12 Days of Christmas Recipes
Christmas is one of those holidays that people love celebrating all month long, giving you no shortage of opportunities to make some delicious holiday memories.
To celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas, we’ve gathered up some of our Christmas recipes to satisfy every craving, from savory main courses to sweet treats and even holiday punch recipes.
Whether you’re looking for something simple and want a few easy recipes to try this holiday or love putting on your chef’s hat to test your culinary skills, you’ll find something here to get you in the holiday spirit. So, turn on some Christmas music, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Hungry for more? Check out our holiday cooking classes! You’ll learn new, festive recipes and pick up a few tricks from our resident chefs.
12. Prime Rib Roast with Madeira-Mushroom Gravy
Prime rib is a classic Christmas dinner dish that feels extra impressive and epic on your holiday table.
Simply seasoned with salt and pepper, this dish gets its “wow” factor from the Madeira-mushroom gravy made with pan drippings, mushrooms, red wine and beef broth. It’s savory, salty and the perfect complement to this tried-and-true cut of meat.
11. Holiday Orange Cranberry Punch
This is the perfect festive punch recipe to serve at your next holiday party or gathering.
Made with a blend of orange juice, cranberry juice, pineapple juice and lemon-lime soda, this is a refreshing and flavorful Christmas mocktail that your guests will love. The beautiful, festive color also adds a nice pop of contrast to any cocktail bar or holiday tablescape.
For an alcoholic variation, simply add in your favorite liquor, or substitute some of the soda for champagne.
10. Gingerbread Cookies
These soft and chewy gingerbread cookies are a holiday favorite!
Made with warm spices and sweet molasses, this classic Christmas cookie recipe is sure to fill your home with holiday cheer and the homey smells of the season.
At your holiday party, grab your favorite cookie cutters and have a Christmas cookie decorating station for the kids—complete with festive sprinkles, candy toppings and different colored icings. This holiday baking recipe is perfect with a mug of hot cocoa or your favorite drink.
9. Seared Duck Breast with Figs and Pinot Noir Shallot Sauce
Roasted duck is a popular Christmas dinner dish around the world and, while not as commonly cooked in the US, is a delicious dish to add to your holiday recipe rotation.
When properly cooked, duck is rich, juicy and more flavorful than turkey or chicken. This recipe walks you through the proper cooking technique, where you’ll score the skin to help render the fat. Jammy figs, wine and hints of thyme and shallot vinegar perfectly round out the flavor.
Get the Seared Duck Breast with Figs and Pinot Noir Shallot Sauce recipe
8. Chocolate Loaf with Peppermint Glaze
Nothing screams “Christmas” quite like the warm, decadent, refreshingly sweet combination of chocolate and peppermint.
And this one is even more sinfully satisfying as a loaf because every bite is filled with gooey chocolate and hints of vanilla—all smothered in a homemade peppermint glaze. Pair it with one of our hot cocoa mixes (and maybe a splash of your favorite liqueur) for a truly jolly treat.
7. Instant Pot Christmas Wassail
This aromatic holiday punch is made in an Instant Pot to meld the flavors together quickly.
Using orange juice, hard cider, cranberry juice and a variety of spices, this warming and flavorful beverage is perfect for cozy gatherings with friends and family. Serve it in festive cups or mugs and enjoy all season.
6. Turkey Pumpkin Chili
Turkey and pumpkin are two well-loved ingredients for the holidays and it’s no surprise why.
Their flavors complement each other perfectly and pair well with the spices in this soul-soothing holiday lunch or dinner recipe.
Made with ground turkey, roasted pumpkin and a spicy blend of chili seasonings, this is an easy and healthy holiday recipe that’s perfect for chilly nights! The turkey and pumpkin are simmered with diced tomatoes, black beans and a blend of cumin and adobo sauce for a rich and flavorful chili. Serve it with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, fresh cilantro and diced avocado.
5. Duo-Tone Chocolate Pots De Crème
Chocolate Pots De Crème is an elegant, decadent dessert that is sure to delight this holiday season.
The smooth, creamy chocolate custard is slow-baked in individual ramekins to create a rich, velvety texture, and the chocolate custard is topped with a sweet layer of chocolate ganache for an extra malty bite.
Serve chilled for a luxurious, indulgent treat that is perfect for a special occasion or after-dinner Christmas dessert.
4. Persimmon Spice Waffles with Persimmons, Pomegranates and Pecans
These delicious pecan-spiced waffles combine the classic flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg and toasted pecans for a warm, comforting holiday breakfast treat.
The crunchy pecans provide a great texture contrast to the fluffy waffles while the spices add a sweet and earthy flavor. Perfect for a cozy weekend brunch, these waffles are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Get the Persimmon Spice Waffles with Persimmons, Pomegranates and Pecans recipe
3. Instant Pot Lamb Chops with Creamed Cauliflower
If you read our round-up of “10 Christmas Dinner Recipes We’re Making This Year,” you’ll recognize this quick and surprisingly simple recipe.
But considering it all comes together in just about 30 minutes, we think it deserves another shout-out. While lamb is not the most traditional choice for Christmas dinner, it’s certainly impressive. Especially when it boasts the hearty holiday flavors of shallot, rosemary and caramelized meat atop a bed of creamy, mashed cauliflower.
Get the Instant Pot Lamb Chops with Creamed Cauliflower recipe
2. Croquembouche
If you’re looking to flex your holiday baking skills, this Christmas dessert recipe is for you.
This tower of cream puffs is held together with caramel and is traditionally served at weddings, baptisms and first communions in Italy and France. The shape makes it perfect for Christmas, too, creating an elegant tree figure that is sure to impress your guests.
Filled with light, creamy custard and adorned with the holiday toppings of your choosing (spun sugar, cranberries, almonds, chocolate shavings or sprinkles would all be great choices), this Christmas recipe is soon to be a new family favorite!
1. Gingerbread Trifle with Cranberry Curd
Sure, we probably all remember that one episode of Friends where Rachel screwed up the trifle, but one bite of this cranberry and citrus-laced, chocolaty, creamy dessert will make you feel like a winner this season.
Plus, it’ll look mighty impressive as the centerpiece on your holiday table.
Get the Gingerbread Trifle with Cranberry Curd recipe
Hungry for more? Check out our holiday cooking classes! You’ll learn new, festive recipes and pick up a few tricks from our resident chefs.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION