It’s the most wonderful time of the year… for baking! The holiday season is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the spirit than with a batch (or three) of delicious Christmas cookies? From classic sugar cookies to creative twists like peppermint swirls and candy cane shortbread, we’ve got 20 festive fun recipes to make your holiday season merry and bright. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for some inspiration to get started, these sweet treats are sure to become a new family tradition.
Stay tuned for our roundup of the most scrumptious Christmas cookie recipes, featuring flavors like gingerbread, eggnog, and hot cocoa. Your taste buds (and your friends and family) will thank you!
Peppermint Swirl Chocolate Cookies
These soft-baked cookies combine the richness of chocolate with the invigorating flavor of peppermint, creating a perfect treat for any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs and peppermint extract.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, followed by chocolate chips.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies
A sweet and spicy treat that’s perfect for the holiday season!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
7. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or a glass.
8. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
These soft and chewy cookies have the perfect balance of tangy red velvet flavor and sweet crinkles. Perfect for a special treat or as a gift, these cookies are sure to impress!
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons red food coloring
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 and 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and red food coloring.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Roll dough into balls, then roll each ball in confectioners’ sugar to coat. Place on prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are set.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Eggnog Sugar Cookies
Get into the holiday spirit with these soft, chewy, and deliciously flavored Eggnog Sugar Cookies! Perfect for a festive treat or gift-giving, these cookies combine the warmth of eggnog with the classic sweetness of sugar.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup eggnog
– 1 large egg
– Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggnog and egg.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies
Add a festive touch to your holiday baking with these crunchy and sweet Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies. Perfect for gift-giving or serving at your next holiday party.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (about 6-8 canes)
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
3. Stir in vanilla extract and crushed candy canes.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or glass.
5. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Christmas Tree Spritz Cookies
Brighten up your holiday gatherings with these festive Christmas tree-shaped cookies, perfect for decorating and serving.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– Green gel or food coloring (for tree shape)
– Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add flour and baking powder; mix until a dough forms.
4. Divide the dough into 2-3 portions, depending on how bright you want your cookies to be.
5. Add green gel or food coloring to each portion to achieve desired shade of green.
6. Use a cookie press or piping bag fitted with a tree-shaped tip to shape dough into Christmas trees.
7. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
8. Allow cookies to cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallows
These chewy cookies combine the warmth of hot cocoa with the sweetness of marshmallows, perfect for a cold winter’s day. With their soft texture and rich flavor, they’re sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons hot cocoa powder
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and hot cocoa powder.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Fold in mini marshmallows.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Snowball Cookies with Powdered Sugar
Snowball Cookies with Powdered Sugar Recipe
These classic cookies are a staple of winter wonderland celebrations, and the powdered sugar adds an extra touch of sweetness.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms.
6. Roll into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
8. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Reindeer Peanut Butter Cookies
Get into the holiday spirit with these soft and chewy Reindeer Peanut Butter Cookies, perfect for a festive snack or gift. With their rich peanut butter flavor and crunchy texture, you’ll be hooked from the first bite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– Red and white sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream peanut butter and butter until smooth. Add sugar and mix until combined.
4. Beat in the egg.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
8. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Frosted Sugar Cookie Cutouts
Sweet Sugar Cookie Cutouts with a hint of frosting are perfect for any occasion! This classic recipe yields soft, chewy cookies with a deliciously sweet and tangy frosting.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration (optional)
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tbsp milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool completely.
8. For the frosting, whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Spread or drizzle over cooled cookies.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Chocolate Dipped Coconut Macaroons
These chewy coconut macaroons dipped in rich chocolate are a perfect treat for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create these indulgent treats that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large egg whites
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together coconut, sugar, and butter until well combined.
3. Beat in egg whites and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
7. Dip cooled macaroons into melted chocolate and place on parchment paper.
8. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar (optional).
9. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the chocolate.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Peppermint Mocha Cookies
Brighten up your day with these refreshing Peppermint Mocha Cookies, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With the combination of peppermint, chocolate, and coffee, you’ll be hooked from the very first bite.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tsp peppermint extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and peppermint extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes (if using).
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Christmas Sprinkle Thumbprint Cookies
Add a touch of festive cheer to your holiday gatherings with these adorable Christmas sprinkle thumbprint cookies. Perfect for Santa’s snack plate or as a sweet treat for your loved ones.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– Red and green sprinkles for decorating
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients; mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes or use a glass to create circles.
6. Use your thumb or a spoon to make an indentation in each cookie. Fill with a few red and green sprinkles.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Sweet and indulgent, these Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect treat to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Cream cheese frosting (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, beating until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Beat all ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Spread on cooled cookies.
White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
These chewy cookies combine the richness of white chocolate with the tanginess of cranberries, perfect for a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, then stir in white chocolate chips and cranberries.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Santa Hat Brownie Cookies
Add some holiday cheer to your baking routine with these Santa hat-inspired brownie cookies. Perfect for gift-giving or a fun treat for the family, these chewy cookies are packed with chocolate flavor and topped with a festive red and white swirl.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Red and white frosting for decorating (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until combined.
6. Stir in chocolate chips.
7. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Ginger Molasses Cookies with Icing
Warm up your holiday season with these spicy-sweet treats! These soft and chewy cookies combine the comforting flavors of ginger, molasses, and icing for a delightful twist on traditional sugar cookies.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup blackstrap molasses
– 1 large egg
– Colored icing for decorating (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and ginger in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses and mix until combined.
4. Beat in the egg. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on wire rack.
Icing:
1. Whisk together powdered sugar and milk to achieve desired consistency.
2. Color with food dye if desired.
3. Drizzle over cooled cookies or use to frost, as desired.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these bite-sized treats that combine the flavors of chocolate chip cookie dough and creamy truffles.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
3. Gradually add the brown sugar and mix until smooth.
4. Stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts (if using).
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the dough to firm up.
6. Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to form the dough into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
7. Roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat.
8. Chill in the refrigerator for an additional 15-20 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None! These truffles are ready to enjoy straight from the fridge.
Orange Spiced Christmas Cookies
Brighten up your holiday cookie exchange or family gathering with these sweet and citrusy treats. The combination of orange zest, warm spices, and tender cookies will surely bring cheer to all who taste them.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup orange marmalade
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add marmalade, egg, and orange zest; mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients; mix until a dough forms.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Caramel Stuffed Snickerdoodles
Snickerdoodles are already a beloved treat, but adding a gooey caramel center takes them to the next level. This recipe combines the classic cinnamon-sugar cookies with a sweet and salty caramel filling.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp cream of tartar
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– 3 Tbsp caramel sauce (such as dulce de leche or caramel ganache)
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup white granulated sugar, for rolling
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes (e.g., balls or bars).
6. Place a small spoonful of caramel sauce onto one half of each cookie shape. Fold the other half over to enclose the filling.
7. Roll each cookie in white granulated sugar, pressing gently to adhere.
8. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Get ready to deck the halls with these 20 festive and delicious Christmas cookie recipes! From classic sugar cookies to creative twists like peppermint swirl chocolate cookies and reindeer peanut butter cookies, there’s something for everyone on this list. Whether you’re a fan of chewy, crunchy, or soft-baked treats, these holiday-inspired recipes are sure to bring joy to your friends and family.
