Introduction
The holiday season is the perfect time to fill your home with the smell of freshly baked cookies. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, cookie exchanges, or cozy nights by the fire, these Christmas cookie recipes will bring festive cheer to every bite. From classic sugar cookies to spiced ginger snaps, there’s something here for everyone to love.
1. Classic Sugar Cookies
Simple, buttery, and perfect for decorating — these cookies are a holiday must-have.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla, then blend dry ingredients in.
- Roll dough, cut into shapes, and place on baking sheets.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are light golden.
How to Serve It
Decorate with royal icing or sprinkles once cooled.
2. Gingerbread Men Cookies
Warm spices and molasses give these cookies their iconic Christmas charm.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup molasses
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ginger
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar, then add egg and molasses.
- Mix dry ingredients separately, then combine both.
- Chill dough for 1 hour.
- Roll out and cut shapes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
How to Serve It
Pipe faces and buttons with icing for festive fun.
3. Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
Chocolate and peppermint combine for a holiday classic with a rich, refreshing taste.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar; add egg and peppermint extract.
- Stir in dry ingredients.
- Fold in crushed candy canes.
- Bake 10–12 minutes.
How to Serve It
Drizzle melted white chocolate and sprinkle extra candy cane bits.
4. Snickerdoodle Cookies
Soft, chewy, and dusted with cinnamon sugar — the perfect cookie for every age.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups flour
- 2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup butter
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3 tbsp cinnamon sugar mix
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs.
- Stir in dry ingredients.
- Roll balls in cinnamon sugar.
- Bake 8–10 minutes until puffy and cracked.
How to Serve It
Best enjoyed warm with a cup of cocoa.
5. White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
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Sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries create a perfect holiday flavor duo.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugars; add eggs and vanilla.
- Mix in dry ingredients.
- Fold in cranberries and chocolate chips.
- Bake 10–12 minutes.
6. Thumbprint Cookies with Jam
Delicate, crumbly, and filled with jammy sweetness — a holiday table favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup butter
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup raspberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar, add vanilla.
- Add flour and mix until dough forms.
- Roll into balls, press thumb in center.
- Fill with jam and bake 12–14 minutes.
7. Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies
A festive twist on the all-time favorite cookie.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup butter
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup red and green candies
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugars; add eggs and vanilla.
- Stir in dry ingredients.
- Fold in chocolate chips and candies.
- Bake 10–12 minutes.
8. Shortbread Cookies
Crisp, buttery, and lightly sweet — a Scottish classic made festive.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup butter (cold, cubed)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix flour and sugar; cut in butter until crumbly.
- Press into pan and prick with fork.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until lightly golden.
9. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Soft, cake-like cookies with a festive red hue and sweet vanilla flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except powdered sugar.
- Chill 30 minutes.
- Roll in powdered sugar.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
10. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
A timeless classic with wholesome texture and comforting spice.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 3 cups oats
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar; add eggs.
- Stir in dry ingredients and raisins.
- Drop onto baking sheet and bake 10–12 minutes.
11. Linzer Cookies
Delicate and festive, these Austrian-inspired cookies are as pretty as they are delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup almond flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup raspberry jam
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar; add yolk and vanilla.
- Mix in both flours to form dough.
- Roll out and cut into circles; cut shapes in half the cookies.
- Bake 10–12 minutes and cool.
- Spread jam between layers and dust with sugar.
12. Coconut Macaroons
Chewy and sweet with crispy edges — these coconut treats are naturally festive.
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded coconut
- ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 egg whites
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix coconut, condensed milk, and vanilla.
- Beat egg whites with salt until stiff peaks form; fold in.
- Drop spoonfuls onto lined sheet and bake 20 minutes.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate when cool.
13. Chocolate Snowball Cookies
Soft, fudgy centers coated in snowy sugar — a winter wonder on your table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar; add vanilla.
- Stir in flour, cocoa, and nuts.
- Shape into balls and bake 12 minutes.
- Roll in powdered sugar while warm.
14. Pistachio Biscotti
These crunchy Italian cookies pair beautifully with hot cocoa or coffee.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup pistachios
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix dry ingredients; add eggs and vanilla.
- Stir in pistachios.
- Shape dough into logs; bake 25 minutes.
- Slice and bake 10 minutes per side until crisp.
15. Pecan Sandies
Nutty and buttery, these cookies practically melt in your mouth.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Cream butter and sugar; add vanilla.
- Stir in flour and pecans.
- Shape into balls and flatten slightly.
- Bake 20 minutes.
16. Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies
The perfect combination of crunch, cool, and chocolatey goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ cup white chocolate
- ¼ cup crushed peppermint candy
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar; add egg.
- Mix dry ingredients in, form balls.
- Bake 10 minutes.
- Top with melted white chocolate and peppermint.
17. Eggnog Cookies
All the cozy flavors of eggnog baked into a festive treat.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ cup eggnog
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar; add egg, eggnog, and vanilla.
- Mix in dry ingredients.
- Drop by spoonfuls and bake 10–12 minutes.
18. Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread
Classic shortbread with a touch of chocolate luxury.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup butter
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Combine flour, sugar, and butter to form dough.
- Press into pan and cut shapes.
- Bake 20 minutes.
- Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate.
19. Almond Crescent Cookies
Light, nutty, and gently sweet — these cookies are a Christmas staple.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup ground almonds
- 1 cup butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix butter, sugar, and almond extract.
- Add flour and almonds.
- Shape into crescents; bake 15 minutes.
- Roll in powdered sugar.
20. Hot Cocoa Cookies
Everything you love about hot cocoa — in cookie form!
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ cup butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar; add egg.
- Mix dry ingredients in.
- Bake 10 minutes, then top with marshmallows.
21. Cherry Almond Cookies
A pretty and fruity addition to any Christmas cookie tray.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp almond extract
- ½ cup chopped cherries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar; add egg and almond extract.
- Mix in flour and cherries.
- Bake 12–14 minutes.
22. White Chocolate Pistachio Cookies
A luxurious cookie bursting with flavor and color.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup pistachios
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar; add egg.
- Mix dry ingredients and fold in chips and nuts.
- Bake 10–12 minutes.
23. Molasses Spice Cookies
Rich molasses flavor with warm spices that taste like the holidays.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ginger
- ½ tsp cloves
- ¾ cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar; add egg and molasses.
- Mix in dry ingredients.
- Bake 8–10 minutes.
24. Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
Soft, colorful, and perfect for gifting or parties.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- Red food coloring
- Candy cane Hershey’s Kisses
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar; add egg and extract.
- Add dry ingredients and tint red.
- Bake 8–10 minutes.
- Press Kiss into each cookie immediately.
25. Snowflake Sugar Cookies
A beautiful way to finish off your Christmas cookie collection.
Ingredients
- 3 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar; add egg and vanilla.
- Mix in dry ingredients.
- Roll dough and cut snowflake shapes.
- Bake 8–10 minutes, then cool and decorate.
How to Serve It
Use royal icing in shades of white and blue for an elegant look.
Conclusion
Each of these Christmas cookie recipes brings its own magic to the season. From spiced gingerbread to buttery shortbread, these treats fill your home with warmth, joy, and delicious holiday scents. Bake a few, share them with loved ones, or gift them in pretty tins — every batch is a sweet celebration of Christmas spirit.
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