27 (Really Good) Recipes To Make In December
Introduction
December sparkles with festive gatherings, cozy nights, and the cheerful spirit of sharing food with family and friends. Crafting your seasonal menu with a mix of comfort food, show-stopping mains, and sweet treats can transform every meal into a celebration. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast, planning stress-free weeknight dinners, or baking treats for a cookie exchange, these 27 (really good) recipes will keep your kitchen—and your table—full of warmth and flavor all month long.
Why These 27 Recipes Are the Ultimate December Lineup
This curated collection brings together the best of wintertime cuisine. From heartwarming soups and hearty one-pot meals to vibrant roasted vegetables and dazzling desserts, every recipe has been selected for rich flavor, simplicity, and the power to please a crowd. It’s the perfect way to savor the comforting tastes of the season without getting stuck in a rut, making it easy to delight your loved ones throughout December.
Cozy Comforts & Festive Flavors: Your December Recipe Guide
As the weather turns chilly, our cravings shift toward meals that feel like a warm hug—think slow-cooked stews, creamy pastas, holiday-inspired mains, and irresistible baked goods. These recipes offer a range of choices: classic roasts for special occasions, make-ahead casseroles for busy weeknights, brunch delights for lazy weekends, and cookies that will win any exchange. All are crafted with winter-friendly ingredients and are perfect for showcasing seasonal produce, spices, and flavors.
Celebrate the Season with a Recipe for Every Mood
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll find in this list:
- Hearty soups and stews that make coming inside a treat
- Stovetop and oven-baked comfort classics—lasagna, roast chicken, pot pies
- Creative sides, like maple-roasted root vegetables and cheesy gratins
- Brunch favorites—cinnamon rolls, gingerbread pancakes, egg bakes
- Easy appetizers and party bites for entertaining
- Cookies, bars, and cakes to satisfy every sweet tooth
There’s no shortage of inspiration—just scroll, pick your favorites, and make December delicious!
27 (Really Good) Recipes To Make In December (Full List)
- French Onion Soup
- Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
- Slow-Cooker Beef Stew
- Butternut Squash Risotto
- Maple-Glazed Roast Pork
- Classic Baked Lasagna
- Garlic Herb Roast Chicken
- Cheesy Potato Gratin
- Honey-Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Easy Beef Chili
- Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Topping
- Wild Mushroom Tart
- Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie
- Cranberry Pecan Salad
- Gingerbread Pancakes
- Eggnog French Toast
- Sticky Pecan Cinnamon Rolls
- Mini Crab Cakes
- Holiday Cheese Ball
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
- Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies
- Molasses Crinkle Cookies
- Spiced Apple Cake with Caramel Drizzle
- Raspberry Pistachio Shortbread Bars
- Snowball Cookies
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
- Easy Salted Caramel Brownies
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save these recipes in CookifyAI to instantly generate smart, categorized grocery lists—making holiday shopping and weekly meal prep more efficient and stress-free.
Instructions
For any recipe in this collection:
- Choose your desired recipe (or recipes!) based on what matches your cravings and occasion.
- Gather ingredients from your organized shopping list.
- Follow the step-by-step instructions provided (search individual recipes on CookifyAI or your favorite cookbook).
- Prep ahead wherever possible—think sliced vegetables, marinated proteins, or assembled casseroles—to save time during busy weeks.
- Double batch recipes that freeze well—stews, soups, and baked goods—so you’re always ready for an impromptu gathering.
Weekly Meal Planning
With 27 incredible recipes at your fingertips, building a satisfying December meal plan has never been easier. Save and schedule these recipes within CookifyAI to:
- Effortlessly plan festive meals for every week of December
- Automatically consolidate and organize all ingredient quantities for streamlined shopping
- Minimize food waste by identifying ingredient overlaps and preventing duplicate purchases
- Free up time to enjoy the season with family and friends
Pro tip: If you’re prepping for entertaining, use CookifyAI’s scheduling tools to space out main dishes and desserts. For example, plan to bake a batch of cookies at the same time you roast a pork loin to maximize oven space and efficiency.
Cook and Prep Times
Cook and prep times will vary per recipe, but most can be made in:
Prep Time: 10-30 minutes each (make-ahead options available)
Cook Time: 15-90 minutes, depending on the recipe
Total Time: Plan for 1-2 hours for most main dishes and 30-60 minutes for desserts and sides
Recap: December’s Best Menu Made Simple
With these 27 really good recipes, December’s meals are sure to impress—bringing warmth, flavor, and festive fun to your table. Mix and match comfort foods, vibrant veggies, and show-stealing sweets to keep every day exciting. And don’t forget: seamless meal planning and shopping is a click away when you use CookifyAI to keep this busy season joyful and organized!