Okay, let’s be honest. The holidays are magical, right? Snowflakes, twinkling lights, family… and the potential for kitchen disasters? Yeah, that too. But this year, we’re ditching the complicated, multi-step recipes that leave you sweating and covered in flour. We’re going for easy, delicious, and seriously impressive holiday baking that anyone – even the most kitchen-averse among us – can conquer. Who needs stress when you can have gingerbread? Let’s get baking!
1. Cranberry Bliss Bars – Seriously Good
These Cranberry Bliss Bars are the ultimate festive treat—chewy, tangy, sweet, and utterly addictive. Forget complicated frosting techniques; we’re keeping it simple, but believe me, nobody will notice. They’re perfect for sharing (or, let’s be real, not sharing).
Ingredients
- 1 box (16.5 oz) yellow cake mix (don’t judge, it works!)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, oil, and eggs. Mix until just combined – don’t overmix!
- Stir in the dried cranberries, orange juice, and orange zest.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- While the bars are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth (add more milk if needed to reach a drizzling consistency).
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars and let it set before cutting into squares.
Why You’ll Love It
These bars are a total crowd-pleaser. The bright cranberries cut through the sweetness perfectly, and the cake mix base? Don’t tell anyone, but it’s a genius shortcut! I once used raspberry cranberries and it was divine.
2. Gingerbread Cookie Dough Skillet – Warm & Cozy Vibes
Forget fussy decorating! This Gingerbread Cookie Dough Skillet is all about warm, gooey, spiced deliciousness. It’s basically edible comfort in a pan. Plus, it takes about 15 minutes, start to finish. Life is good.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cast iron skillet (or a similar-sized baking dish).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared skillet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream – you absolutely deserve it.
Why You’ll Love It
Seriously, who can resist warm, gooey cookie dough? It’s a holiday tradition in disguise, and so much easier than individual cookies. FYI, brownie points for serving this to guests.
3. Peanut Butter Fudge – 3-Ingredient Magic
Yep, you read that right. Three ingredients. That’s it. This Peanut Butter Fudge is so easy, a toddler could (probably) make it (with supervision, obviously!). It’s rich, decadent, and the perfect last-minute gift.
Ingredients
- 1 jar (16 oz) creamy peanut butter
- 1 bag (10.5 oz) chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate – your call)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter and chocolate chips.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until completely melted and smooth.
- Stir in the sweetened condensed milk until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Lift the parchment paper to easily remove the fudge from the pan, then cut into squares.
Why You’ll Love It
Need I say more? Three ingredients! Plus, the creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate combo is a match made in dessert heaven. I once tried using chunky peanut butter… learned my lesson. Smooth is the way to go.
4. Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake – Easy Peasy!
Okay, if you’re a fan of dump cakes (and who isn’t?), this Cinnamon Roll version will blow your mind. It’s ridiculously easy, tastes like a warm hug, and requires minimal effort. Basically, it’s the epitome of holiday baking bliss.
Ingredients
- 1 can (22 oz) cinnamon rolls (with icing)
- 1 box (18.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 1/2 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Pour the cake mix evenly into the prepared pan.
- Arrange the cinnamon rolls over the cake mix, without separating them.
- Top with the sliced apples.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the entire cake.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and the cinnamon rolls are cooked through.
Why You’ll Love It
The best part? No mixing required! Let the oven do the work. The warm cinnamon rolls, sweet apples, and buttery cake? It’s a match made in holiday heaven.
5. Chocolate Covered Pretzels – The Ultimate Customizable Treat
Let’s be honest, sometimes you just want something salty, sweet, and ridiculously easy. Enter: Chocolate Covered Pretzels! These are endlessly customizable and perfect for little helpers in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 bag (12 oz) pretzel rods or twists
- 1 bag (12-16 oz) chocolate melting wafers (dark, milk, or white – your choice!)
- Optional toppings: sprinkles, crushed nuts, mini M&Ms, sea salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt the chocolate wafers according to package directions (usually in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between).
- Dip each pretzel into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Place the dipped pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Immediately sprinkle with desired toppings.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.
Why You’ll Love It
Total customization! Plus, it’s a fun activity for kids (and adults who act like kids). Sprinkles are a MUST. :/ Don’t even think about skipping them.
Happy Baking!
So there you have it! Five ridiculously easy holiday baking recipes that will impress your friends, delight your family, and save your sanity. No need to break a sweat (or a bowl) this holiday season. Just grab the ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the sweet, sweet taste of success. Now go forth and bake!
