Nothing captures the festive spirit of Christmas quite like a batch of freshly baked cookies. The aroma of spices, butter, and sugar wafting through the house instantly brings warmth and joy, making the season even more special. Whether you’re looking to create a beautiful cookie platter for a holiday gathering, whip up some edible gifts, or enjoy a cozy baking day with loved ones, the perfect cookie recipe is a must.
In this handpicked collection of 20 best Christmas cookie recipes, you’ll discover a variety of treats that celebrate the flavors of the season. From timeless classics like gingerbread and peppermint cookies to creative twists on holiday favorites, each recipe offers something unique and delicious.
Whether you’re decorating sugar cookies with the kids, experimenting with new flavors, or baking up a storm to share with neighbors, these cookies are designed to bring a touch of magic to your holiday. Get your oven preheated and your cookie cutters ready—these recipes will help you create sweet memories and festive delights that everyone will enjoy!
Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies
These vibrant cookies start with a box of red velvet cake mix. It can be our little secret. Pops of white chocolate make this cake-inspired cookie one of our all-time favorites.
Brown Butter Snickerdoodles
Snickerdoodles highlight the spice of the season: cinnamon. You won’t be able to resist a taste after smelling these cinnamon-sugar cookies baking. The trick to making these cookies is browning the butter. This recipe requires chill time, but you can prepare the dough the night before and bake it when you’re ready.
Fruitcake Cookies
If you ever find yourself waxing nostalgic for fruit cake around the holidays, these cookies can scratch that itch without all the work of a fruit cake itself.
Lace Cookies
The lacy, delicate cookies sandwiching a small scoop of Nutella are much easier to make than they look. And in a sea of sugar cookies and thumbprints, these cookies will stand out.
No-Bake Dark Chocolate-Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
These cookies take just 30 minutes to pull together, after which you’ll chill them until they set. Store them in an airtight container for up to five days, but we doubt they’ll last that long. Store-bought chocolate wafers make this dessert look fancy, even though the recipe does not require any baking.
Brown Sugar Cookie Stars
Looking for the star of your holiday dessert spread? Bake these sparkly treats in advance. All you’ll have left before the party is a little decorating, which you can make as simple or as extravagant as your heart desires.
White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
These cookies are a Christmas classic with gooey white chocolate and dried cranberries. Test Kitchen Tip: Use white chocolate chunks instead of chips to hold their shape better when baked. Bake on the upper oven rack to prevent browning.
Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
Classic, easy, and always a hit, there’s a reason you baked these cookies with Grandma every year. These peanut butter and chocolate cookies are a dynamic duo made with pantry staples. Plus, one recipe makes three dozen.
Wreath Cookie
Perfect as an afternoon activity for the kids, these Christmas wreath cookies are festive, delicious, and require no baking. With only seven ingredients, you can make a cheerful recipe at any time. Substitute the red hot candy for any “ornaments” you prefer.
Cheesecake Cookies
‘Tis the season for sugar, and these bite-sized Cheesecake Cookies are ready in just one hour. If preparing these cookies in advance, wait until you are ready to serve to add the maraschino cherries on top.
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Always a hit, no matter the season. These brown butter cookies are hard to resist. Browning the butter before combining ingredients makes the difference in this chewy, gooey cookie.
Pecan Snowball Cookies
Decadently nutty and utterly Southern, these snowballs will bring the winter spirit to any holiday party. Whether it’s a winter wonderland outside or unseasonably warm, the powdered sugar on these cookies guarantees a bit of “snow-like” magic this season. This recipe makes four dozen, so you’ll have plenty to share.
Spritz Cookies
You have to break the baking rules to get a proper spritz cookie. Use an ungreased baking sheet, and do not use parchment paper. The dough must stick to the baking sheet when extruded from the cookie press.
Chocolate-Peppermint Swirl Sandwich Cookies
Crisp chocolate cookies with fresh peppermint filling make for a winning combination in these seasonal sandwich cookies. Plan enough time to allow the cookie dough to chill for an hour before baking. Refrigerating after adding the filling will firm up the cookies.
Cathedral Window Cookies
With multicolored marshmallows and lots of chocolate pieces, these simple, no-bake cookies are perfect for the kids. This nostalgic recipe is ideal for your next potluck dinner. One recipe makes enough to feed a crowd.
Grandma’s Chocolate Drop Cookies
These cake-like cookies are a chocolate lover’s dream. To drop the cookies evenly, try using a tablespoon or cookie scoop. Feel free to substitute your favorite chocolate chips into this recipe.
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Crisp on the outside and gooey on the inside, these sugar-dusted cookies are a chocolate lover’s delight. Better yet, they only take 40 minutes to pull together. Instant espresso powder enhances the chocolate in this recipe.
Lemon Thumbprint Cookies
These classic cookies combine the tart flavors of raspberry and lemon while making a whopping seven dozen batches you can use for a party or gifts. Each cookie is buttery, sweet, moist, and easy to make.
No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
Short on time? You can still give Pecan Pralines a run for their money. These no-bake cookies only take 10 minutes of hands-on time. These nut-free treats will be a crowd favorite.
Snowflake Sugar Cookies
They may look complicated, but you can make these seasonal sugar cookies as intricate or easy as you’d like. It’s the decorator’s choice. We suggest dipping them in sanding sugar for a time-saver. Vary the snowflake sizes for an exciting presentation.
