
Wow your guests with this chocolate chai latte that blends rich cocoa with warm chai spices for the ultimate Christmas drink. It’s indulgent, aromatic, and just the right amount of fancy for any gathering. Serve it in mugs with a cinnamon stick garnish, and watch everyone gush over how “next level” your hosting game is.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chai Latte
Christmas Oreos
These Christmas Oreos are decorated so perfectly, they could double as holiday décor. Dipped in candy melts and sprinkled with festive toppings, they’re a no-bake treat that delivers on both looks and flavor. Serve them up, and your guests will be convinced you brought in a pro caterer just for dessert.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Oreos
Cranberry Margarita
Shake up this cranberry margarita, and let its vibrant color and sweet-tart flavor steal the show. It’s the cocktail that makes any Christmas or New Year’s party feel instantly elevated. Ready in just five minutes, it’s the easiest way to look like you went all out on drinks.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Margarita
3 Ingredient Shortbread
These 3-ingredient shortbread cookies are buttery bites of heaven that look as elegant as they taste. Their crisp edges and melt-in-your-mouth texture are the kind of thing people usually associate with boutique bakeries. Little do they know, these Christmas cookies are so simple, you could make them in your sleep.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Shortbread
Eggnog
This classic eggnog recipe is the ultimate holiday drink, whether spiked or served family-friendly. Its creamy, velvety texture and festive flavor scream “handcrafted by a pro.” When your guests take a sip, they’ll never guess how effortless it was to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog
Matcha Brownies
Green and gorgeous, these matcha brownies are the Christmas dessert your guests didn’t know they needed. The earthy matcha flavor paired with sweet white chocolate frosting is a unique twist that feels indulgent and upscale. They’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you nailed the perfect mix of trendy and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Matcha Brownies
3 Ingredient Fudge
This rich, velvety fudge will have your guests thinking you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s made with just three ingredients and couldn’t be easier. Dress it up with sprinkles or nuts for a “catered” Christmas vibe, and get ready for all the compliments.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Fudge
Dirty Chai Earthquake Cookies
These Dirty Chai Earthquake Cookies are bold, spiced, and oh-so-irresistible. Their crinkly tops and deep flavors make them look like something out of a gourmet bakery. Serve them with coffee or tea, and watch your guests rave about your “effortless” holiday hosting skills.
Get the Recipe: Dirty Chai Earthquake Cookies
Stuffed Dates
Sticky-sweet Medjool dates stuffed with goat cheese and walnuts are a bite-sized masterpiece. They’re the kind of Christmas appetizer that looks and tastes fancy but is ridiculously easy to make. Your guests will be convinced they’re catered, thanks to the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Dates
Vodka Cranberry
This vodka cranberry is proof that simple drinks can still steal the spotlight. Light, refreshing, and perfectly balanced, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any Christmas celebration. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries, and everyone will think you hired a mixologist.
Get the Recipe: Vodka Cranberry
3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms
Soft, chewy peanut butter cookies topped with Hershey’s kisses are a timeless classic that belongs on every Christmas table. They’re so good, your guests will assume they came straight from a bakery. The best part? They only take three ingredients and minimal effort to make.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms
Ashwagandha Latte
Enhance your hosting game with this ashwagandha latte that’s as comforting as it is unique. Hints of cinnamon and earthy ashwagandha make this Christmas drink feel indulgent and special. Your guests will marvel at the flavor and think you’ve mastered the art of creative, cozy beverages.
Get the Recipe: Ashwagandha Latte