Running out of time but still want to share something homemade and meaningful this Christmas? Whether you’ve been caught in the festive rush or simply want a few fuss-free options in your back pocket, these bakes are quick to whip up but feel every bit as thoughtful and festive.

Each one is simple enough to pull together at the last minute — yet special enough to delight friends, family, or teachers. Many can also be packaged up beautifully for gifts.

1. Sablé Viennois

These are my personal favourite. Light, buttery, and piped into delicate swirls, sablé viennois feel instantly elegant but take less than 30 minutes from start to finish. I love baking them just before guests arrive or packing a few into little tins as gifts. You can enjoy them plain or dip the ends in dark chocolate for an extra festive touch.

👉 Try it here: Sablé Viennois Recipe – My Favourite Melt-in-the-Mouth Butter Cookies

2. Spiced Orange Cranberry Bundt Cake

Bundt cakes make such a beautiful centrepiece with minimal effort. This one is scented with orange zest and warm spices, filled with cranberries, and baked in my favourite Nordic Ware Heritage pan. A simple glaze and scattering of dried cranberries turns it into a showstopper that’s ready in just over an hour — and it slices cleanly, making it ideal for sharing.

👉 Try it here: Spiced Orange Cranberry Bundt Cake Recipe

3. Jam Thumbprint Cookies

These are always a hit with both children and adults. The buttery dough is simple and comes together quickly—no chilling needed. Just press with your thumb, add your favourite jam, and bake. They look festive in tins or gift bags, and you can use different jams to create a colourful mix.

👉 Try it here: Jam Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

4. Christmas Cupcakes

Cupcakes are a lifesaver when you need something festive in a flash. These are topped with rosette-piped frosting and festive sprinkles—snowflakes, stars, and red-green confetti make them feel instantly joyful. You can bake a batch in under 30 minutes and decorate them however you like.

👉 Try it here: Easy Christmas Cupcakes with Rosette Frosting

5. Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti with Orange Zest

Biscotti might sound time-consuming, but they’re surprisingly efficient—just slice and bake twice. These festive ones are flavoured with cranberries, roasted pistachios and a hint of orange zest. They keep beautifully, making them perfect for gifting or adding to a tea hamper.

👉 Try it here: Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti Recipe

Tips for Gifting These Bakes

• Use brown parchment paper and twine for a rustic look

• Add cinnamon sticks or dried orange slices for scent and charm

• Include a handwritten note with reheating or storage tips

No Time? Bake with What You Have

If you’re standing in your kitchen staring at your pantry, unsure what to make—try our SuperBaker tool. It’ll give you personalised bake ideas based on what’s already in your kitchen.

👉 Try it here: SuperBaker – AI Baking Assistant

You Don’t Need Fancy to Be Festive

Some of the most treasured bakes are the simplest ones. A warm loaf shared over tea, a small tin of cookies dropped off at a friend’s door—these are the moments people remember. If you’re short on time this year, give yourself the gift of simplicity. These bakes will still bring joy.