Who says baking has to be complex? We have a bunch of dessert recipes that will take all the fuss out. Don’t worry about hard-to-pronounce ingredients or intricate methods, these recipes are the definition of simplicity. They are short, clear, and will help you create tasty treats without stressing over minutiae.

Apple Galette

An Apple Galette presents a rustic yet elegant dessert option for New Year’s celebrations. With its flaky crust encasing slices of caramelized apples, this dish strikes a charming balance between sophistication and simplicity. Ideal for those who appreciate the natural sweetness of fruit in their desserts, it’s a delightful way to bring a touch of artisanal charm to the New Year’s table.
Get the Recipe: Apple Galette

Kolacky

Fans of pastries are sure to love Kolacky. These are delicate Polish cookies often filled with a fruit or poppyseed mixture. Without being too complicated to make, they bring an international flavor to your Dessert table, and their appearance alone can spark a conversation among your guests.
Get the Recipe: Kolacky

Apple Cider Donut Cake

Combining the nostalgic flavors of apple cider donuts in a cake form, this dessert is a novel addition to any New Year’s celebration. It captures the essence of fall and winter with its warm spices and apple cider infused batter. This cake is an excellent choice for those seeking a unique yet familiar treat to welcome the new year.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Donut Cake

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

If you loved the Pumpkin Pecan cheesecake, you’ll be drawn to Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes. They have all the luscious taste of the original, but in a bite-sized format. This means less stress over serving and more focus on enjoying the evening. Easy to offer, effortless to enjoy, they’re a grand crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

Honey Cookies with Orange and Cinnamon

Introduce the warmth of Honey Cookies with Orange and Cinnamon to your New Year festivities. The fragrant spices blend seamlessly with honey and orange, creating a naturally sweet treat. Add the bonus of being fairly simple to prepare, and these cookies become a hassle-free, delightful option.
Get the Recipe: Honey Cookies with Orange and Cinnamon

Hamentashen

Brighten your New Year’s dessert table with a splash of tradition and fun using Hamentashen. These are Jewish pastries usually filled with jams, but don’t feel restricted — other sweet fillings can work just as well. The unusual triangle shape will intrigue your guests and inspire admiring comments.
Get the Recipe: Hamentashen

Sticky Toffee Pudding

This dessert is a classic British comfort food, perfect for a cozy New Year’s gathering. The rich, moist cake is infused with dates and topped with a warm toffee sauce, offering a balance of sweetness and texture that’s both indulgent and comforting. It’s a great choice for those looking for a traditional yet simple dessert to round off their New Year’s feast.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Toffee Pudding

Dulce de Leche Cookies

Bring a Latin touch to your party with Dulce de Leche Cookies. They’re creamy, sweet, and filled with the delicious Latin caramel, dulce de leche. Plus, these cookies are incredibly stress-free to make and serve, adding a uniquely sweet note to your New Year’s dessert display.
Get the Recipe: Dulce de Leche Cookies

Caramel Whoopie Pies

If decadence and joy could be combined into a single dessert, it would be these Caramel Whoopie Pies. They’re filled with rich caramel cream and undoubtedly add a touch of luxury to any event. Their wow factor doesn’t come at the cost of your peace of mind — they’re smooth sailing to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Whoopie Pies

Lemon Coconut Macaroons

Bursting with fresh flavors, the Lemon Coconut Macaroons are the antidote to heavy end-of-year desserts. The lemon contributes a refreshing tanginess while the coconut lends a tropical touch. With a straightforward preparation process, these macaroons are a sure no-stress pick.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Coconut Macaroons

Salted Toffee Cookie Bars

For those who fancy something both salty and sweet, the Salted Toffee Cookie Bars are a dream dessert. The balance between the sweet toffee and the subtle hint of sea salt makes for an irresistible flavor. Serving them is a piece of cake too — a few bites, and your guests will be hooked.
Get the Recipe: Salted Toffee Cookie Bars

Ginger Snaps

Welcoming a new year requires that familiar comfort of home, and Ginger Snaps provide just that. With their warming ginger aroma and snappy texture, they fly straight into everyone’s heart. What’s more, they’re easy to produce in large quantities, promising a low-stress baking experience.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Snaps

Flourless Chocolate Cookies

Catering to guests with gluten-free preferences doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or stress yourself out. The Flourless Chocolate Cookies are just as decadent and winning as their flour-filled counterparts, but they are hassle-free to make. A couple of these, and your guests are sure to be smiling their way into the New Year.
Get the Recipe: Flourless Chocolate Cookies