In barely visible conditions due to thick mist and fog, Leeds survived a scare in the opening minutes as a cross from the right picked out Lewis Koumas whose shot from point blank range was saved by Illan Meslier.
After a frantic opening, Leeds eventually settled and created a host of chances but without any finish, Manor Solomon missing an open goal when volleying wide on the stretch to a Dan James cross.
The first half looked set to end goalless but Leeds went ahead in the 43rd minute after a precise rising finish from Joel Piroe who was played in by Brenden Aaronson and eventually netted after Viktor Johnasson spilled his attempts to smother at his feet.
Stoke again began the second half with a bit of intent but Leeds were soon back dominating and Piroe bagged his and United's second in the 63rd minute, heading into an empty net from a neat looping James cross.
Leeds then squandered a host of chances to add to their tally but the three points were well and truly in the bag against a poor Potters side. Leeds United writer Joe Donnohue hands out the ratings from a Boxing Day night to savour for Whites fans in the Potteries.
7. Joe Rothwell
7 - Set-piece delivery spot on for the most part. Energetic in the middle and did a lot of running for Ampadu. Photo: Ben Roberts Photo
8. Dan James
8 - Stoke couldn't live with his pace and out-to-in runs down the right-hand side. Brave, physical and bagged another assist for Piroe's second of the night. Photo: Ben Roberts Photo
9. Manor Solomon
8 - No goal or assist but one of his best performances since joining on loan. Missed a good opportunity during the first half but other than that, caused problems all game long. Photo: Ben Roberts Photo
10. Brenden Aaronson
8 - Lively throughout and stood up well to some unfair attention from Wouter Burger. Two really well-struck attempts on goal, one either side of half-time which might've found the net on another day. Through-ball for Piroe's opener was a nice touch. Photo: Ben Roberts Photo
11. Joel Piroe
9 - Took both goals with composure and assuredness, in particular the first. Right place, right time for the second. Involved in build-up more often than he usually is in away games. Photo: Ben Roberts Photo
12. Largie Ramazani (sub)
6 - Played some nice stuff on the break after coming on. Eager to prove a point. Photo: Ben Roberts Photo