It’s no secret that Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, embodies a warm, inviting, and delicious lifestyle, especially when the holidays roll around. Many dream of experiencing the cozy ranch life filled with comforting, homemade food that she so effortlessly showcases. As December approaches, two iconic Pioneer Woman holiday dishes come to mind, instantly sparking visions of Christmas cheer.
Ree’s Signature Christmas Dishes: Cinnamon Rolls and Prime Rib
In a candid interview with People.com, Ree Drummond revealed her undisputed signature holiday dish: a pan of gloriously gooey cinnamon rolls. She even playfully refers to herself as a “cinnamon roll evangelist,” highlighting her passion for this sweet treat. These aren’t just any cinnamon rolls; they are the ultimate comfort food to kick off the festive season.
Image: Close-up of golden brown Pioneer Woman cinnamon rolls with creamy white frosting, showcasing their gooey texture and inviting warmth, perfect for Christmas morning.
While cinnamon rolls take the breakfast spotlight, dinner at the Drummond ranch during Christmas is synonymous with magnificent prime rib. “I hardly ever make it outside the month of December anymore,” Drummond shared in her interview, emphasizing its special place in her holiday menu. “So whenever I make it, it smells like the holidays to me.” The aroma of a perfectly roasted prime rib filling the kitchen is truly the essence of a Pioneer Woman Christmas. Luckily, Ree’s recipes for both her World’s Best Cinnamon Rolls and Herb-Crusted Prime Rib are readily available for you to bring that Pioneer Woman magic to your own holiday table.
Christmas Cookies: A Family Tradition
Beyond her signature dishes, Ree Drummond cherishes her mother Gee’s simple yet delightful Christmas sugar cookies. She affectionately describes these cookies on her blog as “low-fuss, low-brow, high-calorie, non-snobby” – the epitome of homemade Christmas joy. These aren’t about elaborate decorations or complicated techniques; they are about simple, delicious cookies with a vibrant glaze, carrying the sweet nostalgia of childhood Christmases. These Christmas cookie recipes are a must-try for anyone seeking that authentic, heartwarming Pioneer Woman Christmas experience.
Cocktail Party Fun: Pioneer Woman Style
Ree Drummond is known for her love of a good gathering, and Christmas is no exception. Fans of The Pioneer Woman show have even been treated to glimpses of her festive Christmas cocktail parties at the ranch. Her go-to party food lineup is a delightful mix of savory and sweet, including crowd-pleasers like beef tenderloin sandwiches, vibrant shrimp-pineapple skewers, fun tortellini skewers, creamy queso, savory smoked sausage in barbecue sauce, and the perfect sweet ending: peppermint fudge. This array of appetizers is perfect inspiration for hosting your own Pioneer Woman-inspired Christmas cocktail party.
Image: Festive spread of Pioneer Woman’s Christmas cocktail party food, showcasing colorful skewers, sandwiches, queso dip, and fudge, arranged invitingly on a rustic table setting.
Keeping Christmas Eve Simple and Meaningful
Christmas Eve at the Drummond ranch is about delicious food and cherished traditions. A hearty feast is typically followed by evening church service, keeping the focus on family and faith. On their Christmas Eve table, you’re likely to find comforting dishes such as beef with burgundy mushrooms and creamy mashed potatoes. Since Christmas Day is one of the rare days the Drummonds take a break from work, they prioritize keeping Christmas Eve relaxed and low-key, emphasizing quality time together.
Cozy Christmas Morning Traditions
Christmas morning at the Drummond ranch is all about family and simple joys. Before the gift frenzy, the family draws names for a special gift exchange, adding a personal touch to the gift-giving. While presents are unwrapped, they enjoy a classic comfort breakfast of biscuits and gravy, fueling up for a day of holiday cheer.
Simple and Heartfelt Christmas Decor
Even the Drummonds’ Christmas decorations embrace simplicity and warmth. Their Oklahoma ranch is transformed with the soft glow of candles, a charming collection of nutcrackers, and of course, a fragrant Christmas tree, filling their home with the quintessential winter scent and festive ambiance. It’s a reminder that a Pioneer Woman Christmas is less about extravagance and more about creating a cozy, heartfelt atmosphere for loved ones.
Ree Drummond’s Christmas recipes and traditions offer a beautiful blueprint for creating a memorable and delicious holiday season. From signature cinnamon rolls to cozy Christmas Eve dinners and simple yet heartwarming decorations, embracing the Pioneer Woman’s approach to Christmas is sure to bring joy and comfort to your own celebrations.
