15 Christmas Cookie Recipes to Bake This Holiday Season
There’s nothing quite like the smell of Christmas cookies baking in the oven during the holiday season. IIf you need some ideas for delicious Christmas cookies, I’ve gathered 15 Christmas cookie recipes to bake this holiday season.
Whether you’re preparing for a cookie exchange, filling up festive tins for neighbors, or simply enjoying a cozy baking day with family, having a variety of Christmas cookie recipes on hand makes the season even sweeter.
The type of Christmas cookies to bake and enjoy knows no bounds. From classic sugar cookies decorated with royal icing to rich chocolate crinkles dusted with powdered sugar, Christmas cookies come in endless varieties to suit every taste.
Traditional favorites like gingerbread cookies and snickerdoodles bring warmth and spice with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, while buttery shortbread and melt-in-your-mouth tea cakes offer simple elegance.
For chocolate lovers, there are double chocolate peppermint cookies and fudgy brownie cookies, and if you’re looking for something festive and fun, sprinkle-covered cookies and candy cane treats always steal the show.
“A Christmas without cookies is like a Christmas without joy.”
Fortunately, most Christmas cookies rely on pantry staples you likely already have: butter, sugar, flour, eggs, vanilla extract, and baking essentials like baking powder or baking soda.
The magic comes from seasonal add-ins like chocolate chips, festive sprinkles, crushed candy canes, dried cranberries, white chocolate, and warm spices that give each cookie its signature holiday flavor.
This collection of delicious Christmas cookie recipes has something for everyone. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just getting started, you’ll find easy, scumptious recipes that are perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying straight from the cooling rack.
Choosing the Best Christmas Cookies
As I searched for the best Christmas cookies, I focused on certain “must-have” characteristics for my readers.
- They had to look delicious – who wants to try an ugly cookie?
- They had to smell like Christmas.
- The recipe instructions had to be clear and well-written.
- The recipe had to be easy to make for all levels of bakers.
- The ingredients had to be readily available.
- The recipe had to make you want to make and enjoy this cookie.
I feel confident that all 15 of these recipes fulfilled me “must-have” list. Who wouldn’t want to try making and enjoying all these pretty Christmas cookies?
There are plenty of seasonal flavors and mouth-watering sweet treats here for everyone to enjoy baking, giving, sharing or enjoying. Pick your favorites, Pin, Save, or Print.
Enjoy them all.
The Sweetest Christmas Cookies – 15 Bites to Choose From
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
These delightful cookies are not just a feast for the taste buds; they make perfect gifts or additions to any holiday gathering. Ava of Recipes by Ava explains that their chewy centers and melty chocolate chips create a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave your loved ones begging for more.
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Ginny of In Bloom Bakery shares these Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies that are so pretty. These little bites are rich and chewy dark chocolate cookies with velvety smooth chocolate ganache centers. The cookies are made with Dutch process cocoa powder for the best dark chocolate flavor. Then they’re filled with a thick chocolate ganache.The cookies are made with Dutch process cocoa powder for the best dark chocolate flavor. Then they’re filled with a thick chocolate ganache.
Soft Snowball Cookies
Katie of Chocolate Covered Katie shares that these soft homemade snowball cookies that are absolutely the recipe to try! This recipe is her own spin on the popular snowball cookie recipe Katie’s grandmother used to make every year for Christmas. Soft and chewey goodness.
Hot Chocolate Straight from the Oven – In Cookie Form
Christi of Love from the Oven shares that these hot chocolate cookies are incredible. The flavor that the hot cocoa contributes is pretty amazing, they do not taste like “another chocolate cookie.” if you will, they taste like a cup of hot chocolate.
Magic of Candy Cane Cookies
From a family recipe, the combination of a peppermint-kissed vanilla swirl and red cookie dough, Magic of Candy Cane Cookies are a holiday classic that looks as beautiful as it tastes. Go to CZ is the team behind these pretty Christmas cookies
Cranberries in Winter Cookies
I love cranberries in winter, especially at Christmas time, from I was drawn to these Cranberry Orange Cookies from Molly of Molly’s Home Guide. These Christmas cookies bring together two classic winter flavors in a soft, chewy treat that’s perfect for cookie swaps or afternoon snacks with hot tea. The bright citrus notes and tart cranberries create a nice balance that isn’t too sweet.
Chocolate Cannoli Cookies
These cannoli cookies had me at hello. Adrian of Crave Script shares these luscious cookies from his grandmother, a fusion of the beloved Italian dessert and the simplicity of cookie form, were a testament to heritage and love, a recipe passed down through generations, each bite carrying the essence of family gatherings and heartfelt stories.
Raspberry Filled Snowball Cookies
Sophie of Sweet Craft Recipes has been baking these cookies for over 20 years, a tradition passed down from her grandmother. After weaking the recipe countless times to achieve the perfect balance of crumbly texture and intense flavor. she decided to elevate the classic by adding a burst of tart raspberry filling. Love anything with raspberries.
Hot Chocolate Cookies
Eva of Spic Yummy makes these hot chocolate cookies that bring the best of two worlds together in one irresistible bite. Soft, rich, and loaded with gooey chocolate, they taste just like your favorite cup of hot cocoa, but in cookie form. What makes these cookies so special is their texture. The edges are perfectly crisp, while the centers stay fudgy and soft.
Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
These treats aren’t just delicious; they’re a cozy hug in dessert form, perfect for snowy days or holiday gatherings from Sophie of Rapid Recipes. They are a festive twist on the classic favorite, packed with rich chocolate chips and a hint of peppermint for that extra holiday spark. What makes them special is their soft, chewy texture and the way they melt in your mouth.
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
What’s one of the most iconic flavors at Christmas time? Gingerbread! Anatasia of Tasia Hub shares these gingerbread crinkle cookies that are exactly the kind of treat kids of all ages need at Christmas. They’re soft in the middle, slightly chewy around the edges, and covered in that beautiful powdered sugar crackle that makes them look as festive as they taste.
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Ellen and Aimme of Like Mother Like Daughter are a duo that loves to bake together. They baked up these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars that are so soft and thick, with a thick layer of buttery sweet frosting. They’re filled with, and topped with sprinkles for an adorably festive Christmas cookie bar!
Red Velvet Cookies
Red Velvet Cake is Sweet Shark’s favorite, so when I saw these Red Velvet Cookies (with frosting on top!), I had to take a look. They are from Lee of Lane and Grey Fare. If you a “clean” cookie, these are they’re gluten free, nut free, egg free and can easily be made dairy free (vegan).
Eggnog Cookies
Cook Clean Repeat invites you to dive into these crispy cookies during the holiday season! These are the best eggnog cookies for the holidays and are so easy to make! Toss them together quickly to serve your loved ones, or invite them to get into the spirit by baking these with you!
Cinnamon Roll Cookies
If you want an easy cookie you can make for a quick snack, cookie exchange or dessert, then these Cinnamon Roll Christmas Cookies are for you. From my own kitchen, this cookie combines the cinnamon roll’s comforting swirls and the undeniable charm of a perfectly baked cookie.
Must-Have Baking Equipment
Need some more baking equipment for all these delicious cookie recipes? Check out this curated collection for all your baking needs.
Can’t get enough Christmas cookie recipes? Then check out this luscious collection of 12 Christmas cookies.
Visit these Christmas Pinterest Boards full of delicious Christmas cookie recipes. I would love for you to FOLLOW one or all of these boards.
I hope you PIN this post, visit each selection, and PIN each one.
I’d love to know what subjects you are most curious about. Let me know in the comments and I’ll search browse for them. Be sure to PIN these ideas to keep them handy.
Enjoy the holidays! Cheers!
