Welcome to PudgeFactor's Holiday Recipe Advent Calendar - 24 days of tested, human-verified recipes to carry you from December 1 through Christmas Eve.
Each day unlocks a new recipe, complete with step-by-step instructions, make-ahead tips, and Chula's Test Kitchen notes. Think of it as your digital recipe drawer: instead of pulling out a folded slip of paper, you click a numbered "door" and discover what's baking, simmering, or sizzling today.
You can follow along day-by-day in December, or treat this page as a curated collection of my favorite holiday recipes. Either way, every recipe has been made in my kitchen, tasted, tweaked, and deemed worthy of a spot on your table.
Click on any number below to open that day's recipe.
Holiday Recipe Advent Calendar
Click a number below to open that day's recipe.
Tip: On mobile, scroll and tap a number. Each one jumps to that day's recipe below.
Day 1 - Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Crock Pot Candy
Today's theme: A decadent sweet kick-off to the countdown.
This Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Crock Pot Candy is rich, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious - perfect for starting off the holiday season with a treat. Make a big batch, package half for gifting, and stash the rest for cozy nights. Get the full Chocolate Peanut Butter Crock Pot Candy recipe →
Day 2 - Easy Mini Fire Crackers
Today's theme: Snackable spice for holiday movie nights.
These Easy Mini Fire Crackers are bold, addictive, and perfect for gifting, snacking, or holiday party bowls. They pack massive flavor with minimal effort. Get the full Easy Mini Fire Crackers recipe →
Day 3 - Roasted Pecans
Today's theme: The South's favorite nut gets the holiday treatment.
Simple, irresistible Roasted Pecans make the perfect edible gift or party nibble. Lightly sweet, crunchy, and perfect for charcuterie boards. Get the full Roasted Pecans recipe →
Day 4 - Southern Cheese Straws
Today's theme: A classic Southern holiday snack.
Golden, flaky, and packed with cheddar flavor, Cheese Straws are a must-make for any December gathering. A true tradition. Get the full Southern Cheese Straws recipe →
Day 5 - Praline Pecans
Today's theme: Sweet, crunchy, and highly giftable.
Praline Pecans strike the perfect balance of candy coating and toasted nut flavor. Pack them into tins for holiday treats. Get the full Praline Pecans recipe →
Day 6 - Green Goddess Cottage Cheese Dip
Today's theme: A fresh break between rich holiday dishes.
Smooth, herby, and vibrant, this Green Goddess Cottage Cheese Dip is perfect for veggies, crackers, or spreading on wraps. Get the full Green Goddess Cottage Cheese Dip recipe →
Day 7 - Stuffed Mushrooms
Today's theme: A holiday appetizer that never lasts long.
These Stuffed Mushrooms are savory, cheesy, and elegant-perfect for parties, potlucks, and Christmas Eve spreads. Get the full Stuffed Mushrooms recipe →
Day 8 - Creamy Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip
Today's theme: A warm, comforting classic perfect for holiday snacking.
This Creamy Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip brings together tender artichoke hearts, tender spinach, melted cheeses, and a golden baked top - ideal for cozy nights, holiday gatherings, or game-day snacking. Get the full Creamy Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip recipe →
Day 9 - Sausage Balls with Three Cheeses
Today's theme: A nostalgic classic with a flavor boost.
Made with sharp cheddar, smoked cheddar, and Gruyère, these sausage balls are rich, savory, and impossible to resist. Get the full Sausage Balls with Three Cheeses recipe →
Day 10 - Christmas Corn Flake Wreaths: A Sweet and Easy Treat
Today's theme: No-bake Christmas nostalgia.
These Christmas Corn Flake Wreaths are crunchy, chewy, and fun to decorate. They come together quickly with just a few ingredients and make a perfect holiday treat for cookie trays, parties, or edible gifts. Get the full Christmas Corn Flake Wreaths recipe →
Day 11 - Lemon Poppy Seed Mini Muffins
Today's theme: Bright citrus notes to lift winter mornings.
Moist, tender, and topped with a crisp glaze, these mini muffins are perfect for breakfasts, brunches, and gifting. Get the full Lemon Poppy Seed Mini Muffins recipe →
Day 12 - Easy 5-Minute Cranberry Pistachio Holiday Bark
Today's theme: A quick, festive candy for busy days.
This Easy 5-Minute Cranberry Pistachio Holiday Bark combines creamy white chocolate, tart cranberries, and crunchy pistachios for a beautiful, no-fuss treat. It's perfect for last-minute gifts, dessert trays, or snacking while you wrap presents. Get the full Cranberry Pistachio Holiday Bark recipe →
Day 13 - Toasted Pecan Snowball Cookies (Classic Christmas Cookies)
Today's theme: A classic cookie that feels like Christmas.
Toasted Pecan Snowball Cookies are buttery, nutty, and coated in a generous layer of powdered sugar. They're melt-in-your-mouth delicious and right at home on any Christmas cookie platter or holiday dessert table. Get the full Toasted Pecan Snowball Cookies recipe →
Day 14 - No-Knead Focaccia
Today's theme: Bakery-style bread made simple.
This No-Knead Focaccia is crisp, airy, and full of olive oil flavor-perfect as a holiday side or sandwich bread. Get the full No-Knead Focaccia recipe →
Day 15 - Easy Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls (Perfect Holiday Gift)
Today's theme: A rich, bite-sized candy for gifting.
These Easy Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls are creamy, chocolatey, and always a hit. They're ideal for edible gifts, cookie exchanges, and holiday dessert trays, and they store beautifully in the refrigerator or freezer. Get the full Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls recipe →
Day 16 - Quick and Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Meltaways
Today's theme: Silky, no-bake candy with minimal effort.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Meltaways are smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced. They come together quickly with just a few ingredients and make an excellent addition to holiday candy assortments or dessert buffets. Get the full Chocolate Peanut Butter Meltaways recipe →
Day 17 - Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders
Today's theme: Sweet heat in slider form.
Shredded chicken simmered in a honey-chipotle sauce takes these mini sandwiches to the next level. Perfect for parties. Get the full Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders recipe →
Day 18 - Amish Potato Rolls
Today's theme: Soft rolls worthy of the holiday table.
Fluffy, tender Amish Potato Rolls are ideal for dinners, sliders, leftover ham, or Christmas brunch. Get the full Amish Potato Rolls recipe →
Day 19 - Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Salad
Today's theme: A refreshing break from holiday richness.
This bright, flavorful salad features juicy strawberries, chicken, toasted nuts, and tangy balsamic dressing. Get the full Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Salad recipe →
Day 20 - Quick Pickled Red Onions
Today's theme: A tangy topper with endless uses.
These quick pickled onions add color and brightness to sliders, tacos, salads, and charcuterie boards. Get the full Quick Pickled Red Onions recipe →
Day 21 - Cinnamon Snowflake Bread
Today's theme: A sweet, spiced bread to warm up winter mornings.
Cinnamon Snowflake Bread - soft, swirled with cinnamon sugar and baked to perfection - makes a cozy treat when the weather's chilly. Slice it warm, share it with friends, or serve it for holiday brunch with butter or jam. Get the full Cinnamon Snowflake Bread recipe →
Day 22 - Sous Vide Bacon and Gruyere Egg Cups
Today's theme: A savory, protein-packed bite for holiday breakfasts or brunches.
These Sous Vide Bacon and Gruyere Egg Cups are rich, cheesy, and easy to reheat - perfect for busy holiday mornings, brunch spreads, or post-gift wrapping breakfasts. Bacon + egg + Gruyère = holiday comfort in a cup. Get the full Sous Vide Bacon and Gruyere Egg Cups recipe →
Day 23 - Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies
Today's theme: A pretty, buttery cookie with festive flavors.
Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are tender, buttery, and studded with tart cranberries and crunchy pistachios. They slice and bake beautifully and look right at home on any holiday cookie platter or dessert tray. Get the full Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies recipe →
Day 24 - Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Wreath
Today's theme: A festive, shareable final treat to celebrate the season.
This Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Wreath blends warm melted brie, sweet-tart cranberries, and buttery pull-apart bread - perfect for your holiday table or as a show-stopping finale before Christmas. Soft, cheesy, and just the right mix of sweet and savory. Get the full Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Wreath recipe →
Thanks for joining me for this festive 24-day recipe countdown! If you found a few new favorites, be sure to save this page so you can revisit it throughout the month.
Looking for even more holiday recipes? Browse my Christmas appetizers, sweet treats, and edible gift ideas for inspiration. And as always, if you make any of these dishes, tag me or leave a comment - I love seeing what you create in your kitchen.
Leave a Reply