Appetizing meals are a requirement of the Yuletide season, and I believe that having a short list of uncomplicated Yuletide recipes is a necessity. Here are my 18 selections of simple-to-execute dishes, from Yuletide log cake to Yuletide fruitcake, for which I can almost assure an impressive-yet-uncomplicated outcome because these recipes are just that good.

My personal favorites among the dishes I selected include Yuletide wassail, Yuletide spiced cider, and, of course, Yuletide roast turkey. And these are just the three Yule morsels I am most excited to get going with this year!

The 18 Best yule recipes

1. Yule Log Cake Recipe

The Yule Log Cake recipe is a delightful holiday dessert featuring ingredients such as all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and heavy cream. It unites a light sponge cake with a whipped cream filling and is a delicious, celebratory dessert.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 4 large eggs, separated
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat. Prepare a jelly roll pan, measuring 10×15 inches, by lining it with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, sift together the flour, the cocoa powder, and the baking powder. Set aside.

3. In a big bowl, mix together the egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer set to medium speed. Beat for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light, thick, and lemony yellow in color. Stir in the vanilla extract. In another bowl, beat the egg whites and 1/4 cup sugar using the same direction until soft peaks form. Gradually fold the egg white mixture into the yolk mixture, followed in the same manner with the dry ingredients.

4. Evenly distribute the batter in the prepared pan and bake for 12–15 minutes. Remove from the oven and immediately roll the cake with the parchment paper. Allow the cake to cool completely and then unroll it, spread whipped cream on top, and reroll the cake to form a log.

2. Yule Wassail Recipe

I offer a classic Yule Wassail recipe that includes apple cider, orange juice, and pineapple juice, which is spiced with cloves, cinnamon sticks, and allspice berries. Makes for a delightful, warm, and soothing tipple conducive to cozy, festive mingling.

Ingredients
1 gallon apple cider
1 quart orange juice
1 cup pineapple juice
10 whole cloves
4 cinnamon sticks
1 tablespoon allspice berries
1 cup sugar (optional, to taste)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, mix together the apple cider, orange juice, and pineapple juice.

2. Incorporate very well.Add the sticks of cinnamon, whole cloves, and allspice berries. Stir to mix thoroughly.

3. Warm the combination to medium until it reaches a gentle simmer, then decrease to low and maintain the simmer for about half an hour.

4. Wassail is fresh from the kettle. You should attempt to taste it. If you find it lacking in sweetness, add sugar and stir, making sure it renouns itself a proper broth. When you find it sweetened to your taste, pour the wassail through straining cloth before serving in your favorite mug.

3. Yule Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

I offer a recipe for Yule Gingerbread Cookies that calls for all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. These cookies, full of the festive warmth and sweetness of brown sugar and butter, come alive with the blend of spices that are so characteristic of the season.

Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Beat until blended. Set aside.

2. In a big bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.

3. Slowly incorporate the dry mixture into the butter and sugar that have been beaten until creamy, mixing steadily until you’re able to discern a dough that has formed. The dough requires some after-mixing time in the refrigerator; chill it for at least 1 hour.

4. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). On a surface floured, roll out the dough to an approximate thickness of 1/4 inch and cut it into the shapes you want. Place the pieces on a baking sheet that is lined with parchment and bake them for 8-10 minutes. They are done when the edges are firm, and you should let them cool on a wire rack before giving them to your pal.

4. Yule Mulled Wine Recipe

Revel in the joyous season with my recipe for Yule Mulled Wine. This warming infusion melds together red wine, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and honey or sugar, and is optionally spiked with brandy.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of red wine (750 ml)
• 1 orange, sliced
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise
• 1/4 cup honey or sugar
• 1/4 cup brandy (optional)

Instructions

1. Add the orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise to a large pot or saucepan, then pour in the bottle of red wine.

2. Combine the honey or sugar and heat the mixture, stirring, over low heat until the sugar is dissolved, taking care not to let it boil.

3. Add the brandy if you are using it, and keep warming the mixture until all the sugar or honey dissolves.

4. Once everything is completely heated and infused, pour the mulled wine into mugs and serve them warm.

5. Yule Spiced Cider Recipe

Yule Spiced Cider is a warm, soothing drink consisting of apple cider and infused with fragrant, with these spices:

– cinnamon sticks

– whole cloves

– allspice berries

Orange slices add a fresh, juicy citrus note, while a hint of brown sugar gives the drink just the right amount of sweetness.

Ingredients
1 gallon apple cider
2 cinnamon sticks
1 tablespoon whole cloves
1 tablespoon allspice berries
1 orange, thinly sliced
1/4 cup brown sugar

Instructions

1. In a large pot, mix together the apple cider, sticks of cinnamon, whole cloves, allspice berries, and slices of orange.

2. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a simmer. Let it simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.

3. Dissolve the brown sugar entirely, then take it off the burner.

4. Remove the spices and orange slices before serving the cider warm.

6. Yule Eggnog Recipe

The recipe for Yule Eggnog is a time-honored one. They don’t really make it any better than the way it’s been made for decades—using a simple and straightforward blend of eggs, sugar, whole milk, heavy cream, and vanilla with the added bonus of whatever spirits you feel like adding.

And then, of course, garnishing with freshly grated nutmeg.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup bourbon or rum (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Freshly grated nutmeg, for garnish

#

Instructions

1. In a sizable mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until the smooth mixture is creamy.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and cream. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is just starting to simmer, then remove the pan from the heat.

3. Slowly pour the warmed milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking all the while to create a homogenous blend. If you are using any, this is the time to integrate the bourbon (or rum) and the vanilla extract.

4. Refrigerate the mixture for a minimum of 2 hours. Pour into glasses before serving, and stir the mixture one last time. Nutmeg makes a great garnish. Grate some fresh on top of each serving and tell your guests to enjoy!

7. Yule Bread Recipe

A celebratory bread is made using all-purpose flour, warm milk, sugar, and dried fruit. It combines soft dough with the hearty flavors of butter, yeast, and raisins or cranberries.

There is not much else that you need for a warm, rich, delicious bread. But this doesn’t tell the whole story because the dough is also flavored with lemon zest and cardamom, making it a perfect treat for the winter holiday season.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup warm milk
1/4 cup sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup dried fruit (such as raisins or cranberries)

Instructions

1. In a sizable mixing bowl, warm the milk until it’s just warm to the touch. Stir in the sugar and yeast. Let sit until the mixture is foamy, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the flour, butter, and salt to the yeast mixture, then stir until a soft dough forms. Knead in the dried fruit until it is evenly distributed throughout the dough.

3. On a surface lightly dusted with flour, work the dough with your hands for about 8-10 minutes. You want to develop the gluten in the flour so the final bread will have a nice chew. Work the dough into a ball and put it in a bowl that you have greased with a little oil. Cover the bowl and put it in a warm spot until the dough nearly doubles in size, which can take anywhere from 1-

1.5 hours.

4. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Push down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and put it into a greased loaf pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when you tap on the bottom. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

8. Yule Roast Turkey Recipe

Yule Roast Turkey Recipe highlights a juicy and aromatic turkey, using a whole 12-14 pound bird, softened butter, olive oil, salt, black pepper, fresh thyme, and lemon for a festive holiday centerpiece.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds), thawed if frozen
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 lemon, halved

Instructions

1. Your oven should be preheated to 325°F (165°C). The turkey’s giblets should be taken out, and the turkey should be patted dry with paper towels.

2. In a small bowl, combine the butter, softened to room temperature, with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Chop fresh thyme and add it to the mixture. Rub the butter mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin and inside the cavity. Stuff the cavity with lemon halves.

3. Set the turkey on a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan. Fasten the legs together with butcher’s twine and tuck the wing tips under the body to make a compact package.

4. Place the turkey in the 325°F (160°C) oven. Roast the bird, basting it every so often with its own juices and the drippings that have gathered in the pan, for 3 to

3.5 hours. Do not open the oven door any more than is absolutely necessary to avoid temperature drops. When it’s done, a thermometer thrust into the thickest part of the thigh should read a safe 165°F (74°C). After taking it from the oven, let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before even thinking of slicing into it.

9. Yule Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

The recipe for my Yule Stuffed Bell Peppers melds together quinoa, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, all in a merry mix of cumin. It’s a dynamic, nutrient-dense dish that makes an ideal holiday presentation.

The bell peppers are the colorful container veggies that make this dish such a show-stopper, but you could also use zucchini boats or other edible containers for a wintertime rendition of this recipe.

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers (red, green, yellow, or orange)
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup cooked black beans
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon cumin

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to warm up. Take the bell peppers and slice off their tops. Now, you’ll want to make certain that all the seeds and membranes are removed—this is a crucial step for achieving the desired flavor in the final dish.

2. A saucepan is used for this. In it, bring the vegetable broth to a vigorous boil. Add the quinoa, and then reduce the heat to allow for an active simmer. Cover, and in about 15 minutes, check to see if the liquid has been absorbed. If you’re unsure, a few more minutes of active cooking will not hurt.

3. In a big mixing bowl, mix the following ingredients:
cooked quinoa (2 cups)
black beans (2 cups, rinsed and drained)
corn (2 cups)
tomatoes (2 cups, diced)
cumin (2 teaspoons)Mix it all well!

4. Fill each bell pepper with the quinoa mixture, place them in a baking dish, and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the peppers are tender.

10. Yule Roast Beef Recipe

Enjoy my Yule Roast Beef Recipe, which calls for a 3 to 4-pound beef roast that’s seasoned with rosemary, thyme, garlic, and olive oil. Roast it to perfection, and complement it with a savory beef broth.

Ingredients
3 to 4-pound beef roast (such as ribeye or top sirloin)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup beef broth

Instructions

1. Prepare your oven by heating it to 450°F (230°C). The beef roast should be treated with ample amounts of salt and pepper to make it as favorable as possible on the palate once it is fully cooked. “Generously” would be a good adverb to describe the manner in which the spices should be sprinkled onto the roast.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Work the resulting mixture all over the roast, making sure to get it into any crevices.

3. Put the rack in a roasting pan and place the roast on it, then pour the beef broth into the bottom of the pan. Roast in the oven for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 325°F (165°C) and continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches your desired level of doneness (about 20 minutes per pound for medium rare).

4. Take the roast out of the oven, cover it loosely with aluminum foil, and allow it to rest for no less than 15 minutes before carving. Serve the roast with the juices from the pan.

11. Yule Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Feel free to enjoy my Yule Cranberry Sauce recipe. Like the ones in bedrooms all over this land, mine consists of cranberries, citrus, and some sort of spice.

Unlike a lot of those other recipes, though, this one is good enough to take to a holiday gathering. It combines the flavors of fresh cranberries with the brightness of orange juice and the warmth of cinnamon.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Zest of 1 orange
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and orange juice. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.

2. The mixture should be brought to a boil and then to a simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the cranberries have burst.

3. Mix in the ground cinnamon, orange zest, and a tiny bit of salt. Let the mixture bubble away for another 2-3 minutes.

4. Take the sauce off the heat and allow it to cool. While it cools, it will thicken further and may become quite thick. This sauce is good served at room temperature or chilled.

12. Yule Mince Pies Recipe

Discover the Yule Mince Pies Recipe, featuring a buttery pastry created with all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, and caster sugar, filled with rich mincemeat, and finished with a festive dusting of icing sugar.

Ingredients

• 225g all-purpose flour
• 125g unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 50g caster sugar
• 1 large egg
• 300g mincemeat (prepared or homemade)
• 1 egg, beaten, for glaze
• Icing sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. Your oven is to be heated next to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F. A muffin tin of 12 cups is to be greased next.

2. In a mixing bowl, blend the flour and butter until the consistency is like breadcrumbs. Stir in the caster sugar. Add the egg and mix until the dough forms.

3. On a surface lightly dusted with flour, roll out the pastry until it is about 3mm thick—any thinner and the shapes would be too delicate to work with; any thicker and they’d be too sturdy to fit into the muffin tin. Using a cutter that is slightly larger than the holes in your muffin tin (or the tin itself, if you’re using individual molds), cut out 12 circles. Gently press them into the holes of the tin; they should fit snugly.

4. Eliminate 12 smaller circles (or other festive forms) to function as lids. Place them atop the mincemeat and press the edges to seal that not-unreasonably-appearing top surface. Brush with beaten egg. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes, or until sufficiently golden. Cool. Dust with icing sugar. Serve.

13. Yule Nut Roast Recipe

The Yule Nut Roast is a festive dish that incorporates chopped nuts, grated carrot, cooked lentils, and fresh rosemary into its mixture. This hearty protein combination is perfect for a winter celebration.

And it’s such a delightful medley of flavors and textures that it will have your non-vegan family members confused as to why they aren’t served a meaty main course.

Ingredients

• 200g mixed nuts (such as walnuts, cashews, and almonds), roughly chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, grated
• 100g breadcrumbs
• 150g cooked lentils
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to heat up. Take a loaf tin and grease it, going the extra step and lining it with parchment paper.

2. In a frying pan, over medium heat, warmth the olive oil. Add the onion and garlic that you have chopped and sauté until the onion is soft and see-through.

3. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onion and garlic with the minced nuts, shredded carrot, dry breadcrumbs, boiled lentils, chopped rosemary, and ground salt and pepper. Ensure a uniform blend throughout.

4. Work the blend into the prepared loaf tin and level the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf is firm to the touch. Let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve.

14. Yule Sugar Cookies Recipe

Yule Sugar Cookies spread cheerful holiday tidings in your baking. With a base of unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and a whisper of vanilla extract, these delightful cookies are holiday perfect for sending the kind of warm, fuzzy love that can only be shared during Yule.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl large enough to accommodate all the ingredients, combine the softened butter and the granulated sugar. Beat these together until they are fluffy.

2. Incorporate fully the egg and vanilla extract by beating them in.

3. In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, the baking powder, and the salt. Whisk together to combine. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or stiff spatula until a cohesive and slightly sticky dough forms.

4. The dough must be wrapped in plastic and placed in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Roll the dough to ¼ inch thickness and cut it into shapes. Place the shapes on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden but may still look a little underbaked.

15. Yule Spiced Nuts Recipe

A holiday snack fit for any winter gathering, Yule Spiced Nuts are composed of a medley of delicious nuts: almonds, walnuts, pecans, and cashews. The nuts are coated in a blanket of melted butter, brown sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg—spices that herald the baking of holiday treats and the warmth of cozy winter nights.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, and cashews)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, blend together the following ingredients: melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Combine until the mixture is well blended.

3. The bowl should contain the mixed nuts, and they should be added in a manner that ensures they are evenly spread. Then, you will ensure that the spiced butter mixture is coating the nuts. Mix until everything is satisfactorily combined.

4. Toasting nuts in the oven really amps up their flavor. If you want to have incredibly tasty nuts as a snack, or to use in your next recipe, here’s how to do it. Ingredients: nuts of your choice; equipment: baking sheet, oven. Toasting nuts in the oven really amps up their flavor. If you want to have incredibly tasty nuts as a snack, or to use in your next recipe, here’s how to do it.

16. Yule Chocolate Truffles Recipe

I make Yule Chocolate Truffles that are delightful and decadent. They use semi-sweet chocolate, heavy cream, and unsalted butter.

The use of a hint of vanilla in the recipe adds a warm touch, while you can use an optional liqueur to take the truffles over the top if you want. They aren’t overly sweet and are dusted in a light layer of cocoa powder.

Ingredients

8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup cocoa powder (for dusting)
Optional: 1 tbsp liqueur of choice (e.g., brandy or rum)

Instructions

1. In a tiny saucepan, bring the heavy cream and butter to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Watch closely; when you see the first few bubbles, take it off the heat.

2. Put the chopped chocolate in a bowl that can withstand heat. Over the chocolate, pour the cream mixture that is hot. Allow the mixture to sit for about 2-3 minutes. Then, using a spoon, stir the combined mixture until it is smooth and all the chocolate is melted. If you would like to flavor your ganache, now is the time to stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and up to 2 tablespoons of liqueur.

3. Cool the chocolate mixture slightly, then cover and refrigerate it for about 2 hours until firm.

4. When ready, take a small scoop or spoon and portion out the chocolate, rolling it between your palms to form small balls. The size of the ball can be adjusted according to the type of truffle being made. For a more decadent chocolate truffle, make the balls larger. Because truffles are often served at room temperature and chocolate is most satisfying at that temperature, store the truffles in portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

17. Yule Potato Gratin Recipe

Yule Potato Gratin is a decadent holiday dish that features russet potatoes, straight cream, and Gruyère cheese as its main components. The dish is essentially an upscale version of mom’s “funeral potatoes,” in that it combines potatoes and cream but adds garlic, salt, and pepper for extra flavor.

It’s baked until golden brown and, if you’re feeling fancy, garnished with fresh thyme.

Ingredients

2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon butter
Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)#

Instructions

1. The oven should be set to 375°F (190°C) in advance.

2. Grease a baking dish with butter, then layer the sliced potatoes in the dish. Season each layer with salt and pepper, and add minced garlic to some of the layers if you want a richer flavor (the dish is also good with just the seasoning).

3. Over the potatoes, pour the heavy cream, and sprinkle the Gruyère cheese evenly on top.

4. Loosely cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve.

18. Yule Fruitcake Recipe

With a recipe that includes the mixed dried fruit, chopped nuts, and an abundance of warm spices, my Yule Fruitcake is a far cry from the stone-heavy, overly sweet versions that some people recall (or perhaps I’m just recalling my mom’s version, which was sort of like that). This cake is a celebration of fruit and nut and spice, all of which are more than we’re normally supposed to have but which seem to be just fine during the holiday season.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed dried fruit (such as raisins, currants, and chopped dates)
• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 325°F (160°C) and prepare a loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper.

2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the assorted dried fruit, nuts, flour, brown sugar, and spices, including the baking powder and cinnamon.

3. Add the melted butter and mix it in until it is well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Using your fingers, gently press the batter into the pan and level it off.

4. Place in the preheated oven at 350°F for 60 to 70 minutes. When done, it should not be jiggly in the middle and should look set and slightly brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and cool completely in the pan before serving.