Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Shop
  • News
  • Videos
Log In Account Details

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 10 Food Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Summer

      10 Food Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Summer

      Here are the popular flavors we think will be big this year, plus recipes to try these trends at home. Read More
    • 22 Vegetarian Lunches You Can Make in 10 Minutes

      22 Vegetarian Lunches You Can Make in 10 Minutes

      When you're short on time, you can still make a quick, healthy lunch that will help you power through the afternoon. Whether you prefer a simple grain bowl with lots of veggies, a slice of loaded avocado toast or a delish salad, there's something for you in this mix. You need just 10 minutes in the kitchen to pull together recipes like our Egg Tartine and Chickpea Salad Sandwich. Read More
    • What Is Taperakia? For These Greek Moms, Sending Meals to Their Kids is an Act of Love

      What Is Taperakia? For These Greek Moms, Sending Meals to Their Kids is an Act of Love

      Learn about the Greek practice of shipping adult children Tupperware containers of food, plus get their recipes to make at home. Read More
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See All Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See All Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See All Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See All Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See All Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See All Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See All Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

    See All Shop
    • EatingWell Cookbooks & More
    • EatingWell Frozen Meals
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Healthy Recipes
  3. Healthy Holiday & Occasion Recipes
  4. Healthy Christmas Holiday Recipes
  5. Christmas Baking & Dessert Recipes
  6. Make-Ahead Christmas Dessert Recipes
  7. 22 Easy Make-Ahead Christmas Desserts You Can Prep in 30 Minutes or Less

22 Easy Make-Ahead Christmas Desserts You Can Prep in 30 Minutes or Less

A portrait of Alex Loh
Alex Loh Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD October 17, 2020
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
Skip gallery slides
Pin
chocolate-peppermint greek yogurt bark

Plan in advance with these easy, make-ahead Christmas dessert recipes. Whether it's cookies, cakes or other tasty treats, you can make these desserts a few days in advance of the holiday. Plus, these desserts only require 30 minutes of prep time, so you can focus on preparing the rest of the meal. Desserts like Cranberry Cheesecake Bars and Peppermint-Chocolate Greek Yogurt Bark are healthy, seasonal and delicious.

Start Slideshow

1 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Peppermint-Chocolate Greek Yogurt Bark

peppermint chocolate yogurt bark
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This eye-catching frozen peppermint-chocolate bark was inspired by Williams Sonoma's Original Peppermint Bark--our loose interpretation of the treat is frozen and made with Greek yogurt, chocolate and crushed candy canes. For the creamiest bark, be sure to use full-fat yogurt, as fat-free yogurt can get icy when frozen. Serve this healthy dessert when you want all those festive holiday flavors in a lightened-up--and totally delicious--package. Just don't stuff your Christmas stockings with this bark because it melts quickly.

1 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Flourless Chocolate Cookies

Flourless Chocolate Cookies
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These flourless cookies get their volume from whipped egg whites (like a meringue) instead of grains, making them gluten-free and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. A chocolate chip in each bite adds to the rich chocolate flavor.

2 of 22

3 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Purple Sweet Potato Pie

purple sweet potato pie
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This purple version of classic sweet potato pie has a shot of brandy, which adds another layer of seasonal flavor. Serve with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream.

3 of 22

Advertisement

4 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cranberry Crumble Bars

Cranberry Crumble Bars
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These cranberry-orange bars freeze well. Make a batch on a free afternoon and pop them in the freezer so you'll always have a healthy dessert on hand when company calls.

4 of 22

5 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spritz Cookies

7331539.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

It's time to break out your spritz cookie press for these festive Christmas spritz cookies! These easy Christmas cookies can be decorated with sprinkles or flavored with citrus, spices or sweet sugar glaze. And if you're looking for healthy cookies, these fit the bill thanks to whole-wheat pastry flour that keeps their texture soft while giving them a boost of fiber. For ideas on how to dress up these spritz cookies even more with different flavorings or a glaze, see Tips below.

5 of 22

6 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pecan Pie Bars

5628574.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These delectable bar cookies are great for holiday cookie trays, to bring out at casual gatherings, or just to enjoy with a cup of coffee.

6 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cranberry Cheesecake Bars

cranberry cheesecake bars
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A great dessert option for your next holiday party, these sweet cheesecake bars have an oat crust and a cranberry-orange sauce that's swirled on top and baked right in.

7 of 22

8 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fresh Fig Tart

8285094.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This fresh fig tart looks stunning, and it's super-simple to make. Sweet fresh figs pair naturally with almond, but if fresh figs are scarce, topping with other fresh, in-season fruit like peaches or strawberries will work well too.

8 of 22

9 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mint Chocolate Cake

7974212.jpg
Credit: Johnny Autry
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This mint chocolate cake is an homage to Andes Crème de Menthe Thins. It's rich and quite easy to whip up. Add a touch of food coloring to make the mint buttercream filling pale green if you'd like.

9 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Venetian Spice Cookies (Bicciolani)

7684455.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The intense blend of spices in these cookies is a tip of the hat to Venice's history as a conduit for the spice trade between Europe and the Far East.

10 of 22

11 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

One-Bowl Irish Stout Cake

7574694.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This Irish stout cake can't get any easier: everything is mixed in one bowl, poured into the cake pan and is in the oven in 15 minutes flat. Lining the cake pan with parchment paper makes removing the cake easy and helps with cleanup. After this rich chocolate cake has cooled, enjoy it with the espresso- and Irish whiskey-laced whipped cream topping.

11 of 22

12 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

7331276.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Kids and adults alike will love this easy peanut butter chocolate chip cookie recipe, which--unlike most cookie recipes--doesn't call for flour. These gluten-free peanut butter chocolate chip cookies are soft and chewy and, with only five simple ingredients, they can easily be whipped up by young chefs and enjoyed as an after-school treat. They're also perfect for a holiday party or for a cookie swap.

12 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Hasselback Pear Cake

5959791.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This stunning pear cake uses almond flour in place of some all-purpose flour, reducing carbs and adding protein and fiber. But its real appeal is its presentation: display this pretty dessert on a cake stand for guests to admire before you slice and serve it.

13 of 22

14 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Nutty Carrot Cake Bars

5195078.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Loaded with carrot, nuts, and pumpkin pie spice and slathered with a velvety cream cheese frosting, these diabetic-friendly bars are sure to become a favorite dessert.

14 of 22

15 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Vegan Meringue Cookies

6474208.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Magical aquafaba--the liquid from canned chickpeas that often gets poured down the drain--mimics egg whites in these airy vegan meringue cookies. The other magical thing? These cookies require just three ingredients! Save the chickpeas themselves for hummus, stew or any one of our other recipes that call for canned chickpeas.

15 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cranberry Poached Pears

5917136.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Cranberry juice and fresh cranberries add a double dose of zing to this sweet poached pear dessert. Served with a low-fat blend of yogurt and honey, it's a dessert you can make a day ahead of serving.

 

16 of 22

17 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Walnut-Nutmeg Pumpkin Custards

5896956.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Planning any parties for fall? Don't overlook this custard recipe--it's easy to assemble and will have your guests doling out the compliments! They'll love how the creamy pumpkin custard contrasts with the crunchy walnut, brown sugar and oat topping.

17 of 22

18 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chocolate Polvorones (Mexican Wedding Cookies)

Chocolate Polvorones (Mexican Wedding Cookies)
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These melt-in-your-mouth polvorones (Mexican wedding cookies) get a chocolate makeover by replacing all the nuts in the traditional version with ground chocolate. Addictive just as they are, you can also grate a little cinnamon stick over them before serving.

18 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Potato Spice Cake with Orange-Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

5873056.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Reminiscent of carrot cake, this healthy treat features grated sweet potato baked into a spiced batter and topped with cream-cheese frosting. The whole-wheat pastry flour gives the cake a very light texture. If you can't find it, substitute half all-purpose flour and half white whole-wheat flour.

19 of 22

20 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Gluten-Free Fudgy Teff Brownies

5873057.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Whole-grain teff flour (made from a tiny ancient grain) has a nuance of cocoa flavor to start with, making it a natural choice for brownies. These gluten-free brownies are moist and satisfying, intensely chocolaty and have a tender texture.

20 of 22

21 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Dark Chocolate-Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

5761600.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These peanut butter cookies are delicious on their own, but we make them even better by pressing a piece of dark chocolate candy into each hot cookie right after the cookies come out of the oven.

21 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Carob Molasses Cake (Sfouf b' Debs)

5678199.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

With all due respect to baklava, we've found a new favorite Lebanese dessert. This rich, moist cake is sweetened with carob molasses and has a hit of anise. We may or may not have fought over it in the Test Kitchen.

22 of 22

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Alex Loh

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 22 Peppermint-Chocolate Greek Yogurt Bark
    2 of 22 Flourless Chocolate Cookies
    3 of 22 Purple Sweet Potato Pie
    4 of 22 Cranberry Crumble Bars
    5 of 22 Spritz Cookies
    6 of 22 Pecan Pie Bars
    7 of 22 Cranberry Cheesecake Bars
    8 of 22 Fresh Fig Tart
    9 of 22 Mint Chocolate Cake
    10 of 22 Venetian Spice Cookies (Bicciolani)
    11 of 22 One-Bowl Irish Stout Cake
    12 of 22 Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
    13 of 22 Hasselback Pear Cake
    14 of 22 Nutty Carrot Cake Bars
    15 of 22 Vegan Meringue Cookies
    16 of 22 Cranberry Poached Pears
    17 of 22 Walnut-Nutmeg Pumpkin Custards
    18 of 22 Chocolate Polvorones (Mexican Wedding Cookies)
    19 of 22 Sweet Potato Spice Cake with Orange-Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
    20 of 22 Gluten-Free Fudgy Teff Brownies
    21 of 22 Dark Chocolate-Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
    22 of 22 Carob Molasses Cake (Sfouf b' Debs)

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    EatingWell

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Recipe Index
    • Jobs
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletters
    Sign Up
    Meredith© 2022 EatingWell.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. All Right Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright EatingWell. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.eatingwell.com

    Sign in

    View image

    22 Easy Make-Ahead Christmas Desserts You Can Prep in 30 Minutes or Less
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.