6 Easy Christmas Recipes: Glazed Ham, Pecan Pie, Sugar Cookies and More

Christmas food is where the season really comes alive: a glazed ham in the oven, a pecan pie cooling on the counter and a tin of cookies ready for guests. Here are six easy Christmas recipes with full ingredients, step-by-step directions, US measurements and make-ahead tips, plus sample menus for Christmas dinner and a Christmas Eve party.

Christmas recipes · Christmas Day is Friday, December 25, 2026

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Last updated: October 26, 2026. Facts in this article were checked against the official sources listed at the end. How we check facts

On this page

1. Honey-glazed ham
2. Green bean casserole
3. Pecan pie
4. Sugar cookies
5. Peppermint bark
6. Hot chocolate
7. Sample menus
8. Cooking tips
9. FAQ

Honey-Glazed Ham

Serves 12–16Prep 15 minsBake about 2 hrs

A spiral-cut ham is the easiest Christmas centerpiece. It comes fully cooked, so you only need to warm it through and add a sticky, sweet glaze.

Ingredients

• 1 fully cooked spiral-cut bone-in ham, 8 to 10 pounds
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• A pinch of ground cloves

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 325°F. Place the ham cut side down in a roasting pan and add 1/2 cup of water to the pan.
2. Cover tightly with foil and bake about 10 minutes per pound, until a thermometer in the thickest part reads about 120°F.
3. Meanwhile, simmer the honey, brown sugar, mustard, butter, cinnamon and cloves in a small pan for 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Take off the foil, raise the oven to 400°F and brush the ham with half the glaze.
5. Bake 10 minutes, brush with the rest of the glaze, and bake 5 to 10 minutes more, until the ham reaches 140°F and the glaze is bubbling.
6. Rest 15 minutes before serving.

Tip: Save the bone for split pea or bean soup after Christmas.

Classic Green Bean Casserole

Serves 6Prep 10 minsBake 30 mins

Creamy green beans with a crispy onion topping are on almost every American holiday table.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and blanched (or two 14.5-ounce cans, drained)
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/3 cups French fried onions, divided

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F.
2. Stir the soup, milk, soy sauce and pepper together in a 1 1/2-quart baking dish.
3. Add the green beans and 2/3 cup of the fried onions and mix well.
4. Bake 25 minutes, until hot and bubbling.
5. Stir, top with the rest of the onions and bake 5 minutes more until golden.

Make ahead: Assemble without the onion topping, cover and refrigerate for up to a day. Add 10 minutes to the baking time.

Classic Pecan Pie

Serves 8Prep 15 minsBake 60–70 mins

Rich, gooey and full of toasted pecans, this Southern favorite is best made a day ahead so it sets fully.

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F and fit the crust into a 9-inch pie plate.
2. Whisk the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, butter, vanilla and salt until smooth.
3. Spread the pecans in the crust and pour the filling over them.
4. Bake 60 to 70 minutes, until the edges are set and the center jiggles only slightly. Cover the edges with foil if they brown too fast.
5. Cool at least 2 hours before slicing. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Christmas Sugar Cookies

Makes about 36Prep 20 mins + 1 hr chillBake 8–10 mins

Soft cut-out cookies that hold their shape, perfect for decorating with kids and leaving out for Santa.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Easy icing

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring and sprinkles

Directions

1. Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl.
2. Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
3. Mix in the flour on low speed until just combined. Divide the dough in two, flatten into disks, wrap and chill for 1 hour.
4. Heat the oven to 350°F. Roll the dough 1/4 inch thick and cut into trees, stars and stockings.
5. Bake on parchment-lined sheets for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are just set. Cool completely.
6. Stir the icing ingredients together, tint with food coloring and decorate.

Easy Peppermint Bark

Makes about 24 piecesPrep 20 minsChill 1 hr

Only three ingredients and no baking. Packed in a cellophane bag with a ribbon, it makes a great homemade gift.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 12 ounces white chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 6 candy canes, crushed

Directions

1. Line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Melt the semisweet chocolate in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time. Spread it in the pan and chill 15 minutes.
3. Melt the white chocolate the same way and stir in the peppermint extract.
4. Spread the white chocolate over the dark layer and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
5. Chill 1 hour, then break into pieces. Keeps for 2 weeks in an airtight container.

Rich Christmas Hot Chocolate

Serves 4Prep 5 minsCook 10 mins

Ingredients

• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Directions

1. Whisk the milk, cream, cocoa, sugar and salt in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming. Do not let it boil.
2. Add the chocolate and whisk until melted and smooth.
3. Stir in the vanilla.
4. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows and a candy cane.

Tip: Set up a hot chocolate bar with toppings like crushed peppermint, caramel sauce and chocolate chips for a Christmas party.

Sample Christmas Menus

Menu	Dishes
Classic Christmas dinner	Honey-glazed ham, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, dinner rolls, pecan pie
Christmas Eve party	Cheese board, shrimp cocktail, meatballs, sugar cookies, peppermint bark, hot chocolate bar
Christmas morning	Cinnamon rolls, breakfast casserole, fresh fruit, hot chocolate
Small dinner for two	Ham steak with glaze, roasted vegetables, store-bought rolls, pecan pie slices

Christmas Cooking Tips

• Plan your oven time: the ham can rest while side dishes bake.
• Make ahead: cookie dough freezes for up to 3 months, and pies can be baked a day ahead.
• Use a meat thermometer: it is the easiest way to avoid a dry ham or turkey.
• Shop early: buy butter, sugar, flour, chocolate and nuts in November when baking supplies go on sale.
• Store leftovers safely: refrigerate within 2 hours and eat within 3 to 4 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a traditional American Christmas dinner?

Most American Christmas dinners center on roast turkey, glazed ham or prime rib, served with mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, dinner rolls and cranberry sauce, followed by pie and cookies.

How much ham do I need per person?

The USDA suggests about 1/3 to 1/2 pound of bone-in ham, or 1/4 to 1/3 pound of boneless ham, per serving. Buy a little more if you want leftovers.

What Christmas recipes can I make ahead?

Pecan pie, peppermint bark, cookie dough and green bean casserole can all be made one or more days ahead.

How long do Christmas cookies last?

Iced sugar cookies keep about a week in an airtight container at room temperature, and baked cookies freeze well for up to 3 months.

What are easy Christmas desserts?

Peppermint bark, sugar cookies, fudge and pecan pie are all easy, crowd-pleasing Christmas desserts.

Sources

We checked the facts in this article against these official sources on October 26, 2026. Dates and rules can change, so please confirm on the official page before you rely on them.

• USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service: Hams and Food Safety: reheating fully cooked and spiral-cut ham to 140°F, about 10 minutes per pound at 325°F, and how much ham to buy per person
• USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service: Leftovers and Food Safety: refrigerating leftovers within 2 hours and eating them within 3 to 4 days