The holidays are the perfect excuse to bring people together and share some seriously good food and drinks. But no one says you have to spend hours in the kitchen to pull it off. These festive sips and bites will save the day—simple to make, fun to serve, and guaranteed to keep everyone in a merry mood.
Easy Chewy Gingerbread Cookies
These gingerbread cookies are a staple for the holiday season. This gluten-free recipe makes them a guilt-free indulgence, perfect for sharing with loved ones during festive celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chewy Gingerbread Cookies
Dark Chocolate Cranberry Walnut Bread
This no-knead Dutch oven bread, with its combination of cranberries, walnuts, and dark chocolate, is a hearty, festive treat. The hints of cinnamon make it ideal for holiday mornings or as a comforting snack on cold evenings.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Cranberry Walnut Bread
Cranberry Orange Thumbprint Cookies
These thumbprint cookies, with their festive cranberry and orange flavors, are a delightful addition to any holiday cookie spread. Their bright colors and tangy taste capture the essence of holiday cheer.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Thumbprint Cookies
Gingerbread White Russian
A holiday spin on a classic cocktail, this gingerbread white Russian features rich coffee flavors mixed with sweet molasses. It’s an indulgent, festive drink that’s ideal for holiday parties or as a special treat on a chilly evening.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread White Russian
Cranberry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies
Infused with orange zest and studded with cranberries and almonds, these cookies are a celebration of holiday flavors. Dipping them in chocolate adds a luxurious touch, making them a special treat for festive occasions.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate Cashew Cookies
These cookies combine the textures of chewy brownies and sugar cookies, rolled in chopped nuts for an added crunch. Their chocolaty flavor and festive appearance make them a delightful addition to any holiday cookie assortment.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cashew Cookies
Coconut Bourbon Coffee Nog
This coconut bourbon coffee nog is a unique holiday beverage, combining the warmth of coffee with the richness of bourbon. Its creamy texture and spiced flavor make it a festive choice for holiday gatherings or a cozy evening at home.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Bourbon Coffee Nog
Amaretto Fudge Cookies
The subtle hint of amaretto in these dark chocolate fudge cookies adds a festive flair. Their decadent taste is ideal for those special holiday moments, offering a sophisticated twist on a traditional treat.
Get the Recipe: Amaretto Fudge Cookies
Coconut Chai Hot Toddy
This hot toddy, with its blend of dark rum, spices, and creamy coconut milk, is a comforting and festive drink for the holiday season. Its warm, soothing qualities make it perfect for relaxing by the fireplace or for holiday toasts.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Chai Hot Toddy
Gingerbread Molasses Chocolate Chunk Cookies
These gingerbread cookies, with their rich molasses and chocolate chunks, are a healthier take on a holiday favorite. Their warm, spicy flavors are reminiscent of classic holiday scents and tastes, perfect for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Molasses Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Cranberry Orange Biscotti
The combination of cranberries and orange in this biscotti recipe creates a vibrant, festive treat. Ideal for holiday mornings or as a snack beside a warm fire, they embody the spirit of the season with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Biscotti
Christmas Muffins
These muffins, with their blend of rosemary, cranberries, nutmeg, and vanilla, are a quintessential holiday treat. The cinnamon crumble and vanilla nutmeg glaze add a festive touch, perfect for a special breakfast during Christmastime.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Muffins
Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are a festive twist on a classic, featuring fresh cranberries that add a pop of color and a sweet-tart flavor. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they bring a cheerful and cozy touch to your dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
