10 Christmas Cookies You’ll Love Baking This Holiday Season
There’s something almost magical about the holiday season. As the temperature drops and your home fills with twinkling lights and warm laughter, you start craving the small traditions that make this time of year unforgettable. One of the most nostalgic rituals is baking Christmas cookies—those sweet, comforting treats that pull everyone into the kitchen with the promise of holiday flavors and cozy memories.
When you bake Christmas cookies, you’re not just following a recipe. You’re creating a scent that lingers, a moment that slows the holiday rush, and a taste that reminds you why this time of year feels so special. Whether you’re preparing gift boxes, planning a cookie exchange, or simply enjoying a peaceful baking day at home, these 10 Christmas cookies bring classic flavors, festive colors, and delicious textures to your holiday table.
Below, you’ll find recipes, tips, and helpful notes to make your baking smoother, tastier, and more enjoyable. From sugar cookies you can decorate with your personal touch to rich chocolate crinkles and warm gingerbread classics, this guide gives you everything you need to create a memorable cookie lineup.
Table of Contents
1. Classic Sugar Cookies (Easy Christmas Cookies)
If there’s one cookie that defines the holiday season, it’s the classic sugar cookie. You’ve probably decorated these at some point—with sprinkles, icing, edible glitter, or little chocolate pieces that melt into the dough. Their charm lies in their versatility. You can cut them into trees, stars, snowflakes, bells, or whatever shape captures your holiday imagination.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Flour | 2 ¾ cups |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Butter | 1 cup (softened) |
| Egg | 1 |
| Vanilla | 1 tsp |
| Baking Powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
What Makes Them Special
Sugar cookies hold their shape, which means your Christmas trees actually look like trees. The dough is soft and forgiving, making it perfect for beginners and families with kids. You can keep them simple or dress them up with royal icing and colorful toppings.
2. Gingerbread Cookies (Traditional Holiday Cookies)
The smell of gingerbread can instantly transport you into the heart of winter. These cookies bring together deep molasses, warm spices, and a delicious chewy texture. Whether you’re making gingerbread men or constructing a tiny gingerbread house, this recipe fills your home with holiday warmth.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Flour | 3 cups |
| Butter | ¾ cup |
| Molasses | ½ cup |
| Brown Sugar | ½ cup |
| Ginger | 1 tbsp |
| Cinnamon | 1 tsp |
Why You’ll Love Them
They last a long time, they’re sturdy enough to decorate, and the spiced aroma lingers in your kitchen long after they’re baked. Gingerbread is a symbol of the season—and once you make a batch, you’ll understand why.
3. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies (Best Christmas Cookies)
Chocolate crinkle cookies look like they just rolled out of a snowy forest—dark, rich dough covered in powdered sugar that bakes into picture-perfect cracks. These cookies are soft, chewy, and intensely chocolatey, making them a favorite among chocolate lovers.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Flour | 1 cup |
| Cocoa Powder | ½ cup |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Baking Powder | 1 tsp |
Why They’re a Must-Bake
They’re stunning on a cookie platter and incredibly easy to prepare. With their fudgy interior and crisp powdered exterior, they add a beautiful contrast to your holiday spread.
4. Peppermint Bark Cookies (Festive Christmas Cookies)
Peppermint is one of those flavors that instantly reminds you of winter. These cookies combine the crunch of peppermint bark with a soft cookie base, giving you a dessert that tastes like a holiday party in every bite.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chocolate Chips | 1 cup |
| Butter Cookies | 12 crushed |
| Crushed Candy Canes | ½ cup |
The Festive Factor
These cookies are perfect for gifting because they look gorgeous and feel a little fancy. They also pair beautifully with hot chocolate or coffee after a chilly winter walk.
5. Snickerdoodle Cookies (Holiday Cinnamon Cookies)
Snickerdoodles bring a soft, buttery texture with a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating that makes them irresistible. They puff up beautifully and offer a comforting holiday flavor that never fails to please.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Flour | 2 ¾ cups |
| Butter | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 1 ½ cups |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Cream of Tartar | 2 tsp |
Why They Work for the Holidays
The warm cinnamon flavor fits right into the season, and the dough is quick to prepare. If you’re hosting a gathering, your guests will appreciate these soft, fragrant cookies.
6. Shortbread Cookies (Buttery Christmas Cookies)
Shortbread is a gift from the baking gods: simple ingredients, minimal effort, and rich, buttery goodness. These cookies are loved for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and their adaptability.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Flour | 2 cups |
| Butter | 1 cup |
| Powdered Sugar | ½ cup |
Why You’ll Keep Making Them
You can dip them in chocolate, drizzle caramel over them, or keep them pure and simple. They last long, making them ideal for cookie tins and holiday baskets.
7. Hot Chocolate Cookies (Fun Holiday Cookies)
Imagine your favorite cup of hot cocoa turned into a cookie. These soft, chocolatey cookies are topped with mini marshmallows that ooze slightly as they bake, giving you a gooey, nostalgic flavor.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Flour | 1 ⅓ cups |
| Cocoa Powder | ⅓ cup |
| Butter | ½ cup |
| Marshmallows | Mini, handful |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
Why They Stand Out
They combine two holiday favorites—cookies and hot chocolate—into one irresistible treat. Children especially love these, but adults find them just as hard to resist.
8. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies (Colorful Christmas Cookies)
These cookies bring rich cocoa, tangy undertones, and a bright red interior that looks beautiful on any holiday dessert table. Rolled in powdered sugar, they bake into festive snow-dusted treats.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Flour | 1 ½ cups |
| Butter | ½ cup |
| Cocoa Powder | 2 tbsp |
| Red Food Coloring | 1 tbsp |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
Why They’re Popular
Their deep red color makes them a holiday favorite for cookie boxes and dessert spreads. They also offer a unique flavor that feels special without being complicated.
9. Thumbprint Cookies (Jam-Filled Holiday Cookies)
Thumbprint cookies add a nostalgic touch to any Christmas cookie plate. With their buttery base and jewel-like jam centers, they bring sweetness, color, and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Flour | 2 cups |
| Butter | 1 cup |
| Sugar | ½ cup |
| Jam | ½ cup |
Why They’re Loved
They offer endless variation—raspberry, apricot, strawberry, or even lemon jam. Their soft, crumbly texture melts in your mouth, while the jam adds a bright pop of flavor.
10. Almond Biscotti (European Christmas Cookies)
Biscotti are crunchy, elegant, and perfect for dipping into coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. With almonds baked into each slice, you get a nutty richness that pairs beautifully with holiday drinks.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Flour | 2 cups |
| Sugar | ¾ cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Almonds | 1 cup |
Why They’re Great for Gifting
They last weeks in airtight containers and look impressive in gift boxes. Their firm texture makes them easy to package without breaking—ideal for mailing holiday treats.
Tips for the Best Christmas Cookies
1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Butter and eggs mix more evenly when softened, giving you smoother dough and better texture.
2. Chill Your Dough
Especially important for sugar cookies and gingerbread—this step ensures your shapes bake neatly.
3. Measure Flour Correctly
Too much flour leads to dense cookies. Spoon and level for accuracy.
4. Rotate Trays While Baking
This prevents uneven browning and helps every cookie bake consistently.
5. Decorate After Cooling
Warm cookies + icing = melting mess. Let them cool completely for clean designs.
Decorating Ideas for Christmas Cookies
If you love adding personality to your holiday treats, these ideas can help you elevate your cookies:
- Use royal icing for intricate patterns
- Add edible glitter or gold dust
- Dip shortbread in dark chocolate
- Use crushed peppermint for crunch
- Add festive sprinkles to sugar cookies
- Create marbled icing designs for a modern look
These finishing touches transform simple treats into gorgeous holiday centerpieces.
Christmas Cookie Storage & Gifting Tips
How to Store Cookies
- Keep them in airtight containers
- Separate soft and crunchy cookies
- Use parchment paper between layers
- Freeze dough for up to 3 months
Holiday Gifting Ideas
- Fill decorative tins
- Wrap cookies in clear bags with ribbon
- Create a mixed-cookie gift box
- Add handwritten labels for a personal touch
Your homemade cookies become meaningful gifts that show care and thought—especially during the holidays.
FAQ About Christmas Cookies
What are the most popular Christmas cookies?
Sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, chocolate crinkles, and shortbread are the most commonly baked holiday cookies.
Can you prepare Christmas cookies ahead of time?
Yes! Many doughs can be refrigerated for 24–48 hours or frozen for weeks.
What’s the secret to soft Christmas cookies?
Proper flour measurement, correct oven temperature, and avoiding overbaking.
Can you freeze baked Christmas cookies?
Absolutely—let them cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Which cookies are best for gifting?
Biscotti, gingerbread, shortbread, and peppermint bark cookies travel particularly well.
Conclusion
When you take time to bake Christmas cookies, you’re not just making dessert—you’re building memories, sharing joy, and celebrating the season in the sweetest way possible. Each cookie on this list brings something unique to your holiday table, from buttery classics to colorful modern twists. As you mix, roll, bake, and decorate, you’ll feel the holiday spirit deepening in your home and in the hearts of the people you share these treats with.
Whether you’re baking for a winter gathering, preparing gifts, or simply enjoying a relaxing day in the kitchen, these 10 Christmas cookies will bring beauty, warmth, and delicious flavor to your holiday season.
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If you enjoyed this guide, bookmark it, share it with friends, or print it for your holiday recipe binder. And if you want more festive recipes or cozy seasonal ideas, don’t forget to explore the rest of the blog—your next favorite holiday tradition might be waiting for you.
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