31 Outrageously Good December Recipes To Cook As The Weather Gets Colder
Introduction
As temperatures drop and evenings grow cozy, there’s no better way to embrace the season than by making warming, delicious meals that bring comfort and joy. Our curated list of 31 outrageously good December recipes celebrates hearty dinners, festive treats, and soul-warming drinks perfect for winter gatherings, holiday celebrations, and everyday family dinners. Each recipe packs in flavor, simplicity, and that just-right seasonal touch to make every meal memorable.
Why These December Recipes Stand Out
From savory stews and vibrant side dishes to decadent desserts, these December recipes help you infuse every night with excitement. Think rich roasts, creamy chowders, creative casseroles, and cookies that turn even the chilliest days into reasons to celebrate. Whether you’re entertaining guests or keeping things low key, these recipes are designed to be both delicious and remarkably easy to prepare—no complicated techniques or special equipment required.
Hearty Flavors And Seasonal Comfort
What makes December cooking truly special is the opportunity to work with rich, seasonal ingredients: squash, root vegetables, winter greens, and spices that fill your kitchen with warmth. Many of these recipes highlight classics with a twist—think rosemary and orange roast chicken, maple roasted Brussels sprouts, cranberry-pecan baked brie, gingerbread pancakes, and dark chocolate peppermint cookies.
31 Outrageously Good December Recipes
Here’s an assortment of recipes to fill your December rotation:
- Slow Cooker Beef Stew
- Root Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie
- Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
- Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Rosemary Orange Roast Chicken
- Cheesy Baked Ziti
- Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
- Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie
- Balsamic Glazed Carrots
- Classic Chicken and Dumplings
- Honey Glazed Ham
- Sausage and White Bean Casserole
- Wild Mushroom Risotto
- Hearty Chili with a Secret Cocoa Twist
- Winter Greens & Farro Salad
- Spicy Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps
- Baked Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
- Roasted Vegetable Frittata
- Lemon-Garlic Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner
- Caramel Apple Bread Pudding
- Brown Sugar Glazed Pork Tenderloin
- One-Pan Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs
- Gingerbread Pancakes
- Pumpkin Sage Pasta
- Classic Potato Latkes
- Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake
- Baked Oatmeal with Cranberries
- Mushroom & Spinach Stuffed Shells
- Festive Mulled Wine
- Gooey Cinnamon Rolls
- Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this entire recipe set to CookifyAI to instantly generate an organized shopping list with every ingredient you need, sorted by store section. Effortlessly plan your grocery trips and knock out holiday meal prep in one go!
Weekly Meal Planning For Cold Weather
Making all these delicious recipes a reality is easy with thoughtful meal planning. Save and schedule your favorite December recipes in advance to map out cozy dinners all month long.
Planning Benefits:
- Automatically calculates total quantities for overlapping ingredients (so you never run out of winter essentials like onions and potatoes!)
- Organizes shopping lists by store section for faster, more efficient trips
- Prevents duplicate purchases, reducing food waste at a time when fridges are full
- Simplifies batch cooking and meal prep for busy December weeks
Pro tip: Planning several hearty meals? Schedule your lineup in CookifyAI to get smart notifications about what to prep in advance, so you always have a hot meal ready when you need it most.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep and cook times will vary by recipe. Most weeknight dinners average:
- Prep Time: 15-30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-60 minutes
- Total Time: 45-90 minutes
Desserts and casseroles may take a bit longer—check each individual recipe card as you meal plan!
Warm Up Your December With Flavor
This collection of 31 outrageously good December recipes is all you need to make the most of winter’s flavors and festivities. From classic comforts to festive favorites, you’ll find dishes for every taste and every occasion as the temperatures drop. Happy cooking and happy holidays!