Christmas is here, bringing with it the perfect opportunity to enjoy festive dishes with loved ones. From baking cakes to preparing elaborate meals, this celebration is all about sharing comfort food together. If you’re planning to celebrate Christmas 2025 at home, here are some easy and traditional holiday recipes for your family feast.
Gingerbread Cookies
Few treats capture the Christmas spirit quite like gingerbread cookies. Shaped as gingerbread men, decorated houses, and more, they remain hugely popular across Europe and North America. These spiced cookies trace their origins to medieval times, when they were initially molded into animals, saints, and intricate designs for winter fairs. The dough is prepared with molasses and spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Icing, sugar crystals, and candied fruits can also be used for decoration.
Recipe:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 egg
Mix flour, spices, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar, then add molasses and egg. Combine wet and dry ingredients, chill dough for 2 hours, roll out, cut into shapes, and bake at 175°C for 8-10 minutes. Decorate with icing once cooled.
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Christmas Pudding
This beloved British Christmas dessert is cherished worldwide. Rich and loaded with dried fruits, it also features warming spices. In some regions, it’s called plum pudding, despite containing no plums. Simply combine raisins, currants, dates, treacle, and brandy or rum, then steam until perfectly cooked.
Recipe:
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup currants
- ½ cup chopped dates
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup flour
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup brandy or rum
- ¼ cup treacle or molasses
- 1 tsp mixed spice
Mix all dry ingredients, then add eggs, brandy, and treacle. Pour into a greased pudding basin, cover with parchment and foil, and steam for 3-4 hours. Serve warm with custard or brandy butter.
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Eggnog
What could be more delightful than a cup of eggnog on Christmas? This iconic beverage is crafted with eggs, milk, and sweeteners like honey or syrup, making it ideal for winter celebrations. The creamy drink can be enhanced with a touch of spice. In many households, the traditional recipe is handed down through generations.
Recipe:
- 4 egg yolks
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- Cinnamon stick (optional)
Whisk egg yolks and sugar until creamy. Heat milk, cream, and spices in a saucepan. Slowly pour hot milk into egg mixture while whisking constantly. Return to heat and stir until slightly thickened (do not boil). Add vanilla, chill, and serve with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
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Roast Chicken
No Christmas main course is complete without roasted poultry. While turkey has held a special place in English households since the 16th century, chicken makes an excellent alternative. The dish is typically served alongside gravy, stuffing, and roasted vegetables. Roast slowly at 165°C and allow it to rest for several minutes before carving.
Recipe:
- 1 whole chicken (1.5-2 kg)
- 3 tbsp butter, softened
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried herbs (thyme, rosemary)
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 onion, quartered
Rub chicken with butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and herbs. Stuff cavity with lemon and onion. Place in a roasting pan and roast at 165°C for 1.5-2 hours, basting occasionally. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
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Mince Pies
Another Christmas classic for your festive table. This traditional British specialty features small, sweet pies filled with a mixture of dried fruits, spices, sugar, nuts, and spirits. Originally, meat suet was also included, but contemporary versions are suitable for vegetarians too. They can be flavored with cinnamon and orange zest, and should be baked until golden brown.
Recipe:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 2-3 tbsp cold water
- 1½ cups mincemeat (store-bought or homemade with dried fruits, spices, nuts)
Make pastry by rubbing butter into flour and sugar. Add egg yolk and water to form dough. Chill for 30 minutes. Roll out, cut circles, line muffin tins, fill with mincemeat, top with pastry lids, and bake at 180°C for 20-25 minutes until golden.
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Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine
This alcohol-free winter beverage delivers the warmth of festive spices. It’s prepared by combining pomegranate, grape, and cranberry juices with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. The drink is finished with fresh ginger juice. This comforting beverage is family-friendly and perfect for a Christmas gathering.
Recipe:
- 2 cups pomegranate juice
- 2 cups grape juice
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4-5 whole cloves
- 2 star anise
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger juice
- 2 tbsp honey (optional)
- Orange slices for garnish
Combine all juices and spices in a pot. Heat gently without boiling for 15-20 minutes. Add ginger juice and honey. Strain, serve warm, and garnish with orange slices.
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Mashed Potatoes
Though sometimes overshadowed by more elaborate dishes on the Christmas table, mashed potatoes are an essential part of the festive menu. This versatile side pairs beautifully with gravies, roasted meats, and vegetables. You can customize mashed potatoes with butter, cream, feta, or herbs for a festive twist.
Recipe:
- 1 kg potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley, chives) or feta cheese (optional)
Boil potatoes until tender, drain well. Mash with butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in herbs or feta if desired. Serve hot.
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