Well, you guys. It’s back to reality! Trevor and I are officially back from vacation. 😭 The only thing getting me through, is knowing that Christmas is only ONE WEEK AWAY! Can you hardly believe it?
For me, this is literally the most wonderful time of the year. It’s so happy and cozy and there’s nothing better than listening to holiday music or watching Christmas movies while snuggling with Trevor and the Teddy Bear.
For those of you who want some tasty winter-y, cozy yumminess, today, I’ve gathered up all my favorite feel good holiday recipes. Everything from cozy drinks to hearty side dishes to…
COOKIES.
Let the coziness begin!
Oh, but wait, if you’re still looking for last minute gifts for your loved ones, be sure to check out our foodie gift guide!! ❄️
Now onto the holiday eats and treats!!!
Breakfast:
Easy Biscuits and Gravy:
Is there anything cozier than biscuits and gravy? I mean, really? Pillsbury Grands provides the easiest, butteriest base for this creamy rosemary, thyme sausage gravy. Trust me, you guys. This recipe is E.A.S.Y.
Coffee Cake:
Christmas mornings must have coffee cake. ☕ This coffee cake has a pecan, cinnamon-y streusel, and a maple glaze. Perfect to go with my nutella hot chocolate. 👇
Snacks, Sides, & Apps:
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole:
Midwest staple right here! Cozy winter nights were not complete without my mom’s broccoli rice casserole. This amped up version uses real cheese, brown rice, and only ONE pot!
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes:
Carbs. ♡ ♡ ♡ Thanksgiving and Christmas are allllll about the sides. Especially mashed potatoes. Amiright? These are made even better, because they’re made in the crockpot.
Love mashed potatoes as much as me? Be sure to check out my other mashed potato recipes: Roasted Garlic & Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes and Gram’s Creamy Mashed Potatoes.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts:
Because we need something green at the holiday table. These brussels sprouts are perfect for those who think they don’t like brussels sprouts, because these are smothered in maple syrup, goat cheese, and b.a.c.o.n.
Green Bean Casserole:
Another midwest staple. There is no Christmas without my green bean casserole. Let’s just say…b.a.c.o.n.
Dinner:
Roast Chicken with Vegetables:
If you’re looking to keep things light and simple look no further! This roast chicken with vegetables is made on ONE sheet pan and is coated in an apple cider vinegar, honey, and rosemary dressing!
Pecan Crusted Honey Mustard Salmon:
Feelin’ fancy? This salmon may look complicated, but it’s seriously SO easy. And delicious.
Ham with Pineapple Sauce:
While I love all my dinners equally, I WILL be eating this for my Christmas dinner. Some traditions are too good to mess with. 🙂 Salty and sweet at its finest!
Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup:
Because I love my crockpot and this soup is coooooozy to the max. Throw everything into your crockpot and have your holiday dinner ready with minimal effort!
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies:
Chocolate chips + white chocolate chips + pecans + cashews = best.cookie.ever.
Cut Out Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting:
I have a love/hate relationship with these cookies. I love, love, LOVE how they taste, but frosting cookies is not my forte. Somebody help me? 😉
Grandma’s Best Sugar Cookies:
Trevor’s Grandma’s famous cookies! Soft, fluffy, sugary. What more is there to a really great cookie? 🙂
Flourless Peanut Butter Blossoms:
Gluten free folks need to have some good cookies too! These are my all time f.a.v.o.r.i.t.e. Do I need to go on? Hint: chocolate + peanut butter.
Candy:
Fudge:
Holiday Chocolate Fudge OR Easy Chocolate Fudge both made in the microwave, both take less than 5 minutes to whip up, and both taste freakin’ amazing.
Five Ingredient Mint Chocolate Candy:
My favorite holiday treat. Hands down. Mint chocolate lovers only! 😉
Bites, Bars, & More:
Pecan Pie Bites:
Because making a “real” pie terrifies me. That being said, I PROMISE, you’ll love these bite sized treats. They’re pecan pie, but they’re bite sized, and they’re filled with caramel and optional chocolate chips.
Salted Caramel Apple Bars:
These. You guys. Are everything. And that’s coming from someone who is NOT a fruit dessert lover. Shortbread crust + salted caramel + apple slices + crumbly, streusel perfection.
Puppy Chow aka Muddy Buddies: (be sure to check out our how-to video here!)
For the love of all things holiday goodness, stop what you’re doing and make this recipe. This is the BEST puppy chow you’ll ever have, because I use MORE chocolate, MORE peanut butter, and MORE powdered sugar. #holidaywinning
Drinks:
Crockpot Nutella Hot Chocolate:
Cozy deliciousness.
- Dump all ingredients into crockpot.
- Cook until warm.
- Be happy, because, um, nutella.
Fall Sangria:
If you’re looking for an adult beverage to enjoy, this is your drink. It makes a whole pitcher, and it’s filled with a homemade (super easy) maple cinnamon simple syrup!
Happy Holidays everyone! ❄️ May your days be merry and your belly’s be full. 😉
– Jennifer
What are your favorite holiday food traditions? Show me the yummy!