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Discover the best Christmas Cookies with easy recipes for sugar cookies, gingerbread, chocolate treats, and peanut butter favorites. Perfect for holiday cookie swaps, gifting, and festive baking with family!
Table of Contents
- Why I Love Making Christmas Cookies
- Classic Sugar Cookie Recipes
- Gingerbread Cookie Varieties
- Chocolate Christmas Treats
- Peanut Butter Holiday Cookies
- Festive Cookie Bars
- Old-Fashioned Classic Holiday Cookies
- Specialty & Unique Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Collection
- Oatmeal Cookie Favorites
- No-Bake & Quick Options
- Seasonal Specialties
- Best Tips for Christmas Cookie Success
- FAQs for Christmas Cookies
- Ready to Start Your Holiday Baking?
- More Delectable Christmas Cookie Recipes To Try
Why I Love Making Christmas Cookies
There’s something truly special about the holiday season when your kitchen fills with the warm aroma of freshly baked cookies. Whether you’re creating batches for cookie swaps, preparing holiday gifts, or simply enjoying quality time with family, holiday cookies bring people together in the most delightful way.
From classic sugar cookies perfect for decorating to rich chocolate chip cookies and spiced gingerbread, the world of holiday baking offers endless possibilities. The best part? You don’t need to be an expert baker to create impressive results!
I’m sharing everything you need to know about making easy Christmas cookies that will become your family’s new traditions.
🩷 Melissa
I love making cookie platters during the holiday season, and these recipes are the collection I choose from when I’m making an edible gift or taking cookies to a party.
Here are my tips for making a great cookie platter:
- Combine different textures like crispy shortbread cookies alongside soft sugar cookies.
- Mix visual elements with colorful decorated options, chocolate-dipped favorites, and dusted powdered sugar classics.
- Aim for 5-7 different cookie types on your platter to create visual interest while offering something for every taste preference.
- Arrange cookies in groups by type rather than scattering them randomly, which creates a more visually appealing look.
Classic Sugar Cookie Recipes
The Foundation of Holiday Baking
Sugar cookies reign supreme during the Christmas season, and for good reason. These versatile treats provide the perfect canvas for creative decorating, hold their shape beautifully when using cookie cutters, and deliver that buttery, sweet flavor everyone loves.
The secret to exceptional sugar cookies lies in mastering your cookie dough – it should be easy to work with, never too sticky, and result in cookies that maintain their shape from oven to cooling rack.
Whether you’re making traditional cut-out shapes or simple slice-and-bake rounds, sugar cookies are essential for any holiday cookie box. They’re ideal for gifting, fantastic for cookie swaps, and absolutely perfect for decorating with kids.
Recommended Sugar Cookie Recipes
- Sugar Cookie Icing Recipe – Perfect consistency for decorating
- Grandma Lucy’s Sugar Cookies for Christmas – A formerly secret family recipe
- My Favorite Sugar Cookie Recipe – Perfectly soft with just the right sweetness
- Greek Yogurt Sugar Cookies – The softest, fluffiest cookies ever
- My Favorite Frosting for Sugar Cookies – And any other holiday treat that may need icing
Gingerbread Cookie Varieties
Spiced Perfection for the Holidays
The warm spice of gingerbread cookies captures the essence of Christmas like nothing else. These treats bring together cinnamon, ginger, and other aromatic spices to create cookies that are both festive and flavorful.
Whether you prefer soft and chewy or thin and crispy, there’s a gingerbread variation for every taste preference and aesthetic variation – from traditional gingerbread people decorated with icing to elegant cookie wreaths and indulgent blondies.
Gingerbread cookie dough is particularly forgiving, making it an excellent choice for bakers of all skill levels. These cookies also freeze beautifully, allowing you to bake batches ahead of time for the busy Christmas season.
Plus, they’re naturally aromatic, filling your entire home with that irresistible holiday scent as they bake in the oven!
Recommended Gingerbread Cookie Recipes
- 6 Simple Ways to Decorate Gingerbread Cookies – Decorating guide
- Easy Soft Gingerbread Cookies – Sweet, soft, and lightly spiced
- The Best Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies – Made with easy-to-find ingredients
- Iced Gingerbread Cookies – Warm, decadent, with a chewy center
- Gingerbread Bars With Vanilla Frosting – Perfect for cookie platters
- Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies – Soft rounds with marshmallow filling
- Gingerbread Wreath – Fully edible and festive
- Vegan Gingerbread Cookies – No egg, still tender
- White Chocolate Gingerbread Blondies – Cookie bars with the perfect spice mix
- Perfect Gingerbread Cookies without Molasses – Sweet and spiced
- Icing for Gingerbread Cookies – Game-changing decorating recipe
Chocolate Christmas Treats
Rich, Indulgent Holiday Delights
For chocolate lovers, the holiday season offers the perfect excuse to indulge in deeply satisfying treats. From crinkle cookies dusted with powdered sugar to homemade Oreos with peppermint filling, chocolate cookies bring drama and decadence to any cookie box.
The rich flavor of chocolate pairs beautifully with seasonal additions like peppermint, creating that classic Christmas combination everyone craves. These recipes range from sophisticated shortbread to playful no-bake options, ensuring there’s something for every occasion.
The visual appeal of chocolate cookies – with their dark, striking appearance against festive sprinkles or white chocolate drizzle – makes them standouts on any holiday cookie platter!
Recommended Chocolate Cookie Recipes
- Homemade Mint Oreo Cookies – Dark cocoa with mint cream filling
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookies – Rich chocolate with beautiful cracks
- Homemade Oreos with Candy Cane Cream Filling – Dark chocolate with mint
- Peppermint Chocolate Brownies in a Jar – Thoughtful homemade gift
- Candy Cane Meringue Cookies – Crunchy, sweet, perfect chocolate-peppermint balance
- Easy Chocolate Shortbread Cookies – Buttery, crisp, lightly sweetened
- Easy Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies – Light, crunchy, dainty bites
- Homemade Thin Mints – Girl Scout favorite, year-round
Peanut Butter Holiday Cookies
Nutty Favorites with Festive Twists
Peanut butter cookies have earned their place as beloved holiday classics, offering that perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors that keeps everyone reaching for more.
The beauty of peanut butter in cookie form is its ability to create incredibly moist, flavorful treats that stay soft for days. When transformed with chocolate dips, festive sprinkles, or combined with oats and chocolate chips, these cookies become true holiday showstoppers.
The nut butter provides both flavor and texture, creating cookies with that signature slightly crumbly yet chewy quality. These recipes are particularly great for cookie tins and holiday gifts, as they transport well and maintain their delicious texture even after several days of storage.
Recommended Peanut Butter Cookie Recipes
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars – Sheet pan option
- Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies – Dipped in chocolate with sprinkles
- Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms – Thick, soft, with chocolate kiss
- Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies – Classic perfection
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal and Chocolate Chip Cookies – Chewy, nutty, chocolatey
- Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies – Ready in 30 minutes
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies – Perfect salty-sweet balance
- Peanut Butter Nutella Cookies – Rich and indulgent
Festive Cookie Bars
Easy Sheet Pan Options for Crowds
When you need to feed a crowd or simply want to streamline your holiday baking, cookie bars are a great option. These treats deliver all the flavor of individual cookies with a fraction of the effort.
Simply spread the dough on baking sheets, bake, cool, and cut into squares. The result? Dozens of perfectly portioned treats that are ideal for cookie exchanges, office parties, or large family gatherings.
Cookie bars also offer unique textural advantages – they often feature a delightfully chewy center surrounded by slightly crispy edges. They’re particularly forgiving for newer bakers, as there’s no need to worry about individual cookie shapes or spacing on your baking sheet.
Recommended Cookie Bar Recipes
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars – Rich and soft
- Magic Christmas Cookie Bars – Festive, delicious, simple
- Sugar Cookie Bars – Fun twist on classic sugar cookies
- Cheater Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars – Uses cake mix
- Monster Cookie Bars – Peanut butter, oats, M&Ms
- Oatmeal Fudge Bars With M&M’s – Crispy crust, fudge center
Old-Fashioned Classic Holiday Cookies
International Favorites and Creative Options
Expand your holiday baking repertoire with specialty cookies that bring international flair and unexpected flavors to your celebrations.
Recipes
- Grandma’s Slice-n-Bake Cookies – Rich and buttery
- Shortbread Cookies – Crunchy, crumbly, sweet
- Thumbprint Cookies – Buttery base with jam center
- Hershey Kiss Cookies – Soft, chewy, with chocolate kiss
- Old Fashioned Molasses Cookies – Soft, chewy, lightly spiced
- Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies – Cinnamon-sugar coating
- Pecan Sandies – Tender shortbread with pecans
Specialty & Unique Cookies
International Favorites and Creative Options
Expand your holiday baking repertoire with specialty cookies that bring international flair and unexpected flavors to your celebrations.
From Italian wedding cookies rolled in powdered sugar to crunchy biscotti perfect for coffee dunking, these recipes add sophistication and variety to your cookie tin. The cream cheese pastries, buttery shortbread cookies, and elegant baklava options prove that holiday cookies can be both simple and impressive.
These specialty options are particularly wonderful for gifting, as they showcase your baking skills while introducing friends and family to new flavor combinations. Many of these cookies also have excellent keeping qualities, making them ideal for preparing well in advance of the busy holiday season.
Recommended Specialty Christmas Cookie Recipes
- Italian Wedding Cookies – Bite-sized delights for special occasions
- Biscotti with Almonds and Chocolate – Crunchy, perfect for dipping
- Biscotti Recipe – Almond-flavored classic
- Spiced Cranberry-Nut Baklava – Crisp, flaky, unique
- Beth’s Chocolate and Pecan Baklava – Crunchy, sweet, delicious
- White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies – Irresistible combination
- Easy Coconut Macaroons 3 Ways – Coconut, chocolate, almond
- Rugelach Cookie Recipe – Tender pastry with jam and nuts
- Black and White Cookies – NYC staple, cake-like
- Neiman Marcus Cookies – Famous recipe with ground oats
- Vanilla Melt Away Cookies – Amazing texture
Chocolate Chip Cookie Collection
The Ultimate Holiday Classic
No cookie collection is complete without chocolate chip variations, and these recipes take the beloved classic to new heights.
Whether you’re craving mini two-bite treats, giant cookies loaded with M&Ms, or sophisticated salted caramel versions, these recipes prove that chocolate chip cookies deserve a prominent place in your holiday baking rotation.
The versatility of chocolate chip cookie dough makes it perfect for experimentation with different types of chocolate, add-ins like oats, and creative size variations. These cookies are universally loved, making them safe choices for cookie swaps where you want to please diverse palates.
Recommended Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipes
- My Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe EVER – Melted butter secret, no chilling
- Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies – Perfect two-bite treats
- Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies – Soft, chewy, gooey caramel
- Giant Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies – Fun, colorful, satisfying
- Original Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies – Ultimate classic choco chip cookie
Oatmeal Cookie Favorites
Wholesome Holiday Options
Oatmeal cookies bring wonderful texture and wholesome flavor to your holiday spread. The addition of oats creates cookies with substance and staying power, while providing that satisfying chew everyone loves.
These recipes showcase the incredible versatility of oats in cookies – from classic raisins to modern additions like cinnamon chips and coconut.
The texture of oatmeal cookies makes them particularly satisfying, and they often stay fresh longer than all-purpose flour-only varieties. They’re excellent choices for shipping to loved ones or packing in care packages during the holiday season.
Recommended Oatmeal Cookie Recipes
- Oatmeal Cowboy Cookies – Loaded with cranberries, white chocolate, nuts
- Amazing Oatmeal Raisin Cookies – Ultra-plump raisins, two types of oats
- Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Chips – Soft with crispy edges
- Oatmeal Coconut Cookies – Dark chocolate chunks, coconut flakes
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies – Soft, chewy, buttery
No-Bake & Quick Options
Effortless Holiday Treats
When time is short but the craving for homemade cookies is strong, these no-bake and quick recipes come to the rescue!
Perfect for last-minute gifting or when oven space is at a premium during holiday meal prep, these treats require minimal effort while delivering maximum impact.
From chocolate-covered delights to cake mix shortcuts, these recipes prove that impressive holiday cookies don’t always require traditional baking methods.
Recommended Recipes:
- Easy Meringue Cookies – Light, sweet, crunchy
- No-Bake Chocolate-Covered Fluffernutter Cookies – Ready in minutes
- Homemade Soft Oreos from Cake Mix – Chocolatey, creamy, fun
- Cake Mix Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies – Only 4 ingredients
Seasonal Specialties
Pumpkin, Pecans & More
These seasonal specialties embrace flavors that define the winter months. From pumpkin-spiced delights perfect for early holiday baking to pecan treats that scream Christmas, these cookies celebrate the unique flavors of the season. They’re particularly wonderful for themed cookie platters or when you want to offer something a little different from traditional options.
Recommended Christmas Seasonal Cookie Recipes
- Thin and Crispy Gingersnap Cookies – Spiced to perfection
- Pumpkin Pie Spritz Cookies – Small, crunchy, warm spices
- Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Sprinkles – Fluffy and festive
- Extra Buttery Spritz Cookies – Classic pressed cookies
- Honey Pecan Slice-and-Bake Cookies – Easy to make ahead
Best Tips for Christmas Cookie Success
Essential Baking Advice
Ingredient Preparation
- Always use room temperature egg and cream cheese unless recipe specifies otherwise
- Measure flour correctly by spooning and leveling, never packing
- Quality vanilla extract makes a noticeable difference in flavor
- Fresh spice (especially cinnamon and ginger) provides better taste
Cookie Dough Management
- Chill dough when recipe calls for it – this prevents spreading and improves flavor
- Don’t overwork dough; this develops gluten and creates tough cookies
- Make dough ahead and refrigerate or freeze for convenience
- Roll dough between parchment paper for easy handling with cookie cutters
Baking Techniques
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats on baking sheets for easy removal
- Rotate sheets halfway through baking for even browning
- Don’t overcrowd cookies on the oven rack
- Watch timing carefully – even one minute can affect final texture
Storage & Gifting
- Store different cookie types separately to maintain distinct flavors and textures
- Use freezer-safe containers for batches made ahead
- Layer cookies with parchment in cookie tin to prevent sticking
- Add festive touches with colorful tissue paper for holiday gifts
Cookie Swap Success
- Choose recipes that travel well and hold up over several days
- Package cookies attractively in clear bags or decorative boxes
- Include recipe cards so others can recreate your favorites
- Aim for variety in flavors and textures in your selection
Time-Saving Strategies
- Make cookie bars instead of individual cookies when feeding crowds
- Prep and freeze cookie dough weeks in advance
- Set up assembly line for decorating multiple batches
- Use simple decorating techniques that look impressive but require minimal skill
FAQs for Christmas Cookies
Sugar cookies consistently rank as the most popular Christmas cookie, followed closely by chocolate chip cookies and gingerbread. Sugar cookies’ popularity stems from their versatility – they’re perfect for decorating with royal icing, hold their shape beautifully when using cookie cutters, and appeal to nearly every palate. They’re also ideal for involving children in holiday baking traditions!
Most Christmas cookies freeze exceptionally well for up to 3 months. For best results, allow cookies to cool completely, then layer them between sheets of parchment paper in airtight freezer-safe containers. Decorated cookies should be frozen in single layers to prevent icing damage. You can also freeze most cookie dough for 2-3 months – simply thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
Properly stored Christmas cookies typically stay fresh for 5-7 days at room temperature in airtight containers. Softer cookies like sugar cookies and peanut butter cookies may last up to a week, while crispy varieties like biscotti and shortbread cookies can remain fresh for 2-3 weeks. To extend freshness, store cookies in the freezer where they’ll keep for up to 3 months.
To maintain soft, chewy cookies, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, keeping them soft without becoming soggy. Replace the bread slice every couple of days. Alternatively, slightly underbake cookies by 1-2 minutes and remove them from the oven when centers still look slightly underdone – they’ll continue cooking on the baking sheet.
Yes! Most cookie dough can be made 2-3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, or up to 3 months in the freezer. In fact, chilling dough often improves flavor and texture. Wrap dough tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw frozen dough overnight in the refrigerator before using. Some doughs, like slice-and-bake varieties, can go straight from freezer to oven with just a few extra minutes of baking time.
The best cookies for exchanges are those that maintain texture and flavor for several days, travel well, and appeal to diverse tastes. Excellent choices include chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cookies, shortbread, biscotti, oatmeal cookies, and sturdy cut-out sugar cookies. Avoid delicate meringues or cookies with perishable frostings that might not hold up well.
Start with properly chilled, completely cooled cookies. Use royal icing for smooth, professional-looking results – it dries hard and stacks beautifully. Outline cookies first with thicker consistency icing, then fill with thinned “flood” icing. Allow each layer to dry completely before adding details. For detailed techniques, see our post on 6 Simple Ways to Decorate Gingerbread Cookies, which applies to sugar cookies too!
Ship sturdy cookies like biscotti, shortbread, and drop cookies rather than delicate varieties. Wrap cookies individually or in pairs with plastic wrap, then cushion them with crumpled parchment or wax paper in a sturdy box. Fill empty spaces to prevent shifting, and mark the package as fragile. For detailed instructions, check out my guide on How to Ship Christmas Cookies.
Ready to Start Your Holiday Baking?
With this comprehensive collection of Christmas cookie recipes at your fingertips, you’re fully equipped to create an impressive array of treats for the holiday season!
Whether you’re a novice baker tackling sugar cookies for the first time or an experienced home baker looking to expand your repertoire with specialty options like baklava or biscotti, there’s something here for everyone.
Remember, the best holiday cookies are made with love and shared with joy. Don’t stress about perfection – even slightly imperfect cookies taste delicious and create wonderful memories.
Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and start creating edible magic that will delight family and friends throughout the Christmas season.
Happy baking, and may your cookie tin always be full! 🍪🎄
More Delectable Christmas Cookie Recipes To Try
Christmas Cookies
White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Christmas Cookies
Andes Mint Chocolate Cookies (Thick & Brownie-Like!)
Simple Gingerbread Recipes
Spiced Gingerbread Bars with Vanilla Frosting
Simple Gingerbread Recipes
The Perfect Icing for Gingerbread Cookies
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