The holidays are upon us, and that means it’s time for gift giving. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for the cook in your life, fellow college student, or something simple to give to a loved one, a classic cookbook is a reliable and useful option. We put together a list of the best cookbooks to give for the holidays, with an option to appeal to everyone in your life that you’re buying something special for the holidays.
Some of these cookbooks are classics — the kind you can keep forever, always cook out of no matter the season of year or life, and pass down to the next generation. Others on this list just came out this year, but are pushing the boundaries of at-home cooking into some very delicious areas. No matter which cookbooks you choose, we can guarantee you’ll get a delectable meal out of it.
Good Things by Samin Nosrat
The name of this book speaks for itself. It is filled with good things including 125 of the author’s favorite recipes. If Nosrat’s name rings a bell, it might be because her last cookbook (and subsequent Netflix special), Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, took the food world by storm. Where that book broke down the basics, this one is more of a love letter to all of Nosrat’s most-loved recipes and how she incorporates them into her life.
Lugma by Noor Murad
This book is one filled with a delicious culinary journey. All of the recipes are rooted in Middle Eastern flavors and are inspired by the author’s own culture and upbringing. Murad is most known for co-authoring a few Ottolenghi Test Kitchen cookbooks, so it’s safe to say her recipes will be incredible.
My (Half) Latinx Kitchen by Kiera Wright-Ruiz
Wright-Ruiz is half Latinx and half Asian, and this cookbook is a reflection of the journey she took to embrace that identity. It’s filled with recipes from her childhood like Ecuadorian seco del pollo, lomo saltaldo, and okonomiyaki quesadillas, just to name a few.
Nights & Weekends by Alexis deBoschnek
You probably know deBoschnek from her time at Buzzfeed’s Tasty or perhaps her previous cookbook, To The Last Bite. But this cookbook is different from her previous work. When she took over caretaking for her mother, cooking turned into a daily task and ultimately the inspiration for this book. Nights & Weekends is full of recipes that are accessible with short lists of ingredients. Most only take one pot or pan and can be finished in under 40 minutes.
Sweet Tooth by Sarah Fennel
For your family member with a sweet tooth, give them this aptly named cookbook for the holidays. Sarah Fennel, the content creator behind Broma Bakery, put together this collection of both classic dessert recipes and some unique picks you might never have even thought of, like Espresso Martini Cake and Vanilla Bean-Blackberry Scones.
Dinner by Meera Sodha
This cookbook is the ultimate recipe collection of anything and everything vegetarian and vegan. With 100 vegan and vegetarian recipes that range from quick weeknight staples to meals made to impress, the recipient of this cookbook will be prepared to make anything they’re craving at any given time.
The Art of Mixology: Making Spirits Bright by Parragon Books
To celebrate the holidays, this book has 75 festive drink recipes for bartenders of all experience levels. With both classic holiday drinks like eggnog and more unique choices, this book has something for everyone. Every cocktail can also easily be converted into a mocktail.
Martha: The Cookbook by Martha Stewart
No cookbook roundup would be complete without Martha Stewart. To celebrate her 100th cookbook, Stewart put together a cookbook of 100 of her most treasured recipes. This cookbook will be a staple addition to the kitchen of whomever you give it to, providing inspiration for appetizers, meals, and dessert.
Everyone’s Table: Global Recipes for Modern Health by Gregory Gourdet & JJ Goode
This cookbook, written by Top Chef star Gregory Gourdet, is driven by superfoods and the nutrients that come from them. Featuring dishes from around the world, this cookbook offers 200 recipes that are designed to be both nutritious and flavorful.
Comfort & Joy by Ravinder Bhogal
For any vegetarian or vegan, this cookbook is the exact thing they need in their kitchen. The book has a variety of recipes that embrace vegetarian and vegan home cooking and dismantle the idea that there is a “culinary sacrifice” that takes place with vegetarian and vegan recipes.
How To Make Anything Gluten Free by Becky Excell
This gluten free cookbook focuses on recipes that perfectly emulate foods that aren’t gluten free – without sacrificing taste or appearance. The book also features advice on how to make “absolutely anything” gluten free.
Perfectly Good Food by Irene Li & Margaret Li
If you’re looking to help someone in your life make their cooking habits more sustainable, this cookbook is the perfect gift. The book contains 80 recipes and 150 ideas to use up what you have in your kitchen and minimize food waste.
This article was originally published on December 5, 2024. It was updated on December 4, 2025.