The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the spirit than with some delicious new recipes to try? Christmas is a time for joy, giving, and sharing with loved ones, and a big part of that is the food we enjoy together. Whether you're hosting a festive dinner party or just looking for some tasty treats to snack on, we've got you covered with these 5 new holiday recipes to try.
From sweet and sticky gingerbread men to savory and satisfying stuffed beef tenderloin, these recipes are sure to bring some Christmas cheer to your kitchen. So go ahead, get cooking, and make this holiday season one to remember!
Recipe 1: Cranberry Orange Bliss Bars
These sweet and tangy bars are the perfect combination of festive flavors. With a shortbread crust, a creamy orange filling, and a burst of fresh cranberries, they're sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and confectioners' sugar. Add softened butter and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
- Press dough into prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, orange zest, and orange juice.
- Stir in cranberries.
- Pour filling over baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until filling is set.
Recipe 2: Stuffed Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish Cream
This show-stopping main course is sure to impress your holiday guests. With a tender and juicy beef tenderloin stuffed with a savory mixture of mushrooms, onions, and herbs, and served with a tangy horseradish cream, it's the perfect centerpiece for any festive feast.
Ingredients:
- 1 (1.5-2 pound) beef tenderloin
- 1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup horseradish cream
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a small bowl, mix together mushrooms, onion, garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
- Lay beef tenderloin flat and make a horizontal incision in the center to create a pocket.
- Stuff tenderloin with mushroom mixture and top with cheddar cheese.
- Close incision and secure with kitchen twine.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes per pound or until tenderloin reaches desired level of doneness.
- Serve with horseradish cream.
Recipe 3: Spiced Apple Cider Donuts
These sweet and spicy donuts are the perfect treat to enjoy with a warm cup of apple cider on a chilly winter morning. With a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior, they're sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
- Slowly pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until a smooth batter forms.
- Add vanilla extract and apple cider.
- If using walnuts, fold them into the batter.
- Using a piping bag or a spoon, drop batter into hot oil.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes or until donuts are golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and dust with cinnamon sugar.
Recipe 4: Gingerbread Men with Royal Icing
These classic holiday treats are a staple of the season. With a spicy and sweet gingerbread flavor and a decorative royal icing, they're the perfect activity to enjoy with the kids.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- Royal icing (see below)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugars.
- Beat in eggs.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut into desired shapes.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until firm to the touch.
Recipe 5: Eggnog Cheesecake with Caramel Sauce
This creamy and rich dessert is the perfect way to cap off your holiday meal. With a velvety eggnog cheesecake and a sweet and sticky caramel sauce, it's sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 pounds cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Caramel sauce (see below)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs and sugar.
- Stir in melted butter until crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add granulated sugar and beat until combined.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time.
- Stir in eggnog and vanilla extract.
- Pour cheesecake batter into prepared pan.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
What is the best way to store Christmas cookies?
+Christmas cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Can I make Christmas cookies ahead of time?
+
What is the best type of flour to use for Christmas cookies?
+All-purpose flour is a good choice for most Christmas cookie recipes. However, some recipes may call for bread flour or cake flour.
We hope you enjoy these 5 new holiday recipes to try! Whether you're looking for a sweet treat or a savory main course, there's something on this list for everyone. So go ahead, get cooking, and make this holiday season one to remember!