December Recipes Collection - What to Make - Life's Little Sweets (2024)

1

Cutout Sugar Cookies

Cutout Sugar Cookiesare a classic, butter and sugar-based cookie dough recipe that can be used for cutout Holiday cookies, to make a Sugar Cookie Candy House, or as a base for other classic cookie recipes. These cookies are perfect for decorating withRoyal Icing! Makes about 5 dozen cookies.

2

Coquito

ThisCoquito(meaning “Little Coconut”) recipe issoeasy to make in ablender, this particular recipe does not have eggs in it; it has aromatic cinnamon throughout, plus, you have the option to add rum, if you wish. Try this festive, sweet, delicious, coconut-based, traditionalChristmasdrink that originated inPuerto Ricoand is also known as the Puerto Rican “Eggnog“. (makes 8 cups, served cold, vegetarian)

3

Gingerbread Cutout Cookies

Gingerbread Cutout Cookies are a classic & traditional Christmas holiday cookie to make every year, this recipe also has ground nutmeg and pure vanilla extract to take the flavor over the top! You can bake them to be crisper or chewier, depending on how you like them. These fun cutout cookies are perfect for decorating with classic, sweet & crisp Royal Icing!

4

Chocolate Chess Pie

This rich, self-saucing,Chocolate Chess Piehas ahomemade pie crustand can easily be made ahead with simple pantry ingredients like cornmeal, flour, eggs, chocolate chip morsels, unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla, and sugar. It has a crisp, crackly top (similar to a French macaron cookie) and tastes wonderful served with powdered sugar, whipped cream, and ground cinnamon.

5

Eggnog

ThisEggnogrecipe is a classic, spiced, holiday drink. This creamy and delicious drink has, whole milk, light cream (or half and half), fragrant ground nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla. In this recipe, there areno raw eggs(they are cooked through a tempering process). Pour this Eggnog into swing-top glass bottles, and it makes a great edible gift and/or hostess gift.

6

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

This Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix makes a rich, sweet, flavorful, and chocolate-y cup of classic, yet nuanced hot chocolate – just add hot water to the mix! This hot chocolate recipe also makes a wonderful edible gift. (recipe tutorial video included, serves 4)

7

Candied Pecans

Candied Pecansare a spiced, salty-sweet snack perfect for an edible gift! They are easy to make and easily customizable to your tastes. My version hashalved pecans,cinnamon, regular &brown sugar,maple syrup, purevanilla extract, a little bit of groundnutmegandHarrissaseasoning.

8

Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates

Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Datesare a savory-sweet appetizer or snack, served hot, perfect for having at a gathering.Pitted Medjool datesstuffed withsoft cheeselike Blue orStilton Cheese, then wrapped with thick-slicedbaconand baked on acast iron grill pan(or rimmed baking sheet). They are so delicious and mouthwatering that you can never have just one!

9

Homemade Gingerbread Coffee Recipe

Homemade Gingerbread Coffee is sweet and the Gingerbread Syrup in it has molasses, black pepper, allspice, cloves, nutmeg and vanilla, it has creamy steamed half and half and it topped with Gingerbread Spice Mixture. This hot coffee drink is really a treat for the taste buds and all the senses.

10

Homemade Beef and Broccoli over Brown Rice

Homemade Beef and Broccoli over Brown Riceis a savory, stir-fry dish that has thin-cut strips of lean,flank steak, crisp, bite-size,broccoliflorets, a savory,garlic-infused brown sauceover steaming hot,brown rice. Make this popularChinese-American cuisinetake-out dish at home!

11

Homemade Gingerbread Syrup Recipe

Homemade Gingerbread Syrup Recipeis perfect for adding to coffee or espresso drinks, co*cktails, or over desserts. Enjoy this sweet, spiced syrup all through the Autumn, Winter seasons or whenever you are craving that Gingerbread flavor!

12

Sugared Cranberries

Sugared Cranberriesare sweet, tart and are wonderful as garnishes on co*cktails, on appetizer boards or to top desserts. They add a bright, red and festive flair to any table – plus they are easy to make with only 2 required ingredients on the stove top!

13

Homemade Gingerbread Spice Mixture Recipe

ThisHomemade Gingerbread Spice Mixture Recipehas allspice, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, ground nutmeg and fresh ground black pepper medley. This spice mix is perfect for the Autumn and Winter holiday season, add it to all your favorite drinks and desserts!

14

Balsamic Marinated Baked Portobello Mushrooms

Balsamic Marinated Baked Portobello Mushroomsare a flavorful and meaty accompaniment to dinner or a tasty topping over salad!

15

Cold Brew Brownies

Cold Brew Browniesare a fudgey, sweet and satisfying dessert snack. They are made withFolkcity Roasters Cold Brew Coffeewhich enhances the chocolate flavor and gives them a caffeine kick. These 4-ingredient brownies are great when you need to get achocolatefix!

16

How to Make Kale Chips

Kale Chipsare a savory, healthier-for-you than potato chips snack which can be easily customized to your tastes. It only takes a few ingredients, regular olive oil, sea salt, fresh ground pepper, and optional Italian four-cheese blend and 20 minutes to roast, to make these delicious Kale Chips!

17

Perfect Sage Thyme Butter Whipped Potatoes

Perfect Sage Thyme Butter Whipped Potatoesare savory, full of flavor and a favorite on theHolidaytable. Enjoy these creamy, butter-infused, whippedYukon Goldpotatoes at your meal! Keep them warm in aslow cookerfor easy serving.

18

Potato Pancakes (GF) #FoodieMamas

This simple Potato Pancake recipe is gluten-free with only 4 ingredients – red potatoes, onions, eggs and salt. It makes a large batch, using a 5-lb bag of potatoes which is great for feeding a crowd.

19

Homemade Turkey Gravy Recipe

ThisHomemade Turkey GravyRecipetutorial helps you make the most delicious turkey gravyfrom scratch! It’ssavory, the perfect consistency (thickened withall-purpose flour), herb-infused withsage,rosemaryandthyme(optional) and has a splash ofsherryorwhite wine(optional).

20

Turkey Leftovers Recipes

Turkey Leftovers Recipes– Find yourself with some extraturkeyon hand? Check out these savoryTurkey Leftovers Recipesfrom Life’s Little Sweets and other bloggers.

21

Peanut Butter Blossoms

Peanut Butter Blossomsare a classic cookie, they are peanut butter cookies topped with chocolateHershey’s kisses. (makes about 54 cookies)

22

Lavender Shortbread

ThisLavender Shortbreadhas freshlavender,mintandlemonzest. Top with chopped nuts, likepecans, and dip in melted semi sweetchocolate, if you like. WelcomeSpringandSummerwith all it’s fresh ingredients in this classicshortbreadrecipe.

23

Garlic Herb Eye of the Round Roast

ThisGarlic Herb Eye of the Round Roastis a savory, flavorful and meaty main dish for the dinner table. This roast is seasoned with fresh herbs likethyme,rosemaryandgarlic,onionsandMontreal Steak Seasoning. Easy to make for a weeknight or holiday dinner alike. (gluten-free)

24

Peanut Butter Cookies

ThesePeanut Butter Cookiesare a classic, homemade peanut butter cookie recipe. They are savory and sweet and can be made crispy or chewy. They taste delicious when drizzled or dipped inchocolate.

25

Oven Baked Bacon

Oven Baked Baconis savory, crispy and easy way to make a large amount of bacon right in your oven. This way of making bacon frees up your stove top and is great for making a big breakfast, brunch or if you need a large amount for a recipe. (paleo, gluten-free, keto)

26

Slow Cooker Crock-Pot Butter Corn

Slow Cooker Crock-Pot Butter Cornis the easiest side dish you could possibly have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Holiday gatherings or any dinner. All you need is frozen corn, unsalted butter, salt, pepper and any optional seasonings. This side dish is also a kid-friendly favorite recipe! (gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan option)

27

Air Fryer Carrot Fries

Air Fryer Carrot Frieshave ground cumin, smoked paprika, kosher salt and fresh ground pepper with a small amount of Canola oil. This is a more healthy version of carrot fries with less oil using an Air Fryer. This easy recipe only requires 7 ingredients and 15 minutes! (gluten free, vegan)

28

No-Knead Oatmeal Bread

Fresh baked bread is a far superior experience compared to commercially produced bread with all those additives and preservatives. This recipe requires only 5 ingredients (flour, oats, yeast, salt and water – how pure is that?), a little handling of the dough and with minimal effort, the result is fresh bread – you baked yourself!

29

Vegan Coconut Whipped Cream and Frosting

Vegan Coconut Whipped Cream and Frostingis made with whipped, full fat, coconut milk with pure vanilla extract and sweetened with maple syrup. (vegan)

30

How to Make Rice in a Rice Cooker

Do you knowHow to Make Rice in a Rice Cooker? Making rice this way is easy, less messy and frees up the stove top for cooking other food while preparing your meal. I wouldn’t have it any other way!

31

Maple Cinnamon Butter

Maple Cinnamon Butteris a sweet and delicious butter recipe that is perfect for having on muffins, toast, popovers, bread or just about anything you imagine. It only takes a few minutes and 4 simple ingredients to make this maple-cinnamon scented butter.

32

Blue Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Recipe

ThisBlue Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte (Mermaid Latte)has a gorgeousocean blue colordue to theblue butterfly pea flower tea.You can addsteamed milkorhalf and halfor substitute with a dairy-free/non-dairy milk option, if you wish. It is topped withhoney, maple syrupor sweetener of your choice. (vegetarian/vegan option)

33

Tuna Salad Recipe

ThisTuna Salad Recipeis an easy, basic salad recipe, perfect for Summer or any time of year. Whip it up for a quick bite to eat or make it for your next gathering! (gluten-free)

34

Homemade Turkey Soup

This nourishingHomemadeTurkey Souprecipe can be made with leftovers from aturkeydinner. You can make thebrothfrom turkeyleftovers, just add some veggies likecarrotsandceleryandturkey meatand you are all set for a delicious andsavorysoup!

35

Easy Pecan Pie Recipe

ThisEasy Pecan Pie Recipeis a sweet, delicious, classicpierecipe – perfect for theThanksgivingtable or anydesserttable. You can take a shortcut using a 9-inch, pre-made, deep dish pie crust and enjoy a sweet homemade pie filling. It goes great with a hot cup of coffee or tea. (makes 8 slices)

36

Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Pieis a dessert that is perfect for dessert early Fall through the Winter. Filled with aromatic spices and delicious pumpkin filling, there’s nothing like a homemade, fresh-baked Pumpkin Pie! (vegetarian)

37

Instant Pot Chicken Carrots Brown Rice Dinner

ThisInstant Pot Chicken Carrots Brown Rice Dinneris a savory, hearty and healthy meal. Made with boneless, skinless chicken (breasts or thighs), garlic, sliced carrots and brown rice with simple seasonings and optional celery.

38

Chess Pie

ThisChess Pierecipe is a simple, solid,sweet pierecipe topped withconfectioner’s sugar, a sprinkling of crushedsea salt. It has a distinctive yellow batter which is thickened with corn meal. Bring to a holiday gathering, potluck or make it for an easydessertafter a weeknight meal. Serve it cold or warm and enjoy this delicious pie with a hot cup of coffee! (makes 1, 9-inch pie)

39

Chocolate Swirl Meringue Cookies

Taking a bite of these Chocolate Swirl Meringue Cookies is like taking a bite of a marshmallow that is crisp on the outside and soft and chocolate-y on the inside. I highly recommend dipping these lovelies into the leftover melted chocolate – that is if there is any!

40

Chocolate Butterscotch Saltine Toffee

Chocolate Butterscotch Saltine Toffeecombinessemi sweet chocolateandbutterscotch morselswith a classic, easy candy recipe: saltine toffee. Enjoy this butter-y, crisp and sweetly-addictive version of saltine toffee!

41

Vanilla Whipped Cream

Vanilla whipped cream, also called vanillaChantillycream, is the perfecttoppingto a dessert, ice cream or even a coffee drink.

42

Stove Top Grilled Eggplant

Stove Top Grilled Eggplantis savory and easy to make with astove top grill pan. This is a simple, minimally seasoned way to make eggplant for dinner, lunch or any meal. (vegan, gluten-free)

43

[ad] Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce

ThisBlue Cheese Dipping Sauceis so creamy, fresh and tasty! It goesperfectlywith buffalo wings;have this combo for yourgame daygathering! (video)

44

Homemade Carrot Ginger Soup

ThisHomemade Carrot Ginger Souprecipe is healthy, delicious and good for you. It’s loaded with healthy carrots, onions, garlic, celery and ginger. (vegan, gluten-free, traditional option)

45

Pan-Fried Tomatoes

Pan-Fried Tomatoesare a tasty side dish to go with dinner, you can have them over a salad or with crackers and cheese for an appetizer.

46

Funeral Potatoes

Funeral Potatoesare a cheesy funeral potatoes casserole recipe that feeds all your cravings. Perfect for any nights dinner, special occasions and any gathering with hungry stomachs

47

Chocolate Eggnog Fudge

ThisChocolate Eggnog Fudgeis so smooth,chocolate-yand the perfect indulgence to enjoy yourself or give as a gift to someone special. It’s infused witheggnogmaking it perfect for the Christmas & Holiday season! This recipe uses mini marshmallows making it an easy-to-make, quick fudge recipe.

48

Easy Cherry Pie with Puff Pastry Crust

ThisEasy Cherry Pie with Puff Pastry Crustcomes together in50 minuteswithready-made ingredientsand has a touch of unique with a light and crisppuff pastry crust. Enjoy a delicious slice topped withice cream,whipped creamand freshcherries!

49

Nutella Muddy Buddies

Nutella Muddy Buddiesare quick to prepare, addicting to eat and feeds a crowd. Make this delicious twist on a classic party food for your next gatheringor yourself!

50

Perfect Coconut Cream Lush Dessert Recipe

ThisPerfect Coconut Cream Lush Dessert Reciperecipe is light, creamy and filled with coconut deliciousness. It’s a one-pan dessert that feeds a crowd and even has a no-bake crust option for those hot weather days.

51

Classic Homemade Tater Tot Casserole

ThisClassic Homemade Tater Tot Casseroleis made from scratchwithout the use of canned soup. It’s creamy, comforting and a delicious,one-dishdinner, sure to be a family favorite!

52

Mason Jar Tiramisu Trifle

ThisMason Jar Tiramisu Trifleis anewtake the classictiramisudessert. There is plenty to go around as this recipe makes 6 pint-sized mason jars filled with delicious tiramisu dessert, yet only requires10 ingredients. With 2 layers of delicious, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, richtiramisucream and lofty, whipped cream dusted with cocoa,Mason Jar Tiramisu Trifleis going to be your new most-requested family favorite!

53

Sweetened Condensed Milk Coffee

Sweetened Condensed Milk Coffeeis a simple way to enjoy your morning coffee. Basic black coffee, lightened up and sweetened with sweetened condensed milk from a can. Great hot or iced!

54

Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

Cinnamon Sugar Mixtureis a sugar spice mix that you can have on hand to top toast, ice cream and other foods. It’s also an ingredient inPerfect Snickerdoodle CookiesandSimple Homemade Cinnamon Rolls. Keep it in a mason jar in your pantry to have on hand for when you need it!

55

Homemade French Onion Soup

ThisHomemadeFrench Onion Souprecipe has the flavors of a classic French onion soup that you would find at a restaurant, yet, it is easy to prepare in your home kitchen. Caramelized onions in a reduction of white wine and sherry with herbs of thyme and bay leaves in a clear beef broth make this soup delicious. The topping of French baguette bread wrapped in 3 cheeses then melted to a golden, crispy crust, make it satisfying.

56

Tiramisu Trifle Recipe

ThisTiramisu Triflehas delicateladyfingersponge cakes soaked in anespresso-rum mixture, layered with a richMascarpone-whipped cream mixture and topped with vanillawhipped cream,cocoa powderandsemi sweet chocolatecurls. A dessert at the top of many people’s favorite dessert list, thishomemadetiramisu trifle will impress anyone who is lucky enough to have a taste!

57

Oatmeal Raisin Cranberry Cookies

Cookies are wonderful because, much like cupcakes, they are individual – without any fussiness. TheseOatmeal Raisin Cranberry Cookies arewholesomecookies and though they have two kinds of sugar, they also have oatmeal, raisins and cranberries which are good for you.

58

Easy Breakfast Mug Cake

ThisEasy Breakfast Mug Cakeis made withKodiak Cakes Energy Packed Flapjack and Waffle Mixand topped with raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and blueberries. This is an easy, tasty and satisfying breakfast hack.

59

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Pumpkin Spice and everything nice, that’s what Autumn is made of! ThisPumpkin Spice Latterecipe has mypumpkin spice mixture(cinnamon, ground ginger, allspice, nutmeg and cloves), milk, pumpkin puree optional sugar, dark roast coffee/espresso, vanilla extract, and topped with either creamy and sweet Reddi-wip® Barista Nitro (if having iced) or Reddi-wip® Barista Sweet Foam (if having hot).

60

Instant Pot Lentils

MakingInstant Pot Lentilsis so easy in ourfavoritepressure cooker, theInstant Pot. You can use these lentils to top salads, in wraps or as a side with dinner. So easy,healthyand delicious! (vegan option, gluten-free)

61

Sand Tart Cookie Recipe

ThisSand Tart Cookie Recipeis our family recipe perfect for theChristmas&Holidayseason making a big batch of cookies. These cookies are easy to customize to your tastes with various toppings and make a funactivityfor everyone involved. Check out our family homevideoof our cookie making session below!

62

Perfect Snickerdoodle Cookies

ThesePerfectSnickerdoodle Cookieshave only 8 ingredients, and make the most aromatic, chewy and delicious cookies with crisp edges. They are such a satisfying and tasty cookie, expect them to be gone as soon as you make them! (video)

63

Gingerbread Spice Cake

Baking with molasses is my new love with this recipe. I don’t normally use molasses but it’s now in my repertoire and let me tell you, the flavor it bring to a recipe is AMAZING!