Holiday flavors show up in both sweet and savory favorites. Try these 10+ classic and inventive Holiday Eats & Treats and add a few new traditions to your baking lineup.
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Food is the heart of many holiday memories. A few warm spices, molasses, citrus, or a buttery braid can instantly bring you back to decorating cookies with family or sharing a savory appetizer at a festive gathering. While tried-and-true recipes are comforting, the season is also a great time to experiment and start new traditions.
Below are a variety of holiday-worthy recipes — classic cookies, cozy breads, decadent bars, and savory party bites. They’re easy to make, shareable, and perfect for gifting or entertaining. Pick a couple to try this season and watch them become favorites.
Gingerbread Men – A classic holiday cookie with warm spices and molasses. Homemade cutters and simple royal icing make them perfect for decorating with kids.
Gingerbread Brownies with Egg Nog Frosting – Two seasonal favorites combined: rich gingerbread-spiced brownies finished with a creamy egg nog frosting for a festive twist.
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars – All the flavor of cut-out sugar cookies with less fuss. These bars are easy to slice, decorate with red and green sprinkles, and share.
Double Chocolate Bundt Cake – A deeply chocolatey bundt that’s rich and indulgent. Make it dairy-free if needed and top with a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze.
Cranberry Orange Rosemary Muffins – Bright, tart cranberries paired with citrus and an herbal hint of rosemary. Finished with an oatmeal streusel and orange glaze for a bakery-style breakfast.
Cranberry Soda Bread – A holiday take on Irish soda bread with bursts of cranberry. Quick to make and ideal for serving with butter or jam.
Double Chocolate Caramel Cookie Bars – Two layers of chocolate cookie sandwich a gooey caramel center. Decadent, portable, and crowd-pleasing.
Cheese Stuffed Braided Pretzel Ring – A showstopping savory centerpiece for parties. Garlicky, buttery, and filled with melty cheese — perfect for New Year’s Eve or any gathering.
Double Chocolate Cookie Bars – Rich, fudgy bars that are perfect for a cookie exchange or a cozy night in with a mug of cocoa.
Blueberry Cake Waffles – Light, cake-like waffles studded with blueberries. Quick to make and kid-approved for holiday breakfasts or brunches.
Eggnog Glazed Donut Holes – Bite-sized fried treats finished with an eggnog-flavored glaze for a truly seasonal treat.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread – A moist, spiced quick bread that lets you enjoy pumpkin flavor any time of year. Add chocolate chips for extra comfort.
Easy & Healthy Homemade Dog Treats – Don’t forget pets when you’re baking for the holidays. Simple recipes make a wholesome treat your dog will love.
Christmas Cookies with a Hug – Fun cookies topped with a chocolate “hug.” Kids love decorating and sharing these festive bites.
Snickerdoodles – Tender, chewy, and coated in cinnamon sugar. A timeless cookie that pairs beautifully with tea or hot chocolate.
Italian Cookies – Soft, buttery cookie balls glazed and sprinkled for a pretty, traditional addition to any cookie tray.
BONUS (not pictured): Chocolate Covered Bacon Chocolate Kiss Cookies – A playful blend of salty and sweet with chocolate-covered bacon, browned butter, and chocolate chips folded into cookie dough.
Whether you stick to family favorites or try one of these new ideas, the holidays are the perfect time to bake, share, and create memories. Choose a recipe (or two) from this list and let the seasonal flavors bring comfort and joy to your table.