10 Easy and Delicious Recipes to Make This Holiday Season

The holidays are a time for gathering, sharing, and indulging in delicious treats. Whether you’re hosting a festive feast or just want to whip up something special for family and friends, these recipes are easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for adding that extra sprinkle of holiday magic.

1. Classic Gingerbread Cookies

Perfect for: Holiday baking with kids.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup molasses
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in molasses, egg, and vanilla.
3. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
4. Roll out dough, cut into shapes, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
5. Decorate with icing and sprinkles for a festive touch.

2. Holiday Hot Cocoa Bombs

Perfect for: DIY edible gifts or cozy movie nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Hot cocoa powder
• Mini marshmallows
• Optional: crushed candy canes for garnish

Instructions:

1. Melt chocolate and coat silicone molds to form half spheres.
2. Once set, fill one half with cocoa powder and marshmallows.
3. Warm the edges of the other half and seal together.
4. Decorate with drizzled chocolate and crushed candy canes.
5. Place in a mug, pour hot milk over, and watch the magic happen.

3. Baked Brie with Cranberries and Pecans

Perfect for: Elegant holiday appetizers.

Ingredients:

• 1 wheel of Brie cheese
• ½ cup cranberry sauce
• ¼ cup chopped pecans
• 1 tbsp honey
• Optional: puff pastry for wrapping

Instructions:

1. Place Brie on a baking sheet (or wrap in puff pastry for a fancier version).
2. Top with cranberry sauce, pecans, and drizzle with honey.
3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until warm and gooey.
4. Serve with crackers or fresh baguette slices.

4. Slow Cooker Holiday Ham

Perfect for: A no-fuss main dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 spiral-cut ham
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• ½ cup pineapple juice

Instructions:

1. Mix brown sugar, honey, mustard, and pineapple juice in a bowl.
2. Place the ham in a slow cooker and pour the glaze over it.
3. Cook on low for 4–5 hours, basting occasionally.
4. Slice and serve with your favorite sides.

5. Festive Cranberry-Orange Sangria

Perfect for: Holiday cocktails or mocktails.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of red wine (or cranberry juice for a non-alcoholic version)
• 1 cup orange juice
• ½ cup brandy (optional)
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 orange, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 cups sparkling water

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients except sparkling water in a large pitcher.
2. Chill for at least 2 hours.
3. Add sparkling water before serving and garnish with orange slices.

6. Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Perfect for: Comfort food lovers.

Ingredients:

• 5 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup milk or heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes until tender, then mash.
2. Mix in sour cream, cream cheese, garlic, and cheddar cheese.
3. Gradually add milk for desired consistency.
4. Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.

7. Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars

Perfect for: Quick, shareable treats.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Sprinkles or frosting for decoration

Instructions:

1. Cream butter and sugar, then mix in egg and vanilla.
2. Add dry ingredients and press dough into a greased baking pan.
3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes.
4. Once cooled, frost and decorate with sprinkles.

8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Maple and Bacon

Perfect for: A flavorful side dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs Brussels sprouts, halved
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread on a baking sheet with bacon.
3. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
4. Drizzle with maple syrup before serving.

9. Peppermint Bark

Perfect for: Sweet holiday gifts.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• ½ cup crushed candy canes

Instructions:

1. Melt dark chocolate and spread on a parchment-lined tray. Let it set.
2. Melt white chocolate and spread on top of the dark chocolate.
3. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes and let it harden.
4. Break into pieces and package for gifting.

10. Eggnog Bread Pudding

Perfect for: A decadent holiday dessert.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups cubed day-old bread
• 2 cups eggnog
• 3 eggs
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Whisk eggnog, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla in a bowl.
2. Pour mixture over bread cubes and let sit for 20 minutes.
3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes until golden.
4. Serve with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Conclusion

From sweet treats to savory sides, these holiday recipes are sure to delight your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or enjoying an intimate evening at home, these dishes bring the warmth and joy of the season straight to your table.

Which recipe will you try first? Let us know in the comments or share your holiday favorites!