Top Holiday Recipes from Food Bloggers

There’s an undeniable magic that sweeps through the air during the holiday season, drawing us closer to the people and traditions we cherish most. It’s a time when homes glow with warmth, laughter echoes, and the irresistible aroma of festive food fills every corner. Food, in particular, plays a starring role in these cherished moments. Whether it’s the centerpiece of a beautifully adorned dinner table, the comforting warmth of a spiced beverage, or the delightful exchange of homemade cookie tins, culinary creations have an extraordinary power. They connect us, weaving indelible memories, and carrying forward the precious traditions that bind generations.

This year, we’re not just offering you a single go-to holiday recipe; we’re opening up a treasure trove of culinary inspiration! We’ve teamed up with some of my incredibly talented food blogger friends, whose creativity and passion for all things delicious continually inspire me. Together, we’ve meticulously curated a diverse collection of our absolute favorite holiday recipes. From elegant main courses that command attention to whimsical desserts that sparkle with festive cheer, and a selection of delightful cookies perfect for sharing, this roundup is designed to make your holiday gatherings truly unforgettable. We genuinely hope these recipes find a special place in your home and become part of your own beloved traditions. ❤️

Each of these incredible recipes comes from a dedicated food blogger who pours their heart and soul into creating, rigorously testing, and generously sharing their culinary masterpieces with the world for free. Your support means the world to us! Leaving a star rating and detailed review on our blogs, as well as tagging us on social media (e.g., Instagram, Facebook) when you recreate our dishes, are fantastic ways to show your appreciation and help our small businesses grow!

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Main Courses: The Heart of Your Holiday Feast

The main course is often the star of any holiday meal, setting the tone for a truly memorable dining experience. Whether you’re planning an intimate family dinner or a grand festive gathering, selecting the perfect entrée can elevate the entire celebration. This section features impressive yet approachable dishes that are sure to delight your guests and fill your home with the rich aromas of the season. These recipes are designed to be both delicious and manageable, allowing you to enjoy the company of your loved ones without stress.

1

realfoodwithsarah.com
Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
These melt-in-your-mouth short ribs are the epitome of comfort and elegance, perfect for a cozy winter gathering or a sophisticated holiday dinner. The rich, deep flavors developed through hours of slow braising in a luxurious red wine sauce create an unbelievably tender and impressive main course. Despite their gourmet appeal, they are surprisingly simple to prepare, requiring mostly hands-off cooking time. This dish promises to be a showstopper, leaving your guests utterly impressed and perfectly satisfied.

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2

neweltastingtable.com
Seared Duck Breast with Cranberry Rosemary Sauce
For those seeking a sophisticated yet surprisingly approachable main course, this seared duck breast offers a delightful twist on traditional holiday poultry. Crispy-skinned and tender, the duck is perfectly complemented by a vibrant cranberry rosemary sauce that bursts with festive flavors. It’s an elegant option that feels incredibly special, making it ideal for smaller, more intimate holiday dinners where you want to impress without overwhelming your kitchen.

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Festive Sips: Holiday Drinks to Toast the Season

No holiday celebration is complete without a signature drink to raise a toast! Whether you prefer something sparkling and bright or warm and comforting, a well-crafted beverage adds an extra layer of festivity to any gathering. This section features a delightful libation that’s easy to mix and guaranteed to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Perfect for welcoming guests or simply enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, these drinks are a must-have for your seasonal menu.

3

happyhoneykitchen.com
Cranberry Margarita (Christmas Cocktail with Tequila)
Inject some vibrant color and zesty sparkle into your holiday celebrations with this festive Cranberry Margarita. The bright, tartness of fresh cranberries perfectly balances the bold notes of tequila, creating a wonderfully refreshing and delightfully spirited drink. Garnished with a sugared rim and a sprig of rosemary, this cocktail is as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to sip, making it an instant crowd-pleaser for any Christmas party or New Year’s Eve gathering.

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Christmas Cookies: Sweet Treats for Sharing and Gifting

The holiday season simply wouldn’t be complete without an abundance of delicious Christmas cookies! These delightful bites are perfect for cozy evenings, festive parties, and especially for gifting to friends, family, and neighbors. Our collection features a wonderful variety, from classic spiced gingerbread to buttery shortbread and creative flavor combinations. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the joyous aromas of baking and create edible memories that will be treasured long after the last crumb is gone.

4
Easy Raspberry Crumble Cookies (Better than Costco)
These delightful crumble cookies feature a tender, buttery shortbread base crowned with a sweet, tangy raspberry preserve and a golden, crumbly topping. What makes them truly special for the holidays is their versatility – feel free to mix and match your favorite fruit preserves or even chocolate spreads to create a personalized batch! They’re easy to make and disappear quickly, making them a perfect addition to your holiday cookie platters or as thoughtful homemade gifts.

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5

alwayseatdessert.com
Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies
The warm, spicy aroma of gingerbread is synonymous with the holiday season, and these exquisitely designed snowflake cookies capture that essence perfectly. Beyond their stunning visual appeal, these intricately decorated treats boast a classic gingerbread flavor that is both comforting and festive. They are a true labor of love, making them a fantastic project for a snowy afternoon and a beautiful addition to any holiday dessert spread or cookie swap.

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6

untoldrecipesbynosheen.com
Shortbread Cookies (Rose, Pistachio & Cardamom)
These delicate shortbread cookies offer a sophisticated and uniquely fragrant flavor profile that will truly elevate your holiday cookie assortment. Infused with aromatic cardamom, delicate rose, and the subtle crunch of nutty pistachios, they are a sublime departure from traditional holiday flavors. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and elegant presentation make them a perfect addition to a gourmet cookie box or a refined treat to serve with tea or coffee during festive gatherings.

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7

stirtastesmile.com
Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cookies
Capture the comforting essence of everyone’s favorite winter drink in a delightful cookie form with these Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cookies. These treats perfectly combine the rich, fudgy notes of chocolate with the refreshing coolness of peppermint, creating a classic holiday flavor combination that’s utterly irresistible. They’re a fantastic choice for festive gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a mug of hot cocoa by the fireplace.

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8

afullliving.com
Nutella Thumbprint Cookies
These Nutella Thumbprint Cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, especially for chocolate and hazelnut lovers during the festive season! Featuring a delightfully soft, brownie-like cookie base, each one is generously filled with rich, creamy Nutella and often topped with a satisfying hazelnut crunch. They offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making them an irresistible addition to your holiday cookie platters, and a delightful treat for kids and adults alike.

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Holiday Desserts: A Sweet Grand Finale

The dessert course is the grand finale of any holiday meal, a moment to indulge and celebrate with something truly special. This collection of holiday desserts ranges from elegantly sophisticated to playfully festive, ensuring there’s a sweet treat to satisfy every craving. Whether you’re looking for unique presentations, comforting classics with a twist, or lighter options that still feel decadent, these recipes are designed to bring a dazzling and delicious end to your festive feasts.

9

walkingonsunshinerecipes.com
Puff Pastry Trees on a Stick with Nutella
These whimsical Puff Pastry Trees aren’t just desserts – they’re edible decorations that bring an extra layer of fun and festivity to your holiday table! Made with flaky puff pastry and a decadent Nutella filling, these delightful treats are served on a stick, making them perfect for holiday parties, children’s gatherings, or even as charming homemade gifts. They are simple to assemble and bake, ensuring you can create a memorable and delicious visual statement with minimal effort.

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10

bitesbybianca.com
Easy Matcha Christmas Tree Brownies
Offer a modern and visually striking dessert with these Easy Matcha Christmas Tree Brownies. This clever recipe takes fudgy brownies and transforms them into festive green Christmas trees, combining the rich sweetness of white chocolate with the subtle, earthy notes of matcha. These unique treats are not only delicious but also incredibly charming, perfect for adding a pop of unexpected color and flavor to your holiday dessert spread.

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11

everythingmarina.com
French Meringue Macarons Shells
For a touch of sophisticated elegance, these delicate French Meringue Macarons Shells are an exquisite choice for your holiday dessert spread. While they might seem intimidating, this recipe focuses on creating the perfect crisp shells, which can then be filled with your favorite festive ganaches, buttercreams, or jams. Their vibrant colors and ethereal texture make them an irresistible and visually stunning treat, guaranteed to impress discerning palates at any holiday celebration.

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12

elmundoeats.com
Mini Panettone With Chocolate Chips
Embrace a delightful Italian Christmas tradition with these charming Mini Panettone. This recipe offers a sweet, airy bread, studded generously with rich chocolate chips, all in individual-sized portions. These mini versions of the classic holiday loaf are perfect for serving at a festive brunch, as a light dessert after a big meal, or wrapped as delightful edible gifts. They bring a touch of European elegance and a perfect portion of holiday cheer to your table.

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13

bewelltable.com
White Chocolate Chip Chickpea Blondies Recipe
For those seeking a more mindful yet equally delicious holiday treat, these White Chocolate Chip Chickpea Blondies offer a delightful solution. This ingenious recipe takes a healthier approach to traditional blondies by incorporating chickpeas, resulting in a surprisingly moist and protein-rich dessert. Studded with sweet white chocolate chips, these blondies prove that holiday indulgences can indeed be both nutritious and utterly delicious, perfect for a guilt-free sweet ending.

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Share the Joy: Make New Memories This Holiday Season

By sharing this carefully curated collection of holiday recipes with you, we’re doing more than just passing along cooking instructions. We’re inviting you to step into our shared virtual kitchen, where the warmth of community and the spirit of celebration bring us all together. These dishes are more than just ingredients and steps; they are opportunities to create warmth, gather loved ones, and savor the festive moments that make the holidays so special.

Remember, the most wonderful part about holiday cooking extends far beyond the delicious flavors and appealing presentations. It’s the profound joy found in the act of creating something with love, and the immense happiness of sharing that special creation with family and friends. It’s about gathering around the table, telling stories, and forging new traditions or strengthening old ones through the universal language of food.

Whether you find yourself enthusiastically baking dozens of vibrant cookies for a neighborhood exchange, diligently preparing an elaborate feast for your extended family dinner, or simply trying a new festive drink for a quiet evening at home, we sincerely hope these recipes bring an abundance of warmth, happiness, and deliciousness to your holiday celebrations this year!

If you decide to make any of these wonderful recipes from our talented food bloggers this holiday season, we wholeheartedly encourage you to take a moment to leave a star rating and a thoughtful review on their respective blogs!

Your feedback, engagement, and support for these incredible creators are invaluable. It helps them continue to share their passion and skill, making the food blogging community such a special and inspiring place for all home cooks and food enthusiasts. A simple review can make a big difference!

So, as you plan your festive menus, we’re eager to know: What culinary delights will grace your holiday plates this season? Are you sticking to cherished family classics, or are you excited to try something new from our collection? Let us know your plans and favorites in the comments below!