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15 Festive Recipes for December

Published 10 days ago • 3 min read

15 Festive Recipes for December

Hi Reader,

December always feels like the month when we need meals that work with us, not against us, especially when life gets full with holiday events, colder weather, and everything in between. This lineup of 15 festive recipes is packed with cozy breakfasts, quick one pan dinners, hearty bowls, and colorful salads that make everyday meals feel nourishing and doable. Think muffins straight from the oven, overnight oats that practically make themselves, and dinners that come together fast but still feel comforting on a chilly evening.

And because December is also peak cookie and treat season, we’re adding in the best holiday treats, cookies, and sweet bites to round everything out. Whether you’re prepping ahead for the week, squeezing in a quick meal between activities, or just looking for something delicious to enjoy with a warm cup of coffee, these recipes are here to make this season feel a little easier and a lot more joyful. You’ve got this!

If you love a good comfort food dinner, but want something a little bit healthier, you HAVE to try these Loaded Mashed Potato Bowls! I’ve been making this easy recipe for years and always love it for leftover Thanksgiving mashed potatoes.

These Turkey Sage Meatballs are flavorful, healthy, and come together so quickly! You can have this full meal ready in just 30 minutes. The meatballs are savory and satisfying, paired with orzo, kale, and nutty parmesan. Every bite is delightful!

This recipe is delicious! Savory roasted pumpkin combines with pomegranate arils, feta cheese, and candied nuts before being tossed with a sweet, zesty balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a beautiful side salad, but it’s also amazing with some rotisserie chicken on top as a main!

Honey Rosemary Chicken & Vegetables made entirely in one pan! This easy-to-make, no-fuss recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners. Made with chicken, carrots, potatoes, and asparagus, the whole thing is coated in a delicious honey rosemary sauce that truly takes things up a notch.

I’ve been making this Creamy Brie Pasta recipe for years and it still hits every time! The whole thing comes together in a single pan in under 25 minutes, and with 120+ 5-star reviews, this is honestly one of my favorite pasta dinner recipes. Even my kids love it!

These muffins are gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and the perfect healthy breakfast or treat! Chocolatey goodness with a hidden veggie that you’d never guess: shredded zucchini. These wholesome muffins are great for toddlers, kids, or when you’re just craving something sweet!

This parfait has 18 grams of protein, making it one of my favorite meal prep breakfasts. With layers of whipped cottage cheese, crunchy pecan streusel, and juicy pomegranate arils, it provides delicious fall flavors and tastes like dessert but comes together with hardly any cooking.

These are made with cottage cheese, so the texture is extra-fluffy, soft, and they’re higher in protein at 15 grams each. With a sweet cinnamon sugar swirl and a creamy glaze topping, they taste just like classic cinnamon rolls! I like to make a big batch of these waffles in just 25 minutes.

Baked Pancakes, or pancake bars (as we call them in our family), are soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet with a classic buttery pancake flavor everyone loves. However, unlike traditional pancakes, which require a lot of hovering over a hot stove, these cook in the oven all at once with no flipping required!

Pumpkin Donut Bites that are super soft, fluffy, and higher in protein! Made with cottage cheese and other healthier ingredients, they come together quickly in a blender and bake in just 15 minutes. They’re rolled in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture for the BEST fall breakfast or treat!

Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats that taste just like apple pie for breakfast! Made with just 6 simple ingredients in 5 minutes, this easy recipe is healthy and higher in protein. Every bite is so good and you can even meal prep several all at one time for the week ahead!

I’ve been making these Maple Cinnamon Pecan Overnight Oats for YEARS and they’re always one of my favorite breakfasts for fall. With 16 grams of protein and a 5-minute prep time, I could not be more obsessed with how easy this healthy breakfast recipe is to make!

These chocolate bites taste just like the candy but are a lot healthier and so easy to make! Medjool dates stuffed with a sweet, hazelnut and cottage cheese filling, dipped in chocolate, and then topped with even more hazelnuts. I love making a big batch of these around the holidays for parties or just a sweet treat at home.

These Spiced Oatmeal Molasses Cookies are anything but your average cookie. They’re SO much better and go above and beyond! Chewy, sweet, and so flavorful. This recipe is quick, easy, and can be made entirely in one bowl. It’s one of my favorite cookie recipes for baking with my kids around the holidays or sharing as gifts!
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Thank you so much for being a part of this community, trying my recipes, and sharing the love! If you make one of these recipes, be sure to tag me #jaroflemons to showcase your delicious creations. I can't wait to see what you make!

Jar Of Lemons - Quick, Healthy Recipes

by Christine McMichael

I'm a recipe creator and the owner of Jar Of Lemons, a healthy recipe website focused on quick and easy meal solutions! From comforting dinners that can be made in 30 minutes or less to healthier takes on classic favorites, Jar Of Lemons is here to help with inspired recipes and a refreshing, relatable community.

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