![Mini Chocolate Chess Tarts](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/Nq7km0rLR3bc0S8fbWVkNxfNACc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/mini-chocolate-chess-tarts-sl-91023cbb5a1e461e93f7ac012ad1d298.jpg)
It's the holidays, and for us at Southern Living, that means it's baking season. While we can appreciate a towering layer cake or elaborate Bundt, there's something special about a cookie tin full of tiny treats. These mini Christmas desserts will make for a beautiful presentation on your favorite cake plates and serving dishes. Plus, mini desserts make incredible homemade Christmas gifts for neighbors, friends, and family members. Instead of cutting uneven slices of cake or spreading a bunch of germs with a big-batch dessert, these small creations are an easy, safe way to serve dessert this season. And do we even have to mention that personal portions mean no sharing is required?
Try out a vintage mini dessert like our Peppermint Divinity or Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls. Make a lasting impression with our beautiful mini desserts like White Christmas Pavlovas and Butterscotch-Bourbon Lava Cakes. Occupy the kids before your Christmas movie marathon and bake a mini dessert that they can help with, like our Christmas Tree Brownies or Red Velvet Cake Balls. These easy mini desserts will be even more of a hit than your complicated layer cake was last year.
Mini Cranberry-Cheesecake Pies
![Mini Cranberry-Cheesecake Pies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/ktA3_gQCtTxTwdHr66QneR2xux0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2649402_MiniP_Minipie_Cover_873-2000-2bbdc4a053b04d3d98365a15713c6f95.jpg)
Sugared cranberries and orange zest make the most festive topping for these mini cheesecakes.
Chocolate-Covered Marshmallows
![Southern Living Chocolate Covered Marshmallows on a platter to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/HEvccLuGdOPO2fRu1FtVYtEmlPM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Chocolate_Covered_Marshmallows_006-1-0329eed6a2c84a7cbd68128d4f56ea95.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
When fluffy marshmallows are coated in delectable semi-sweet chocolate and sprinkled with your topping of choice, they become quite the irresistible handheld treat. Consider red and green sprinkles, crushed peppermint pieces, or coconut flakes that look like freshly fallen snow for a Christmas-themed topping.
Christmas Tree Brownies
![Christmas Tree Brownies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/an9MUKS5Azv6GiEk9PYIvpPRf7k=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Christmas-Tree-Brownies-2000-cc4630c04a644a91b8d0e815ed09ce6f.jpg)
Christmas Tree Brownies aren't just delicious, they're the perfect project for your kids to help bake.
Homemade Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes
![Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/m-jM2LYVjGVEoihFyBLbBsAF7Rk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/IMG_5767-2000-a2c529d507044bf393e648d56f020220.jpg)
Looking for a baking project that will delight the littlest helpers in your house? Try a homemade version of this store-bought favorite this season.
Mini Red Velvet Cakes
![Mini Red Velvet Cakes](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/MlwK8F6fJPqh6LT1xaibu4XE27E=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Mini20Red20Velvet20Cakes_0-2000-44d30d5bd3474254a4b39a44069d3354.jpg)
Instead of decorating and cutting an elaborate cake, give each family member a personal mini-layer cake.
Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls
![Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls Recipe](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/ZIl_16Xew5W-zwYKFRfGXnquBds=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fudgy_pecan_bourbon_balls_0_0_0-08877e9b97a84448a88a97683739a504.jpg)
Bourbon balls are an old-fashioned favorite for the holidays, and this recipe makes two dozen of them to fill those pretty Christmas cookie tins.
Peppermint Divinity
![Peppermint Divinity](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/DvciQIENbZkBZYOASL6L8t83hKY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2583201_chris_007_0_0-819beb60e25942b3961135b97350859d.jpg)
We gave this old-fashioned candy a holiday makeover with peppermint flavor and a crushed candy topping.
Key Lime Tassies
![Key Lime Tassies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/9eGU-gkgssDJJtwGuXkWhTqfqD8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/december_recipes_cookies_2490301_chris_931_0-b63bff157a8e482cbfbe66c6a45944c0.jpg)
Brighten up your Christmas spread with tart mini Key lime pies.
Snowy Tree Cookies
![Christmas Bulb Sugar Cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/noPqrqVKos-PBxXdpegmRq9IgRA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2546701_cooki_03_2_0-2000-2867fdb09ef04628a018c4eda3bb67fe.jpg)
Take your cutout Christmas cookies to new heights with this oh-so-fun stacked treat.
Christmas Fudge
![Christmas Fudge](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Fa5FDGpV_OQrMSxPqbeGRe5W4O4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Christmas-Fudge-2000-4b38d95178014fac880ab29ac2801c0a.jpg)
Fudge is the ultimate cookie-tin treat, and red, green, and white sprinkles make it holiday-ready.
Molten Red Velvet Cakes
![Molten Red Velvet Cakes, red velvet cake recipe](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/ls7SPPWjIZ_Qh-bbf5wQVJX0cSw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/save-room-2404401_saver_3117_0_0-e9a21b3cef44442c9f44ee90fb746dae.jpg)
Ultra-decadent and just the right size, these cakes are topped with cream cheese whipped cream.
White Christmas Pavlovas
![White Christmas Pavlovas](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/FEImPYuQms7FOVIsoN42W5AY8q8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2652001_White_Christmas_Pavlova_and_Milk_Punch_091-1-2000-87a1b0a65b6e4832b445233028f97ea5.jpg)
Test Kitchen Professional Ivy Odom created this fluffy pavlova recipe with an interactive toppings bar in mind.
Hot Chocolate Brownies
![Hot Chocolate Brownies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/WiZdghRrvqRVcfGkrJ1C47ST0iI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2651601_Baker_LinzerTreeHotChocBrowniesPeppermintSandwichCookie_46-2-2000-f3f8e9c83d094246861f18472515c4e0.jpg)
Your go-to winter drink is now your go-to holiday dessert, too!
Cheesecake Cookies
![Cheesecake Cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/LliC8bqyWUnvQ_8Is4CEWwhLw8k=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/seo_holiday_recipes_006_0_1-5c852e25336248508fcab28ca9d834ac.jpg)
Oh-so-tender cookies that bring us back to holidays at Grandma's.
Butterscotch-Bourbon Lava Cakes
![Butterscotch-Bourbon Lava Cakes](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Trx1HnCYT8bR05Ln7TpL03VSGA8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2644701_Lava_cake_134-2000-04036c204eec495f9ef8903a21b425ae.jpg)
Butterscotch and bourbon? Now those are two flavors that are absolutely meant to be together.
Chocolate-Pecan Tassies
![Chocolate-Pecan Tassies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/O29Aa8Kj8DE2LQO_nu2RkvtY_hI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2651601_Baker_benneSeedThumbChocPecan_43-1-2000-42bfa9230e1a426087a0c54af1206315.jpg)
A shortbread cookie crust, gooey pecan pie filling, and ribbons of chocolate make the ideal bite after dinner.
Red Velvet Cake Balls
![Red Velvet Cake Balls Image](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/dG-LBipIqC9zEXkSQdC9FgZJfYM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SLSEO_11202019_0032_Red20Velvet20Cake20Balls-2000-6ad015c03ca44bdeb7f76ed832d537e4.jpg)
We used a boxed cake mix to make these tiny treats even easier to make.
No-Bake Fudgy Toffee Bars
![No-Bake Fudgy Toffee Bars](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/7cDdrXv8alwEKVJJjDr-zoi2SNI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/december_recipes_cookies_2490301_chris_1073_0_0_0_1_1_0-16955f56a968451a94c76c8eb1191008.jpg)
Anything that has the words "no-bake" in the recipe title grabs our attention, and this sweet and salty creation has everything you need.
Candy Cane Cookies
![Candy Cane Cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/SWywSD18ayZXsVNyhaABp8wR1cU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Candy-Cane-Cookies-2000-c24d453057114b35b386ae301395bbcf.jpg)
Recipe: Candy Cane Cookies
Santa will be wowed by these festive treats.
Cornflake Wreath Christmas Cookies
![Wreath Cookie](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/8X3he-jl9CAUf4u066n9MT9NBU4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/474428695_5840004494001_5840005182001-vs_0_0-da23325a22ab4a2ab22984b51be9f75e.jpg)
Cornflakes and marshmallows come together in this festive treat.
Reindeer Cookies
![Reindeer Cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/jhPlNCKMWusV8OZboQZPXnibRE0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Reindeer-Cookies-c9a4f9f4d3d6414d9eacd2fd8d7870c4.jpeg)
Use peanut butter sandwich cookies as the base for these reindeer-inspired snacks.
Pecan Snowball Cookies
![Pecan Snowball Cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/UHww0ozSF6qFpWIlQYn8Ru0kFHs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Pecan20Snowball20Cookies_0_0_0_0_0-2000-5ff84d11ba5f4278b3d141d610f49159.jpg)
Powdered sugar brings the snowy feel to these bite-sized beauties.
Sprinkle Stocking Cookies
![sprinkle stocking cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/pNuGMUKioKK5_G5w4Mvqv4afiGY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/image-4-1b43176824d8413eb9e6c069c4e821a8.jpeg)
Use red and green sprinkles to decorate these stockings.
Santa's Kitchen-Sink Cookies
![santa's kitchen sink cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/m6kk-F7PBTU3pBTi-JrMj7bFe3I=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/image-5-951129c56b374d02b03f60d3a898ad0d.jpeg)
Red and green candy-coated chocolate pieces turn these cookies into real holiday treats.
Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
![Peppermint Meltaway Cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/hnaZhza8LHU57L4mRt54wvvlFCY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Peppermint-Meltaways-2000-d29d219367ec491c84740677c81caaa5.jpg)
Prepare for these cookies to melt in your mouth with every bite.
Sprinkle Sandwich Cookies
![Sprinkle Sandwich Cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/gCaJ0yIlh3_NOufXPmthsDThYa0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2615601_thegi_sprinkle_sandwich_cookies_270_0-a08b1659c4644835bab36392f5bc23c3.jpg)
Double the cookie, double the fun with these sweet sandwiches.
Mini Chocolate Chess Tarts
![Mini Chocolate Chess Tarts](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Nq7km0rLR3bc0S8fbWVkNxfNACc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/mini-chocolate-chess-tarts-sl-91023cbb5a1e461e93f7ac012ad1d298.jpg)
An adorable mini dessert that comes together with pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
Crunchy Pecan Pie Bites
![Crunchy Pecan Pie Bites](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/eNKbYgbPVrd5riy3sjCR5_DaYx4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fo_4bd1acd66d43bb12_spcms-130cf13de10744f98b268e976f18d33a.jpg)
Get all the flavor of your favorite pecan pie in this one-bite dessert that uses phyllo shells from your freezer.
Triple Chocolate-Brownie Mousse Stacks
![Triple Chocolate Brownie-Mousse Stacks](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/7qjW70TwoZZzE6ycAcPoa9fjfSM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/triple-chocolate-brownie-mousse-stacks-sl-f5be9326ca6a4b619f7a6b5e58b30110.jpg)
All eyes are on this delightfully layered dessert that's the ultimate make-ahead holiday dessert.