Quick And Easy Christmas Desserts make holiday life so much sweeter — especially when you can whip up a tray of creamy, festive cheesecake bites without turning on the oven. These little rounds are the perfect tiny indulgence: creamy center, crunchy crumb, and a glossy candy coating that screams holiday cheer.
Ready? Let’s dive in.
Why you’ll fall for these bites
Who doesn’t love a dessert that shops fast, comes together faster, and disappears fastest? These bites check all the boxes. They’re crowd-pleasing, simple to customize, and ideal when you need a showstopping sweet at the last minute.
- Need last-minute Holiday Party Dessert Ideas? Done.
- Want something that travels well? These are your snack MVPs.
- Short on oven space? Hello, Cheesecake Balls No Bake.
Seriously — they’re tiny, decadent, and practically made for passing around at gatherings.
The story behind this recipe
I created these when I needed a quick sweet for a movie night — you know, the kind of night where you sit back with a blanket, a mug, and just enough sugar to call it festive. They were supposed to be simple backups and ended up being the star of the snack table.
This recipe riffs on classic cheesecake flavors and festive coatings. Think of it as a modern take on Christmas Baked Treats without any baking. FYI, if you want to get the kids involved, rolling and decorating is basically craft time with sprinkles.
Ingredients (with quick blurbs)
Here’s what you need — nothing fancy, mostly pantry-friendly.
- Cream cheese (softened) — the base. Let it sit at room temp so it blends silky. Pro tip: soften fully for smooth mixing.
- Powdered sugar — for sweetness and smooth texture.
- Vanilla extract — warmth and aroma. Don’t skip it.
- Melted white chocolate chips — binds and adds decadence. Swap for dark if you like.
- Crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs — adds that cheesecake bite. Use gluten-free crumbs if needed.
- Whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream) — lightens the filling to a fluffy dream.
- Red & green candy melts or chocolate coating — for the festive outer shell.
- Holiday sprinkles — the vibe-maker.
- Optional: peppermint extract, crushed candy cane, or chopped nuts for texture.
These ingredients keep the recipe flexible — want a richer bite? Add more chocolate. Want lighter? Add more whipped topping.
Equipment you’ll need
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (or sturdy whisk + arm workout)
- Microwave-safe bowls for melting chocolate
- Parchment-lined baking sheet
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon for even portioning
Can you do this without an electric mixer? Totally — but your arms might file a formal complaint. IMO, it’s worth the convenience.
How to make them — step-by-step (short & clear)
Follow these steps and you’ll be unwrapping perfect cheesecake balls in under an hour.
- Beat the cream cheese
In a large bowl, whip softened cream cheese until smooth. No lumps. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then mix until silky. - Melt the white chocolate
Microwave chips in 20-second bursts, stirring between bursts until smooth. Let cool briefly so it doesn’t cook the cream cheese. - Combine the mix
Fold melted white chocolate into the cream cheese mixture. Add crushed graham crumbs and then gently fold in whipped topping. The goal: fluffy but firm. - Chill the mixture
Cover the bowl and chill for 30–40 minutes. Chilling is essential for easy rolling. - Shape the bites
Scoop a small amount (about 1 inch) and roll into balls. Place on a parchment-lined sheet and freeze for 10–15 minutes to firm up. - Coat with candy melts
Melt red and green candy melts in separate bowls. Dip each firm ball into the melted candy, allow excess to drip off, then place back on parchment. Add sprinkles while the coating is still wet. - Final chill
Let the coated bites set in the fridge for at least 20–30 minutes before serving.
Simple, right? Want cleaner results? Use a warm knife or a toothpick trick to handle the balls when dipping.
Pro tips for perfect results
- Soften cream cheese fully — cold blocks equal lumpy filling.
- Keep melted chocolate slightly warm, not piping hot — you don’t want cooked filling.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform bites — presentation matters.
- Chill before shaping — this avoids a sticky mess and gives cleaner spheres.
- Sprinkles stick best when coating is wet — so have them at the ready.
- For extra-smooth coating, tap the excess chocolate off and rotate quickly.
And a little secret: a tiny brush of vegetable oil can give the coating a glossy finish. Fancy.
Variations to try (mix it up)
- Peppermint Twist — add 1 tsp peppermint extract and top with crushed candy cane. Perfect for Christmas Movie Snacks.
- Chocolate Lovers — swap half the white chocolate for dark melted chocolate. Deep, rich, irresistible.
- Nutty Crunch — roll bites in chopped pecans or almonds before the coating firms up.
- Fruit-Forward — fold in crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a zingy bite.
- Gluten-Free — use crushed gluten-free cookies or almond flour crumbs.
- Mini Cheesecake Bites — make even smaller balls for Small Christmas Desserts that disappear faster than you can say “pass the cocoa.”
Best ways to serve
- Arrange on a tiered holiday platter for a stunning centerpiece.
- Pair with hot cocoa or spiced apple cider for cozy sipping.
- Pack a few in clear treat bags for guests — instant party favor.
- Serve alongside other Holiday Sweets like cookies and fudge for a varied dessert table.
If you’re feeding a crowd, these scale beautifully. Want to offer a few options? Make half peppermint, half chocolate — everyone’s happy.
Quick tips for storage & leftovers
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
- Freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- If coating sweats after refrigeration, pop them back in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to reset.
These freeze-and-thaw like champs — perfect for prepping ahead for Christmas Party Desserts For A Crowd.
FAQs (fast answers)
Can I make these ahead?
Absolutely. Make them a day or two in advance and keep chilled. They often taste better after the flavors settle.
Can I use other coatings?
Yes. Melted dark or milk chocolate works fine. For a marbled look, swirl two colors together.
How do I keep them from sticking?
Use parchment and chill between steps. Also, dust hands lightly with powdered sugar if rolling by hand.
Are these suitable for kids?
Totally — but skip alcohol if you’ll be letting the little ones snack.
What if I don’t have candy melts?
Melted chocolate chips or couverture chocolate work — just temper lightly for a nice snap.
Want to scale up?
Throw the recipe into a double or triple batch. Use multiple bowls for coatings so you can dip non-stop. For big events, make the bites a day ahead and store in airtight containers. They’ll stay fresh and look gorgeous on a dessert table.
Make them into a hit at your next gathering
These little bites are tiny, but they deliver a big festive punch. They’re an ideal answer to Quick And Easy Christmas Treats that actually impress. Guests love the size (tiny = try two), the presentation (sprinkles win hearts), and the flavor (cheesecake always slays).
If you want to go pro-level, display them in clear jars, stack them like ornaments, or place them on rosemary sprigs for a rustic finish. Small touches = big impact.
Why these qualify as the ultimate small Christmas desserts
Let’s be honest: sometimes you need more than cookies. You want variety, color, and something that feels special. These fit the bill better than most Christmas Baked Treats — with zero oven time, minimal mess, and maximum charm.
They also make stellar Christmas Movie Snacks because you can pop one, two, or three without committing to a whole slice. They’re shareable, stackable, and totally adorable.
Two quick recipes on the fly (mini-ideas)
Peppermint Pop — add peppermint extract, dip in dark chocolate, top with crushed candy cane. Instant holiday hit.
Almond Joy Bites — fold shredded coconut and toasted almonds into the filling, dip in milk chocolate, sprinkle coconut on top. Yes please.
Final thoughts — short & sweet
These Quick And Easy Christmas Desserts are proof that festive doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you need Holiday Party Dessert Ideas or just a little tray of Holiday Sweets for family night, these cheesecake bites deliver joy in a bite-sized package.
So, will you make them for your next party? I’m betting yes. They’re easy, adorable, and dangerously moreish. Go on — scoop, roll, dip, and decorate. Your snack table is waiting.
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No-Bake Cheesecake Bites (Must-Try!) — Quick And Easy Christmas Desserts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling time)
- Yield: 20 bites 1x
- Category: Dessert
Description
A simple, festive no-bake treat that’s creamy inside, crunchy on the outside, and perfect for holiday platters.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, brought to room temperature
- ½ cup powdered (confectioners’) sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup finely crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs
- ½ cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
- Red and green candy melts or colored coating for dipping
- Holiday sprinkles, for finishing
Instructions
Make the cheesecake filling
-
Put the softened cream cheese in a large bowl and beat until completely smooth.
-
Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, then mix until the mixture is uniform and silky.
Add the chocolate and crumbs
3. Stir the melted white chocolate into the cream cheese mixture until it’s evenly incorporated. Let the mixture cool a moment if the chocolate is still very hot.
4. Fold in the crushed graham crackers, then gently fold in the whipped topping until the texture is light but scoopable.
Chill and form the bites
5. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for 30–40 minutes so the mixture firms up.
6. Using a small scoop or a spoon, portion out about 1-inch rounds and roll them between your palms into neat balls. Arrange them on a parchment-lined sheet.
Coat and decorate
7. Melt the red and green candy coatings in separate bowls following the package directions.
8. Dip each chilled ball into a coating color of your choice, allow excess to drip off, then place back on the parchment. Add sprinkles immediately while the coating is still wet.
9. Once all are coated, refrigerate briefly so the shells set.
Notes
- Quick tips & reminders
- Soften the cream cheese fully before you start — it makes for a lump-free filling.
- Let melted chocolate cool slightly; extremely hot chocolate can soften the filling too much.
- Use a small cookie scoop for consistent bite sizes.
- Store finished bites in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Finishing note
- These little cheesecakey rounds come together fast and look adorable on holiday platters. Swap chocolate types, add extracts, or roll in crushed nuts for easy variations. Enjoy!
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