63 Christmas Snack Ideas for Cozying Up This Holiday Season

Candlelight, fuzzy socks, and a plate of festive nibbles can make even the chilliest December evening feel magical. Whether you’re hosting a tree-trimming party or settling in for a holiday movie marathon, quick snacks keep spirits bright without tying you to the stove all night. The list below gathers 63 sweet and savory bites—each one simple enough to tackle on a busy December afternoon. Pick a handful or work your way through the whole lineup for a season packed with cozy flavor.

1. Gingerbread Men

Rolling, cutting, and decorating gingerbread men is practically a holiday ritual. The dough gets its signature warmth from molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Bake until the edges are just firm, then let the kids add icing smiles and buttons. These cookies stay chewy for days when kept in a tin.

2. Peppermint Bark

Two layers of chocolate plus a blizzard of candy-cane bits equals instant holiday cheer. Melt dark chocolate, spread it thin, chill, then repeat with white chocolate and crushed peppermint on top. Once set, break the slab into rustic pieces. Tuck a few shards into gift tins or serve alongside hot cocoa.

3. Cranberry Brie Bites

Store-bought puff pastry turns elegant in minutes when paired with creamy Brie and tangy cranberry. Cut the dough into squares, nestle in a mini-muffin pan, add cheese cubes, and bake until golden. A spoonful of cranberry sauce on top brings bright color and flavor. They vanish quickly, so make a double batch.

4. Reindeer Chow

This holiday spin on puppy chow mixes cocoa-coated cereal with festive candy pieces. Shake everything in a bag with powdered sugar for that snowy look. The result is crunchy, sweet, and impossible to stop munching. Pour into jars for an easy neighbor gift.

5. Snowball Cookies

Also called Russian tea cakes, these buttery rounds are studded with finely chopped pecans. They emerge from the oven tender, then get rolled in powdered sugar while still warm. A second sugar roll once they cool gives them that perfect snowy coat. Enjoy with coffee or mulled cider.

6. Candy Cane Popcorn

Drizzle freshly popped kernels with melted white chocolate, then sprinkle on peppermint bits. The sweet-mint coating hardens quickly, creating a crunchy, colorful treat. It’s lighter than traditional caramel corn yet just as addictive. Bag it up for stocking stuffers or keep a bowl by the fireplace.

7. Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Almonds

Almonds tossed in egg white, brown sugar, and warming spices develop a crisp candy shell in the oven. The aroma alone says “holiday market.” Once cooled, the nuts separate easily into snackable clusters. They keep well for two weeks in an airtight jar.

8. Mini Pigs in a Blanket with Cranberry Mustard

Cocktail franks wrapped in crescent dough are party classics for a reason. Upgrade the dip by stirring leftover cranberry sauce into spicy mustard. Bake until the pastry turns flaky and deep gold. Guests will circle the platter until the last bite disappears.

9. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Rods

Salty-sweet lovers rejoice—crunchy pretzel rods meet silky chocolate in minutes. Dip, shake off excess, then roll in crushed nuts, sprinkles, or candy cane dust. Once the coating sets, bundle a few rods with ribbon for an instant gift. They’re sturdy enough for mailing, too.

10. Sugared Cranberries

Tart berries take a quick soak in simple syrup before rolling through fine sugar. The result looks like they just emerged from a fresh snowfall. Pop them on cheese boards for a jewel-toned accent, or snack on them like sweet-tart candies. They keep their crunch for several days.

11. Eggnog Fudge

This white chocolate fudge carries all the nutmeg-kissed flavor of classic eggnog without the glass. Marshmallow crème keeps the texture silky, while a splash of rum extract adds depth. Let the pan cool completely before slicing into bite-size squares. Store chilled for the smoothest texture.

12. Mulled Wine Spiced Nuts

Simmer red wine with orange peel, clove, and cinnamon, then reduce it into a syrupy coating for roasted nuts. The flavors echo a mug of glühwein in crunchy form. As the nuts roast, the kitchen fills with spiced aromatics. Cool completely so the glaze crisps up.

13. Caprese “Santa Hats”

Stack a mozzarella pearl, a basil leaf, and a tomato half for a red-and-white nod to Santa’s cap. A dab of balsamic glaze adds sweetness and keeps everything in place. These fresh bites lighten an otherwise cookie-heavy table. Serve chilled for the best flavor contrast.

14. Rosemary Parmesan Shortbread

Shortbread isn’t just for sugar; savory versions make excellent wine partners. Butter, grated Parmesan, and finely chopped rosemary create a tender, crumbly cracker. Slice the chilled dough into tidy rectangles before baking. Pair with olives or a glass of cabernet.

15. Cranberry Goat Cheese Log

Soft chèvre rolled in tart cranberries and green pistachios looks like edible holiday garland. The pop of color brightens any grazing table. Slice or spread onto crisp crackers. Leftovers transform into a stellar bagel schmear the next morning.

16. Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats

Classic marshmallow treats gain personality with a quick makeover. Shape the cooled slab into rectangles, then press on twisted-pretzel antlers and chocolate-candy noses. Kids can assemble the faces while you melt the butter. They travel well for school parties.

17. Cheddar Snowflake Crackers

Homemade cheese crackers beat the boxed kind, and snowflake cutters make them celebration-ready. Sharp cheddar and butter form a dough that bakes into melt-in-your-mouth bites. Sprinkle with flaky salt before the tray hits the oven. Cool completely for the best snap.

18. Hot Cocoa Bombs

Pour steaming milk over these chocolate spheres and watch them burst into cocoa magic. Silicone molds shape tempered chocolate shells that hide cocoa mix and marshmallows. Decorate the tops with contrasting drizzle or crushed peppermint. They make delightful stocking surprises.

19. Maple Pecan Chex Mix

Swap savory Worcestershire seasoning for maple syrup and cinnamon, and Chex Mix turns dessert-worthy. Slow baking ensures an even glaze without sogginess. Pecans toast up fragrant and buttery. Cool on parchment so clusters form naturally.

20. Cranberry Orange Scones

Bright citrus zest and dried cranberries cut through buttery dough for a breakfast-meets-tea snack. Work cold butter into flour, add cream, and pat into a round before slicing. Bake until the edges turn light gold. A drizzle of simple orange glaze seals the deal.

21. Christmas Tree Veggie Platter

Even veggie skeptics appreciate produce when it’s this cute. Broccoli forms the evergreen branches, while tomatoes act as ornaments. A tiny cheese cube or yellow pepper piece crowns the tree. Serve with ranch or hummus for dunking.

22. Chocolate Peppermint Truffles

Ganache chilled and rolled into bite-size balls equals rich satisfaction. After shaping, roll in crushed candy canes for crunch and sparkle. The peppermint balances the chocolate’s intensity. Store in the fridge but let them sit out 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.

23. Honey Spice Roasted Chickpeas

Crunchy, protein-packed chickpeas get a sweet kiss from honey and a hint of cinnamon. Roast until crackly, then drizzle with warm honey so it clings to every crevice. A final dusting of sea salt makes the flavors pop. Cool fully for maximum crunch.

24. Parmesan Herb Palmiers

Puff pastry sprinkled with grated Parmesan and Italian herbs folds into elegant spirals. Slice the chilled roll and bake until flaky and fragrant. They’re light enough for nibbling yet packed with flavor. Serve warm beside a glass of sparkling wine.

25. Red Velvet Brownie Bites

Deep red cocoa batter meets tangy cream cheese frosting in petite form. Use a mini-muffin pan for perfectly portioned treats. A dusting of red sanding sugar adds sparkle. They freeze well, so you can get ahead on holiday baking.

26. Snickerdoodle Muddy Buddies

Traditional muddy buddies trade chocolate for a white-chocolate base flavored with cinnamon. Shake in a paper bag with powdered sugar and extra spice for that signature snickerdoodle coating. Each bite is light, crunchy, and aromatic. Ideal for road-trip snacks or gift bags.

27. Cinnamon Apple Chips

Slice apples paper-thin, dust with cinnamon, and bake low and slow until crisp. The natural sugars concentrate, delivering pie flavor without the crust. Cool completely so they snap. Store in a tin to keep them from softening.

28. White Chocolate Cranberry Popcorn Balls

Sticky marshmallow binds popcorn, tart cranberries, and mini white chocolate chips into handheld orbs. Rub butter on your palms to shape them without mess. The red-and-white flecks feel instantly festive. Wrap individually in cellophane for easy sharing.

29. Mini Panettone Muffins

Traditional panettone can take hours, but muffin-sized versions shorten the rise. Butter, citrus zest, and dried fruit produce the classic flavor in a tender crumb. Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy finish. They’re perfect alongside espresso.

30. Pomegranate Guacamole

Rich avocado meets juicy pomegranate arils for a merry color combo. Lime juice and a pinch of chili keep flavors balanced. The sweet crunch of the seeds surprises first-time tasters. Scoop with blue corn chips for extra contrast.

31. Chocolate Hazelnut Rugelach Crescents

Cream-cheese dough wraps around Nutella-style filling for buttery, flaky spirals. A quick brush of egg wash and sugar before baking yields caramelized edges. Serve warm so the filling stays gooey. Leftovers are rare.

32. Fig & Blue Cheese Crostini

Sweet fig jam and pungent blue cheese create a sophisticated bite in minutes. Toast baguette rounds until crisp, then assemble just before guests arrive. A drizzle of honey softens the cheese’s sharp edge. These pair beautifully with mulled wine.

33. Caramel Apple Cider Dip

Blend cream cheese, brown sugar, and thick caramel sauce for a luscious dip. A dash of apple cider concentrate adds bright tartness. Serve chilled with crisp apple slices or gingersnaps. It disappears faster than a mug of cider cools.

34. Rosemary Sea Salt Crackers

Flour, olive oil, and fresh rosemary bake into rustic flat crackers with plenty of crunch. Score the dough before baking for cleaner breaks. Sprinkle coarse salt on top for sparkle. Pair with soups, cheeses, or smoked salmon.

35. Lemon Snowflake Meringues

Whipped egg whites and sugar bake into crisp, melt-in-your-mouth clouds. Lemon zest adds brightness that cuts the sweetness. Pipe into snowflake shapes on parchment, then dry in a low oven. Store in a tin to keep humidity at bay.

36. Candy Cane Oreo Bark

Stir crushed chocolate sandwich cookies into melted white chocolate, spread thin, and top with candy cane shards. Chill until solid before snapping into chunks. It’s a three-ingredient wonder. Kids can handle the entire project start to finish.

37. Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Sweet Medjool dates stuffed with almonds or cheese get wrapped in smoky bacon strips. Bake until the bacon crisps and the date centers caramelize. The salty-sweet combo wins every time. Serve right from the oven for peak goodness.

38. Cranberry Meatballs

Frozen or homemade meatballs simmer in a tangy sauce of cranberry jelly and chili sauce. The slow cooker keeps them piping hot throughout the party. Toothpicks make serving tidy. Leftovers turn into stellar subs the next day.

39. Stollen Bites

Traditional stollen shrinks to snack form by baking the enriched dough in mini muffin pans. Marzipan centers melt slightly, offering sweet almond contrast. Dust liberally with sugar for that snowy finish. They freeze beautifully for future tea times.

40. Cherry Pistachio Biscotti

Twice-baked Italian cookies provide sturdy crunch for dunking in coffee or Vin Santo. Ruby cherries and emerald pistachios add holiday colors naturally. Slice on the diagonal after the first bake for elegant length. Store airtight for weeks.

41. Coffee Toffee

Butter, sugar, and a hint of espresso powder cook into crisp toffee in mere minutes. Spread immediately, then blanket with melted chocolate and chopped almonds. Once set, crack into jagged pieces. A caffeine kick never tasted so buttery.

42. Holiday Deviled Eggs

Creamy yolk filling gains color with a swirl of Dijon and paprika. Top each egg half with red pimento bits and a sprinkle of chives for festive flair. Make the components ahead and pipe just before serving. They add welcome protein to the cookie buffet.

43. Spiced Gingerbread Caramel Corn

Molasses, brown sugar, and ginger turn classic caramel corn into gingerbread-flavored crunch. Bake low and slow, stirring occasionally for even coating. Cool on parchment to prevent sticking. Bag it up for movie-night favors.

44. Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Balls

Blend cream cheese with sharp cheddar, shape into mini bites, then roll in a mix of tart cranberries and salty nuts. Pretzel sticks double as both utensil and edible handle. The color combo is pure holiday. Refrigerate until firm, then serve chilled.

45. Mini Quiche Lorraine Bites

All the flavor of classic quiche Lorraine shrinks into two-bite pastry shells. Use store-bought pie dough for speed, then fill with custard, bacon, and Swiss. Bake until puffed and lightly browned. They taste great warm or at room temperature.

46. Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Bread Wreath

Arrange dough balls around a ramekin to bake into a shareable wreath. Garlic butter seeps between layers, creating aromatic steam pockets. Guests tear off pieces for dunking in marinara. It doubles as décor and snack.

47. Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

Sweet cranberries and spicy jalapeños fold into tangy cream cheese for a dip that surprises the palate. Let it chill so flavors meld. Spread on crackers or serve with sturdy veggie sticks. It brightens any appetizer spread.

48. Chocolate-Covered Marshmallow Snowmen

Skewer three marshmallows, dip the top in chocolate for a hat, and draw faces with melted chocolate. Add pretzel arms if desired. Once set, these edible snowmen stand upright in hot cocoa mugs. Kids love assembling and eating them.

49. Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls

Goat cheese’s tang finds balance with sweet cranberries and nutty pecans. Roll into bite-size spheres and chill until firm. The vibrant coating doubles as garnish. Pair with sparkling rosé for a color-coordinated duo.

50. Chocolate-Dipped Clementines

Juicy citrus meets bittersweet chocolate for a light finish to heavy holiday meals. Chill segments briefly so the coating sets with a clean snap. A pinch of flaky salt heightens flavor complexity. Serve chilled for refreshing contrast.

51. Prosciutto-Wrapped Pears

Sweet pear slices and salty prosciutto create an elegant no-cook snack. A light honey drizzle and cracked pepper elevate the combo. Assemble just before serving so the fruit stays crisp. They pair nicely with bubbly drinks.

52. Spiced Rum Balls

Crushed vanilla wafers, cocoa, and dark rum knead into soft truffle-like balls. Roll in powdered sugar or cocoa for a tidy finish. A dash of allspice brings warmth. The flavor deepens after a day, so plan ahead.

53. Peppermint Mocha Cupcake Bites

Espresso-infused chocolate batter bakes up tender in mini liners. Pipe on peppermint-kissed mocha buttercream, then add crushed candy cane sparkle. Each bite delivers coffeehouse vibes. Store covered to keep them moist.

54. Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies

Brown sugar batter dotted with dried cranberries and white chocolate chips bakes into chewy bars. Cool completely before cutting to keep edges sharp. Vanilla amplifies the butterscotch notes. They pack well in lunch boxes or gift tins.

55. Parmesan Thyme Snowflake Puffs

Use a snowflake cookie cutter on puff pastry sheets, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle cheese and thyme. Bake until towering layers flake apart. They’re airy yet savory, perfect with tomato soup. Best served warm from the oven.

56. Salted Caramel Pretzel Turtles

Lay pretzels on a sheet, top with chewy caramel halves, and warm until soft. Press on toasted pecans, then finish with a ribbon of melted chocolate. A sprinkle of flaky salt balances the sweetness. Cool until firm before plating.

57. Cranberry Orange Energy Bites

Rolled oats, almond butter, honey, and citrus zest mix into no-bake fuel nuggets. Dried cranberries provide tart chew. Chill the dough briefly for easier rolling. Keep a container in the fridge for a quick pre-shopping snack.

58. Meringue Kisses

Pipe bite-size swirls of glossy meringue and bake at low heat until dry and crisp. Flavor with vanilla or peppermint extract. Their airy texture melts on the tongue. Color half the batch pale green or red for extra merriment.

59. Savory Cheddar Pecan Cookies

Think shortbread but cheesy: butter, sharp cheddar, and chopped pecans form a tender savory cookie. Slice from a log for uniform rounds. They shine alongside charcuterie or a dab of jam. Make the dough ahead and freeze for spontaneous baking.

60. Pesto Christmas Tree Puff Pastry

Spread pesto between two puff pastry sheets, slice branches, then twist to reveal the filling. Bake until puffed and deeply golden. Guests can tear off “branches” for dipping in marinara. It doubles as centerpiece and snack.

61. Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

Arrange thawed dinner roll dough around Brie cubes in a skillet, spoon cranberry sauce between pieces, and bake. The bread rises into a shareable ring while the cheese melts into molten pockets. Brush with herb butter for shine. Serve straight from the pan.

62. Cranberry Apple Chutney with Crackers

Simmer cranberries, diced apple, onion, vinegar, and warm spices until thick and jammy. The sweet-tart condiment matches roast turkey leftovers and cheese alike. Jar it up and refrigerate for up to two weeks. Set out with simple crackers for easy grazing.

63. Gingerbread Granola

Oats coated in molasses, cinnamon, and ginger bake into crunchy clusters. Add chopped pecans and crystallized ginger for extra pop. Enjoy over yogurt or by the handful while wrapping gifts. The aroma out of the oven smells like a gingerbread house come to life.