Over 20 Delicious Holiday Recipes

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the joyous tradition of gathering loved ones and, of course, indulging in incredible food! If you’re looking to elevate your festive spread this year, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve curated a spectacular collection of over 20 Best Holiday Recipes, hand-picked from some of our favorite culinary creators. From classic Christmas cookies and rich, decadent fudge to heartwarming savory dishes, this assortment promises to inspire your most memorable holiday menu yet.

These Christmas Recipes are truly winners, designed to bring warmth, flavor, and cheer to your holiday table. Whether you’re planning an intimate family dinner, a lively festive party, or simply want to bake up some delicious gifts for friends and neighbors, you’re bound to discover a recipe or two that becomes an instant classic in your holiday repertoire.

Elevate Your Christmas Menu with These Irresistible Recipes

For many of us, the holiday season means revisiting cherished family recipes – those timeless dishes that simply must be on the menu to prevent a full-blown family revolt! However, the holidays also offer a wonderful opportunity to explore new flavors and create fresh traditions. We’re incredibly grateful to our talented blogger friends who are sharing their absolute best holiday recipes with us today. This comprehensive list offers a delightful mix of both sweet and savory options, ensuring there’s something to please every palate. We invite you to explore these culinary gems and decide which of these Best Holiday Recipes will earn a coveted spot on your holiday menu this year!

Indulgent Holiday Desserts & Sweet Treats

The holidays wouldn’t be complete without a lavish spread of delightful sweets. From festive cookies to rich cheesecakes, these dessert recipes are perfect for satisfying every sweet tooth and making your holiday dessert table truly spectacular.

German Chocolate Cake Cookies

Experience the beloved flavors of German chocolate cake in a convenient, bite-sized cookie form. These German Chocolate Cake Cookies are a fantastic alternative to the traditional cake, featuring a rich chocolate base topped with a gooey, coconut-pecan frosting. They’re perfect for holiday cookie exchanges or simply for enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa. Their unique flavor profile makes them a standout among other holiday cookies, offering a comforting taste of home with every bite.

Cream Cheese Cookies

These Cream Cheese Cookies are a holiday baking essential. Known for their incredibly soft, tender texture and subtle tang, they melt in your mouth and are highly versatile. You can easily adapt them with a sprinkle of sugar, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a simple glaze to match your holiday theme. They’re a simple yet elegant addition to any Christmas cookie platter and remain a favorite year after year due to their delicate flavor and delightful consistency.

Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies

Embrace the quintessential flavor of the holiday season with these delightful Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies. These festive treats combine a tender, spiced cookie with a sweet, creamy eggnog filling, making them an absolute must for your holiday dessert table. They’re not only visually appealing but also offer a burst of classic Christmas taste that will have everyone reaching for more. A perfect embodiment of holiday cheer in cookie form!

Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake with Chocolate Ganache

Prepare to be dazzled by this show-stopping Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake. Combining the rich indulgence of chocolate with the refreshing kick of peppermint, all crowned with a luscious chocolate ganache, this dessert is a true masterpiece for holiday entertaining. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a Christmas dinner, offering a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will leave a lasting impression on your guests. A decadent treat that embodies festive sophistication.

Hot Chocolate Cookies

Capture the cozy comfort of a warm mug of hot chocolate in cookie form! These Hot Chocolate Cookies are soft, chewy, and often feature mini marshmallows melted on top, mimicking the beloved winter beverage. They’re a delightful and creative addition to any holiday cookie platter, perfect for kids and adults alike. Serve them with milk for the ultimate nostalgic treat during those chilly December evenings.

Crockpot Candy

For a surprisingly simple yet incredibly delicious holiday treat, look no further than Crockpot Candy. This recipe involves melting chocolate with various nuts (like peanuts and almonds) in a slow cooker, then dropping spoonfuls onto parchment paper to set. It’s an ideal recipe for busy holiday schedules, requiring minimal effort for maximum crowd-pleasing results. Perfect for gifting or adding to your festive candy spread, these clusters are irresistibly crunchy and sweet.

Five Minute Fudge

Need a quick dessert or edible gift? This Five Minute Fudge is a holiday lifesaver! It truly comes together in just minutes, yet delivers all the rich, creamy decadence you expect from homemade fudge. This recipe is a fantastic way to satisfy sudden sweet cravings or to quickly whip up a batch for unexpected guests. Its simplicity doesn’t compromise on flavor, making it a highly practical and beloved holiday staple for busy bakers.

Italian Ricotta Cookies

Italian Ricotta Cookies are a holiday tradition for many, known for their incredibly soft, cake-like texture and delicate, sweet flavor. The ricotta cheese in the batter makes them exceptionally moist and tender, a delightful contrast to many crispier holiday cookies. Often finished with a simple lemon glaze and festive sprinkles, these cookies are a light and airy treat that will beautifully complement your heavier holiday desserts. They offer a taste of Italian-American heritage that’s perfect for sharing.

Red Velvet Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies

Add a pop of vibrant color and refreshing flavor to your cookie tray with Red Velvet Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies. These striking red cookies, filled with a cool peppermint center, are a visual and culinary delight. They perfectly blend the rich cocoa notes of red velvet with the crisp, clean taste of peppermint, creating a festive sensation that’s sure to be a hit. Ideal for Christmas parties and gifting, they truly embody the spirit of the season.

Country Cinnamon Apple Dumplings

Warm, comforting, and utterly delicious, these Country Cinnamon Apple Dumplings are the epitome of cozy holiday desserts. Fresh apples are encased in a flaky pastry and baked in a sweet, spiced cinnamon sauce until golden and bubbling. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly satisfying treat. This rustic dessert brings a touch of homely charm and irresistible aroma to your holiday table, perfect for a cold winter’s night.

Toffee Almond Snowballs

These Toffee Almond Snowballs are a delightful twist on the classic holiday snowball cookie. Infused with crunchy toffee bits and rich almond flavor, these delicate, buttery cookies are rolled in a cloud of powdered sugar, giving them their characteristic “snowball” appearance. They’re light, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your holiday cookie platter. The addition of toffee provides a delightful textural contrast and a deeper caramel note.

Pumpkin Turtle Cheesecake

For those who adore both pumpkin and decadent caramel, this Pumpkin Turtle Cheesecake is a match made in holiday heaven. This rich, creamy cheesecake features a spiced pumpkin base swirled with gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and a drizzle of chocolate. It’s a show-stopping dessert that combines the best of autumn and winter flavors, making it an ideal choice for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings. The “turtle” elements add a delightful crunch and sweetness to the smooth cheesecake.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake

This Cranberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a beautifully moist and flavorful dessert that perfectly balances tart and sweet. The richness of cream cheese makes the pound cake incredibly tender, while fresh or frozen cranberries add a vibrant burst of color and a delightful tang. It’s a wonderful cake for holiday brunches, desserts, or even as an edible gift. Its festive appearance and incredible taste ensure it will be a welcome addition to any holiday table, simple yet elegant.

Best Sugar Cookies

No holiday cookie platter is complete without a batch of classic Best Sugar Cookies. This recipe delivers a perfectly tender, slightly crisp-edged cookie that holds its shape beautifully for decorating. It’s the ideal canvas for your creative frosting and sprinkle designs, making cookie decorating a beloved family activity. These simple yet satisfying cookies evoke a sense of childhood nostalgia and are a must-have for Christmas baking, cookie exchanges, and spreading cheer.

Eggnog Sugar Cookie Bars

If you love the flavor of eggnog and the ease of bar cookies, these Eggnog Sugar Cookie Bars are your new holiday go-to. They offer all the festive taste of traditional eggnog sugar cookies without the hassle of rolling and cutting individual shapes. A soft, chewy cookie base infused with eggnog is topped with a creamy eggnog frosting, creating an irresistible treat. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or a quick dessert, these bars are a convenient and delicious way to celebrate.

Chocolate Covered Mint Patties

Indulge in the classic combination of chocolate and mint with these homemade Chocolate Covered Mint Patties. These refreshing treats feature a smooth, cool peppermint center enrobed in rich, dark chocolate, reminiscent of your favorite store-bought candies but even better. They are surprisingly easy to make and make a sophisticated addition to your holiday candy platter or a thoughtful homemade gift. The cool mint provides a delightful contrast to the rich chocolate, making them utterly addictive.

Savory Delights for Your Holiday Table

While desserts often steal the show, a truly memorable holiday meal is built upon a foundation of incredible savory dishes. These recipes offer hearty main courses, comforting sides, and delightful appetizers to round out your festive feast.

Tangerine Glazed Ham

Transform your holiday centerpiece with this stunning Tangerine Glazed Ham. The vibrant, zesty tangerine glaze adds a beautiful citrusy sweetness and a glossy finish to a perfectly cooked ham. This recipe elevates a traditional holiday meal with its bright, refreshing flavor profile, offering a delicious alternative or complement to classic honey or brown sugar glazes. It’s sure to be a show-stopper that your guests will talk about long after the feast is over, making it one of the best holiday recipes for your main course.

Whipped Ricotta Spread

Start your holiday meal with an elegant yet simple appetizer like this Whipped Ricotta Spread. Light, airy, and incredibly versatile, whipped ricotta can be seasoned with herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a touch of honey for a sweet-savory blend. Serve it with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for a sophisticated starter that’s easy to prepare but impressive to serve. It’s a wonderful way to awaken the palate before the main event, offering a delicate texture and customizable flavor.

1-Hour Dinner Rolls

Freshly baked bread is a must for any holiday feast, and these 1-Hour Dinner Rolls are a game-changer! Imagine warm, fluffy, homemade rolls gracing your table with minimal effort and time commitment. This recipe is perfect for busy holiday hosts who want to add that special touch without spending hours in the kitchen. They’re soft, buttery, and utterly irresistible, ideal for soaking up gravies or simply enjoying with butter. A truly indispensable part of the holiday menu.

Asiago Cheese Ball

A classic party favorite, this Asiago Cheese Ball, especially with roasted garlic, is an appetizer that promises to disappear quickly. The sharp, nutty flavor of Asiago cheese is perfectly complemented by the sweet, mellow notes of roasted garlic, all blended into a creamy, spreadable texture. Roll it in fresh herbs or finely chopped nuts for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. Serve with an assortment of crackers and crudités for a festive and flavorful start to your holiday gathering.

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Take your mashed potatoes to the next level with this incredibly satisfying Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole. Creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes are baked until golden and bubbly, often with additions like crispy bacon, green onions, and extra cheese, creating a truly irresistible side dish. This casserole is the ultimate comfort food and a fantastic make-ahead option for busy holiday meal prep. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that adds richness and heartiness to any holiday plate.

Explore More Holiday Recipe Inspiration:

We hope you’ve found abundant delicious inspiration as you’ve journeyed through these Best Holiday Recipes! Once the Thanksgiving festivities wind down, our minds inevitably turn to the magic of Christmas, and with it, our list of holiday sweets and savories to share with friends and neighbors grows. Beyond the delectable collection above, here are a few more tried-and-true favorites that are perfect for your holiday baking and entertaining plans:

• No-Fail Fudge: A foolproof recipe for creamy, rich fudge that always turns out perfectly, ideal for gifting or a quick indulgence.
• Chewy Gingersnaps: Spiced to perfection with a delightful chewy texture, these gingersnaps are a classic holiday cookie that brings warmth and flavor.
• Butterscotch Cookies: A sweet and buttery treat with the nostalgic taste of butterscotch, offering a comforting flavor profile for your cookie assortment.
• Star of Bethlehem Cookies: Beautifully shaped and delicately flavored, these cookies are as lovely to look at as they are to eat, perfect for adding a touch of elegance.
• English Toffee: Crunchy, buttery, and coated in chocolate, homemade English toffee is an impressive and utterly addictive confection for gifting or sharing.
• Caramels: Soft, chewy, and rich, these homemade vanilla caramels are a delightful indulgence that melts in your mouth.
• Plus, dive deeper into our extensive categories for even more festive ideas: all my Best Holiday Recipes and Best Christmas Recipes.

What kind of tempting treats are you cookin’ up for the holidays this year? We’d love to hear your favorites! We sincerely hope you’ll try some of these amazing dishes from our talented friends. Don’t forget to use the Pinterest button above or below to save these wonderful recipes to your holiday boards for easy access later.