Ree Drummond's Top 10 Favorite Christmas Recipes
Cinnamon rolls are a family tradition.
When it's cold outside and she's got a houseful of kids home for the holidays, Ree Drummond turns to the kitchen. "This is without a doubt the busiest cooking schedule for me," she says. "I never quite know when my kids, their friends, spouses, fiancés, or dogs will show up, so I like to be prepared to feed anyone and everyone!"
That's what this menu of Ree's favorite Christmas dishes is all about: a breakfast casserole you can make early in the morning, salty-sweet snacks, and rich holiday desserts. Of course, the centerpiece of any Drummond feast is always a plump roast, such as a juicy, melt-in-your mouth prime rib surrounded by side dishes. But the most beloved family tradition of all is freshly baked cinnamon rolls. "I love edible gifts!" Ree says. "I usually make a few batches of cinnamon rolls in disposable tins and deliver them to friends." Her mom Gee made similar deliveries throughout childhood and the whole family has since carried on the tradition. Ree adds to PW readers: "I want you to carry on the tradition, too!"
Make and bake any of the dishes, and share in the comments which one is your family's favorite. As Ree says, "They might just become a part of your Christmas tradition like they did mine so very many years ago."
Christmas Chex Mix
When Ree was growing up in the '70s and '80s, Chex Party Mix "reigned supreme at Christmastime." This salty-sweet snack is perfect for eating by the handful on movie nights. "I truly believe that if you try this Chex Party Mix, if you open your mind and your heart," she says, "you'll become addicted overnight."
Get Ree's Christmas Chex Mix recipe.
Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix
Ree loves hot chocolate, so here's a cute idea: DIY gift jars! Layer dry ingredients in a glass jar, then tie it with a pretty ribbon and along with the recipe for how to use it. "It's the perfect present for a teacher, coworker, pet sitter—or anyone you think deserves a sweet surprise this year," Ree adds.
Get Ree's Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix recipe.
Pretzel Turtles
These chewy chocolaty delights are one of Ree's favorite Christmas traditions. "A great Christmas treat," she adds, "and great for kiddos to help you with."
Get Ree's Pretzel Turtles recipe.
Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Wake up to a casserole on Christmas morning! This baked dish is packed with gooey cheese, rich croissants, ham, and peppers—and best of all, can be made ahead of time. Ree does it, too: "Made a few of these last weekend, froze one unbaked, then thawed and baked this weekend."
Get Ree's Christmas Breakfast Casserole recipe.
Prime Rib
The Drummonds often make beef tenderloin or prime rib for their Christmas feast. "This special occasion recipe is one of my all-time holiday faves," Ree says, adding that "the leftover beef is part of the glory of making prime rib!"
Get Ree's Prime Rib recipe.
Brandy Snaps
Ree admits that there's a learning curve to these treats. Nevertheless, this holiday baking project is well worth your while. "Light, crisp, beautiful, cannoli-like with a gorgeous whipped filling," is how she describes them.
Get the Brandy Snaps recipe.
Christmas Cookies
This sugar cookie recipe from Ree's mom Gee remains an all-time favorite. "I love these cookies," she says. "The dough is delicious, but what really sets these cookies apart is the slightly unconventional method of decoration." Instead of frosting and sprinkles, these cookies are painted with a colorful egg-yolk wash before baking, resulting in a charming glaze.
Get Ree's Favorite Christmas Cookies recipe.
Christmas Rum Cake
Ree's mother-in-law Nan made this cake every Christmas Eve, as she recalls. "I think she added extra booze than the original recipe called for," she jokes fondly. "And I'm having it for breakfast tomorrow. Don't tell anyone."
Get Ree's Christmas Rum Cake recipe.
Peppermint Fudge
"If there's one thing that's guaranteed to get me in the holiday spirit, it's peppermint," Ree says. It's true! She even played a bakery owner in the fictional town of Peppermint Hollow featured in the movie Candy Coated Christmas. You only need three ingredients for this minty fudge and there's no candy thermometer required.
Get Ree's Peppermint Fudge recipe.
Cinnamon Rolls
Ree's most famous dessert is now a staple at The Merc. "These are the king," Ree says. "The top. The best. The most luscious, decadent thing you can deliver to your friends at Christmastime, especially if they're still warm."
Get Ree's Cinnamon Rolls recipe.
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