Pretzel Hugs. These little guys are easy, fun, yummy treats that I love to make with my toddler because she can do most of the work. They are also low mess and visually fun to add to a cookie tray. I also love that they are bite sized and not a full cookie, so someone who wants just a little something sweet can grab one of these instead of an entire cookie.

Cinnamon Roasted Almonds. I used to get these at the Minnesota State Fair and they would barely make it home with me because I would snack on them all day. It wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I figured out how to make them at home and they’ve become a holiday favorite and something that isn’t chocolate or peanut butter like many Christmas cookies.

Orange Blossoms. More commonly known in our family as “reindeer poop.” These savory little orange chocolate no-bake treats get better the longer they sit as the flavors come together. This recipe came from my great aunt and she got it out of a 1960’s magazine…before microwaves existed!

Christmas Coal. These are super easy and super delish. Very easy to make and, although a little messy, would be a fun one for kiddos to help with because it doesn’t take long.

Frosted Cranberry Drop Cookies. I got this recipe from a magazine I bought over 15 years ago and have written in the margin “AMAZING!” so I feel obligated to share it. They’re so good that I don’t even frost them usually. If you choose to frost them, it cuts the tartness of the cranberries in the cookie and the balance is…well, amazing! This one does contain nuts, but you could remove them and they would still be good.

Raspberry Ribbons. These butter cookies are addicting. And a nice addition to a Christmas cookie tray because there’s some color other than brown from the raspberry jam.

Puppy Chow. I do not make this with corn Chex Mix like the Muddy Buddy version. This one is better and I will die on that hill. I’m pretty confident because this one of my most requested recipes from friends and family. I usually end up making two batches, one for my husband and one for everyone else.

Holiday Cheesecake Bars. I made these because I don’t have spring pans that traditional cheesecake recipes require, and I love cheesecake. But I do have a 9×13 pan, which is how these are made and they turned out just as good as a round cheesecake! If you don’t want to add the cherries, you don’t have to. They’re good as plain cheesecake bars too, or would be great with a strawberry or raspberry sauce drizzled on top, or some festive sugared cranberries for a pop of color!

Coconut Cranberry Bars. Kind of a 7-layer bar vibe, but Christmas themed. Turns out really pretty and even though it’s got a lot of sweet ingredients making it super rich, the tartness of fresh cranberry and coconut mellow it out a little.

Cake Batter Dip. I made this one Christmas when I was tasked with bringing a couple of dishes to share. It is SO easy to whip together (pun intended) and even easier to serve with graham crackers or vanilla wafer cookies. Or, for a fun holiday twist, with small un-frosted sugar cookies. Kids love this one too!

Cranberry Jalapeno Dip. I made this on a whim one football Sunday in December to try and be festive and both me and my husband were shocked at how yummy it is for such a simple recipe. This one is best if you make it the night before so all the flavors can come together, but can be made day-of several hours before serving. I love to make it right away in the morning and then go about my day while it sits in the fridge. Serve with crackers.

Bruschetta. A classic Italian recipe that is simple ingredients and a crowdpleaser. I like to serve mine with small pieces of toasted bread (recipe for that included).

Loaded Baked Potato Dip. Not technically a holiday theme, but a great dip and it makes a good amount. Perfect if you’re bringing it to a get-together! I like serving with a hearty kettle potato chip to make things easy but we’ve also done waffle fries and there is truly no better combo.

Fall Fruit Salad. I made this for Thanksgiving this year and it was a major hit. I love the colors of the salad and the dressing on it is sweet without being overbearing. The recipe does call for nuts, but you can absolutely leave them out and it will still be delicious and beautiful alongside other sides and the main course.

Garlic Roasted Potatoes & Veggies. Basically a sheet pan dinner without the meat. Easy to make, simple ingredients, and goes with just about anything as a side dish.

Bacon Brussels Sprout Salad. A different take on traditional side salad and on Brussels sprouts. Lots of crunch and great flavors make this a big hit. Plus it has bacon.

Chicken Cacciatore. One of my all time favorite dishes. An Italian meal that’s a little spicy, includes lots of fresh veggies, and is nice and hearty so no one ends up still hungry in an hour.

Manicotti. I realize I’m doing two Italian dishes as my favorites, and I make no apologies about that. We love Italian in this house. Italian dishes also tend to have higher servings per dish, which make them great to make for holiday parties and dinners because it’s one or two pans to bake instead of a ton of side dishes and stove top stuff. This recipe is so cheesy and yummy. We usually make garlic bread to go with it. You can even add a simple side salad if you want to add some greens.

Oyster Cracker Snack Mix. Seriously addicting salty snack. Perfect for football games or big family gatherings.

Cheesy Sun Crisps. I made these for the first time this year and they are great for snacking or paired with a dip, spread, or festive cheese ball. Could even be made gluten free by subbing the flour with a gluten-free option!

Christmas Punch. A non-alcoholic and family friendly addition to any holiday celebration. Four ingredients make it super easy to whip together! I like this one because my husband and I can add some champagne to ours if we want and our kiddo still feels included because she can have it too (sans alcohol, obvs).

Cranberry Mimosa. Very simple holiday spin on a traditional mimosa. A sugar rimmed glass mixed with tart cranberry juice is the perfect combo to mix with bubbly.

Sparkling water. Hear me out. Sparkling water feels fancier than flat water, and with all the sweetness and sugar flying around, sometimes it’s nice just to have some dang water. Add a lemon slice and suddenly you’ve fancied up Christmas and are still staying hydrated. Pour it in a snazzy cup or wine glass. Be bougie, you hydrated queen.