11 Must-Try Recipes to Make This December, According to Our Editors

I am strictly a “no Christmas music until after Thanksgiving” kind of person, but with companies trying to usher in the holiday season earlier and earlier each year, it can be hard to resist. But I’m proud to say that this year I didn’t give in! Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, I’m in full winter holiday mode, embracing every aspect of the season I can—including as much baking and cooking as possible. 

December means a continuation of cozy foods, both for holiday parties and weeknights at home. Our editors are looking forward to some cooking and baking projects this month, like a Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Pie, but they’re also craving simple dinner recipes for nights at home, like easy sausage and lentils made in a pressure cooker. Keep reading to see what we’re most excited to cook this December.

Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Pie

“Leah’s Pennsylvania Dutch apple pie is so good and so easy, and a cold weather staple in our house. If you are daunted by the prospect of making pie, don’t be. Leah’s recipe is super straightforward and I promise you will end up with one of the best apple pies you’ve ever had.” —Genevieve Yam, culinary editor

Málà-Spiced Chex Mix

“I love Chex mix, but the classic lacks a little oomph in my book. That’s why I’m so excited to make Genevieve’s málà-spiced snack mix for holiday parties (or sitting at home watching movies). It takes just a few minutes to prep, but packs tons of flavor from Sichuan peppercorns and chile crisp.” —Megan O. Steintrager, associate editorial director

Winter Squash Panang Curry

“I love kabocha squash so much that I’d happily eat it on its own, and I can’t wait to use the sweet, nutty squash in this creamy Panang curry.” —Genevieve Yam

“Not to copy Genevieve (though she is my favorite, don’t tell Yasmine), but I’m excited to try this new creamy Panang curry. I swiped some leftover palm sugar from our photoshoot supply closet last week so now it’s just a matter of grabbing some kabocha squash on my way home one of these cold, dreary December evenings. I have high hopes this recipe will dispel all my winter blues.” —Amanda Suarez, associate director, visuals

Pressure Cooker Lentils and Sausage

“Easy, tasty, filling, perfect for the chilly days ahead. This is a no-brainer recipe for a parent like me, or…anyone else really.” —Daniel Gritzer, editorial director

Sausage Balls

“I’ve been in a retro recipe mood lately—think fondue, mint juleps, and even debating whether to roast a goose for Christmas. (Spoiler alert: Duck is way cheaper.) I love a groovy mood, and the ’70s were a fun decade for appetizers, like these Southern sausage balls. Meaty and cheesy? How have I never made sausage balls before? That’s about to change this holiday season.” —Kelli Solomon, senior social media editor

Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

“December brings with it my favorite time: the Christmas holiday season. And the best thing about this season? The food. Sure, gifts are fun, but it’s the cozy dishes that really sing out “joyeux Noelle!” to me. Christmas morning is particularly exciting, and this year, I’m planning on throwing together these one-bowl, overnight cinnamon rolls on Christmas Eve. My husband and I can wake up Christmas morning to not only tear into presents, but also into these ooey gooey, tender cinnamon buns. Santa will be jealous.” —Grace Kelly, editor

Lacy Brown Butter and Ricotta Cookies

“I’ve made these ricotta brown butter cookies for years. They’re (dare I say it!) perfect, with their nutty, caramelized flavor and lacy edges. I’ll be making them at least twice this December…but honestly probably far more than that.” —Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm, associate editorial director

Roasted Delicata Squash

“Delicata squash is the best squash! It cooks so quickly and adds just the right amount of sweetness to salads and side dishes. I’ve bookmarked this page as a reminder for the best time and temperature for creamy, perfectly-golden roasted squash.” —Rochelle Bilow, editor

Creamy Tortellini Soup

“With all the big cooking projects I have planned this month for holiday parties and family gatherings—not to mention all the cooking I did the week of Thanksgiving—I could definitely use an easy recipe that’s still comforting to slot in on weeknights. I’m looking forward to trying Genevieve’s tortellini soup. Anything that elevates frozen food like tortellini is a winner in my book!” —Yasmine Maggio, associate editor

Air-Fryer Baked Potato

“The temperature has finally dropped below freezing up where I live in New England, and for me that marks the unofficial start to baked potato season. To save on time, I use this air-fryer recipe. It shaves at least a half hour off the time compared to a traditional oven-baked potato.” —Leah Colins, senior culinary editor

Make-Ahead Quinoa Salad With Cucumber, Tomato, and Herbs

“Summer may be long gone, but I still like to make refreshing salads every once in a while to escape the seasonal gloom. I recently tripled this recipe and had enough for a whole week. I love the balance of tart red wine vinegar with chopped mint and parsley leaves. It’s also a great party dish if you have some holiday potlucks on the horizon. Someone’s gotta bring a salad, right?” —An Uong, writer