20 Festive Christmas Rice Pudding Recipes to Try This Year

Christmas is the season of joy, warmth, and delicious treats that bring families together. As we all gather around the table, nothing beats a comforting bowl of rice pudding to end a festive meal. There's something about its creamy texture and sweet flavor that just feels like a cozy hug.

Over the years, I've discovered that the classic rice pudding recipe can be tweaked a multitude of ways to make it even more special for the holidays. So, whether you're looking to keep it traditional or spice things up this Christmas, these 20 festive Christmas rice pudding recipes to try this year will surely add that extra magic to your holiday table.

1. Classic Vanilla Rice Pudding

A timeless favorite, this classic vanilla rice pudding is a simple and comforting dish that never goes out of style.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Ground cinnamon for topping

Instructions:

1. Combine rice and milk in a large saucepan.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.
3. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until rice is fully cooked and mixture has thickened (about 45 minutes).
4. Stir in sugar, vanilla, and salt.
5. Serve warm or cold, topped with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.

2. Cinnamon and Nutmeg Rice Pudding

Add a festive twist with a dash of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect for chilly nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine rice and milk.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture boils.
3. Reduce heat and simmer until rice is tender and pudding thickens, about 30 minutes.
4. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Enjoy warm for the full holiday experience.

3. Eggnog Rice Pudding

Embrace the spirit of the season with this eggnog-infused rice pudding that screams Christmas.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 3 cups eggnog
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Mix rice, eggnog, and milk in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Lower the heat and cook until the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened, around 30-40 minutes.
4. Stir in sugar, vanilla, and salt.
5. Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top.

4. Cranberry-Orange Rice Pudding

Bright and zesty, this cranberry-orange rice pudding adds a fruity punch perfect for the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of one orange
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Instructions:

1. Combine rice and milk in a saucepan and bring to a simmer.
2. Stir in sugar and continue to simmer until the rice is cooked, about 45 minutes.
3. Add vanilla extract, orange zest, and dried cranberries.
4. Stir well and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

5. Gingerbread Rice Pudding

Channel those gingerbread cookies into a decadent rice pudding version for a unique holiday treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup short-grain rice
• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves

Instructions:

1. Combine rice and milk in a pot over medium heat.
2. Simmer, stirring frequently, until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens.
3. Stir in molasses, brown sugar, and spices.
4. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
5. Serve warm, garnished with a dollop of whipped cream.

6. Chocolate Peppermint Rice Pudding

A delightful blend of chocolate and peppermint makes this rice pudding the perfect holiday dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 4 cups whole milk
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

Instructions:

1. Combine rice and milk in a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer.
2. Stir frequently until the rice is cooked and the mixture thickens.
3. Add sugar and vanilla extract, stirring to combine.
4. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until melted.
5. Add peppermint extract and mix well before serving.

7. Spiced Almond Rice Pudding

Warm spices and the crunch of almonds give this rice pudding a festive flair.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 3 cups almond milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Instructions:

1. Combine rice and almond milk in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Cook, stirring often, until the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer until rice is tender and the mixture thickens.
4. Stir in sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg.
5. Remove from heat and fold in toasted almonds before serving.

8. Maple Pecan Rice Pudding

A rich and nutty rice pudding that brings the flavors of maple and pecan to a comforting dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the rice and milk and bring to a simmer.
2. Cook until the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened.
3. Stir in maple syrup, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
4. Fold in the chopped pecans and serve.

9. Caramel Apple Rice Pudding

Combine the classic flavors of caramel apples with rice pudding for a sweet treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup short-grain rice
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 apples, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce

Instructions:

1. Cook the rice and milk in a saucepan over medium heat until the rice is fully cooked and the mixture is thick.
2. Stir in sugar and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate pan, sauté apples until they are soft.
4. Fold the apples and caramel sauce into the rice pudding before serving.

10. Pineapple Coconut Rice Pudding

A tropical take on a Christmas classic, featuring pineapple and coconut.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 3 cups coconut milk
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup shredded coconut, toasted

Instructions:

1. Combine rice, coconut milk, and pineapple juice in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Cook until rice is tender and the pudding thickens.
3. Stir in sugar and vanilla extract.
4. Fold in the toasted shredded coconut before serving.

11. White Chocolate and Raspberry Rice Pudding

This rice pudding is like a flavor explosion featuring creamy white chocolate and tangy raspberries.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 4 cups whole milk
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)

Instructions:

1. Combine rice and milk in a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer.
2. Stir frequently until the rice is tender and the pudding thickens.
3. Add sugar and vanilla extract.
4. Remove from heat and stir in white chocolate chips until melted.
5. Fold in raspberries just before serving.

12. Chai-Spiced Rice Pudding

Aromatic and filled with the warmth of chai spices, this rice pudding is perfect for a cozy holiday evening.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 4 cups almond milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions:

1. Combine rice and almond milk in a saucepan and bring to a simmer.
2. Cook until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens.
3. Stir in sugar and spices.
4. Serve warm, topped with a sprinkle of additional cinnamon if desired.

13. Mint Chocolate Chip Rice Pudding

A fun take on the classic mint chocolate chip flavor turned into a creamy rice pudding.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon mint extract
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Combine rice, milk, and half-and-half in a large pot and bring to a simmer.
2. Cook until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens.
3. Stir in sugar, vanilla extract, and mint extract.
4. Fold in mini chocolate chips before serving.

14. Pumpkin Spice Rice Pudding

A perfect seasonal treat for pumpkin spice lovers, this rice pudding brings the warmth of nutmeg, cinnamon, and pumpkin.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup short-grain rice
• 4 cups milk
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions:

1. Cook rice and milk in a large saucepan over medium heat until the rice is tender.
2. Stir in pumpkin puree, sugar, and spices.
3. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the mixture thickens.
4. Serve warm or cold, topped with a dollop of whipped cream.

15. Festive Berry Rice Pudding

A mix of winter berries adds a festive touch to this creamy dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
• 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

1. Combine rice and milk in a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer.
2. Cook until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens.
3. Stir in sugar and vanilla extract.
4. Fold in mixed berries and drizzle honey on top before serving.

16. Saffron and Rose Water Rice Pudding

Inspired by Middle Eastern flavors, this rice pudding feels luxurious and festive.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon rose water
• A pinch of saffron threads dissolved in 1 tablespoon warm water
• 1/4 cup pistachios, chopped

Instructions:

1. Combine rice and milk in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Cook until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens.
3. Stir in sugar, rose water, and saffron water.
4. Garnish with chopped pistachios before serving.

17. Chocolate Cherry Rice Pudding

Rich and indulgent, with the perfect balance of dark chocolate and tart cherries.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup frozen cherries, thawed

Instructions:

1. Combine rice and milk in a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer.
2. Cook until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens.
3. Add sugar and vanilla extract.
4. Stir in dark chocolate chips until melted.
5. Fold in thawed cherries before serving.

18. Toffee and Banana Rice Pudding

An irresistible combination of toffee and banana transforms this rice pudding into a decadent dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup toffee bits
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ripe bananas, sliced

Instructions:

1. Cook rice and milk in a saucepan over medium heat until the rice is tender.
2. Stir in toffee bits, sugar, and vanilla extract.
3. Cook until the toffee bits melt and the mixture thickens.
4. Fold in sliced bananas before serving.

19. Choco-Peanut Butter Rice Pudding

A perfect duo of chocolate and peanut butter for an indulgent, festive dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup peanut butter

Instructions:

1. Combine rice, milk, and half-and-half in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Cook until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens.
3. Stir in sugar and vanilla extract.
4. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips and peanut butter until melted and combined.
5. Serve warm or cold.

20. Caramelized Brown Sugar Rice Pudding

Rich and sweet, this caramelized brown sugar rice pudding is sure to be a holiday hit.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup short-grain rice
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions:

1. Combine rice and milk in a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer.
2. Cook, stirring frequently, until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens.
3. Stir in brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
4. In a small skillet, melt butter and cook until it turns golden brown.
5. Fold the browned butter into the rice pudding before serving.

Conclusion

These 20 festive Christmas rice pudding recipes to try this year will surely become a part of your holiday traditions, bringing warmth and joy to your celebrations. Happy cooking and even happier eating!