I love baking at Christmas, but sometimes there’s just no room left in the oven or too many little helpers crowding the kitchen.
So no bake cookies are my go-to when I want something festive without turning it into chaos!
These recipes are simple enough for kids to join in, even the ones too young to handle the hot trays.
They can stir, roll, decorate, or sneak a few sprinkles while you supervise with a cup of coffee.
Between the chocolate, peppermint, caramel, and fudge, there’s something for everyone, and they’re easy to pack up for parties, bake sales, or to hand out as quick homemade gifts.
1. Espresso Fudge Cookies
Melt chocolate chips with a spoonful of espresso powder and sweetened condensed milk until thick and glossy.
Stir in a bit of butter, then pour into a parchment-lined pan to chill until firm.
Cut into bite-sized squares for a rich treat that pairs perfectly with holiday coffee or hot cocoa.
You can sprinkle crushed candy cane or sea salt on top for a Christmas touch.
2. Pinwheel Cookies
These colorful swirls always look like they belong on a Christmas cookie tray!
Roll out red and white layers of dough, stack them together, and roll into a log.
Chill until firm, then slice and let them set in the fridge to keep the shape clean and crisp.
A sprinkle of sugar before cutting adds a bit of sparkle that catches the light.
3. Coconut Macaroon Cookies
Mix shredded coconut, cocoa, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla until sticky and thick.
Scoop into small mounds and chill until set.
Sometimes I mix in some chocolate chips or red and green M&M’s before setting.
4. Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies
These are sweet, nutty, and chewy, and taste like a holiday praline in cookie form.
Combine chopped pecans, dried cranberries, brown sugar, and a bit of cream, then heat just enough to thicken.
Drop spoonfuls onto parchment and let cool until they hold their shape.
5. Cornflake Wreath Cookies
I always make these with the kids because they’re fun and super cute!
Melt marshmallows and butter, stir in green food coloring, then fold in cornflakes until coated.
Shape into little wreaths and press a few red cinnamon candies or mini M&Ms around the circle.
Let them cool completely before moving so they keep their shape.
6. Holiday Haystack Cookies
Melt butterscotch chips and peanut butter together until smooth, then toss in chow mein noodles or pretzel sticks.
Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper and chill until firm.
Add red and green sprinkles while they’re still soft for a quick Christmas touch.
7. Gingerbread Cookies
Stir together crushed gingersnap cookies, cream cheese, and molasses until a soft dough forms.
Roll into balls and chill until firm, then dip in white chocolate.
A dusting of cinnamon or a tiny gingerbread man sprinkle on top makes them look extra festive.
These work perfectly for cookie platters or gift tins.
8. Sugar Cookies
These are as simple as they come but always the first to disappear.
Mix crushed vanilla wafers with melted butter and frosting until the texture feels like dough.
Roll and cut with Christmas cookie cutters, then decorate with sprinkles or crushed peppermint candy.
Let them chill before stacking so the icing sets just right.
9. Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Combine crushed chocolate wafers with cream cheese and a touch of peppermint extract.
Roll out and cut into shapes, then top with crushed candy cane.
Chill until firm for a cookie that tastes like holiday hot cocoa.
10. Snickerdoodle Cookies
Mix vanilla pudding mix, cinnamon, and a bit of cream cheese with crushed graham crackers for a soft, no bake version of the classic.
Cut into shapes and coat in cinnamon sugar before chilling.
They get even better after a few hours in the fridge!
Add a sprinkle of edible glitter for a little Christmas sparkle.
11. White Chocolate Cranberry Oat Cookies
Stir together oats, dried cranberries, melted white chocolate, and a bit of honey until coated and sticky.
Drop spoonfuls onto parchment and flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
Chill until firm enough to handle.
These have a cozy, oatmeal-cookie flavor with the bonus of holiday color.
12. Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies
Mix rolled oats, melted butterscotch chips, peanut butter, and a drizzle of maple syrup until thick.
Scoop into clusters and let them set in the fridge.
Try a pinch of salt to bring out the buttery flavor.
They taste especially good next to a mug of hot cider.
13. Nutella Cookies
I always end up sneaking a spoonful of the Nutella before starting these!
Combine Nutella with oatmeal and a bit of cream cheese until smooth.
Roll into balls and coat in crushed hazelnuts or cocoa powder.
Chill until they’re just firm enough to hold without losing that creamy center.
14. Maple Pecan Cookies
Mix chopped pecans, maple syrup, graham crumbs, and melted butter into a soft dough.
Scoop into small mounds and chill on wax paper.
Press a pecan half on top before they firm up for that bakery-style finish.
The maple scent makes the kitchen smell like Christmas morning.
15. S’mores Cookies
Combine crushed graham crackers, mini marshmallows, and melted chocolate until gooey and thick.
Drop spoonfuls onto parchment and flatten gently.
Chill just until the marshmallows set but still stay soft.
16. Peanut Butter Cookies
Mix creamy peanut butter, honey, and crushed vanilla wafers until a dough forms.
Roll out and cut into shapes before chilling.
Sometimes I like to drizzle them with some melted chocolate.
The combo of salty and sweet makes them perfect for holiday trays.
17. Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
Melt butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and a splash of milk in a saucepan, then stir in oats until thick.
Spoon onto parchment and let cool until set.
They have that nostalgic Christmas bake sale flavor.
18. Hot Cocoa Cookies
Combine crushed chocolate cookies, mini marshmallows, and a bit of cocoa mix with melted butter.
Roll out, cut into shapes, and press a marshmallow half on top before chilling.
Serve with mugs of cocoa for a fun themed treat.
19. Salted Caramel Pretzel Cookies
Stir together crushed pretzels, caramel bits, and melted chocolate until coated.
Drop onto parchment and sprinkle lightly with sea salt before they cool.
The salty-sweet mix hits every craving at once.
20. Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Mix melted chocolate chips, chopped dried cherries, and a spoonful of sweetened condensed milk until thick and glossy.
Drop spoonfuls onto parchment and let them firm up in the fridge.
The tart cherries cut through the richness.
Homemade Holiday Treats Without the Oven!
No bake cookies are the secret to surviving the Christmas rush without giving up homemade treats.
Whip up a few of these, stash them in tins, and you’ll always have something ready for last-minute guests or holiday potlucks!
