It’s the most wonderful time of the year – Christmas! The holiday season is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the spirit than with a plethora of delicious and easy-to-make recipes? From sweet treats like Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies and Easy Peppermint Fudge, to savory dishes like Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham and One-Pan Roasted Turkey with Vegetables, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want to treat your loved ones (and yourself!) to a special Christmas meal, these 18 festive and easy Christmas recipes are sure to become new family favorites.
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
These chewy cookies combine the invigorating flavor of peppermint with the richness of dark chocolate chips, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth during the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp peppermint extract
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and peppermint extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, then stir in chocolate chips.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham
A sweet and savory twist on classic ham, this slow cooker recipe yields a tender and flavorful main course perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) boneless ham, trimmed of excess fat
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to Low.
2. In a small bowl, mix together honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon.
3. Place the ham in the slow cooker and spoon the glaze evenly over the top of the ham.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on Low for 8-10 hours or High for 4-6 hours.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
Elevate your snack game with this irresistible, cheesy, and garlicky pull-apart bread that’s perfect for parties or cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14.1 oz) can of refrigerated biscuits
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and softened butter.
3. Roll out the biscuits on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
4. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Sprinkle grated cheese over the garlic butter layer.
6. Roll the dough into a log shape and cut it into 12-15 equal pieces.
7. Place the pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each piece.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Cranberry Brie Bites
These bite-sized appetizers combine the creamy richness of brie cheese with the tangy sweetness of cranberries. Perfect for holiday parties or casual gatherings, these Cranberry Brie Bites are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 (8 oz) wheel of brie cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into small squares, about 3 inches per side.
3. Place a spoonful of softened brie cheese in the center of each square. Top with a few cranberries and drizzle with honey. Sprinkle with thyme.
4. Fold pastry over filling to form a triangle or square shape. Seal edges by pressing gently with fingers or fork.
5. Place bites on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch space between each.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Easy Gingerbread House
Get ready to build a sweet treat with this simple gingerbread house recipe!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Water, as needed
– Royal icing and decorations (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
6. Use a cookie cutter or a knife to cut out shapes for the house, roof, and doors. Place on prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch.
8. Allow to cool completely before assembling the gingerbread house.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
One-Pan Roasted Turkey with Vegetables
Elevate your holiday meal with this effortless one-pan recipe that combines tender turkey with a variety of roasted vegetables. Perfect for a stress-free Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 (3-4 pound) whole turkey breast
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, peeled and chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and red bell peppers)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until caramelized, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the garlic, carrots, celery, and mixed vegetables; cook for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Place the turkey breast on top of the vegetables and season with salt and pepper.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 45-50 minutes or until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza
Gather your friends and family around the table this holiday season with a show-stopping Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for parties, gatherings, or even just a fun twist on a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup of pizza sauce
– 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup of chopped prosciutto or bacon
– 1/4 cup of red pepper flakes (optional)
– Confectioners’ sugar (for decorating)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
2. Spread the pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
3. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
4. Create the “tree” shape by placing small dollops of pizza dough on top of the cheese, spaced evenly apart.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Remove from oven and sprinkle with parsley, Parmesan cheese, prosciutto or bacon, and red pepper flakes (if using).
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar to resemble a Christmas tree.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Eggnog Cheesecake Bars
Celebrate the holiday season with these creamy, dreamy Eggnog Cheesecake Bars. A perfect combination of rich eggnog, sweet cheesecake, and crumbly graham cracker crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 12 oz (340g) cream cheese, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup eggnog
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix crust ingredients until combined. Press into prepared baking dish.
3. Beat cream cheese and eggs until smooth. Add eggnog, vanilla extract, and confectioners’ sugar; mix well.
4. Pour cheesecake mixture over crust. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
5. Let cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe: Quick and Creamy!
Get ready to experience the comfort of mashed potatoes without the hassle of tedious cooking time! This Instant Pot recipe yields creamy, fluffy, and deliciously flavored mashed potatoes in no time.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: garlic powder, chives, or grated cheese for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Add the cubed potatoes, milk, butter, salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot.
2. Close the lid and set the valve to “sealing”. Cook on high pressure for 5-7 minutes.
3. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining steam.
4. Open the lid and mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork until smooth and creamy.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes (including natural pressure release)
Snowman Hot Chocolate
Warm up with this delightful hot chocolate recipe that’s perfect for a chilly winter day. This Snowman Hot Chocolate is a fun twist on the classic treat, featuring marshmallow snowmen floating in a rich and creamy drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup milk (whole, skim or a non-dairy alternative)
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Marshmallows for the “snowmen”
– Whipped cream and additional marshmallows for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt until well combined.
3. Gradually whisk the dry mixture into the hot milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
5. Pour into mugs and create marshmallow “snowmen” by floating them on top of the hot chocolate.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Puff Pastry Christmas Wreath
Elevate your holiday table with this stunning Puff Pastry Christmas Wreath, perfect for entertaining and gifting. This show-stopping pastry is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 1/4 cup of confectioners’ sugar
– 1 tablespoon of orange zest
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
– Fresh cranberries and rosemary leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Mix confectioners’ sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl. Sprinkle mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Fold the 1-inch border up over the filling to create a rope-like design. Twist the ropes into a wreath shape and place on prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Allow to cool before garnishing with fresh cranberries and rosemary leaves.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Slow Cooker Mulled Wine
Perfect for chilly winter evenings, this slow cooker mulled wine recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of the season. With its aromatic spices and warm, comforting liquid, it’s sure to become a new holiday tradition.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle red wine (such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
– 2 oranges, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 6 whole cloves
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
3. Strain the wine before serving.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (low) or 1-2 hours (high)
Reindeer Chow Snack Mix
Reindeer Chow Snack Mix Recipe
Get ready to make a delicious and easy-to-make snack mix that’s perfect for the holiday season! This Reindeer Chow Snack Mix is a tasty blend of sweet and salty ingredients that will be a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Chex cereal (any variety)
– 1/2 cup pretzel sticks
– 1/4 cup M&M’s
– 1/4 cup chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon peanut butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the Chex cereal and pretzel sticks.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the M&M’s and chocolate chips.
3. Add the peanut butter and vanilla extract to the M&M mixture and stir until combined.
4. Pour the M&M mixture over the Chex mixture and stir until well coated.
5. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: None! This snack mix is ready in just minutes.
Enjoy your delicious Reindeer Chow Snack Mix!
Easy Peppermint Fudge
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this simple recipe that yields a creamy and refreshing peppermint fudge perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) white chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup (120ml) sweetened condensed milk
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 12 oz (340g) semisweet chocolate chips
– Crushed candy canes or chopped peppermint candies for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract and salt.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth top.
5. Melt semisweet chocolate chips in the microwave or in a double boiler. Pour over the white chocolate layer.
6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
7. Cut into squares and garnish with crushed candy canes or chopped peppermint candies, if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (including cooling time)
Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots
Elevate your vegetable side dish game with this simple and flavorful recipe that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the richness of garlic butter.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 medium-sized carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-sized sticks
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the carrot sticks with 1 tablespoon of garlic, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated.
3. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and stir until fragrant.
4. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the carrots, tossing to combine.
5. Spread the carrot sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and caramelized.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Christmas Morning Casserole
Start your holiday morning with a warm and comforting casserole that combines the flavors of sweet potatoes, sausage, and cheese. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a busy Christmas morning breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat until browned, breaking apart with spoon as it cooks.
3. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. In a separate bowl, combine diced sweet potatoes, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, feta cheese, salt, and pepper.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and add the sweet potato mixture.
6. Top with the sausage and onion mixture.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Shortbread Cookie Truffles
Transform classic shortbread cookies into decadent truffles by combining them with creamy buttercream and coating in chocolate. Perfect for special occasions or as a sweet surprise.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup crumbled Shortbread Cookies (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the crumbled cookies, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
2. Roll the cookie mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Chill the truffles in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
5. Dip each chilled truffle into the melted chocolate, using a fork to coat evenly. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Refrigerate for an additional 15 minutes to set the chocolate.
Cooking Time: None (assembling only)
Spiced Apple Cider Punch
Spiced Apple Cider Punch Recipe
Warm up with this deliciously spicy apple cider punch, perfect for chilly fall and winter gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon apple cider
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
– 6 whole cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– Slices of orange and lemon for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine apple cider, brown sugar, and honey. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and honey dissolve.
2. Add the cinnamon stick pieces, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger to the pot. Stir well to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
4. Strain the punch into a large pitcher or jug to remove the spices and cinnamon stick pieces.
5. Serve warm, garnished with slices of orange and lemon if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Summary
Get into the holiday spirit with these 18 easy and delicious Christmas recipes! From sweet treats like Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies and Eggnog Cheesecake Bars, to savory dishes like Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham and One-Pan Roasted Turkey with Vegetables, there’s something for everyone. Plus, indulge in festive drinks like Snowman Hot Chocolate and Spiced Apple Cider Punch, or try your hand at decorating with Puff Pastry Christmas Wreath and Easy Gingerbread House. Whatever your holiday traditions, these recipes are sure to bring joy and cheer to your table.
