Best Christmas Cooking Books of 2026

The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs is a #1 New York Times Best Seller and IACP Award Winner that contains over 100 kid-tested recipes and 20 desserts from America's Test Kitchen. The cookbook is perfect for middle-grade readers and teens who want to learn how to cook like a pro. The book features short testimonials from some of the 750-plus kids who were part of the test group, making the book fun and interactive. It also includes sections for new chefs, such as "Getting Started in the Kitchen" and "Conversions and Equivalents." The cookbook empowers young chefs to make their own choices in the kitchen and is building a new generation of confident cooks, engaged eaters, and curious experimenters.

The Official Disney Parks Cookbook: 101 Magical Recipes from the Delicious Disney Vault is a collection of official Disney parks recipes that allows readers to recreate some of the best dishes from Disney theme parks and resorts in their own kitchens. The book features 101 tried-and-true recipes from across the years, including appetizers, main courses, sides, desserts, and even joyful libations that have wowed guests of the Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Cruise Line ships, and Disney Vacation Club resorts. The cookbook enchants with personalized notes from the chefs who created and enhanced them, mouthwatering food photos, and helpful hints for easy preparation. Overall, this cookbook is a must-have for any Disney fan and home chef looking to add some magic to their meals.

Celebrate with Babs: Holiday Recipes & Family Traditions is a must-have book for anyone who loves to celebrate the holidays with great food and traditions. This book, written by Barbara Costello, provides readers with 100 of her family-favorite recipes, passed down through generations and stored in her old wooden recipe box, as well as the holiday traditions her family has grown to love. From New Year's Day to Christmas and every holiday in between, Babs has got you covered. The book has been featured on QVC, The Rachael Ray Show, and in Woman’s World, Bon Appetit, Food52, and Seventeen.com. This book is perfect for those who want to start new holiday traditions or continue old ones.

Wine Folly: Magnum Edition is an expanded hardcover guidebook that offers an inventive and easy-to-digest approach to learning about wine. It includes more than 100 grapes and wines, a wine region explorer with detailed maps, wine labeling and classification 101, an expanded food and wine pairing section, and more essential tips to help you become an expert. Written by Madeline Puckette, a certified sommelier, and Justin Hammack, a founding partner of Wine Folly, the book is a must-have for both newbies and devotees looking to take their wine knowledge to the next level. Overall, Wine Folly: Magnum Edition is a practical and fun guidebook that offers a unique and comprehensive approach to wine education.

"100 Cookies" is a must-have baking book for anyone who loves cookies. It features 100 recipes for cookies and bars, with chapters organized by flavor and texture. The book also includes innovative baking techniques, and nearly every recipe is accompanied by a photograph. Sarah Kieffer's "pan banging" technique, which ensures cookies with crisp edges and soft centers, is highlighted in an entire chapter. The book offers a wide range of flavors and global inspiration, from Classic Chocolate Chip to Red Wine Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Bars. Highly giftable with a textured case and a ribbon marker, it's a great addition to anyone's cookbook collection."

Big Heart Little Stove is a cookbook that offers more than 75 recipes and hospitality tips from Erin French, the author of The Lost Kitchen cookbook and the New York Times-bestselling memoir Finding Freedom. The book features dishes from French's family recipe box and her restaurant's menu, ranging from appetizers to desserts. French emphasizes the importance of using the best ingredients, keeping it simple, and serving with love. In addition to the recipes, the book offers tips and tricks for creating meaningful moments. Overall, Big Heart Little Stove is a unique and thoughtful cookbook that inspires readers to cook with intention and create memorable dining experiences.

The Modern Comfort Food by Ina Garten offers 85 new recipes that will satisfy your soul. The book, which has been named one of the best cookbooks of the year, includes childhood favorites with a twist, such as Cheddar and Chutney Grilled Cheese sandwiches, and Smashed Hamburgers with Caramelized Onions. Garten also shares her dependable and easy-to-follow instructions for cooking and entertaining. The book is perfect for home cooks who want to make cozy and delicious meals that they can enjoy with their loved ones. Overall, the book is a must-have for anyone who loves comfort food and wants to make it at home.

The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook is a delightful collection of 100 easy-to-follow recipes inspired by Disney Parks. From classic Dole Whip to new favorites like blue milk from Star Wars land, this cookbook has something for every Disney fan. Written by Ashley Craft, who grew up in Anaheim and has two internships at Walt Disney World, this cookbook is a must-have for anyone who loves Disney snacks and treats. The book has received glowing reviews, with many calling it the perfect gift for Disney-loving foodies. Overall, this cookbook is a magical addition to any kitchen and a fun way to bring a taste of Disney home.

The Joy of Cooking: 2019 Edition Fully Revised and Updated is the ultimate kitchen bible for home cooks. This book has been thoroughly revised and expanded by Irma Rombauer's great-grandson and his wife, who have developed more than 600 new recipes and updated every section of every chapter to reflect the latest ingredients and techniques available to today's home cooks. The new edition seamlessly weaves in modern touches while preserving the legacy of classic recipes. The book is an indispensable resource for anyone who loves to cook and gather around the table for a home-cooked meal.

Preppy Kitchen: Recipes for Seasonal Dishes and Simple Pleasures is a fantastic cookbook that offers a variety of decadent and delicious recipes that are perfect for any cooking level. The book is organized by season, making it easy to shop for ingredients at their peak freshness. In addition to mouthwatering recipes, the author includes special projects such as flower arrangements and winter wreaths. The book’s beautiful photography and inspirational crafts make Preppy Kitchen a must-have for any foodie's library. Overall, this cookbook is a delightful escape that offers irresistible yet approachable recipes that will impress anyone who tries them.