The holiday season is all about sharing joy, and what better way to do that than with homemade treats? For those who want to skip the oven, these no-bake recipes are perfect for creating delicious, thoughtful gifts without the fuss. From unique chocolate delights to festive spiced creations, these recipes are simple, impressive, and packed with holiday cheer. Plus, we’ve included a list of local chocolate shops and bakeries for those who want to add something extra to their holiday gifts.

No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Jars

Individually portioned and festive, these jars combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with a holiday peppermint twist.

Ingredients:

1 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
3 tablespoons melted butter
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup whipped cream (or whipped topping)
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Crushed candy canes for garnish

Instructions:

Mix the crushed cookies with melted butter and press the mixture into the bottom of small jars or cups.
Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream.
Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the cookie base.
Top with crushed candy canes and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before gifting.

White Chocolate-Covered Holiday Popcorn Clusters

These sweet and salty clusters are packed with holiday flavors and are a unique twist on traditional popcorn treats.

Ingredients:

6 cups popped popcorn
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup pistachios, chopped
1/2 cup mini marshmallows
1/4 cup festive sprinkles

Instructions:

Spread the popcorn on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Drizzle the melted chocolate over the popcorn and quickly sprinkle on dried cranberries, pistachios, mini marshmallows, and festive sprinkles.
Let the clusters set at room temperature or in the fridge until hardened. Break into pieces and package for gifting.

No-Bake Spiced Ginger Truffles

These spiced truffles are rich, aromatic, and perfect for the holiday season.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups crushed gingersnap cookies
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup white chocolate chips (for coating)
Edible gold dust or holiday sprinkles for decoration

Instructions:

In a bowl, mix crushed gingersnap cookies, cream cheese, cinnamon, ginger, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
Melt the white chocolate chips and dip each truffle into the chocolate, coating evenly.
Decorate with gold dust or sprinkles and refrigerate until set.

No-Bake Coconut Snowballs

These snowy, tropical bites are a delightful holiday gift that looks as festive as it tastes.

Ingredients:

2 cups shredded coconut
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup chopped dried pineapple or mango
1/4 cup white chocolate chips (optional for drizzling)

Instructions:

In a bowl, mix shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and dried pineapple or mango until well combined.
Roll the mixture into small balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours until firm.
Optional: Drizzle with melted white chocolate for an extra festive touch.

Local Chocolate Shops & Bakeries for Holiday Treats

If you’d rather leave baking to the experts, these local shops offer delicious holiday treats that make perfect presents:

Grand Forks, ND: Widman’s Candy Shop
- Known for its handcrafted chocolates, including their famous “Chippers,” Widman’s also has geared up for the holidays with special treats, including peanut brittle, peppermint bark, baby ribbon candy, Christmas gummies, assorted chocolate boxes, and beautiful trays with an assortment of candies on them.
St. Cloud, MN: Culinary Studio
- The Culinary Studio not only offers baking and cooking classes, but Chef Mary also makes three delicious scone flavors a month that you can purchase. Orders are open until the limited quantity sells out, so make sure you follow them on Facebook and Instagram to see their announcements!
Detroit Lakes & Perham, MN: Macarons and More by Karey
- Based out of Frazee, Karey is known for her delicious macarons, cakes, cookies, and other goodies, all made from scratch. During the holidays, Karey offers Christmas treat platters where you can choose from an assortment of 10+ treats to customize the perfect platter for that special someone on your list.
Winona, MN: Bloedow Bakery
- A century-old community favorite, Bloedow Bakery, which was just announced as Minnesota’s Retailer of the Year, provides holiday-themed cookies and pastries perfect for gifting.
Alexandria, MN: Roers Family Bakery
- Known for their delicious cakes, bread, cookies, doughnuts, rolls, creamhorns and much more. The variety is endless, and their baked goods can be found at 10 local restaurants. Check their Facebook page to see what treats they’re baking for the holidays.
Fergus Falls, MN: Peney Cakes Cupcakery
- This cupcakery offers more than just cupcakes. During the holiday season, they sell holiday treat trays, holiday cookie tins, lump of coal cookies, cake in a mug mixes, cheesecake and more that are perfect gifts for the sweet-toothed person in your life.

Wrapping Up Your Holiday Gifting: Final Thoughts

Homemade no-bake treats are the perfect solution for easy and heartfelt holiday gifting. From the creamy Peppermint Cheesecake Jars to the aromatic Spiced Ginger Truffles, these recipes will surely bring joy to anyone on your list. And if you’re looking for an extra touch or don’t have time to make your own, check out one of the local shops listed above to find the perfect holiday treats.