Home » Trending » 33 Simple Holiday Treat Picks That Make December Feel More Playful

33 Simple Holiday Treat Picks That Make December Feel More Playful

December is a prime time for sweet little treats and surprising your family with quirky snacks they didn’t see coming. If planning causes headaches, these 33 simple treat picks are like a cheat sheet for spreading fun without running around town collecting rare sprinkles. Each one sparks a grin or starts a conversation before that first nibble, perfect for parties, tiny hands, or snack-happy grownups.

Red velvet Christmas truffles sprinkled with sugar.
Red Velvet Christmas Truffles. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

A pineapple upside-down cake with cherry toppings in a cast iron skillet.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Experience classic fun with baking Pineapple Upside Down Cake, where fruit and caramelized sugar come together over a yellow sponge base. Making this treat is uncomplicated, yet delivers a playful twist on dessert. A sweet pineapple and cherry layer adds nostalgic flair to the finished cake. Share with friends and watch smiles appear as they discover the fruity topping hiding beneath each slice.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Brownie Christmas Trees

A stack of three round chocolate brownies with white frosting and crushed peppermint, arranged in a tree shape on a white cake stand with holiday decorations in the background.
Brownie Christmas Trees. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Add festive fun to dessert time with Brownie Christmas Trees, which transform ordinary brownies into a playful, edible decoration. A triangle cut and colorful icing turn each serving into a cheerful treat. Kids enjoy helping with decorating these charming little trees, making preparation enjoyable for everyone. Displaying them on a platter easily encourages group sharing and a light-hearted atmosphere.
Get the Recipe: Brownie Christmas Trees

31 of Chef Jenn's FAVE Casseroles!

Recipes for Comfort-Filled Family Meals

I've gathered 31 of my favorite casseroles for you and your family to love! I've created and tested each recipe many times, and you can be sure of no AI. Just dependable, scratch-made dishes to dig into!

You'll get ad-free recipes like:

  • Spaghetti Casserole
  • Sloppy Joe Casserole
  • Sausage-Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
  • Tuna Noodle Casserole.
  • and so many more!
$7.99 for a limited time!
This is a digital product. You'll receive an instant download link after purchase.

Ambrosia Salad

A colorful Ambrosia Salad beautifully arranged in a serving bowl.
Ambrosia Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Gather simple ingredients and create a bowl of Ambrosia Salad, a fun mix of fruit, marshmallows, and coconut. This no-bake treat livens up any get-together with its variety of textures and flavors. Half the joy is in quickly tossing everything together so even last-minute plans can include something sweet. Each spoonful brings a cheerful blend that makes snack time feel more lighthearted and easygoing.
Get the Recipe: Ambrosia Salad

Peppermint Crunch Oreos

A white plate of Peppermint Crunch Oreos topped with crushed peppermint pieces sits on a white surface.
Peppermint Crunch Oreos. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Take sweet snacking up a notch with Peppermint Crunch Oreos, where the classic chocolate cookie combines with creamy peppermint flavor and crunchy bits. These cookies are quick to put together and offer a balance of contrasting tastes and a refreshing finish. Ideal for casual gatherings, they hold up well on platters and can be easily packed for sharing. Making these treats adds playful energy to kitchen activities.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Crunch Oreos

Raspberry Crescent Ring

A slice of raspberry crescent ring with white icing on a white plate, with fresh raspberries and a green leaf in the background.
Raspberry Crescent Ring. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Make every bite memorable with Raspberry Crescent Ring, a treat that wraps tart raspberries in flaky crescent dough. Each slice offers a soft pastry with touches of fruit and a simple glaze for a light sweetness. Preparation is straightforward, turning basic ingredients into a circular display perfect for sharing. Cutting the ring invites a fun reveal and offers guests a cheerful, easy-to-serve option.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Crescent Ring

Biscuit Dough Donut Holes

A rectangular plate holds several round donut holes coated in cinnamon sugar.
Biscuit Dough Donut Holes. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Try turning basic biscuit dough into Biscuit Dough Donut Holes, a snack that delivers soft, bite-sized treats with every batch. Roll, fry, and toss these small rounds in sugar for a snack that brings out playful enjoyment at the table. Their simple method allows even beginners to achieve a great result without fuss. Bowlfuls go quickly at any gathering, thanks to their easy, poppable format and inviting look.
Get the Recipe: Biscuit Dough Donut Holes

Watergate Salad (Watergate Fluff Salad)

A spoonful of Watergate salad garnished with a cherry, is held over a bowl.
Watergate Salad (Watergate Fluff Salad). Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Bring whipped topping, pistachio pudding, and fruit together for Watergate Salad (Watergate Fluff Salad), a classic bowl filled with light and airy fun. Preparation requires just a quick stir before serving, so it’s perfect for last-minute plans. Chopped nuts and marshmallows add lively texture and visual interest. Each spoonful blends playful flavors and makes snack time feel less routine and more enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad (Watergate Fluff Salad)

Butter Pecan Cookies

A hand holds a bitten Butter Pecan Cookie topped with a pecan and chopped nuts, with a blurred background.
Butter Pecan Cookies. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Enjoy a batch of Butter Pecan Cookies, which pair rich pecans with a simple cookie base in every bite. Their soft texture comes from creamed butter and toasted pecan pieces, creating snack-size rounds that disappear fast. Preparation only takes a short time, making these cookies a go-to option for spontaneous baking. These treats suit both casual nibbling and group gatherings, adding playful energy to any plate.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cookies

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

A plate of chocolate cookies topped with white icing and green sprinkles. A red and white striped cloth is in the background.
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Surprise friends with freshly baked Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, a snack that combines bold chocolate flavor with a bright peppermint finish. These cookies bake up quickly and bring together cocoa and crushed peppermint for an easy twist. Arranged on trays, their festive color and scent uplift the mood of any table. Making this recipe sparks creativity in the kitchen and encourages light-hearted sharing.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Fried Deviled Eggs

A white plate with fried deviled eggs, garnished with herbs, is shown with salt and pepper shakers, plates, forks, and a cloth in the background.
Fried Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Change up the appetizer scene by preparing Fried Deviled Eggs, where classic deviled filling meets a crispy breadcrumb coating. These bites offer smooth yolk filling wrapped in a crunchy shell, adding new character to snack time. Simple steps and easy ingredients mean anyone can recreate this playful treat at home. Serving a platter of these eggs invites friendly conversation and adds personality to any event.
Get the Recipe: Fried Deviled Eggs

Crab Stuffed Mushroom

Close-up of Crab Stuffed Mushrooms garnished with chopped parsley on a slate plate.
Crab Stuffed Mushroom. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Fill mushroom caps with flavorful ingredients for Crab Stuffed Mushroom, a simple appetizer that feels welcoming and fun. Chopped crab and breadcrumbs come together for a tasty blend inside each bite. These mushrooms bake up effortlessly and present well for guests in just a few steps. Arranged on serving plates, their bite-sized shape encourages casual nibbling and playful sampling.
Get the Recipe: Crab Stuffed Mushroom

Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies

A white plate with seven Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies on a marble surface, surrounded by a cup of coffee, a spoon, a bowl of nut butter, oats, and a striped cloth.
Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Use pantry basics to make Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies, an easy snack where oats and cocoa hold rich peanut butter together. Mix, shape, and chill; no oven needed, making this treat perfect for spontaneous cravings or quick gatherings. Each cookie delivers a chewy texture and enjoyable flavor with every bite. Their fuss-free process and approachable taste brighten up snack time for all ages.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies

Hot Chocolate Cookies

A white square plate with a stack of chocolate cookies featuring white chocolate chips.
Hot Chocolate Cookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Treat guests to fresh batches of Hot Chocolate Cookies, where cocoa and melted chocolate blend together for a crowd favorite. Mini marshmallows on top add a touch of fun, turning familiar flavors into playful cookie form. Fast preparation and simple steps fit any kitchen routine, making them easy to whip up any day. Sharing these cookies always brings laughter and lightens up the room.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Cookies

Easy Ham & Cheese Puffs

Overhead close-up of a white plate filled with small, golden-brown Ham & Cheese Puffs.
Easy Ham & Cheese Puffs. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Gather simple ingredients and enjoy Easy Ham & Cheese Puffs, baked pastries that hold tasty ham and soft melted cheese. Puff pastry makes each bite light while the filling adds a pleasant, familiar flavor, perfect for sharing. Quick steps mean less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the results with others. These puffs are compact and convenient, turning group snacking into a more playful event.
Get the Recipe: Easy Ham & Cheese Puffs

Baked Brie in a Bowl

A wooden platter with baked brie in a bowl, cheese, crackers, grapes and bread.
Baked Brie in a Bowl. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Impress your group by serving Baked Brie in a Bowl, a creamy cheese treat encased in bread and baked to golden brown. The melted interior pairs well with fruits or nuts, offering a classic snack in a more interactive way. Slicing into it reveals a soft, rich filling perfect for dipping and sharing. This centerpiece encourages friendly, playful moments at the table without requiring complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie in a Bowl

Cranberry and Pistachio Shortbread

A plate of Cranberry and Pistachio Shortbread.
Cranberry and Pistachio Shortbread. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Combine seasonally available ingredients with simple dough for Cranberry and Pistachio Shortbread, a cookie laced with cheerful color and crunch. Easy mixing and slicing ensure even beginner bakers get great results without much effort. Cranberries offer mild tart notes while pistachios supply a pleasant bite to each round. Displaying these cookies in stacks brings a lively spirit to any treat spread and simplifies sharing.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry and Pistachio Shortbread

Molly Bars

Four pieces of molly bars on a white plate.
Molly Bars. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Use basic pantry staples to prepare a pan of Molly Bars, a dessert known for layers of chocolate, nuts, and oats. These snack bars are easy to portion for sharing and offer a mixture of textures in every square. Whether cut into bites or bars, the familiar ingredients make this treat approachable for all ages. Making Molly Bars feels lighthearted, removing any stress from baking for a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Molly Bars

Ginger Spice Cookies

A plate of Spiced Ginger Cookies and a cup of tea.
Ginger Spice Cookies. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bake a batch of Ginger Spice Cookies, where ground ginger and cinnamon work together in each bite. Rolling the dough shapes these cookies and adds a cheerful twist to snack time in any kitchen. Their golden brown look invites playful nibbling and group sharing. No fuss is needed—just mix, bake, and watch these cookies bring a fresh burst of flavor to your table.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Spice Cookies

Mini Biscoff Cheesecake

A white plate with strawberries and mini biscoff cheesecakes.
Mini Biscoff Cheesecake. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Celebrate easy preparation with Mini Biscoff Cheesecake, a small dessert that balances spiced cookie crust with creamy filling. Their size makes serving straightforward and perfect for a playful treat tray. Each portion offers a blend of familiar flavors and smooth texture, suitable for both kids and adults. No complicated steps are needed, so whipping up a batch feels easy and convenient.
Get the Recipe: Mini Biscoff Cheesecake

Pistachio Olive Oil Cake

Three pistachio olive oil cakes topped with powdered sugar are arranged on a white rectangular plate.
Pistachio Olive Oil Cake. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Use accessible ingredients to mix up Pistachio Olive Oil Cake, where nutty pistachios and mild olive oil combine for a simple, moist finish. Slicing this cake reveals a fun green hue that adds pizzazz to any table. The easy recipe offers straightforward steps and crowd-pleasing results. Sharing a piece turns dessert into a joyful, welcoming moment for all at the table.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Olive Oil Cake

Buttermilk Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze

Three mini bundt  Buttermilk Cake with Brown Sugar Glazes on a slate platter.
Buttermilk Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Bake goodies like Buttermilk Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze, where tangy buttermilk and sweet brown sugar make a soft, flavorful dessert. The glaze adds a shiny finish and subtle sweetness to every slice. Assembly is quick with simple mixing and pouring steps, letting you focus on group enjoyment over complicated baking. Presenting the cake at gatherings brings playful comfort and encourages sharing.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze

Mini Cranberry-Brie Pull-Apart Bread

A hand pulls apart a Mini Cranberry-Brie Pull-Apart Bread garnished with rosemary, on a gray plate.
Mini Cranberry-Brie Pull-Apart Bread. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Prepare Mini Cranberry-Brie Pull-Apart Bread for a snack filled with soft dough, brie cheese, and tart cranberry bits. Each individual roll separates easily, turning every serving into a fun eating experience. Putting this together requires uncomplicated ingredients and steps, making it an inviting recipe for all levels. Gather friends around the table and pull apart pieces for a light-hearted moment.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cranberry-Brie Pull-Apart Bread

Double Chocolate Brookies

A plate of chocolate cookies with walnuts and chocolate pieces on the side.
Double Chocolate Brookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Cut down on choosing between a cookie or brownie by baking Double Chocolate Brookies, a treat that combines both favorites in one square. The layered batter swirls together chocolatey goodness for simple yet fun results. Baking this recipe suits last-minute plans and offers easy serving straight from the pan. Bringing brookies to the table always sparks excitement among dessert lovers looking for playful choices.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Brookies

Pecan Bacon Cheeseball

A hand holding a round cracker, reaching to dip into a pecan bacon cheeseball.
Pecan Bacon Cheeseball. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mix flavors and roll into shape for this Pecan Bacon Cheeseball, where creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and crunchy pecans meet. A cheeseball centerpiece makes snacking interactive and frees up hands for easy dipping. Assembly involves basic steps and accessible ingredients, so anyone can put this together in minutes. Placing it on a platter lifts the spirit at gatherings and adds a light-hearted touch.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Bacon Cheeseball

Cheese Toasties

Bite-sized Cheese Toasties on a black plate with a small bowl of strawberries and a floral napkin nearby.
Cheese Toasties. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pick up bread and simple cheese slices to craft Cheese Toasties, a classic snack that appeals to all ages in minutes. Toasting yields a crisp outside with gooey melted centers, great for pairing with soups or enjoyed alone. Their compact size offers playful meal options and encourages easy sharing without mess. These toasties turn simple ingredients into a comforting, easygoing treat.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Toasties

Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits

Four glasses of raspberry cheesecake parfait.
Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Enjoy layers of flavor by assembling Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits, a dessert that alternates creamy cheesecake filling and bright raspberry sauce. No baking is required, helping you offer a playful snack in just a few minutes. Each glass holds colorful bands that stand out on any table. A batch of parfaits brings a cheerful note to group gatherings and provides everyone with their own special serving.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits

Reuben Sliders

Reuben sliders on a slate board.
Reuben Sliders. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Offer quick bites at parties with Reuben Sliders, which stack corned beef, sauerkraut, cheese, and dressing on small rolls. Preparing these sliders means less time spent in the kitchen and more time with guests. Each sandwich packs big flavor into a small, easy-to-serve portion. Sharing a platter makes casual eating even more inviting and playful for the whole group.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Sliders

Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Eggnog sugar cookies on a plate with santa claus figurines.
Eggnog Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mix up a batch of Eggnog Sugar Cookies, which feature familiar flavors and a soft texture from classic ingredients. Decorating these cookies adds cheer to dessert time and allows everyone to participate in adding sprinkles or icing. Baking and serving are easy, making the recipe approachable for all skill levels. These cookies become a playful addition to any treat table.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles

Three brown butter snickerdoodle cookies arranged on a white surface, sprinkled with sea salt flakes, with a white cloth and purple flowers on the side.
Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pair rich caramel flavor with a touch of salt for Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles, cookies that put a spin on a crowd favorite. Brown butter brings a subtle nutty twist, rounding out the flavor in every bite. Preparation only requires basic pantry items and a few quick steps. Each cookie adds fun energy to snack platters without feeling overly complicated or formal.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles

White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

A jar of White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies next to lavender flowers.
White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Combine simple baking steps with sweet chocolate for White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, a treat that stands out with its snowy, cracked surface. Rolling the dough in powdered sugar adds a playful touch to each batch. Baking these cookies is straightforward, making them accessible whether you are experienced or just starting. Putting them on display boosts the joyful spirit around dessert time.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Sausage Rolls

Sausage Rolls on a white plate.
Sausage Rolls. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Wrap flaky pastry around tasty sausage filling to make Sausage Rolls, a snack that encourages easy grabbing and group sharing. Baking these rolls produces golden layers and a flavorful bite, loved by kids and adults alike. Quick steps and approachable ingredients mean little stress during preparation. Serve a tray for casual gatherings or playful, impromptu snacks.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Rolls

Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

Peanut butter cookies with a face made of pretzels and dried cranberries to look like a reindeer.
Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Assemble simple ingredients to form Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies, where creative decoration turns classic peanut butter flavor into fun animal shapes. Each cookie is an opportunity to involve kids and encourages lighthearted, hands-on kitchen moments. No special skills are required, making this recipe friendly for beginners. Sharing a batch instantly lifts the mood and adds fun to snack time.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies

A close-up of a large chocolate cookie sprinkled with coarse salt, placed on a decorative plate with pink rose patterns.
Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Combine cocoa and salt for Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies, snacks that put a twist on familiar chocolatey flavor. Mixing and baking take little time, making it simple to keep dessert trays full. A hint of salt contrasts well with each bite and sparks casual interest from guests. Putting out a plate of these cookies sets a playful scene and invites second helpings.
Get the Recipe: Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies

By

Leave a Comment