When the holiday season arrives, so does the rush to prepare delicious treats for family gatherings, gift exchanges, or cozy evenings at home. But not everyone has the time—or the desire—to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where No-Bake Holiday Treats come in. These delightful, egg-free confections are quick, easy, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
What makes these treats truly special is their versatility. With ingredients like cookies, mixed nuts, coconut flakes, orange peel, and a luscious white chocolate glaze, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between rich and refreshing flavors. The best part? You don’t need an oven, making it an ideal dessert for busy days or when you want to avoid turning up the heat in your kitchen.
Whether you’re looking for a simple dessert for yourself or an elegant treat to share with loved ones, these no-bake holiday treats are guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into this festive recipe!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- Cookies: 350g (12.2 oz), crushed into crumbs (digestive biscuits or any plain cookies work well)
- Mixed Nuts: ½ cup (80g), chopped (almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts)
- Coconut Flakes: 20g (0.7 oz)
- Orange Peel: Zested from 1 orange (adds a burst of citrus freshness)
- Powdered Sugar: 30g (1 oz)
- Melted Butter: 80g (2.8 oz)
- Milk: ~¾ cup (180ml), adjust based on the type of cookies used
For the Glaze:
- White Chocolate: 150g (5.3 oz), melted
- Vegetable Oil: 1–2 tablespoons (to make the chocolate glossy and easy to work with)
- Roasted Peanuts: Chopped, for garnish
Prep Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 12–15 pieces
Steps to Make No-Bake Holiday Treats
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Base
- Crush the Cookies: Place the cookies in a food processor and pulse until they form fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, place the cookies in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cookie crumbs, mixed nuts, coconut flakes, orange peel, and powdered sugar. Stir until evenly distributed.
Step 2: Combine with Wet Ingredients
- Add Melted Butter: Pour the melted butter over the dry mixture and stir until it begins to clump together.
- Incorporate Milk Gradually: Slowly add milk, a little at a time, until the mixture holds together when pressed. The consistency should be similar to cookie dough—not too wet, but sticky enough to shape.
Step 3: Shape the Treats
- Form Balls or Bars: Using your hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and shape them into bite-sized balls or bars.
- Place on a Tray: Arrange the shaped treats on a tray lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
- Melt the White Chocolate: Break the white chocolate into small pieces and melt it in a microwave or over a double boiler.
- Add Vegetable Oil: Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to make the glaze smooth and shiny.
Step 5: Coat the Treats
- Dip or Drizzle: Dip the treats into the melted chocolate or drizzle the glaze over them using a spoon.
- Garnish: Sprinkle roasted peanuts over the chocolate while it’s still wet for added crunch and flavor.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
- Chill: Place the tray in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate sets.
- Serve: Enjoy these delightful no-bake treats straight from the fridge or at room temperature.
Nutritional Information (Per Piece)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
Why This Recipe is Perfect for the Holidays
- Quick and Easy: With no baking required, these treats are perfect for last-minute holiday preparations.
- Egg-Free: Ideal for those with dietary restrictions or allergies.
- Customizable: You can switch up the nuts, add dried fruits, or even use dark chocolate instead of white for a richer flavor.
- Festive and Elegant: The white chocolate glaze and roasted peanuts make these treats look as good as they taste.
- Great for Gifting: Pack these treats in a decorative box, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade gift.
FAQs
1. Can I use dark or milk chocolate for the glaze?
Yes, feel free to substitute white chocolate with dark or milk chocolate if you prefer a less sweet or richer flavor.
2. What type of cookies should I use?
Digestive biscuits, graham crackers, or any plain cookies work well. Avoid cookies with strong flavors, as they may overpower the other ingredients.
3. Can I make these treats vegan?
Yes, replace the butter with vegan margarine, use plant-based milk, and choose vegan white chocolate.
4. How do I store these treats?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
5. Can I freeze them?
Absolutely! Freeze the treats on a tray first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips for Perfect No-Bake Treats
- Don’t Overdo the Milk: Add just enough milk to bind the mixture; too much can make it soggy.
- Chop the Nuts Finely: Smaller pieces distribute more evenly and ensure every bite has a bit of crunch.
- Use Fresh Orange Peel: Freshly zested orange peel adds a vibrant citrus flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Decorate Creatively: Besides peanuts, try garnishing with shredded coconut, colored sprinkles, or edible glitter for a festive touch.
- Work Quickly with Chocolate: Melted chocolate can set fast, so be prepared to dip or drizzle as soon as it’s ready.
Conclusion: A Festive Favorite for Everyone
These No-Bake Holiday Treats are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of the holiday spirit. Combining the nutty crunch of roasted peanuts, the tropical hint of coconut, and the creamy sweetness of white chocolate, these treats are as delightful to make as they are to eat.
Perfect for gifting, sharing, or indulging in yourself, this recipe proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or long hours in the kitchen to create something truly special. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that’s both nostalgic and modern.
So, gather your family, play your favorite holiday tunes, and enjoy the process of making these quick and easy treats. Whether it’s the first time or the tenth, this recipe will always bring a little extra magic to your holiday season. Happy holidays and happy no-baking!