It comes as no surprise that this month, our readers were cooking and baking up all things holiday. From crispy stuffing muffins (the perfect holiday side!) to endless sweet treats from our baking queen Anna Olson, these recipes reflect the best of the holiday season. And who says you can’t carry a little of that holiday magic into the new year with you?
![Classic chocolate chip cookies](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/29d8196e-1429-4559-93e5-cf8e9a5b2442_Classic-Chocolate-Chip-Cookies-3.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
One of our most popular recipes of all time, these classic chocolate chip cookies from Anna Olson make the perfect cold weather baking project. Anna’s secret for success? Adding a touch of cornstarch to ensure a soft-centred cookie.
![Upside down dessert tarts](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/upside-down-tart-feat.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Upside Down Puff Pastry Tarts
These tarts have been trending since the summer when they first went viral, and for good reason: they’re so versatile! As the name suggests, you simply put your favourite fillings on a baking sheet, top them with buttery puff pastry, and voila, the perfect tart.
![A closeup of an Acadian meat pie](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/acadian-meat-pie.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Traditional Acadian Christmas Meat Pie
This recipe is consistently popular with readers around the holidays, and makes for the perfect cold weather main. This French-Canadian meat pie is traditionally eaten at Christmas and hails from the Maritimes.
![Colourful Christmas cookies in all sorts of holiday shapes on a plate](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Gluten-Free-Sugar-Cookies-1280.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies
Another popular recipe from Anna Olson, these festive gluten-free sugar cookies are as delicious and pretty to look at as the original, and fun to decorate, too!
![Italian Pastina Soup being scooped up with a spoon](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/italian-pastina-feat.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Italian Pastina Soup
Perfect for cold and flu season, this Italian-inspired soup comes together in under an hour. Its simple, soothing flavours and playful star-shaped pasta are an Italian childhood favourite, and make for a fun twist on classic chicken noodle soup.
![non-alcoholic toddy warmer](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/toddy-warmer-final.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Non-Alcoholic Hot Toddy
This lower-sugar, alcohol-free toddy will warm you right up on the coldest winter days. Featuring warming ingredients like ginger, jalapeno, pepper and tamarind, it certainly doesn’t skimp on flavour and spice!
![Acadian chicken fricot in a bowl](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/acadian-chicken-fricot-feat.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Traditional Acadian Chicken Fricot
One of our most popular recipes ever, this Acadian chicken fricot is the epitome of comfort food in New Brunswick. It’s essentially an Acadian take on chicken stew and dumplings, and it’s sure to become one of your favourite cozy meals.
![butter tarts in a muffin tin](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/pecan-butter-tart-feature.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Pecan Butter Tarts
A classic Canadian dessert, these pecan butter tarts from Anna Olson make for a scrumptious sweet treat any time of year. Our favourite way to enjoy one is warmed up and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Yum!
![Anna Olson's regular butter shortbread cookies stacked in a pile and then a variation with chocolate nougat](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/anna-olson-shortbread-cookies.jpeg?w=3840&quality=75)
Shortbread Cookies
Yet another cookie recipe from Anna Olson, these tender drop shortbread cookies are a holiday go-to. Top with leftover holiday chocolate for a seriously decadent cookie experience.
![Stuffing muffins](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/stuffing-muffins-feat.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Crispy Stuffing Muffins (Stuffins!)
Say goodbye to soggy stuffing: these crispy stuffing muffins are the perfect way to serve stuffing for a crowd. The best part is that they develop gloriously crispy, golden edges when baked in a muffin tin, and make for the easiest leftovers.