Few things evoke holiday nostalgia like the aroma of cookies wafting from the oven. For me, the scents of Mexican wedding cookies, known as "sand tarts" in my family, and festive-shaped sugar cookies bring the spirit of Christmas alive. The dilemma? Stick to beloved classics or experiment with exciting new flavors. The solution is simple: why not do both? Our curated list of outstanding Christmas cookie recipes will fulfill all your cravings—this holiday season and beyond.
33 Irresistible Christmas Cookie Recipes to Bake
Hey there! If you're on the hunt for more unique cookie recipes, we've got you covered! A talented team of food bloggers has collaborated to create our complimentary Holiday Cookie Guide, featuring 10 exclusive recipes, tips for hosting a cookie swap, and cozy movie pairings for the ultimate night in. Enjoy!
Chocolate Peppermint Snowball Cookies
Why We Love It: These cookies are a holiday must-have! The combination of chocolate and peppermint is a seasonal delight, featuring a gooey chocolate center and a burst of peppermint flavor. Forget my plans—tonight is all about baking these!
Hero Ingredient: A chocolate baking disc hidden in each cookie creates that irresistible molten center.
Chocolate Orange Linzer Shortbread Cookies
Why We Love It: Rich and buttery, these cookies encapsulate the holiday spirit in every bite. Unlike traditional Linzer cookies filled with jam, these feature an exquisite orange-infused chocolate ganache, perfect for any cookie platter.
Hero Ingredient: The harmonious blend of chocolate and orange zest creates a delightful flavor profile.
Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Why We Love It: Who says pumpkin should only be enjoyed in October? These chewy cookies, loaded with chocolate chips, are a holiday treat I'd relish all year long. Finding them in a cookie box would definitely make me smile!
Hero Ingredient: A sprinkle of sea salt amplifies the flavors, making these cookies truly special.
Orange Cranberry, Pistachio, and Cardamom White Chocolate Slice and Bake Cookies
Why We Love It: Slice-and-bake cookies are a dream! They're simple to prepare ahead of time—just mix, roll, and freeze. When you need freshly baked cookies, slice and bake the delightful dough, bursting with festive flavors!
Hero Ingredient: A drizzle of white chocolate elevates these cookies to another level.
Chocolate Bourbon Biscuits
Why We Love It: Nostalgia comes alive with these sandwich cookies, which outshine the typical Oreo. The soft, chewy shortbread dough paired with espresso powder enhances the chocolatey richness. Perfect for dipping in your favorite tea!
Hero Ingredient: Chocolate hazelnut spread is the ideal filling for these delightful biscuits.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
Why We Love It: These cookies embody the warmth of sipping hot cocoa on a chilly day. Get ready to indulge your hot chocolate cravings!
Hero Ingredient: Peppermint hot cocoa mix ensures these cookies taste just like your favorite winter beverage.
Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies
Why We Love It: Baking these cookies in a muffin tin gives them a soft, cake-like texture. Whether you call them cookies or brownies, these fudgy treats topped with frosting will surely satisfy your cravings.
Hero Ingredient: Topping with Ferrero Rocher chocolates adds a luxurious touch!
Chai Chocolate Dipped Christmas Cookies
Why We Love It: With a perfect blend of sweet and spicy chai flavor, these cookies are a treat! Crisp edges and a tender center make them irresistible, while sprinkles and chocolate dipping provide festive flair.
Hero Ingredient: The spices offer a unique touch in every bite.
Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cinnamon Glaze
Why We Love It: These cookies may not scream Christmas, but their delightful pumpkin flavor is perfect for the season. Fresh from the oven, they're a warm, melt-in-your-mouth experience, especially with sweet cinnamon glaze on top.
Hero Ingredient: Pumpkin pie spice is essential for that seasonal flavor.
Pistachio Truffles
Why We Love It: These truffles are a holiday lifesaver! With just six ingredients, they are easy to prepare and can be made vegan.
Hero Ingredient: Toppings like coconut or toasted pistachios add a delightful crunch to the creamy center.
Buttered Rum Shortbread Cookies
Why We Love It: The marbled buttered rum glaze on these cookies is a showstopper. With a generous amount of butter in both the dough and the glaze, they're sure to impress all your cookie testers.
Hero Ingredient: Butter and rum combine for an irresistible flavor.
Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies with Brown Butter Icing
Why We Love It: Tieghan Gerard's creations are always a delight, but these gingerbread latte cookies are my absolute favorite. Their spicy-sweet flavor and chewy texture make them utterly comforting, especially with rich brown butter icing.
Hero Ingredient: Espresso powder imparts a distinct latte flavor.
Dreamy Soft Vegan Coconut Meltaway Cookies
Why We Love It: If you crave coconut, these cookies deliver with their soft shortbread base and authentic flavor. Perfect for satisfying tropical cravings during winter.
Hero Ingredient: Coconut oil, cream, and extract create a delightful treat.
Vegan & Grain-Free Ginger Molasses Softies
Why We Love It: Perfect for vegans and gluten-free cookie lovers, these ginger cookies are a delicious reality. They'll surprise you with their flavor and texture.
Hero Ingredient: Dates provide sweetness without refined sugars, allowing the flavors to shine.
White Christmas Sugar Cookies
Why We Love It: A simple yet satisfying sugar cookie-shortbread hybrid, these cookies are simply unforgettable. They've been on my mind since last year!
Hero Ingredient: Cream of tartar acts as a leavening agent, ensuring even baking and perfect texture.
Eggnog Snickerdoodles
Why We Love It: These cookies capture the eggnog flavor with nutmeg and rum, rolled in cinnamon-sugar for a delicious treat. Even those who aren't eggnog fans will love these!
Hero Ingredient: Adding 1/3 cup of eggnog to the dough guarantees that classic taste.
Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies
Why We Love It: The scent of ginger is quintessentially Christmas. These streusel-topped cookies are the epitome of buttery bliss!
Hero Ingredient: Crystallized ginger adds heat and texture to these soft cookies.
Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Walnut Cookies
Why We Love It: The combination of white chocolate and cranberries creates cookie magic, while walnuts add crunch and nuttiness to this festive treat.
Hero Ingredient: An extra egg yolk enhances the fudgy texture of these cookies.
Slice-And-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookies
Why We Love It: This recipe is a game changer for cookie lovers! Always needing cookies on hand? This slice-and-bake method is the answer.
Hero Ingredient: Bittersweet chocolate is a classic choice that never disappoints.
The Santa Clause Cookies
Why We Love It: Tieghan Gerard's sugar cookies tick all the boxes for flavor. Featuring hazelnut liqueur, vanilla, and brown sugar, they're a complex treat you won't forget.
Hero Ingredient: The creamy vanilla bean glaze is a must-have.
Easy Vegan Macaroons
Why We Love It: The Minimalist Baker's recipes never disappoint. These macaroons combine just a few ingredients for a delightful outcome.
Hero Ingredient: Aquafaba is a magical egg substitute that binds ingredients beautifully, creating chewy cookies.
Mexican Wedding Cookies
Why We Love It: A classic in my home, these cookies offer a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience, covered in a snowy dusting of powdered sugar. They perfectly embody the holiday season.
Hero Ingredient: Almond extract brings a fruity, nutty flavor that's essential to this recipe.
Chocolate Cherry Almond Biscotti
Why We Love It: Biscotti is the perfect companion for your morning coffee. Adding tart cherries and chocolate chips elevates this classic treat.
Hero Ingredient: Chopped almonds make every biscotti even better.
Salted Caramel Turtle Thumbprint Cookies
Why We Love It: These thumbprint cookies are a festive twist on the classic. Instead of jam, they're filled with decadent salted caramel. Simple to make yet impressively indulgent!
Hero Ingredient: The harmony of salted caramel flavors is a winner.
Chocolate-Dipped Crisp Peanut Butter Cookies
Why We Love It: The classic peanut butter cookie gets a twist with a delicious chocolate dip. These cookies are golden and comforting, just as they should be.
Hero Ingredient: Quality peanut butter is crucial to achieving the best flavor.
Cranberry Bliss Cookies
Why We Love It: Inspired by a beloved café treat, these cookies harmoniously blend tartness and sweetness. They make a delightful dessert or a perfect breakfast companion.
Hero Ingredient: The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy touch that balances the sweetness.
Autumn Brittle
Why We Love It: This brittle showcases the best parts of your favorite granola, held together with honey for a crunchy treat. Packed with wholesome ingredients, it's a satisfying indulgence.
Hero Ingredient: Pumpkin seeds add texture and a festive pop of color.
Chocolate Swirled Meringue Cookies
Why We Love It: These cookies are a feast for the eyes! The chocolate swirled into the meringue creates a stunning visual, topped off with festive sprinkles.
Hero Ingredient: Cream of tartar keeps the meringues light, airy, and perfectly textured.
Olive Oil & Sea Salt Brownie Cookies
Why We Love It: These cookies capture all the richness of brownies in a portable form. Unique flavors prove that there are no limits to chocolatey goodness!
Hero Ingredient: High-quality olive oil keeps these cookies moist and delightful.
Snowballs
Why We Love It: These delightful cookies offer a buttery bite dusted with powdered sugar. They truly deserve their title as Santa's favorite cookie!
Hero Ingredient: The powdered sugar coating is essential for that festive touch.
French Butter Cookies
Why We Love It: Known as sablés in France, these round shortbread cookies are a simple yet delightful introduction to French baking.
Hero Ingredient: Using a vanilla bean or paste enhances their lovely, caramelly flavor.
Gingerbread Donut Cookies
Why We Love It: These adorable cookies are a fun alternative to traditional gingerbread men. Perfect for adding a whimsical touch to your holiday baking!
Hero Ingredient: Inspired by donuts, the sprinkles add an extra festive flair.
Swiss Walnut Christmas Cookies
Why We Love It: Known as Läckerli, these Swiss cookies are a delicious blend of hazelnuts and walnuts, creating a sticky dough perfect for holiday baking.
Hero Ingredient: A hint of Kirsch in the glaze adds a sweet cherry flavor that complements these wholesome cookies.
