What Recipes to Cook in December

Introduction

December is a month brimming with culinary excitement. Between festive gatherings and cozy nights in, it’s the perfect time to experiment with heartwarming recipes that bring comfort and joy. Whether you’re searching for crowd-pleasing holiday mains, delightful treats, or nourishing weekday dinners, these seasonal recipe ideas will inspire you to make the most of winter’s best flavors.

Flavorful December Recipe Inspiration

What makes cooking in December so special? It’s all about the balance of hearty, warming meals and bright, seasonal ingredients. Think roasted root vegetables, luscious stews, fragrant baked goods, and vibrant citrus. These recipes embrace the spirit of the holidays while making meal prep both fun and stress-free—so you can entertain guests or savor a quiet evening at home with minimal fuss.

December Favorites: Main Courses, Sides & Treats

Want to know what recipes to cook in December? Here’s a sample menu that covers all the bases, from a show-stopping main to festive cookies:

• Herb-Crusted Roast Chicken: An aromatic roasted chicken with winter herbs makes the centerpiece for any December dinner. Pair with roasted root vegetables for a complete meal.
• Creamy Mushroom Risotto: Rich and comforting, risotto is perfect for chilly evenings and makes use of earthy mushrooms in peak season.
• Classic Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized in the oven, these sprouts are finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
• Spiced Gingerbread Cookies: No December recipe list is complete without festive cookies. These are perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of tea by the fire.
• Citrus Winter Salad: A refreshing salad featuring oranges, pomegranate seeds, and toasted walnuts, bringing brightness and crunch to your table.

Sample December Meal Plan Ingredients

Here are the key ingredients you’ll need for these classic December dishes:

💡 Meal Planning Tip: Save this collection of December recipes in CookifyAI to instantly organize your shopping list by store section—making your holiday grocery trip smoother, faster, and more efficient.

Instructions

1. Roast Chicken: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Rub the chicken with olive oil, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Roast for about 75 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
2. Mushroom Risotto: In a pot, sauté chopped mushrooms until browned. Add Arborio rice and stir, then slowly add warm broth, one ladle at a time, until creamy and tender. Finish with a knob of butter and parmesan.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Halve sprouts, toss with olive oil and salt, and roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. Drizzle with balsamic glaze to serve.
4. Gingerbread Cookies: Beat molasses, brown sugar, and butter together. Add eggs and mix in dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, spices. Roll and cut into shapes. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Decorate as desired.
5. Citrus Winter Salad: Toss salad greens with orange segments, pomegranate seeds, and walnuts. Whisk together balsamic with a touch of olive oil for dressing.

Weekly Meal Planning

Looking to keep your December cooking organized? Save and schedule these recipes to streamline your weekly meal plan. With CookifyAI, you can:

• Automatically combine ingredient quantities even across multiple meals—no more duplicate items!
• Get shopping lists sorted by grocery section for stress-free errands (a must during holiday rush).
• Visualize your meal plan and fill in busy weeks with both festive recipes and easy weeknight staples.

Pro tip: When planning holiday menus, use CookifyAI to overlap ingredients so you buy just what you need—whether it’s eggs for cookies and breakfast casseroles, or fresh greens for salads and sides.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: Varies by dish (8-75 minutes per recipe)
Total Time: About 2 hours for a full December meal prep, or 30-45 minutes for individual dinners and treats

Enjoy the flavor and festivity of December with seasonal recipes and effortless meal planning!