Holiday meals shine brighter when plates are filled with reds, greens, golds, and comfort. This collection brings roasts, sides, breads, and treats layered with festive flair. Expect cinnamon warmth, buttery richness, and recipes that feel like home. Each dish sparks tradition, while small updates keep things fresh. Christmas flavors come alive in every bite.

Almond flour chocolate cookies

Chocolate almond flour cookies drizzled with chocolate on a piece of parchment paper.
Almond flour chocolate cookies. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

These almond flour chocolate cookies are soft, chewy, and lightly sweetened. They offer a rich chocolate flavor while staying wonderfully tender. Simple to prepare, they’re great for holidays or everyday snacking. They also make a tasty gluten-friendly option.
Get the Recipe: Almond flour chocolate cookies

Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies

Chocolate oatmeal no-bake cookies on a white plate.
Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These no-bake chocolate oatmeal cookies make a quick treat when you want something sweet without turning on the oven. They come together fast and set into a chewy, chocolatey bite. Perfect for busy days, they satisfy cravings in minutes. Ideal for both snacks and easy desserts.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies

Cacio e Pepe

Image shows a plate with cacio e pepe in a neat pile topped with shaved parmesan cheese.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This classic Italian pasta looks elegant but is surprisingly simple and quick to prepare. Made with just a few ingredients, it’s ready in about 15 minutes from boiling water to serving. The combination of cheese and pepper creates a deeply comforting flavor. It’s a deliciously satisfying dish for pasta lovers.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Quick Oatmeal Cookies

Pile of oatmeal cookies on a plate.
Quick Oatmeal Cookies. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These quick oatmeal cookies come together effortlessly using ingredients you likely already have at home. They bake into soft, comforting treats perfect for sharing. Their familiar flavor makes them great for any gathering. Simple, reliable, and always delicious.
Get the Recipe: Quick Oatmeal Cookies

Beef Wellington Bites

A square plate with seven baked pastry balls arranged around a small bowl of creamy dip, garnished with chopped chives. Perfect for festive foods, a spoon rests in the dip.
Beef Wellington Bites. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

These bite-size Beef Wellington treats wrap tender beef in flaky puff pastry for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Each piece delivers rich flavor in a convenient handheld form. They look elegant on a holiday table yet are surprisingly easy to assemble. Perfect for parties or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Beef Wellington Bites

Candy cane fudge

Two pieced of candycane fudge stacked the top with a bite out of it and more fudge and candy canes behind them.
Candy cane fudge. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

This candy cane fudge is smooth, creamy, and requires no tricky chocolate tempering. With just four ingredients, it comes together fast and stays firm at room temperature. The peppermint adds a festive touch that pairs perfectly with the chocolate base. A great holiday gift or party treat.
Get the Recipe: Candy cane fudge

Almond Flour Sugar Cookies

Almond flour sugar cookies in Christmas tree shape dusted with cane sugar around a cut of coffee.
Almond Flour Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

These almond flour sugar cookies put a wholesome twist on a classic favorite. Thin and crispy, they balance indulgence with a lighter ingredient list. Their subtle sweetness makes them perfect for decorating or enjoying plain. Ideal for gluten-friendly baking.
Get the Recipe: Almond Flour Sugar Cookies

PB&J Flourless Cookies

Cooling rack with flourless peanut butter thumbprint cookies topped with jam with a jar of jam and a spoon behind them.
PB&J Flourless Cookies. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

These flourless peanut butter cookies are soft, simple, and made with just five ingredients. A spoonful of jam adds nostalgic PB&J flavor to every bite. They’re quick to prepare and naturally gluten-friendly. A playful spin on a childhood classic.
Get the Recipe: PB&J Flourless Cookies

Hershey kiss cookies in rows on a cooling rack.
Hershey Kiss Cookie. Photo credit: Savoringthegood.

These classic peanut butter blossom-style cookies are a beloved Christmas tradition. Each cookie features a chocolate kiss pressed into a soft, peanut butter base. They come together in under an hour and freeze well for holiday prep. Always the first to disappear at cookie exchanges.
Get the Recipe: Hershey Kiss Cookie

Saltine Toffee

Close-up of toffee pieces topped with chocolate, crushed nuts, and red heart-shaped sprinkles.
Saltine Toffee. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Saltine toffee transforms simple crackers into a buttery, crunchy, sweet-salty treat. With only five ingredients, it’s incredibly quick to make. The toffee layer bakes into a candy-like finish that’s completely addictive. A holiday favorite for gifting or snacking.
Get the Recipe: Saltine Toffee

Peanut Brittle

A white plate filled with pieces of peanut brittle on a wooden table.
Peanut Brittle. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This homemade peanut brittle is delightfully crunchy with a perfect balance of sweet and salty. It’s surprisingly easy to cook from scratch. Each bite breaks into crisp, nutty shards full of flavor. Great for parties, holidays, or edible gifts.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Brittle

Chewy Molasses Cookies

A hand holds a chewy molasses cookie facing the camera with more cookies on a baking sheet in the background.
Chewy Molasses Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These molasses cookies have a warm, lightly spiced flavor that has been loved for generations. They bake into soft, chewy rounds that feel cozy and nostalgic. The rich molasses adds depth and sweetness. A timeless cookie that vanishes quickly from any plate.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Molasses Cookies

Double Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Plastic bowl of cookies with Christmas decor.
Double Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

These double chocolate oatmeal cookies combine rich chocolate flavor with hearty oats. They’re enjoyable to make and even better to eat. The texture is soft with a hint of chewiness. Perfect for chocolate fans looking for an easy cookie.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Peppermint Mocha

Two mugs of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and crushed peppermint sit on a wooden plate with several candy canes, perfect for savoring during holiday cooking or adding to your favorite Christmas recipes.
Peppermint Mocha. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

This homemade peppermint mocha brings together creamy chocolate, bold coffee, and refreshing mint. Inspired by the popular café version, it can be made in just minutes. It tastes festive and indulgent, especially with candy cane garnish. A delightful way to warm up during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Mocha

Oven Roasted Rosemary Almonds

A jar of rosemary roasted almonds.
Oven Roasted Rosemary Almonds. Photo credit: The Honour System.

These roasted almonds offer a savory, aromatic flavor with a touch of spice. They make a wholesome snack that’s perfect for gatherings or gifting. The rosemary adds an elegant herbal note. Simple to prepare and wonderfully addictive.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Rosemary Almonds

Two frosted dessert bars stacked on a white plate, placed on a woven mat with a whisk and spoon nearby.
Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These sugar cookie bars feature a soft, buttery base filled with peppermint pieces. A creamy frosting tops them for extra sweetness and texture. They’re easy to slice and serve, making them great for parties. Mint lovers will adore every bite.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

A cooling rack with red velvet crinkle cookies.
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These cookies boast a rich red velvet flavor with a soft, fudgy texture. Their powdered sugar coating creates a striking crinkle effect as they bake. Both beautiful and delicious, they stand out on any dessert table. Perfect for festive celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Filipino Leche Flan

Leche flan caramel creme brulee on a plate with a spoon.
Filipino Leche Flan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This single-serve leche flan offers all the richness of the classic Filipino dessert in a smaller portion. It’s silky, sweet, and easy to prepare at home. The individual size keeps indulgence in check. A simple yet elegant treat.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Leche Flan

Hot Chocolate Cookies

Chocolate cookies with melted chocolate drizzle, some topped with white chocolate chunks.
Hot Chocolate Cookies. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

These cookies capture the taste of a hot cup of cocoa in dessert form. Soft and gooey, they’re topped with a melty marshmallow and a drizzle of chocolate. They’re perfect for cozy winter evenings or festive gatherings. A must-bake treat for hot chocolate lovers.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Cookies

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

Read More About Me

Follow Lucy on social media:

Posted in:

You May Also Like:

Sign up with your email address to receive a 5-day series of Southern Cooking Secrets, followed by weekly emails with recipes and tips. We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *