From Disney to the Pioneer Woman: 8 Holiday Cookbooks Packed With Festive Recipes and Sweet Treats
From classic Thanksgiving dishes and Christmas favorites to indulgent baked goods and Hanukkah treats
Nothing brings up the festive mood quite like spending time with family and friends. In addition to all the quality time, another easy way to get in the holiday spirit is to enjoy a hearty meal together. From savory Thanksgiving foods to specialty baked goods for Christmas and Hanukkah, these delicious foods become part of your holiday traditions for years to come.
And while we all have recipes passed down from generations, sometimes it’s nice to add something new to the holiday table. Here, we’ve compiled our top 8 holiday cookbooks featuring comforting dishes, easy sweet treats, tasty mocktails and more. Read on to find your new holiday favorite!
‘Baking for the Holidays: 50+ Treats for a Festive Season’ by Sarah Kieffer
Cookies, cakes and pies…oh my! Baking will be a breeze this year, thanks to this beautiful cookbook by beloved blogger and author Sarah Kieffer. In Baking for the Holidays, Kieffer shares all the tips and easy how-to’s for every mouthwatering recipe, like Carrot Cake with Burnt Honey Buttercream, Panettone Scones or Cheater’s Croissant Dough. From adorable cookie swaps to breakfast and brunch ideas and beyond, you’re sure to whip up sweet memories this season.
What readers are saying: “What a wonderful compilation of recipes. The cinnamon rolls & Nutella Star Bread (pictured) are a-ma-zing. I swear it was so good I forgot how to speak. The conversation and method descriptions are clear without micromanaging. I am looking forward to more bakes from this book for the holidays.”
‘The Unofficial Disney Parks Holidays Cookbook’ by Ashley Craft
Fill your kitchen with the whimsical joy of Disney World and Disneyland this holiday season, thanks to this fun cookbook by Ashley Craft. After growing up in Anaheim, California, Craft became a pro on all things Disney—and now she’s a leading Disney expert with her popular blog, Ashley Crafted. In her new cookbook, she’s sharing 100 recipes inspired by Disney’s annual holiday favorites—like The Lock, Shock and Barrel Sundae from Auntie Gravity’s, and frozen apple cider from The Tropical Hideaway. A pure delight for Disney fans!
What readers are saying: “If you’re a Disney fan and enjoy all of the foods they serve in the parks during the holidays, have I got a book for you! The book is heavily focused on sweets, drinks and snacks because isn’t that what we all want for various holiday treats? However, there are quite a few savory offerings, and no matter which holidays you celebrate, there is a delightful recipe for you to prepare and enjoy at home.”
‘The Happiest Hour’ by Debbie Podlogar
Cocktails are often part of holiday festivities, but you can have fun even if you’re not drinking! And Debbie Podlogar, creator of Instagram’s @Mocktail.Mom—with more than 117,000 followers—and host of the Thriving Alcohol-Free podcast, is here to prove it. In her book, she shares 50+ tasty mocktails, like Don’t Be So Old Fashioned and Cranberry Dream, plus tips for garnishing drinks, setting up a home bar and having fun without the hangover.
What readers are saying: “This book is filled with amazing recipes and information. The author uses her voice to bring the drinks to life and prove the fun isn’t over when you stop drinking. A great book to have in your library!”
‘Downton Abbey Christmas Cookbook’ by Regula Ysewjin
Devoted fans of the award-winning television series will rejoice over this collection of Downton Abbey–inspired recipes created by culinary historian Regula Ysewijn. Packed with lovely photos from the show’s iconic Christmas episodes, quotes and fascinating anecdotes on Edwardian-era holiday traditions, each page charms. With dishes like Yorkshire Christmas Pie, Epiphany Tart and Whitbey Yule cake, it’s a sure way to bring the classic spirit of the season—and Downton Abbey—to life!
What readers are saying: “Whether you’re planning a grand holiday feast or simply yearning for a taste of Downton Abbey’s festive charm, this cookbook is a culinary masterpiece. The recipes are accessible, well-explained, and, most importantly, delicious. The Official Downton Abbey Christmas Cookbook is not just a collection of recipes; it’s a celebration of tradition, sophistication and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones during the most wonderful time of the year. It’s a must-have for both fans of the series and anyone looking to infuse their holiday table with a touch of Downton magic.”
‘The Christmas Movie Cookbook’ by Julia Rutland
This joyous 176-page cookbook brings all your favorite classic Christmas flicks to life. It is packed with entertaining tips and 65 recipes from movies—like Old Fashioned Meatloaf from A Christmas Story, Cheese Pizza from Home Alone and Christmas Pudding from A Christmas Carol. Rutland shares an array of hosting tips, menu ideas and mouthwatering recipes so readers can celebrate with holiday favorites, including Rudolph, Santa and Buddy the Elf. It’s a Christmas delight!
What readers are saying: “This is a wonderful cookbook! There are recipes from my favorite holiday movies and it was great to go through each page to see what movie went with what recipe. I will give more of these as gifts. It’s perfect for the whimsical cook!”
‘Celebrate with Babs: Holiday Recipes & Family Traditions’ by Barbara Costello
Ring in the holiday cheer with everyone’s favorite adopted grandma and internet sensation Barbara ‘Babs’ Costello. Her cookbook Celebrate with Babs is chock-full of recipes for every holiday, plus helpful motherly advice to help you de-stress this season. From over 100 family recipes and holiday traditions to hosting tips and party hacks, your celebrations will be the talk of the town this year.
What readers are saying: “This is such a great cookbook! It not only looks beautiful but it has SO many great recipes and ideas. I also enjoyed reading all of the stories. I look forward to making some of these recipes for my family.”
‘365 Tasty Hanukkah Recipes: The Hanukkah Cookbook for All Things Sweet and Wonderful!’ by Krystal Sterling
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a whole year’s worth of Hanukkah recipes. While oil and fried foods are Hanukkah staples, this cookbook has a variety of dishes to try, including a root vegetable twist on potato latkes, jelly-filled cookies and pastries, along with other easy-to-whip-up meals. Since Hanukkah lasts eight nights, you can celebrate with a new recipe for each night!
What readers are saying: “I love the new spins on Jewish foods for Hanukkah.” The Beginner’s Latkes were so easy to make, and there are so many different latkes recipes to choose from. Making these dishes with my family has made the holiday extra special!”
‘The Pioneer Woman Cooks—A Year of Holidays’ by Ree Drummond
Beloved rancher, blogger and Food Network chef Ree Drummond brings extra cheer this holiday season with her comforting cookbook, The Pioneer Woman Cooks—A Year of Holidays. Ree has a menu for every holiday and includes meals for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, as well as festive appetizers, side dishes and desserts. With more than 140 delectable dishes to pick from and 19 recipes for Thanksgiving alone, the Pioneer Woman will make your holiday feats stand out from the rest.
What readers are saying: “The Pioneer Woman Cooks―A Year of Holidays is a culinary gem that transforms every celebration into a feast to remember. Ree Drummond’s cookbook boasts 140 step-by-step recipes, each meticulously crafted to capture the essence of every holiday and season. From cozy Thanksgiving dinners to lively Fourth of July barbecues, Ree’s collection of dishes ensures that every occasion is met with delicious simplicity and scrumptious flavor.”
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