Creating Christmas cookies has a unique charm that transcends age or familial status. Whether you’re hosting a festive exchange with friends, sharing treats with neighbors, or simply indulging in sweet self-care, there’s something to be savored in every crumb. We’ve curated a collection of 17 delectable cookie recipes for you to peruse and indulge in. From classic flavors to modern twists, our selection has something for everyone.
And as we put the finishing touches on our own holiday confections, we’re excited to share one show-stopping recipe to get your baking started: Light-as-air meringues, crafted without cream of tartar. Of course, no Christmas cookie collection would be complete without a nod to rich, buttery treats like Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pecans. With expert tips and tricks for achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures, you’ll be hooked.
And don’t forget about our tried-and-true Lemon Cookies, made with ease using a cake mix and yielding soft, chewy results. You can even find expert advice on freezing cookies for future snacking. As we count down to the holiday season, we’re thrilled to share more festive fare and behind-the-scenes peeks at our culinary adventures. We thank all the talented food bloggers, chefs, bakers, cooks, and moms out there who’ve inspired us with their creativity and passion.
Here’s to making this winter one to remember!
White Chocolate Chip Candy Cane Cookies
Indulging in the sweet combination of crushed candy cane pieces and white chocolate chips, I’m already swooning! This made-from-scratch recipe is surprisingly effortless, yielding beautiful and soft White Chocolate Chip Candy Cane Cookies that are perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Dark Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
Combining two indulgent flavors, dark chocolate and minty peppermint, is a match made in heaven. The Dark Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies are a standout treat that will elevate your Christmas celebration. Not only do they look festive and fun, but the contrasting textures of crushed candy canes, dark chocolate, and white chocolate create a visually stunning effect. These cookies are sure to impress your holiday guests and become a new tradition on your Christmas dinner table.
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift for new neighbors or want to whip up some quick treats to share with friends, these scrumptious Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are an ideal choice. With their soft and buttery texture, made using a white cake mix, cream cheese, and sprinkles (which can be easily omitted if you’re not a fan), these cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Grinch Cookies
These cookies are anything but ordinary, boasting a vibrant green hue and an irresistible charm. A crucial step in achieving that signature color is to thoroughly combine the green liquid food coloring with the wet ingredients before incorporating the dry ones. The recipe’s creator shares this valuable tip in greater detail through the linked article. While you can use any M&M flavor in these Grinch-inspired treats, I highly recommend sticking with red M&Ms to maximize the festive effect.
Christmas Tree Shortbread Cookies
The sight of these cookies is a feast for the eyes – intricate works of edible art that initially left me feeling overwhelmed. However, once I grasped the technique behind them, I was eager to share this experience with my little ones. The one-bowl Christmas Tree Shortbread Cookies are a masterclass in buttery goodness, and when paired with the whimsical touch of swirly icing, they become an unbeatable festive treat.
Meringue Cookies
With only five ingredients to worry about, this meringue cookie recipe is a breeze to whip up – no Cream of Tartar required! I’ve had a lingering container of the stuff in my pantry for 15 years now, largely untouched. The end result of these meringues doesn’t necessarily require perfect piping skills, either. While they do look stunning when carefully piped into star shapes, you can still achieve great results by simply scooping out spoonfuls and baking them as is.
The outcome will be a batch of delicate, shiny cookies that are just as delicious regardless.
Almond Joy cookies
There’s something undeniably festive about the combination of almonds and coconut. For me, it’s a match made in holiday heaven! When you bring those two flavors together in a cookie, it’s like a taste sensation that screams ‘joy’! These soft and chewy treats are guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face. I’m particularly fond of enjoying them straight from the oven when they’re still warm – it’s a truly special experience.
If you’re hosting guests during the holiday season, consider whipping up a batch of these Almond Joy Cookies and have them fresh out of the oven as your visitors arrive.
Hot Chocolate Cookies
Imagine being transported back to your childhood with every bite of these decadent Hot Chocolate Cookies. It’s as if the holidays came alive in the most scrumptious way possible. The best part? These treats have become a staple in my adult life, and I can indulge guilt-free. The secret to their irresistible charm lies in the clever combination of hot cocoa mix and tiny marshmallows.
But here’s the thing: you can’t just use any old marshmallows – you need freeze-dried marshmallows to avoid a sticky, gooey mess. Trust me, we learned this the hard way when we accidentally used traditional marshmallows. Let’s just say it was an… interesting experience.
Gingerbread Kiss Cookies
Indulge in the classic warmth of gingerbread cookies, reinvigorated with an unexpected twist. This innovative recipe fuses the quintessential spices of gingerbread with the decadence of a Hershey Kiss, resulting in a cookie that’s bursting with rich flavors. With Ghirardelli chocolate, molasses, and sweet cream butter among its many indulgent ingredients, these Gingerbread Kiss Cookies are a true delight. Take your time savoring each bite – they’re a real treat that will leave you wanting more.
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Indulge in the festive spirit with these vibrant pinwheel cookies, featuring mesmerizing red and green swirls and a rim of sprinkles. The peppermint flavor will add an extra layer of delight to any Christmas gathering. One of the best parts? You can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it for a stress-free holiday baking experience. Simply thaw and bake when you’re ready to impress your guests with these show-stopping treats.
Christmas Sugar Cookies
While it’s impossible to pinpoint the exact origins of Christmas cookies, sugar cookies have been a staple of holiday celebrations for centuries. As someone who appreciates a touch of flair in their baked goods, I find plain sugar cookies lacking without a sprinkle of colorful sanding sugar – my enthusiasm is easily piqued! This classic recipe for old-fashioned Christmas Sugar Cookies is a delightful treat to make with toddlers, making it an excellent choice for a family baking session.
Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies
Thumbprint cookies are a beloved Christmas treat, and it’s easy to see why – their resemblance to festive ornaments adds to their charm. Among the many delightful variations on this classic cookie recipe, shortbread filled with tart raspberry jam stands out for its perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. For those who don’t share the love affair with chocolate, these fruity treats might just be the answer to your holiday baking conundrum. And when you top them with a rich almond icing glaze?
It’s a match made in cookie heaven.
Peppermint Patty-Stuffed Chocolate Cookies
There’s something undeniably delightful about indulging in peppermint patties. The bite-sized treats are ridiculously fun to eat, and their addictive nature has led me to devour an entire bag more times than I can count. Given their irresistible charm, it was only a matter of time before I thought to incorporate them into a cookie. And what better way to do so than by using a cake mix, making the process effortlessly easy?
Don’t worry if you’re feeling overwhelmed – this recipe is designed to be straightforward and enjoyable. In fact, with its simplicity, it’s perfect for becoming an annual Christmas tradition.
Italian Christmas cookie
I’m a sucker for cookies with sprinkles, and these Italian Christmas Cookies are no exception. With their unique cake-like texture, they’re already a delight. But what really sets them apart is the subtle hint of anise that adds depth to the flavor profile. This recipe will offer a surprise twist that will leave people wondering what exactly gives it that certain je ne sais quoi. And the best part?
You get to decide whether you want to share the secret ingredient or keep it all to yourself, adding an extra layer of fun to the cookie-baking experience.
Reindeer Cookies
The allure of these cookies lies in their whimsical appearance – who can resist a reindeer-shaped treat? Moreover, the simplicity of this recipe makes it an ideal project to involve kids. In fact, the holiday season is all about finding ways to reduce stress and increase joy through shared experiences with loved ones. These Reindeer Cookies are an excellent way to achieve just that.
What’s more, combining Nilla wafers and M&M’s in a creative treat is a winning formula, making these cookies a big hit.
Melted Snowman Cookie
Indulge in this delightfully creative Christmas cookie recipe, which brings a smile to everyone’s face! The sugar cookies are designed to resemble a melted snowman, complete with white icing and a marshmallow head. The finishing touches include icing for the nose, eyes, and buttons, making each one a unique work of art. And the best part? They’re not only visually stunning but also taste amazing, guaranteeing a joyful atmosphere this holiday season. Get the recipe here!
Christmas Wreath Cookies
This vintage-inspired no-bake cookie recipe cleverly utilizes corn flakes and food coloring to create a festive treat. The nostalgic flavor and texture are reminiscent of classic Rice Krispies Treats, but with a delightful twist – you shape them by hand into desired shapes. For those who prefer a more subtle approach, omit the green food coloring and instead adorn the cookies with colored icing once they’ve set.
This recipe is an excellent example of creative repurposing, making it a unique addition to your holiday baking repertoire.
Instructions
While baking can be a fun and creative process, sometimes it’s nice to have a little guidance. For this task, we’re going to make things simple by asking you to choose two of your favorite cookie recipes from online or a cookbook. Once you’ve selected the ones that catch your eye, follow the instructions carefully to ensure they turn out as delicious as you hope.
And finally, indulge in the fruits of your labor – after all, there’s no better reward than enjoying a fresh-baked cookie straight from the oven!
Recommended Products
As a participant in the Amazon Associates program and other affiliate initiatives, I receive compensation for qualifying purchases. With this in mind, I’d like to highlight three exceptional products that have caught my attention: the Silpat Perfect Cookie Non-Stick Silicone Baking Mat, the 3-Tier Collapsible Cooling Rack, and the Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer. These tools have impressed me with their quality, functionality, and value for the price.
