It’s funny how a simple cookie can spark joy and create lasting memories during the holiday season. Imagine the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread wafting through your home, inviting friends and family to gather around. With 14 irresistible Christmas cookie recipes at your fingertips, you’ll have the perfect treats to impress every guest. Get ready to explore a variety of flavors and styles that will elevate your holiday baking game.
Classic Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add in molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight for extra flavor!).
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out one half of the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are firm, then let them cool on a wire rack.
- Decorate with icing or enjoy them plain!
Get ready to spread some holiday cheer with these delicious gingerbread cookies!
Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Indulge in the festive spirit with these delightful Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, a perfect blend of rich chocolate and invigorating peppermint!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Crushed candy canes for topping
How to Make:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and peppermint extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips for that extra chocolaty goodness!
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until set but still soft in the center.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of each cookie while they’re still warm.
- Let cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
These cookies are sure to bring a touch of holiday cheer to your dessert table—enjoy every minty chocolate bite!
Snickerdoodle Christmas Cookies
Get ready to spread some holiday cheer with these soft and chewy Snickerdoodle Christmas Cookies!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for rolling)
How to Make:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 ½ cups sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- In a small bowl, mix together the 3 tablespoons of sugar and cinnamon for rolling.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and then roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Enjoy the warm, cinnamon-sugar goodness of these Snickerdoodle cookies while they last—perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself)!
Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies
Get ready to indulge in the sweet and tart delight of Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
How to Make:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly underbaked.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy these delightful cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or share them with loved ones for a festive treat!
Peppermint Bark Cookies
Delight in the festive flavor of Peppermint Bark Cookies—perfect for spreading holiday cheer!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- Additional crushed peppermint for topping
How to Make:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the crushed peppermint candies and white chocolate chips.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space in between.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle additional crushed peppermint on top of each cookie.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy the sweet and minty goodness of these Peppermint Bark Cookies—they’re a holiday treat you won’t want to miss!
Eggnog Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How to Make:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and eggnog.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. If you’re using white chocolate chips, fold them in now.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a couple of inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Don’t overbake!
- Allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra festive touch!
Enjoy the cozy flavors of the holidays with every delicious bite of these eggnog cookies!
Sugar Cookies With Royal Icing
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons meringue powder
- 6-8 tablespoons water
- Food coloring (optional)
How to Make:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get that kitchen ready for some cookie magic!
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set it aside for later.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until smooth and fluffy. This is where the magic starts!
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Combine everything well.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients you set aside earlier. Mix until just combined; don’t overdo it!
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your favorite shapes.
- Place the cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets. Time to bake!
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven until golden. Let them cool on a wire rack.
- While the cookies cool, make the royal icing: In a mixing bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth and glossy. Add food coloring if desired.
- Decorate your cooled cookies with the royal icing using a piping bag or a simple ziplock bag with the corner cut off. Get creative!
- Allow the icing to harden completely before stacking or storing your cookies.
Enjoy these delightful, beautifully decorated sugar cookies that are perfect for sharing during the holidays! Happy baking!
M&M Christmas Cookies
Get ready to spread some holiday cheer with these colorful and delicious M&M Christmas Cookies!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup M&M’s (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
How to Make:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the M&M’s and chocolate chips if you’re using them.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Press a few extra M&M’s on top of each cookie for that festive touch.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy these festive M&M Christmas Cookies with a glass of milk and share the joy with family and friends!
Pecan Snowball Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How to Make:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing until combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bottoms start to turn golden.
- Let the cookies cool for a few minutes before rolling them in powdered sugar for that snowy finish.
- Enjoy these delightful treats with a cup of hot cocoa or share them with loved ones for a sweet holiday surprise!
These Pecan Snowball Cookies are sure to melt in your mouth and spread some holiday cheer!
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Get ready to indulge in the decadently delicious world of Chocolate Crinkle Cookies – the perfect festive treat!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for rolling
How to Make:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them into balls, then roll each ball in powdered sugar until well coated.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops are crinkled.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy these heavenly Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with a warm cup of cocoa or milk – they’re sure to bring a smile to your face!
Almond Joy Cookies
Indulge in the delightful combination of chocolate, coconut, and almonds with these delicious Almond Joy Cookies!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup whole almonds
How to Make:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; set it aside.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy.
- Beat in the vanilla extract and egg until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just incorporated.
- Fold in the shredded coconut and chocolate chips.
- Drop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space for spreading.
- Press a whole almond into the center of each cookie.
- Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy these heavenly Almond Joy Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite holiday beverage!
Raspberry Linzer Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How to Make:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Roll out one half of the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick.
- Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes, and then cut out the center of half of the cookies with a smaller cutter.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before spreading raspberry jam on the whole cookies and topping them with the cut-out cookies.
- Dust the finished cookies with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Enjoy these delightful Raspberry Linzer Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee – they’re sure to bring a smile to your face!
Molasses Cookies
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
How to Make:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the molasses and egg until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
- Roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the centers are still soft.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy the delightful aroma and taste of these molasses cookies, perfect for sharing with loved ones this holiday season!
Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Get ready to spice up your holiday season with these delightful Pumpkin Spice Cookies!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts
How to Make:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the pumpkin puree and egg until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. If you’re using chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in now!
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Enjoy these warm, spiced cookies that are perfect for sharing and spreading holiday cheer!