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December Recipes Collection – We have gathered a collection of reader favorites (and our favorites!) for the month of December. There are recipes for every category: snacks, appetizers, sides, main dishes, and desserts.
Home cooks work hard every December. It’s the holiday season when the food keeps the cold away and supplies us with consolation and warmth during the long, gloomy evenings of winter.
December recipes can transform simple pantry ingredients into special weeknight dinners, delicious comfort food for the chilly night, and help us to make jubilant meals for our family and friends.
If you feel like winter is starting to look dark, don’t be afraid because there are Christmas lights at the end of the tunnel. All the flavorsome festive things are here to your rescue.
And that includes a multitude of delicious seasonal food that will help make your December stress-free.
We discuss what foods are in season and what holidays are in December. Check out what to make in December! (60+ recipes)
Table of contents
DECEMBER RECIPES TO COOK RIGHT NOW
Hello Friends, ever wonder what are good recipes to make in December?
We have gathered all the best recipes from the blog for December. Yes, you’ve heard that right.
We assembled recipes from every category. From sweet to savory. Aside from the fact that this is the month for celebration and indulging in yummy food, it’s also the perfect time to appreciate rich, deep meats, soups, and sweet desserts.
So if you’re still not sure about what to make for December, we are pretty sure that with this list of 60+ recipes, you’ll find something that’ll become a staple at your home during every holiday from now on.
What Foods are in Season in December?
With the array of food out there and a confusing number of recipes, one can get easily flustered. We understand how important December is for everyone and no one wants to end up with subpar food on the table.
We want to help make this month as special as possible for you.
Here are foods that are in season in the month of December, this, of course, varies depending on where you are located and the time of the month of December.
If you think I am missing anything on this list, please let me know in the comments below.
*categories are linked to a search for that category on our blog.
- apples
- beets
- bok choy
- broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- cabbage
- carrots
- cauliflower
- bitter greens: broccoli rabe, chicory (radicchio, puntarelle, and Belgian endive), turnip greens, and kale
- cranberries
- dates
- escarole
- fennel
- leeks
- grapefruit
- lemons
- mushrooms
- onions
- oranges
- pears
- persimmons – There are 2 main types of persimmons: Hachiya (tall) and Fuyu (squat) – (generally, persimmons taste is unique, sweet and like the mixture of pepper and mango with a hint of cinnamon)
- pomegranate
- potato – one of my all-time favorite food!
- radish – There are over 20 types of radishes, some of my favorites include: French Breakfast Radish, Watermelon Radish, Daikon White Radish, Horseradish, Cherry Belle, Pink Radish
- rutabaga
- spinach
- sweet potato – we love sweet potatoes in our family and eat them on a weekly basis
- tangerine
- turnip – There are over 30 varieties of turnips, some of my favorites include: Kohlrabi (German Turnip), Hakurei Turnip (also called, Tokyo Turnip)
- Winter squash (11 varieties):
- Acorn squash
- Banana squash
- Buttercup squash
- Butternut squash
- Delicata squash
- Hubbard Squash
- Kabocha squash
- Pumpkin
- Spaghetti squash
- Sweet Dumpling Squash
- Turban Squash
When Does Winter Season Start?
Winter 2019 in Northern Hemisphere will begin on Saturday, December 21, and ends on Thursday, March 19, 2020 (All dates are in Eastern Standard Time) – So December is interesting because it’s a month that is the end of the Autumn/Fall season and the start of the Winter season.
What Holidays are in December?
Here are the holidays (official and unofficial) in December:
- December 1st – National Christmas Lights Day (Special Interest Activities)
- December 2nd – Cyber Monday (Special Interest Shopping)
- December 4th – National Cookie Day (Food & Beverage Dessert, Food)
- December 6th – National Gazpacho Day (Food & Beverage Food)
- December 7th – National Cotton Candy Day (Food & Beverage, Candy)
- December 8th – National Brownie Day (Food & Beverage Food)
- December 9th – National Llama Day (Animal Wildlife)
- December 9th – National Pastry Day (Food & Beverage Food)
- December 10th – National Lager Day (Food & Beverage Liquor)
- December 12th – Gingerbread House Day (Special Interest Activities)
- December 12th – National Poinsettia Day Fun (Catholic, Christian, Cultural, Festivities, Historical)
- December 13th – National Ice Cream Day (Food & Beverage Food) RELATED: Ice Cream Recipes Collection
- December 14th – National Bouillabaisse Day (Food & Beverage Cooking, Cultural, French) RELATED: Soup Recipes Collection
- December 15th – National Cupcake Day (Food & Beverage Food)
- December 16th – National Chocolate Covered Anything Day (Food & Beverage Chocolate, Crazy, Dessert, Food) RELATED: Chocolate Candies Recipes Collection
- December 17th – National Maple Syrup Day (Food & Beverage Food)
- December 19th – National Hard Candy Day (Food & Beverage Food)
- December 20th – National Sangria Day (Food & Beverage Liquor)
- December 20th – National Ugly Sweater Day (Fashion, Fun)
- December 21st – National Coquito Day (Food & Beverage) (“Coquito meaning “Little Coconut” in Spanish is a traditional Christmas drink that originated in Puerto Rico. The coconut-based alcoholic beverage is similar to eggnog, sometimes being called the Puerto Rican Eggnog.” (Source: Wikipedia)
- December 21st – National Crossword Puzzle Day (Special Interest Activities)
- December 21st – National Wreaths Across America Day (Cause, Historical, Military)
- December 22nd – Chanukah (Religious)
- December 22nd – National Cookie Exchange Day (Food & Beverage Food)
- December 23rd – Festivus (Religious, Pop Culture)
- December 21st – Winter Solstice (Seasonal, Meteorological)
- December 24th – Christmas Eve (Religious)
- December 25th – Christmas (Religious)
- December 31st – New Year’s Eve
Popular Methods of Cooking in December
Do you have the perfect recipe for the month of December that you always make?
We would love to know in the comments below.
Thank you for reading and following along!
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December Recipes Collection
We have gathered a collection of reader favorites (and our favorites!) for the month of December. There are recipes for every category: from snacks, appetizers, sides, main dishes, and desserts.
Cutout Sugar Cookies
Cutout Sugar Cookies are a classic, butter and sugar-based cookie dough recipe that can be used for cutout Holiday cookies, to make a Sugar Cookie Candy House, or as a base for other classic cookie recipes. These cookies are perfect for decorating with Royal Icing! Makes about 5 dozen cookies.
Coquito
This Coquito (meaning “Little Coconut”) recipe is so easy to make in a blender, this particular recipe does not have eggs in it; it has aromatic cinnamon throughout, plus, you have the option to add rum, if you wish. Try this festive, sweet, delicious, coconut-based, traditional Christmas drink that originated in Puerto Rico and is also known as the Puerto Rican “Eggnog“. (makes 8 cups, served cold, vegetarian)
Gingerbread Cutout Cookies
Gingerbread Cutout Cookies are a classic & traditional Christmas holiday cookie to make every year, this recipe also has ground nutmeg and pure vanilla extract to take the flavor over the top! You can bake them to be crisper or chewier, depending on how you like them. These fun cutout cookies are perfect for decorating with classic, sweet & crisp Royal Icing!
Chocolate Chess Pie
This rich, self-saucing, Chocolate Chess Pie has a homemade pie crust and can easily be made ahead with simple pantry ingredients like cornmeal, flour, eggs, chocolate chip morsels, unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla, and sugar. It has a crisp, crackly top (similar to a French macaron cookie) and tastes wonderful served with powdered sugar, whipped cream, and ground cinnamon.
Eggnog
This Eggnog recipe is a classic, spiced, holiday drink. This creamy and delicious drink has, whole milk, light cream (or half and half), fragrant ground nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla. In this recipe, there are no raw eggs (they are cooked through a tempering process). Pour this Eggnog into swing-top glass bottles, and it makes a great edible gift and/or hostess gift.
Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
This Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix makes a rich, sweet, flavorful, and chocolate-y cup of classic, yet nuanced hot chocolate – just add hot water to the mix! This hot chocolate recipe also makes a wonderful edible gift. (recipe tutorial video included, serves 4)
Candied Pecans
Candied Pecans are a spiced, salty-sweet snack perfect for an edible gift! They are easy to make and easily customizable to your tastes. My version has halved pecans, cinnamon, regular & brown sugar, maple syrup, pure vanilla extract, a little bit of ground nutmeg and Harrissa seasoning.
Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates
Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates are a savory-sweet appetizer or snack, served hot, perfect for having at a gathering. Pitted Medjool dates stuffed with soft cheese like Blue or Stilton Cheese, then wrapped with thick-sliced bacon and baked on a cast iron grill pan (or rimmed baking sheet). They are so delicious and mouthwatering that you can never have just one!
Homemade Gingerbread Coffee Recipe
Homemade Gingerbread Coffee is sweet and the Gingerbread Syrup in it has molasses, black pepper, allspice, cloves, nutmeg and vanilla, it has creamy steamed half and half and it topped with Gingerbread Spice Mixture. This hot coffee drink is really a treat for the taste buds and all the senses.
Homemade Beef and Broccoli over Brown Rice
Homemade Beef and Broccoli over Brown Rice is a savory, stir-fry dish that has thin-cut strips of lean, flank steak, crisp, bite-size, broccoli florets, a savory, garlic-infused brown sauce over steaming hot, brown rice. Make this popular Chinese-American cuisine take-out dish at home!
Homemade Gingerbread Syrup Recipe
Homemade Gingerbread Syrup Recipe is perfect for adding to coffee or espresso drinks, cocktails, or over desserts. Enjoy this sweet, spiced syrup all through the Autumn, Winter seasons or whenever you are craving that Gingerbread flavor!
Sugared Cranberries
Sugared Cranberries are sweet, tart and are wonderful as garnishes on cocktails, on appetizer boards or to top desserts. They add a bright, red and festive flair to any table – plus they are easy to make with only 2 required ingredients on the stove top!
Homemade Gingerbread Spice Mixture Recipe
This Homemade Gingerbread Spice Mixture Recipe has allspice, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, ground nutmeg and fresh ground black pepper medley. This spice mix is perfect for the Autumn and Winter holiday season, add it to all your favorite drinks and desserts!
Balsamic Marinated Baked Portobello Mushrooms
Balsamic Marinated Baked Portobello Mushrooms are a flavorful and meaty accompaniment to dinner or a tasty topping over salad!
Cold Brew Brownies
Cold Brew Brownies are a fudgey, sweet and satisfying dessert snack. They are made with Folkcity Roasters Cold Brew Coffee which enhances the chocolate flavor and gives them a caffeine kick. These 4-ingredient brownies are great when you need to get a chocolate fix!
How to Make Kale Chips
Kale Chips are a savory, healthier-for-you than potato chips snack which can be easily customized to your tastes. It only takes a few ingredients, regular olive oil, sea salt, fresh ground pepper, and optional Italian four-cheese blend and 20 minutes to roast, to make these delicious Kale Chips!
Perfect Sage Thyme Butter Whipped Potatoes
Perfect Sage Thyme Butter Whipped Potatoes are savory, full of flavor and a favorite on the Holiday table. Enjoy these creamy, butter-infused, whipped Yukon Gold potatoes at your meal! Keep them warm in a slow cooker for easy serving.
Potato Pancakes (GF) #FoodieMamas
This simple Potato Pancake recipe is gluten-free with only 4 ingredients – red potatoes, onions, eggs and salt. It makes a large batch, using a 5-lb bag of potatoes which is great for feeding a crowd.
Homemade Turkey Gravy Recipe
This Homemade Turkey Gravy Recipe tutorial helps you make the most delicious turkey gravy from scratch! It’s savory, the perfect consistency (thickened with all-purpose flour), herb-infused with sage, rosemary and thyme (optional) and has a splash of sherry or white wine (optional).
Turkey Leftovers Recipes
Turkey Leftovers Recipes – Find yourself with some extra turkey on hand? Check out these savory Turkey Leftovers Recipes from Life’s Little Sweets and other bloggers.
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Peanut Butter Blossoms are a classic cookie, they are peanut butter cookies topped with chocolate Hershey’s kisses. (makes about 54 cookies)
Lavender Shortbread
This Lavender Shortbread has fresh lavender, mint and lemon zest. Top with chopped nuts, like pecans, and dip in melted semi sweet chocolate, if you like. Welcome Spring and Summer with all it’s fresh ingredients in this classic shortbread recipe.
Garlic Herb Eye of the Round Roast
This Garlic Herb Eye of the Round Roast is a savory, flavorful and meaty main dish for the dinner table. This roast is seasoned with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary and garlic, onions and Montreal Steak Seasoning. Easy to make for a weeknight or holiday dinner alike. (gluten-free)
Peanut Butter Cookies
These Peanut Butter Cookies are a classic, homemade peanut butter cookie recipe. They are savory and sweet and can be made crispy or chewy. They taste delicious when drizzled or dipped in chocolate.
Oven Baked Bacon
Oven Baked Bacon is savory, crispy and easy way to make a large amount of bacon right in your oven. This way of making bacon frees up your stove top and is great for making a big breakfast, brunch or if you need a large amount for a recipe. (paleo, gluten-free, keto)
Slow Cooker Crock-Pot Butter Corn
Slow Cooker Crock-Pot Butter Corn is the easiest side dish you could possibly have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Holiday gatherings or any dinner. All you need is frozen corn, unsalted butter, salt, pepper and any optional seasonings. This side dish is also a kid-friendly favorite recipe! (gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan option)
Air Fryer Carrot Fries
Air Fryer Carrot Fries have ground cumin, smoked paprika, kosher salt and fresh ground pepper with a small amount of Canola oil. This is a more healthy version of carrot fries with less oil using an Air Fryer. This easy recipe only requires 7 ingredients and 15 minutes! (gluten free, vegan)
No-Knead Oatmeal Bread
Fresh baked bread is a far superior experience compared to commercially produced bread with all those additives and preservatives. This recipe requires only 5 ingredients (flour, oats, yeast, salt and water – how pure is that?), a little handling of the dough and with minimal effort, the result is fresh bread – you baked yourself!
Vegan Coconut Whipped Cream and Frosting
Vegan Coconut Whipped Cream and Frosting is made with whipped, full fat, coconut milk with pure vanilla extract and sweetened with maple syrup. (vegan)
How to Make Rice in a Rice Cooker
Do you know How to Make Rice in a Rice Cooker? Making rice this way is easy, less messy and frees up the stove top for cooking other food while preparing your meal. I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Maple Cinnamon Butter
Maple Cinnamon Butter is a sweet and delicious butter recipe that is perfect for having on muffins, toast, popovers, bread or just about anything you imagine. It only takes a few minutes and 4 simple ingredients to make this maple-cinnamon scented butter.
Blue Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Recipe
This Blue Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte (Mermaid Latte) has a gorgeous ocean blue color due to the blue butterfly pea flower tea. You can add steamed milk or half and half or substitute with a dairy-free/non-dairy milk option, if you wish. It is topped with honey, maple syrup or sweetener of your choice. (vegetarian/vegan option)
Tuna Salad Recipe
This Tuna Salad Recipe is an easy, basic salad recipe, perfect for Summer or any time of year. Whip it up for a quick bite to eat or make it for your next gathering! (gluten-free)
Homemade Turkey Soup
This nourishing Homemade Turkey Soup recipe can be made with leftovers from a turkey dinner. You can make the broth from turkey leftovers, just add some veggies like carrots and celery and turkey meat and you are all set for a delicious and savory soup!
Easy Pecan Pie Recipe
This Easy Pecan Pie Recipe is a sweet, delicious, classic pie recipe – perfect for the Thanksgiving table or any dessert table. You can take a shortcut using a 9-inch, pre-made, deep dish pie crust and enjoy a sweet homemade pie filling. It goes great with a hot cup of coffee or tea. (makes 8 slices)
Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin Pie is a dessert that is perfect for dessert early Fall through the Winter. Filled with aromatic spices and delicious pumpkin filling, there’s nothing like a homemade, fresh-baked Pumpkin Pie! (vegetarian)
Instant Pot Chicken Carrots Brown Rice Dinner
This Instant Pot Chicken Carrots Brown Rice Dinner is a savory, hearty and healthy meal. Made with boneless, skinless chicken (breasts or thighs), garlic, sliced carrots and brown rice with simple seasonings and optional celery.
Chess Pie
This Chess Pie recipe is a simple, solid, sweet pie recipe topped with confectioner’s sugar, a sprinkling of crushed sea salt. It has a distinctive yellow batter which is thickened with corn meal. Bring to a holiday gathering, potluck or make it for an easy dessert after a weeknight meal. Serve it cold or warm and enjoy this delicious pie with a hot cup of coffee! (makes 1, 9-inch pie)
Chocolate Swirl Meringue Cookies
Taking a bite of these Chocolate Swirl Meringue Cookies is like taking a bite of a marshmallow that is crisp on the outside and soft and chocolate-y on the inside. I highly recommend dipping these lovelies into the leftover melted chocolate – that is if there is any!
Chocolate Butterscotch Saltine Toffee
Chocolate Butterscotch Saltine Toffee combines semi sweet chocolate and butterscotch morsels with a classic, easy candy recipe: saltine toffee. Enjoy this butter-y, crisp and sweetly-addictive version of saltine toffee!
Vanilla Whipped Cream
Vanilla whipped cream, also called vanilla Chantilly cream, is the perfect topping to a dessert, ice cream or even a coffee drink.
Stove Top Grilled Eggplant
Stove Top Grilled Eggplant is savory and easy to make with a stove top grill pan. This is a simple, minimally seasoned way to make eggplant for dinner, lunch or any meal. (vegan, gluten-free)
[ad] Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce
This Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce is so creamy, fresh and tasty! It goes perfectly with buffalo wings; have this combo for your game day gathering! (video)
Homemade Carrot Ginger Soup
This Homemade Carrot Ginger Soup recipe is healthy, delicious and good for you. It’s loaded with healthy carrots, onions, garlic, celery and ginger. (vegan, gluten-free, traditional option)
Pan-Fried Tomatoes
Pan-Fried Tomatoes are a tasty side dish to go with dinner, you can have them over a salad or with crackers and cheese for an appetizer.
Funeral Potatoes
Funeral Potatoes are a cheesy funeral potatoes casserole recipe that feeds all your cravings. Perfect for any nights dinner, special occasions and any gathering with hungry stomachs
Chocolate Eggnog Fudge
This Chocolate Eggnog Fudge is so smooth, chocolate-y and the perfect indulgence to enjoy yourself or give as a gift to someone special. It’s infused with eggnog making it perfect for the Christmas & Holiday season! This recipe uses mini marshmallows making it an easy-to-make, quick fudge recipe.
Easy Cherry Pie with Puff Pastry Crust
This Easy Cherry Pie with Puff Pastry Crust comes together in 50 minutes with ready-made ingredients and has a touch of unique with a light and crisp puff pastry crust. Enjoy a delicious slice topped with ice cream, whipped cream and fresh cherries!
Nutella Muddy Buddies
Nutella Muddy Buddies are quick to prepare, addicting to eat and feeds a crowd. Make this delicious twist on a classic party food for your next gathering or yourself!
Perfect Coconut Cream Lush Dessert Recipe
This Perfect Coconut Cream Lush Dessert Recipe recipe is light, creamy and filled with coconut deliciousness. It’s a one-pan dessert that feeds a crowd and even has a no-bake crust option for those hot weather days.
Classic Homemade Tater Tot Casserole
This Classic Homemade Tater Tot Casserole is made from scratch without the use of canned soup. It’s creamy, comforting and a delicious, one-dish dinner, sure to be a family favorite!
Mason Jar Tiramisu Trifle
This Mason Jar Tiramisu Trifle is a new take the classic tiramisu dessert. There is plenty to go around as this recipe makes 6 pint-sized mason jars filled with delicious tiramisu dessert, yet only requires 10 ingredients. With 2 layers of delicious, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, rich tiramisu cream and lofty, whipped cream dusted with cocoa, Mason Jar Tiramisu Trifle is going to be your new most-requested family favorite!
Sweetened Condensed Milk Coffee
Sweetened Condensed Milk Coffee is a simple way to enjoy your morning coffee. Basic black coffee, lightened up and sweetened with sweetened condensed milk from a can. Great hot or iced!
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture is a sugar spice mix that you can have on hand to top toast, ice cream and other foods. It’s also an ingredient in Perfect Snickerdoodle Cookies and Simple Homemade Cinnamon Rolls. Keep it in a mason jar in your pantry to have on hand for when you need it!
Homemade French Onion Soup
This Homemade French Onion Soup recipe has the flavors of a classic French onion soup that you would find at a restaurant, yet, it is easy to prepare in your home kitchen. Caramelized onions in a reduction of white wine and sherry with herbs of thyme and bay leaves in a clear beef broth make this soup delicious. The topping of French baguette bread wrapped in 3 cheeses then melted to a golden, crispy crust, make it satisfying.
Tiramisu Trifle Recipe
This Tiramisu Trifle has delicate ladyfinger sponge cakes soaked in an espresso-rum mixture, layered with a rich Mascarpone-whipped cream mixture and topped with vanilla whipped cream, cocoa powder and semi sweet chocolate curls. A dessert at the top of many people’s favorite dessert list, this homemade tiramisu trifle will impress anyone who is lucky enough to have a taste!
Oatmeal Raisin Cranberry Cookies
Cookies are wonderful because, much like cupcakes, they are individual – without any fussiness. These Oatmeal Raisin Cranberry Cookies are wholesome cookies and though they have two kinds of sugar, they also have oatmeal, raisins and cranberries which are good for you.
Easy Breakfast Mug Cake
This Easy Breakfast Mug Cake is made with Kodiak Cakes Energy Packed Flapjack and Waffle Mix and topped with raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and blueberries. This is an easy, tasty and satisfying breakfast hack.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Pumpkin Spice and everything nice, that’s what Autumn is made of! This Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe has my pumpkin spice mixture (cinnamon, ground ginger, allspice, nutmeg and cloves), milk, pumpkin puree optional sugar, dark roast coffee/espresso, vanilla extract, and topped with either creamy and sweet Reddi-wip® Barista Nitro (if having iced) or Reddi-wip® Barista Sweet Foam (if having hot).
Instant Pot Lentils
Making Instant Pot Lentils is so easy in our favorite pressure cooker, the Instant Pot. You can use these lentils to top salads, in wraps or as a side with dinner. So easy, healthy and delicious! (vegan option, gluten-free)
Sand Tart Cookie Recipe
This Sand Tart Cookie Recipe is our family recipe perfect for the Christmas & Holiday season making a big batch of cookies. These cookies are easy to customize to your tastes with various toppings and make a fun activity for everyone involved. Check out our family home video of our cookie making session below!
Perfect Snickerdoodle Cookies
These Perfect Snickerdoodle Cookies have only 8 ingredients, and make the most aromatic, chewy and delicious cookies with crisp edges. They are such a satisfying and tasty cookie, expect them to be gone as soon as you make them! (video)
Gingerbread Spice Cake
Baking with molasses is my new love with this recipe. I don’t normally use molasses but it’s now in my repertoire and let me tell you, the flavor it bring to a recipe is AMAZING!
- First published: 12/10/2019, 12/7/2020
- Updated & republished: 12/1/2022
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