5 Best Holiday Cookbooks to Make Every Celebration Delicious
Festive meals bring people together, filling homes with joy, laughter, and mouthwatering aromas. A good holiday cookbook turns ordinary gatherings into unforgettable feasts with recipes that inspire warmth and connection.
From traditional dishes that honor family roots to creative twists that surprise every guest, these cookbooks offer something special for every cook. Each page invites you to explore flavors that capture the magic of the season savory roasts, sweet desserts, and cozy sides that make every bite memorable.
Home cooks can discover new techniques, seasonal ingredients, and stress-free meal ideas that make entertaining a pleasure instead of a chore. These books help turn simple moments into flavorful memories.
Prepare your apron and gather your favorite ingredients because these five holiday cookbooks will guide you toward your most delicious celebrations yet. Each one brings comfort, creativity, and the perfect touch of festive spirit to your kitchen.
5 Best Holiday Cookbooks 2025
1.
Babs’ Celebrate with Babs is a true family treasure. Featured on shows like Today, Good Morning America, and The Rachael Ray Show, it has earned praise for its heartwarming tone and simple, delicious recipes. Every page feels like a story told around the kitchen table.
Babs fills her book with memories and recipes passed down through generations. You’ll find dishes written on worn recipe cards, tested through time, and loved by her family. Each recipe carries a story a reason to gather, laugh, and share.
The cookbook covers all holidays in one place. It begins with cozy winter meals and carries you through spring brunches, summer picnics, and fall feasts. Babs’ words remind readers that food isn’t just about flavor. It’s about family and the joy of being together.
Her writing feels comforting and wise. She gives gentle tips for making gatherings easier and less stressful. Every page encourages readers to make their own memories, traditions, and flavors that last for generations.
Recipe Categories
Winter Celebrations
From hearty soups to festive desserts, winter recipes bring warmth to chilly days. Babs includes favorites like roasted meats, creamy casseroles, and baked pies that fill the home with comfort. Her Christmas and New Year menus come with simple tips for timing and serving, so you can focus on enjoying your guests instead of worrying in the kitchen.
Spring Gatherings
Freshness shines in the spring section. You’ll find light salads, fruit-based desserts, and dishes perfect for Easter brunch or Mother’s Day gatherings. Each recipe highlights seasonal ingredients that taste bright and new, reminding everyone that spring is a time of renewal and joy.
Summer Parties
Summer brings outdoor fun, and Babs knows how to make it easy. Her cookout ideas include family-style favorites like grilled meats, pasta salads, and fruity drinks. She adds clever hosting tricks, like make-ahead desserts and quick sides, to help you spend more time outdoors with friends and less time in the kitchen.
Autumn Feasts
The fall recipes celebrate flavor and comfort. Expect hearty dishes like roasted vegetables, slow-cooked meats, and pies filled with apples or pumpkin. Thanksgiving menus come with stress-free planning ideas and make-ahead suggestions. Babs’ personal stories about her family’s fall traditions make this section especially cozy and heartfelt.
Special Holidays
Beyond the major holidays, Babs includes recipes for smaller celebrations like Valentine’s Day, Fourth of July, and even family birthdays. Each one adds a thoughtful touch that helps make every event feel special. Her recipes encourage creativity without pressure, reminding readers that the best gatherings are the ones filled with laughter and love.
Features
100 Family-Favorite Recipes
The cookbook offers 100 tried-and-true recipes. Each one has been passed down through generations, written with care, and tested in real home kitchens. Babs’ recipes are simple, clear, and easy to follow, even for beginners.
Menus for Every Occasion
Each holiday includes a full menu suggestion. You’ll find main dishes, sides, desserts, and drinks organized for easy planning. The menus help you prepare a balanced, complete meal without extra stress.
Heartfelt Advice
Between recipes, Babs shares her wisdom about hosting, planning, and finding joy in small details. Her advice feels like a kind reminder from someone who has seen it all. She talks about how to handle unexpected guests, how to decorate simply, and how to make everyone feel welcome at your table.
Traditions and Stories
What makes this book special are the stories behind each dish. Babs writes about her family’s memories, from holiday dinners to Sunday gatherings. These stories bring warmth and meaning to every page, making the book more than just a recipe guide.
Easy Entertaining Tips
Hosting can feel stressful, but Babs makes it simple. She shares small party hacks like preparing ingredients early or reusing table décor to save time and effort. Her calm, practical style helps readers feel confident and organized.
Beautiful Design
The book’s layout feels inviting. Clear fonts, warm photography, and clean pages make it easy to read and follow. Every recipe feels like a gentle guide rather than strict instructions. The overall tone is warm, personal, and full of care.
Year-Round Use
This isn’t only a Christmas cookbook. It covers all holidays across the year, from New Year’s to family birthdays. You’ll always have something new to cook and celebrate, no matter the season.
Perfect Gift Idea
Because of its heartfelt stories and family feel, Celebrate with Babs makes a thoughtful gift. It suits new cooks, seasoned home chefs, and anyone who loves gathering around food.
2.
Cookbook Overview
A Fresh Take on Food Boards
Beautiful Boards introduces a fun way to serve meals and snacks. Instead of cooking complicated dishes, you use simple, fresh, and prepared foods arranged on a board. Every board looks like art and tastes delicious.
Maegan Brown mixes creativity with practicality. She includes both classic and playful themes like a bright fruit rainbow, a Halloween pumpkin made of orange treats, or a Thanksgiving turkey board. Each one brings joy to the table and makes eating fun, especially for kids.
Designed for All Occasions
The book covers every kind of event. You’ll find ideas for family breakfasts, game days, seasonal holidays, and even birthdays. Each board can fit large gatherings or quiet nights at home.
The author encourages flexibility. You can use what’s already in your kitchen or find easy ingredients from any grocery store. This makes the boards perfect for busy families who still want something beautiful and festive.
Encouraging Family Time
Many families spend holidays rushing in the kitchen. Beautiful Boards helps change that. Every board can be prepared ahead of time. That means less stress and more time sharing meals together. Kids can even help arrange the food, turning cooking into a fun family activity.
Recipe Categories
Everyday Boards
Simple boards like the Pancake Board or After-School Board bring variety to regular meals. The Pancake Board includes fresh fruit, syrup, and fluffy pancakes for a bright breakfast spread. The After-School Board offers snacks kids love cheese cubes, crackers, fruits, and small treats. These easy boards make daily eating more exciting. They show how simple foods can look special with just a little effort.
Seasonal and Holiday Boards
Holidays feel more joyful with themed boards. The Fall Feast Board celebrates autumn flavors, while the Pumpkin Board brings orange snacks together for a fun Halloween idea. The Turkey Board stands out for Thanksgiving gatherings. It’s colorful, festive, and easy to put together. Each design adds cheer to the table, matching the spirit of the season.
Party and Celebration Boards
From birthdays to football nights, Beautiful Boards offers spreads that make every event memorable. The Build-Your-Own Taco Board invites guests to mix their favorite toppings. The Football Board features hearty snacks perfect for game day.
For dessert lovers, the Birthday Dessert Board is a sweet dream filled with candies, cookies, and other small treats. Each board feels like a centerpiece that sparks conversation and smiles.
Features
Step-by-Step Instructions
Each board includes a large photo and clear, simple directions. The author breaks down every step so anyone can follow along. You don’t need fancy skills or tools to create these boards. The visual layout helps you see exactly how to arrange each item. This makes the process quick and enjoyable, even for beginners.
Easy-to-Find Ingredients
Maegan Brown uses ingredients you can find in most stores. Fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and baked items are the base of many boards. She focuses on convenience without losing creativity. No hard-to-pronounce or expensive ingredients just everyday foods arranged in a fun, artistic way.
Kid-Friendly Ideas
Children love colors and shapes. The boards encourage them to try new foods through playful presentation. A rainbow made of fruit or a smiling face made of snacks captures their attention. Parents often find it easier to serve healthy foods this way.
Make-Ahead Flexibility
Preparing in advance is a huge benefit. You can build a board earlier in the day and keep it ready for guests. That leaves more time for conversation and connection during the event.
Beautiful Photography
Every page is bright and inspiring. The photos help you visualize the final look and spark ideas for your own versions. Even if you don’t follow each design exactly, the images inspire endless creativity.
3.
Cookbook Overview
Ree Drummond is famous for her friendly voice and comfort-style recipes. In A Year of Holidays, she goes beyond regular meals. She guides readers through a full year of celebrations with menus for every season. Each section feels personal, like advice from a friend who loves to cook.
The book includes over a hundred recipes, each one paired with step-by-step photos. These photos make it easier to follow, especially for beginner cooks. The instructions are clear, and the humor keeps things light. Ree shares stories about her family and home life, making the experience feel warm and familiar.
From quiet dinners to big family parties, there’s something for everyone. The recipes fit every occasionNew Year’s, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and more. Even simple gatherings feel special with her creative ideas.
Recipe Categories
New Year’s Favorites
Start the year with energy and flavor. Ree’s Resolution Smoothie blends fruit and freshness in one glass. Her breakfast spreads include eggs, pancakes, and easy pastries that make mornings bright. Each recipe inspires you to start the year with joy and good food.
Game Day Treats
Big games call for bold flavors. The Whiskey BBQ Sliders steal the show, packed with smoky taste and tender meat. The Dr Pepper Cupcakes add a sweet twist, perfect for dessert tables. These recipes turn any living room into a mini tailgate party.
Easter Feasts
Easter brings spring colors and comforting dishes. Ree’s Glazed Ham shines as the centerpiece. It pairs beautifully with her side ideas like salads, biscuits, and roasted vegetables. The dishes feel homey yet festive, just right for a family lunch.
Summer Cookouts
Hot days deserve cool, refreshing flavors. The Watermelon Sangria is a fun drink for outdoor gatherings. It’s fruity, bright, and easy to make. Grilled favorites and light salads complete the menu. Ree’s summer recipes make picnics and barbecues easy to plan.
Halloween Fun
Spooky nights feel better with snacks. Popcorn Balls are crunchy, sweet, and easy to shape. Kids love them, and adults do too. Ree also includes ideas for themed snacks and fun party bites that make Halloween more festive.
Thanksgiving Classics
Thanksgiving holds a big place in Ree’s heart. The book includes nineteen recipes for this holiday alone. From turkey and mashed potatoes to pies and sauces, every classic is here. Her clear steps and cheerful tone make even big meals stress-free.
Christmas Delights
Christmas shines bright in this cookbook. Caramel Apple Rolls, Christmas Rum Cake, and colorful cookies fill the pages. These recipes bring smiles and sweet aromas to the kitchen. They also make wonderful homemade gifts for friends and family.
Each category fits perfectly with the mood of the season. You’ll find traditional dishes with a Pioneer Woman twist simple, hearty, and full of love.
Features
Step-by-Step Photos
Each recipe includes detailed photos that show every stage. These images help beginners feel confident and guide experienced cooks to perfect results. No guessing just follow along and enjoy the process.
Easy Instructions
Ree’s writing feels friendly and direct. She uses short steps and clear notes. Even complex dishes seem simple. Her tips and funny comments make the reading experience fun and easy to follow.
Seasonal Menus
Every holiday comes with a full menu. This helps plan complete meals without stress. From breakfast to dessert, Ree gives ideas for every course. It saves time and keeps the celebration balanced.
Personal Touch
The book includes stories from Ree’s life on the ranch. She shares memories about her family and the traditions behind the recipes. This makes the cookbook more than just food it’s a story of love, family, and home.
Beautiful Photography
The pages are bright and colorful. Food photos look real and inviting, not overly styled. The warm tones reflect Ree’s personality and country charm.
Holiday Variety
Each holiday feels unique. The recipes match the season’s colors and spirit. From cozy winter desserts to light summer plates, the variety keeps the book exciting all year long.
Family-Friendly Meals
Many recipes are perfect for cooking with kids. Simple tasks like mixing, rolling, or decorating turn into fun family activities. It builds memories as much as meals.
4.
Cookbook Overview
A Celebration of Winter Baking
Sarah Kieffer’s holiday cookbook captures everything people love about the season. The pages sparkle with warmth, joy, and flavor. Her recipes go far beyond ordinary sugar cookies. Each one tells a small story of comfort, family, and celebration. The book features over 50 recipes, all crafted for gatherings big and small.
About the Author
Sarah Kieffer is a trusted name in baking. Many know her from The Vanilla Bean Blog and her popular book 100 Cookies. Her “bang-the-pan” cookie method became famous online and earned her praise from food lovers everywhere. Her experience shows in every page each recipe feels approachable, tested, and deeply satisfying.
A Cookbook for Every Baker
This book isn’t just for experts. It’s written for anyone who enjoys the smell of a cake in the oven or the fun of frosting cookies with friends. The steps are clear, the ingredients simple, and the results always rewarding. It invites home bakers to try something new while keeping the joy in every step.
Recipe Categories
Cookies and Bars
Holiday cookies always steal the spotlight, and this book doesn’t disappoint. You’ll find classics with a twist—like Triple Chocolate Peppermint Bark and delicate butter cookies that melt in your mouth. Each recipe adds a touch of holiday sparkle. Perfect for cookie swaps or gifting to neighbors.
Brunch and Breakfast Treats
Cold mornings feel better with something freshly baked. Recipes such as Meyer Lemon-White Chocolate Scones or Pear-Almond Danish Bread bring a bright and cozy start to the day. The flavors balance sweetness with warmth, making every bite perfect for a lazy weekend or Christmas morning.
Show-Stopping Cakes and Pies
From Hot Chocolate Cake to Pumpkin Pie with Candied Pepita Streusel, these desserts make any table festive. The instructions are easy to follow, yet the results look impressive. Each cake or pie feels like a centerpiece ready to spark conversation and smiles.
Edible Gifts
Baking also means sharing. The book includes plenty of recipes that double as thoughtful homemade gifts. Pack some cookies in a tin, wrap a loaf of sweet bread, or fill jars with festive bark. These small gestures bring big joy to family and friends.
Features
Cozy Photography and Design
Every page shines with soft, winter photography. The images capture the warmth of golden crusts, melting chocolate, and powdered sugar snow. The layout feels calm and clean, letting the food take the spotlight. It’s a book that looks as lovely on a coffee table as it does on a kitchen counter.
Easy and Reliable Recipes
Each recipe uses everyday ingredients and simple steps. There’s no stress or guesswork. Every dessert feels doable, even for beginners. The instructions are written in a friendly tone that makes readers feel guided, not rushed.
A Perfect Holiday Gift
This cookbook itself makes a thoughtful present. Pair it with a baking set, an apron, or a whisk tied with ribbon. It’s ideal for anyone who loves to bake or wants to start during the festive season.
For Fans and Food Lovers
Readers who enjoyed Dorie’s Cookies, Dessert Person, or Snacking Cakes will find a similar charm here. Fans of Sarah Kieffer’s blog and Instagram will recognize her warm style and focus on joy-filled baking.
5.
Cookbook Overview
The Best Holiday Cookbooks collection by Cook’s Illustrated feels like a trusted friend in the kitchen. Every recipe has been tested again and again until it reaches perfection. The goal is simple to help home cooks serve holiday meals that taste amazing every time.
Each chapter covers a part of the meal, making it easy to plan a full menu without confusion. Starters, main dishes, sides, and desserts all find their place here. Whether you’re feeding a big family or planning a quiet dinner for two, there’s something that fits the occasion.
This cookbook doesn’t chase food trends. It focuses on proven classics and fresh updates to beloved favorites. The tone is calm, the steps are clear, and the flavors are unforgettable.
Recipe Categories
Starters That Impress
The book opens with appetizers that set the tone for the meal. Every recipe balances ease with elegance. There’s no need for fancy skills just simple steps that deliver flavor. From creamy dips to fresh salads, each dish invites guests to relax and enjoy.
Main Course Masterpieces
The centerpiece chapter brings the holiday spirit to life. Roasted meats, flavorful poultry, and rich vegetarian dishes fill this section. Imagine a tender Boneless Rib Roast with Yorkshire Pudding or a savory Italian-style Porchetta. Each main dish feels festive and satisfying.
Shareable Sides
Sides often steal the spotlight, and Cook’s Illustrated makes sure they do. The recipes here bring color and comfort to the table. Roasted Cauliflower Gratin adds warmth, while Wild Rice Pilaf with Pecans and Cranberries brings a nutty, fruity crunch. Each side dish complements the main course perfectly.
Sweet Endings
Dessert is where the celebration truly shines. From Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake to rich Chocolate Truffles, the sweets in this book make every ending feel complete. There are even classic cookie recipes butter and gingerbread perfect for Christmas gifting or afternoon treats.
Features
Tested and Trusted Recipes
Every recipe in this collection has been tested for years. Cook’s Illustrated focuses on reliability, so the results are consistent every time. The directions are clear and detailed, helping cooks avoid common mistakes.
Simple Organization
The cookbook divides its 75 recipes into clear sections starters, main courses, sides, and desserts. This structure makes it easy to plan a menu or find ideas quickly.
Holiday Variety
The recipes fit every occasion. Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas brunch, or a small New Year’s Eve gathering each chapter offers dishes that match the moment. The variety keeps cooking exciting throughout the holiday season.
Beautiful Presentation
Each recipe is designed to look as good as it tastes. The book focuses on plating ideas and helpful tips to make dishes shine without extra effort. The visuals guide cooks in serving meals that look festive and professional.
Foolproof Techniques
Every method shared in this cookbook has been refined through testing. From roasting to baking, the techniques are clear and easy to follow. Even new cooks can feel confident while preparing a full holiday spread.
Balanced Flavors
Cook’s Illustrated recipes are known for balance. Each dish combines texture and flavor in perfect harmony. Savory meats, creamy sides, and sweet desserts all come together in a way that pleases every guest.
Gift-Worthy Quality
This cookbook isn’t just for cooking; it’s also a thoughtful gift. Its mix of reliable recipes and elegant layout makes it a perfect present for friends or family who love to cook.
Step-by-Step Clarity
The instructions break down each step in simple language. Cooks can follow along easily without confusion or complicated terms. This makes it perfect for beginners and experienced home chefs alike.
Time-Tested Inspiration
Over 20 years of recipe testing means each dish carries history. The collection feels like a bridge between classic holiday comfort and modern kitchen simplicity.
Confidence in Every Dish
Cooking for the holidays can be stressful. This book removes that worry. With every recipe proven to work, hosts can focus on enjoying the moment instead of fearing kitchen disasters.
Final Thoughts
Holiday meals feel special when every dish brings joy and comfort. A good cookbook turns that feeling into reality through clear steps and tested recipes. The warmth of shared food, the sound of laughter, and the smell of something baking all come together in these pages.
The Best Holiday Cookbooks collection captures that magic with recipes that anyone can follow and love. Each dish reminds us that great food doesn’t need to be complicated it just needs care, time, and heart.
