Baking is intimidating. It’s a combination of science, skill, creativity, and if we’re honest, luck.

But the holidays are only about a week away and time is of the essence — who has time for luck? Even the best bakers will default to quick and easy when their plate is full (pun intended) of holiday festivities! Here are some fantastic ways to get a delicious dessert on the table for your gathering or to leave under the tree for Ole Saint Nick without investing hours in the kitchen.

Get Santa’s Cookies Delivered 

Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or another wintery holiday, cookies are always a crowd-pleaser, and there’s nothing fancier than a macaron. But these little bite-sized beauties are a beast to perfect.

So, why not buy macarons this year?

Lots of macaron masters package their treats and freeze them. You can order macarons weeks in advance and keep them in your freezer. All you have to do is move them to the fridge a few hours before party time. Is there an easier holiday dessert than one that can be done weeks before the big day?

Visit Your Local Bakery and Get Desserts for Delivery

With the recent pandemic, your local shops got hit the hardest, and bakeries — with all their delicious goodness — were not exempt. Stop in to one of your favorite shops, or find a new one in your area.

Many of your favorite bakeries will deliver your favorite baked goods to your doorstep. So investing in bakery dessert delivery can save you valuable time compared to trying to bake them at home, and with online ordering, you don’t have to go out. You’ll wow your guests, empower a local bakery, and have time to enjoy your traditions this year!

Make a No-Bake

Your oven is going to be busy during December, and the idea of adding one more baking project may just feel daunting. Yet, the holidays may feel cheated if you don’t have a homemade dessert on your table.

Of course, not all desserts have to be baked. Some of the very best desserts never see the inside of your oven. Let’s be honest, no-bake desserts are absolutely the easiest. Check out this delicious Oreo Icebox Cake. During the holidays, what’s more satisfying than a good cookie, whipped cream, and a tall glass of milk?

There are so many recipes out there that are simple and easy for even the most novice baker to tackle.

Get Creative and On Trend with a Charcuterie Dessert Board

If you’re looking for an option that’s Instagrammable, shareable, and easy, creating a charcuterie dessert board is a quick way to blend a little bit of everything! You can make or pick up your favorite sweet treats like marshmallows, cookies, and chocolate-covered pretzels and arrange them on a plate or cutting board.

Alternatively, you could take a fresher route by including a blend of favorite berries and fruits with cookie sticks and chocolate-covered popcorn. Finish it all off with mugs of hot chocolate to go around for an easy, beautiful holiday dessert.

With these great ideas, you won’t have to spend all day in the kitchen to enjoy a sweet holiday this year!