The Ultimate Collection of Christmas Cookie Recipes: Festive Treats for Every Holiday Baker
The holiday season truly sparkles with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked Christmas cookies! There’s an undeniable magic that fills the air when these sweet treats emerge from the oven. Whether you’re meticulously assembling elaborate cookie boxes to share with cherished loved ones, or simply preparing a special plate of delightful morsels for Santa Claus, this extensive collection of festive recipes promises something enchanting for everyone. From rich, decadent chocolate chunk cookies that melt in your mouth, to delicate, airy peppermint meringues that dissolve on your tongue, and from classic, comforting sugar cookies to traditional global treats, this roundup is your definitive guide to holiday baking joy. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the spirit of Christmas, one delicious cookie at a time.
table of contents
Toggle
About This Essential Christmas Cookie Collection
Jingle your taste buds and deck the halls with the enchanting aroma of something sweet, friends! It’s time to fully immerse ourselves in this spectacular Christmas cookie extravaganza. If you’re eager to transform your kitchen into a joyful, festive workshop, bustling with the creation of delectable treats, then you’ve undoubtedly found the right place. This comprehensive guide is designed to help you discover the ultimate holiday cookies that will become cherished traditions for years to come.
In this post, I am thrilled to share an extensive collection of recipes for my absolute favorite holiday indulgence: Christmas cookies. The beauty of holiday baking lies in its versatility and the joy it brings. Whether you consider yourself an experienced baker with years of festive creations under your belt, or you are just beginning your baking journey and seeking straightforward yet impressive recipes, you will find an array of sweets and treats perfectly suited for every skill level. Each recipe has been carefully selected to ensure a delightful experience, from mixing the dough to savoring the last crumb.
So, don your most festive apron, crank up those beloved holiday tunes, and let the baking festivities commence with enthusiasm! Get ready to create not just cookies, but edible masterpieces that not only taste like the very essence of Christmas but also spread joy and warmth like a sprinkle-covered snowfall throughout the entire holiday season. This collection of homemade Christmas cookies is your ticket to a truly memorable and delicious celebration.
Our Curated Christmas Cookie List
Soft Chewy Gingerbread Cookies With Eggnog Cream Filling
These Soft Chewy Gingerbread Cookies with Eggnog Cream Filling are exactly what Santa wants for Christmas this year. Delightfully soft and perfectly spiced cookies are paired with a fluffy, creamy eggnog filling, creating an irresistible sandwich treat. They are incredibly easy to make and absolutely ideal for sharing and gifting to friends and family during the festive season!
Salted Caramel Butterscotch Cookies with Pretzels
Salted Caramel Butterscotch Cookies with Pretzels are a delightful “everything in the pantry” cookie. They are generously packed with rich caramel, sweet butterscotch, decadent chocolate, and crunchy pretzels, delivering a sensational explosion of sweet, salty, and chewy textures in every single bite! These festive treats are perfect for satisfying all your holiday cravings.
Snickerdoodle Bars
These soft and chewy Snickerdoodle Bars offer all the classic deliciousness of snickerdoodle cookies, but with a significantly simpler baking process! Topped with a generous layer of cinnamon sugar, this easy one-pan dessert allows you to skip the rolling and chilling steps without sacrificing any of that beloved snickerdoodle flavor. A perfect holiday treat for busy bakers.
Sea Salt Pistachio Dark Chocolate Cookies
These Sea Salt Pistachio Dark Chocolate Cookies are a wonderfully easy and delightfully chewy treat. The exquisite combination of sweet, rich dark chocolate with crunchy pistachios and a hint of flaky sea salt delivers everything you could possibly desire in a perfectly balanced dessert. An elevated option for your Christmas cookie platter!
Mocha Orange Mexican Wedding Cookies
Mocha Orange Mexican Wedding Cookies offer a delightful twist on the classic recipe, melting in your mouth with every bite! The sophisticated combination of fragrant espresso powder, rich cocoa powder, and vibrant fresh orange zest elevates these cookies, delivering an unforgettable punch of citrusy chocolate flavor. Best of all, they require only a handful of ingredients, making them a simple yet elegant addition to your holiday baking.
Pumpkin Pie Spice Cookies
Embrace the cozy flavors of autumn and winter with these delicious Pumpkin Pie Spice Cookies! These perfectly chewy cookies boast just the right amount of warm pumpkin spice flavor, complemented by a crunchy cinnamon sugar coating that adds a delightful texture. Each bite is a comforting embrace of your favorite fall and holiday flavors, making them a perfect addition to any festive spread.
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chewy, soft, and satisfyingly thick, these Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies are an absolute winner for all peanut butter and chocolate enthusiasts. The combination of hearty oats, rich peanut butter, and melty chocolate chips creates a cookie that’s both comforting and incredibly delicious, making it a perfect addition to your holiday cookie repertoire.
Milk Chocolate Dipped Shortbread
Milk Chocolate Dipped Shortbread cookies are wonderfully buttery, tender, and absolutely perfect for the holiday season. They are incredibly simple to prepare and decorate, making them a fantastic festive project. You’ll adore the rich flavor and crumbly texture of these European-style shortbread cookies, enhanced by a generous dip in smooth milk chocolate and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Snowball Cookies
Snowball cookies, also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes, are a timeless holiday classic that never fails to charm. The delicate, tender texture of this buttery, nutty cookie, often dusted generously with powdered sugar, is simply irresistible. They make the perfect elegant addition to any festive cookie platter or are wonderfully delightful when paired with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
Cranberry White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
Soft and wonderfully chewy, these Cranberry White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies are the quintessential holiday cookie! Bursting with delightful flavors, you’ll find yourself eager to bake these festive cookies time and time again. As an added bonus for busy holiday schedules, you can even freeze the dough to bake later, ensuring fresh, homemade cookies are always just an oven away!
Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies
Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies are irresistibly soft, delightfully chewy, and represent the ultimate way to enjoy classic chocolate chip cookies in a fun, bite-sized form! Their tiny and cute appearance makes them oh-so-easy to pop into your mouth, making them ideal for casual snacking, a sweet party treat, or a charming addition to any holiday dessert spread.
Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
Thick and irresistibly Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate dream for any peanut butter lover. Boasting a wonderfully chewy texture and an abundance of rich peanut butter flavor, you can whip up a batch of these delightful cookies with ease! They are a classic, simple, and truly perfect treat for sharing during the holidays (that is, if you can resist eating them all yourself).
Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies
Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies are wonderfully buttery and flaky, infused with exquisite citrus and delicate floral notes throughout. These unique shortbread cookies burst with elegant flavor and are surprisingly easy to make. They are also absolutely perfect for gifting to others, adding a touch of sophisticated charm to any holiday cookie platter.
Dark Chocolate Coffee Cookies with Sea Salt
Dark Chocolate Coffee Cookies with Sea Salt are a quick and easy cookie recipe specifically crafted for coffee lovers and chocolate enthusiasts alike. Sweet, satisfyingly chewy, with a subtle salty kick, and richly packed with intense espresso flavor, you’ll be amazed at just how simple these gourmet-tasting cookies are to make any day of the week, especially during the busy holiday season.
Chai Snickerdoodle Cookies
Chai Snickerdoodle Cookies offer the delightful chewy texture of your favorite snickerdoodle cookie, but with the added depth and warmth of exotic chai spices. Coated in a fragrant chai-sugar blend, these soft cookies are utterly irresistible and bring a unique, cozy twist to traditional holiday baking.
The Easiest Chocolate Covered Oreos
There’s something incredibly special about adding an extra, luxurious layer of chocolate to classic Oreos that elevates them into an even more enjoyable holiday treat! These Chocolate Covered Oreos are not only incredibly simple to make but also endlessly customizable with festive sprinkles, making them a perfect last-minute addition to your Christmas cookie platters or a delightful edible gift.
Christmas Shortbread Cookies
These classic Christmas Shortbread Cookies are a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth delight, making them a holiday staple. Their simple elegance and sturdy nature mean they are fantastic for cookie swaps, festive parties, and especially for shipping to out-of-state friends and family, ensuring everyone gets a taste of your homemade holiday cheer.
Mini Black And White Cookies
These Mini Black And White Cookies are the soft, melt-in-your-mouth delights you know and love, but in a charming miniature size perfect for holiday snacking. You no longer need to be intimidated by these chic, flavorful treats. This recipe is ridiculously easy to follow, and you’ll be munching on these beautiful cookies in less than 30 minutes, making them a hassle-free addition to your festive spread.
Italian Rainbow Cookies
Layered Italian Rainbow Cookies are truly a unique and spectacularly festive cookie for the holiday season! Flavored with delightful almond, sweet raspberry jam, and coated in rich dark chocolate, these striking red, white, and green cookies not only capture the vibrant colors of the Italian flag but also beautifully embody the spirit of Christmas, making them a standout on any dessert table.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are just the sweet treat you need to snuggle up with this holiday season. These soft and chewy cookies reveal a delightful gooey marshmallow center, tasting exactly like a warm, comforting mug of hot cocoa with a refreshing peppermint twist. They are absolutely ideal to nibble on by the fire as you patiently await Santa’s arrival, ready to share a plate with him.
Mint Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you adore the combination of mint and chocolate, you absolutely must make these Mint Double Chocolate Chip Cookies. Crafted with a rich chocolate cookie dough, abundant chocolate chips, and delightful chopped Andes mints, a generous dash of peppermint extract further elevates the irresistible minty goodness. These are perfect for a refreshing take on Christmas cookies.
Gnome Cookies
Transform your favorite Peanut Butter Blossoms into irresistibly adorable gnomes, making them an utterly charming and festive choice for the holidays. These whimsical cookies are not only delightful to look at but also a charming and delicious addition to your Christmas cookie tray, sure to bring smiles to all who see and taste them!
Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Give a festive holiday spin to classic blossom cookies with these delightful Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, generously topped with your favorite Peppermint Kisses. Simple to prepare yet utterly delicious, these cookies combine rich chocolate with cool peppermint for a truly irresistible Christmas treat that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Italian Gingerbread Pizzelles
Authentic Italian Christmas pizzelles receive a wonderful holiday twist with this unique Gingerbread Pizzelle recipe. These delicate holiday cookies boast a crisp texture and the familiar, comforting flavor of gingerbread snaps, offering a traditional yet spiced festive treat. They’re perfect for adding a touch of European charm to your Christmas cookie collection.
Christmas Lights Cookies
Brighten up your holidays and add a playful touch to your celebrations with these adorable Christmas Lights Cookies. Simple to prepare, these colorful and whimsical delights offer a fun and engaging activity to share with the kids, making memories as sweet as the cookies themselves. They’re a truly charming addition to any festive table.
Peppermint Frosted Chocolate Cookies
Indulge in the perfect harmony of flavors with these Peppermint Frosted Chocolate Cookies. They feature soft, decadent chocolate cookies generously topped with a homemade, creamy peppermint frosting and crunchy crushed candy canes. This recipe seamlessly blends the rich taste of chocolate with the refreshing zest of peppermint, creating an utterly delightful and festive Christmas cookie.
Marens-Kornflexkökur (Icelandic Chocolate Cornflake Cookies)
Try your hand at Marens-Kornflexkökur – these delightful Icelandic Chocolate Cornflake Cookies, a cherished recipe traditionally made around Christmas in Iceland. With only 5 simple ingredients and a quick 20 minutes of baking time, these crunchy and chocolatey cookies are a wonderfully easy and impressive option to prepare for friends and family during the festive season.
Cuccidati (Italian Fig Cookies)
Cuccidati, traditional Italian Fig Cookies, are a true Christmas delight, elegantly adorned with a snowy white glaze and festive colorful sprinkles. Bursting with a rich filling of dried fruits, toasted nuts, warm spices, and a touch of golden honey, these cookies beautifully capture the essence of Christmas in every delightful and aromatic bite. They are a must-try for those seeking authentic holiday flavors.
Tiramisu Cookies
Transport yourself to the exquisite flavors of Italy with these irresistible Tiramisu Cookies. Featuring chewy, coffee-infused cookies topped with a luscious mascarpone cream and elegantly dusted with cocoa powder, these cookies offer just the right indulgence for a sophisticated holiday treat. They beautifully capture the essence of the classic Italian dessert in a convenient cookie form.
Santa Sugar Cookies
Capture the heartwarming spirit of Christmas with these enchanting Santa Sugar Cookies – adorable sugar cookies delightfully shaped and decorated like jolly St. Nick himself. Ideal for holiday gifting or adding a festive touch to any party, these whimsical cookies bring a truly charming touch to all your holiday celebrations, making them a favorite for both kids and adults.
Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
‘Tis the season for a truly delightful peppermint treat! These Peppermint Meltaway Cookies live up to their name, melting away in your mouth to leave a refreshing burst of peppermint goodness. Their delicate texture and festive flavor make them an essential addition to your holiday cookie platter, embodying the cheerful essence of the season in every bite.
Christmas Icebox Cookies
Crisp and charming, these Christmas Icebox Cookies are a marvelously simple slice-and-bake recipe, requiring only 5 ingredients. Their vibrant colors and festive patterns make them an elegant and effortless addition to your holiday cookie tray, bringing both ease and delightful beauty to your Christmas baking. Prepare ahead of time for stress-free entertaining!
Chocolate Dipped Fluffernutter Ritz Cookies
Simplify your holiday party prep with the incredibly easy, four-ingredient Chocolate Dipped Fluffernutter Ritz Cookies. These effortless party bites flawlessly combine the nostalgic flavors of fluffernutter with a rich chocolatey dip, making them an ideal and quick-to-prepare treat for all your Christmas gatherings. They are a delightful no-bake option that everyone will love!
Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies
Experience gingerbread perfection with these absolutely BEST Gingerbread Cookies. Soft, wonderfully chewy, and brimming with festive holiday flavor, these cookies are paired with a simple icing recipe that allows you to easily decorate them as intricate snowflakes, charming Christmas trees, classic gingerbread men, and more. A delightful activity for the entire family during the holidays!
Krumkake (Norwegian wafer cookies)
Krumkake are exquisite, delicate Norwegian wafer cookies, traditionally flavored with aromatic cardamom and sweet vanilla. This light, crispy, and golden treat, gracefully rolled into a traditional cone shape, offers a truly authentic taste of Norwegian Christmas tradition. Perfect for filling with whipped cream or fruit, they add an elegant touch to any holiday dessert spread.
Crushed Oreo Red Velvet Cookies
Celebrate the holidays with these vibrant Crushed Oreo Red Velvet Cookies, featuring soft, wonderfully chewy centers and delightful chunks of Oreos in every single bite. The rich chocolatey red velvet flavor perfectly complements the sweet and creamy Oreo filling. Best of all, this easy one-bowl recipe ensures these delightful cookies are ready to enjoy in just 20 minutes, making them ideal for last-minute festive baking.
Pepparkakor (Swedish Gingerbread Cookies)
Establish a heartwarming Christmas tradition with these delightful Swedish Gingerbread Cookies, known as Pepparkakor. Featuring a subtle hint of orange flavor, these crisp and spicy cookies offer an extraordinary deliciousness that sets them apart. They bring a truly traditional and festive taste to your holiday celebrations, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Lofthouse Sugar Cookies
Lofthouse Sugar Cookies are exceptionally fluffy and literally melt-in-your-mouth with every tender bite. Topped with a generous swirl of sweet buttercream frosting, these famously soft sugar cookies are just the indulgent and comforting treat you’ve been craving for a cozy holiday moment. Their vibrant colors make them a festive addition to any dessert table.
Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies
Simplify your holiday baking with these incredibly easy, no-bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies. Each rich peanut butter ball is deliciously dipped in chocolate for an extra indulgent touch, creating a classic flavor combination that’s always a crowd-pleaser. These hassle-free treats are perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to your Christmas spread without turning on the oven.
Peppermint Meringues
Ring in the holidays with these Festive Peppermint Meringues, an incredibly easy and elegant Christmas dessert. These light, airy, and delicately crisp meringues capture the refreshing essence of the season with every bite. They are visually stunning and a wonderfully unique alternative to traditional heavy Christmas cookies, perfect for a sophisticated holiday treat.
Linzer Cookies
Original Austrian Linzer Cookies are a truly cherished recipe, often passed down through generations. These delightful sandwich cookies, with their tender, buttery shortbread and sweet jam filling, have been a family favorite for decades. Their intricate cutout tops and festive colors make them a stunning and delicious centerpiece for any holiday cookie platter, bringing tradition and flavor to your celebrations.
Spiced Chocolate Molasses Ginger Cookies
Savor the heartwarming flavors of the holidays with these magnificent Spiced Chocolate Molasses Ginger Cookies. Featuring a wonderfully chewy texture and generous chunks of rich chocolate, these cookies deliver a delightful balance of sweet and spicy. The aromatic ginger and deep molasses create a truly comforting and indulgent treat, perfect for festive gatherings and cozy winter evenings.
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Filled with rich, silky-smooth chocolate ganache and charmingly adorned with festive sprinkles, Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are absolutely perfect for sharing with loved ones and make exquisite edible gifts for friends and family during the holiday season. Their delicate appearance and decadent flavor make them a standout addition to any Christmas cookie collection.
Essential Tools for Perfect Christmas Cookies
To ensure your holiday cookie baking is a smooth and enjoyable experience, having the right tools on hand is key. There are several baking must-haves that will make your cookie-making process effortless and result in beautifully consistent treats. First off, we’ve got the essential basics: a reliable set of measuring cups and measuring spoons to ensure accurate ingredient proportions, a flexible spatula for scraping down bowls and mixing, a whisk for dry ingredients, and a sturdy wooden spoon for general mixing tasks.
For combining your ingredients, I personally love using a stand mixer. It’s an invaluable asset as it handles all the mixing effortlessly, leaving my hands free to tackle a little clean-up or prepare other ingredients while the dough comes together. Alternatively, a good hand mixer paired with the largest bowl from your set of mixing bowls will also work perfectly to achieve that ideal cookie batter consistency.
A cookie dough scoop is an absolute lifesaver for achieving perfectly uniform cookies every time! It ensures even amounts of batter, which leads to consistent baking and beautifully shaped treats. For roll-out cookies, like classic sugar cookies or gingerbread, you will definitely need a marble rolling pin and a biscuit cutter set (or any of your favorite festive cookie cutters!) to create those intricate holiday shapes.
Finally, for baking your delicious cookies to golden perfection, a half sheet baking pan or a large baking sheet is indispensable. I highly recommend lining your pans with silicone baking mats; they prevent sticking and ensure even baking without the need for excess grease. Once baked, transfer your warm cookies promptly to cooling racks to cool completely, preventing them from becoming soggy and ensuring that perfect texture. With these tools, you’ll be well-equipped for a successful and delightful holiday baking season!
Crafting the Perfect Holiday Cookie Box
Creating and gifting a beautifully curated holiday cookie box is one of the most heartwarming traditions of the festive season. It’s a thoughtful way to share your baking talents and spread cheer to friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues. A well-assembled cookie box isn’t just about the delicious treats inside; it’s also about the presentation, which adds an extra layer of charm and makes your homemade gifts truly special. Here are some of my favorite items to help you craft the perfect festive cookie boxes:
Holiday Cookie Boxes
Buy Now →
These festive boxes provide the perfect canvas for your edible gifts. Choose designs that complement the holiday spirit and safely transport your delicate cookies.
Holiday Cookie Tins
Buy Now →
For a more durable and reusable option, holiday cookie tins are wonderful. They keep cookies fresh longer and become a keepsake for the recipient, extending the joy beyond the last bite.
Holiday Disposable Aluminum Pans
Buy Now →
When gifting larger quantities or a variety of treats, disposable aluminum pans are practical and convenient. Look for festive holiday-themed ones to maintain that cheerful aesthetic.
Cardboard Sheets
Buy Now →
These are excellent for creating dividers within your boxes or tins, preventing different types of cookies from mixing and keeping them neatly separated and protected during transport.
Festive Tissue Paper
Buy Now →
A few sheets of colorful, festive tissue paper can transform the inside of any box. It adds a pop of color, a touch of elegance, and helps cushion your precious cookies, making the unboxing experience even more exciting.
Red Velvet Ribbon
Buy Now →
Tie your cookie box with a luxurious red velvet ribbon to add a final, elegant flourish. A beautiful ribbon makes any gift feel more substantial and special, completing the festive presentation of your delicious homemade Christmas cookies.
The Perfect Pairings: Holiday Beverages for Your Cookies
It’s truly hard to conclude a post about the best Christmas cookies without suggesting some perfectly delightful beverages to pair with them! While you can always opt for a comforting classic like a cold glass of milk or rich homemade eggnog, there are plenty of other fantastic options to consider that will elevate your holiday experience.
For a refreshing chilled drink to complement your festive treats, a big batch of Christmas sangria or a vibrant Christmas punch is simply wonderful for holiday parties. If you prefer something with a spirited kick, whip up a batch of homemade Christmas gin, infused with warm spices and fresh orange, perfect for serving over ice. For those who love something sparkling, try a sophisticated cranberry spice sparkler. And for a tasty, easy-to-make shot, consider this homemade peppermint vodka, a festive burst of flavor.
If a warm beverage is more to your liking, a piping hot mug of Instant Pot mulled wine is incredibly cozy and aromatic. For a fantastic non-alcoholic option, this mulled apple cider is absolutely delicious and can easily be spiked with a touch of rum or brandy if you desire. Of course, the ultimate classic pairing remains a steaming mug of slow cooker hot chocolate alongside your favorite holiday cookie – pure bliss!
Not seeing anything that completely inspires you here, or looking for more holiday culinary adventures? Don’t worry! Check out my full holiday recipes archive for all the delicious recipes you could ever need to make the holiday season extra special and memorable for you, your family, and your friends. Happy baking and happy holidays!