The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the joy of baking and sharing delicious treats with loved ones. One of the most iconic and beloved holiday traditions is, of course, baking Christmas cookies. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie in the kitchen, there’s nothing quite like the warmth and aroma of fresh-baked cookies wafting from your oven.
As the snowflakes start to fall and the fireplace crackles with festive cheer, it’s time to dust off those favorite cookie recipes and get creative in the kitchen. This year, why not try something new and exciting? We’ve gathered 18 irresistible classic Christmas cookie recipes that are sure to become new favorites. From soft and chewy gingerbread cookies to decadent chocolate crinkle cookies, there’s a treat here for everyone on your nice list.
Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing
Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing Recipe
These soft and chewy gingerbread cookies are perfect for the holiday season, and when paired with a rich royal icing, they’re sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Water, as needed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are set. Allow cookies to cool on wire rack.
Royal Icing:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons meringue powder
– 2 tablespoons water
– Food coloring, as desired
Instructions:
1. Whisk together powdered sugar and meringue powder.
2. Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until icing reaches desired consistency.
Classic Sugar Cookies with Holiday Sprinkles
Bring a touch of festive cheer to your holiday gatherings with these classic sugar cookies adorned with colorful sprinkles. A simple and delicious treat that’s perfect for snacking or decorating.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– Holiday sprinkles, for decorating
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
5. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
6. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden.
8. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
A refreshing twist on classic crinkle cookies, these Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies combine the perfect balance of sweet and minty flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 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. Stir in peppermint extract.
3. Gradually add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined.
4. Stir in chocolate chips.
5. Roll dough into balls, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set. Allow to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Buttery Shortbread Christmas Trees
These adorable shortbread trees are a perfect addition to your holiday cookie platter or gift tin. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create these buttery treats in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Green or red food coloring (optional)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
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. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
4. Use a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out tree shapes. You can also use a knife to shape into free-form trees.
5. Place trees on prepared baking sheet, leaving space for spreading.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies
Get cozy with these soft-baked cookies that combine the richness of molasses with a blend of warm spices. Perfect for snacking or gift-giving, they’re sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground ginger
– 1/2 tsp ground cloves
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup blackstrap molasses
– 2 large eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses and eggs.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack for 5 minutes before transferring to a plate to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Vanilla Bean Snowball Cookies
Get ready to indulge in the classic flavors of vanilla and snowball cookies! This recipe combines the warmth of vanilla bean extract with the crunch of powdered sugar, making it a perfect treat for any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla bean extract
– Colored sprinkles or chopped nuts for decoration (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.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until combined.
5. Roll dough into balls, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Remove from oven and immediately roll in powdered sugar to coat. Decorate with sprinkles or nuts if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies with Rum Glaze
Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies with Rum Glaze: A Sweet and Boozy Treat
These tender cookies are infused with the warm spices of eggnog, perfect for the holiday season. The rum glaze adds a rich and indulgent flavor to these bite-sized treats.
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
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup eggnog
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Add eggnog, vanilla extract, and whisk until combined. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until dough forms.
5. Roll out dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into shapes or use a cookie cutter to create thumbprint designs.
6. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool before glazing with rum glaze (recipe below).
Rum Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons dark rum
Mix ingredients together until smooth and drizzle over cooled cookies.
Frosted Red Velvet Christmas Cookies
Add a touch of festive flair to your holiday baking with these soft, chewy red velvet cookies smothered in creamy frosting.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons red food coloring
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup crushed pecans (optional)
– Frosting: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, 2-3 drops peppermint extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and red food coloring.
3. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. If using pecans, fold them into the dough.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set.
7. Allow cookies to cool before frosting with powdered sugar mixture and a hint of peppermint extract.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
These soft and chewy sugar cookies are infused with the warmth of cinnamon and the sweetness of caramel, perfect for a sweet treat any time of the day.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tbsp caramel sauce (such as dulce de leche)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually mix in dry ingredients, followed by caramel sauce.
5. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar while warm.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies Recipe Summary:
Brighten up your day with these sweet and tangy cookies, featuring the perfect combination of creamy white chocolate and tart cranberries, all wrapped up in a delicious oatmeal cookie.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- Salt, to taste
- Flour, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, flour, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
- Melt white chocolate chips; let cool slightly. Fold into the wet ingredients.
- Stir in cranberries and the reserved oat mixture.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake at 375°F for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
Peanut Butter Blossoms with Hershey’s Kisses
Peanut Butter Blossoms with Hershey’s Kisses: A Classic Christmas Treat
These soft-baked peanut butter cookies are transformed into a sweet and indulgent treat when topped with a Hershey’s Kiss. Perfect for the holiday season, these bite-sized morsels are sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• Hershey’s Kisses (milk chocolate or any other flavor)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream peanut butter and butter until smooth. Gradually add sugar; beat until combined.
4. Beat in egg until well mixed.
5. Roll dough into balls, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Remove from oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss onto the center of each warm cookie.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
These chewy cookies combine rich double chocolate flavor with the refreshing zing of peppermint, making them a perfect treat for the holiday season. With just a few simple steps, you can create a batch of these deliciously decadent cookies that are sure to please.
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
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Crushed candy canes or chopped pecans for garnish (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 flour mixture, then stir in chocolate chips.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set.
7. Let cool on wire rack for 5 minutes before transferring to a plate.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Almond Crescent Moon Cookies
These buttery cookies are infused with the nutty flavor of almonds and shaped like a crescent moon, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
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
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°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 sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in almonds and egg.
4. Gradually mix in the flour mixture and vanilla extract until just combined.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Maple Glazed Snickerdoodles
Add a touch of fall flavor to these classic snickerdoodle cookies with a rich maple glaze.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– Maple glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Set aside.
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 and mix until a dough forms.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set.
7. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. To make the maple glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and maple syrup until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Raspberry Jam Linzer Cookies
Raspberry Jam Linzer Cookies: A Classic Twist on a Holiday Favorite
These buttery cookies are filled with a sweet and tangy raspberry jam, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup raspberry jam
– 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 powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
7. Spoon a small amount of raspberry jam onto one half of each cookie, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
8. Top with another cookie half and press gently to adhere.
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Pumpkin Spice Christmas Cookies
Get ready to deck the halls with these soft and chewy pumpkin spice cookies, infused with the warm aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Perfect for your holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat for Santa.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup white granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 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, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Toasted Coconut Macaroons
These chewy macaroons are infused with the warm, toasted flavor of coconut and topped with a sprinkle of sea salt for added depth. Perfect as a snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups almond flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large egg whites
– 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– Flaked sea salt for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut, sugar, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to egg mixture and fold until combined.
5. Fold in melted butter.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of batter onto prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly toasted.
8. Allow macaroons to cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Caramel-Stuffed Chocolate Cookies
Rich, chewy chocolate cookies filled with a gooey caramel center – what’s not to love? This recipe combines the best of both worlds to create a truly indulgent dessert.
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 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Caramel filling (store-bought or homemade)
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 one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the flour mixture, then stir in chocolate chips.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
7. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Summary
Get into the holiday spirit with these 18 classic Christmas cookie recipes that are sure to be irresistible. From soft gingerbread cookies with royal icing to buttery shortbread Christmas trees, and from peppermint chocolate crinkle cookies to caramel-stuffed chocolate cookies, there’s something for everyone on this list. These festive treats are perfect for decorating your tree, exchanging with friends and family, or simply enjoying as a sweet treat throughout the season. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for some holiday inspiration, these classic cookie recipes are sure to bring joy to your holiday season.
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