Complete Gardening
The holiday season is a magical time filled with joy, laughter, and the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies. For those juggling a hectic schedule, finding time to bake can be challenging.
That’s why we’ve gathered a list of 27 easy Christmas cookie recipes that even the busiest bakers can whip up in no time.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes are designed to be simple, quick, and, most importantly, delicious. So, grab your apron and get ready to fill your home with the spirit of Christmas!
1. Classic Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies are a timeless holiday treat, cherished for their sweet simplicity. Begin by creaming butter and sugar together; this forms the base of your dough. Add vanilla extract and a sprinkle of salt for a subtle flavor boost.
Once chilled, roll out the dough and cut it into festive shapes. Bake until golden brown, and let cool before decorating with icing and sprinkles.
The result is a delightful assortment of cookies that are as enjoyable to make as they are to eat. Perfect for sharing with friends and family.
2. Gingerbread Men
Gingerbread men are a whimsical addition to any holiday spread. To start, mix together flour, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves; these spices provide warmth and depth. Add molasses for richness and brown sugar for sweetness.
Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to shape your gingerbread men. After baking, let them cool completely before adding decorations using royal icing and candy.
Create personalities with buttons and smiles, bringing joy to both bakers and recipients. These cookies are as much fun to decorate as they are to eat, making them a family favorite.
3. Peanut Butter Blossoms
Peanut butter blossoms combine the irresistible taste of peanut butter with chocolate, a perfect holiday duo. Begin by mixing peanut butter with sugar, and add an egg to bind the ingredients.
Shape the dough into balls and roll in sugar before baking. As soon as they come out of the oven, press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth of the cookie will slightly soften the chocolate, creating a melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
These cookies are a hit at any gathering and add a touch of elegance to your cookie platter.
4. Snickerdoodles
Snickerdoodles are a classic cookie known for their soft texture and cinnamon-sugar coating. The secret to their chewiness lies in the cream of tartar, which adds a tangy flavor.
After preparing the dough, roll each piece in cinnamon sugar before baking. This creates a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior. Snickerdoodles are perfect for those who love a bit of spice and sweetness in their treats.
Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa, embodying the cozy feeling of the holiday season.
5. Thumbprint Cookies
Thumbprint cookies offer a delightful burst of flavor with each bite. Start by mixing a simple dough of butter, sugar, and flour. Once combined, roll the dough into balls and make an indentation in the center.
Fill each indentation with your choice of fruit jam, such as raspberry or apricot, for a touch of color and sweetness. After baking, you’ll have cookies that are as beautiful as they are tasty.
Thumbprint cookies are a timeless addition to any holiday cookie tray, appealing to kids and adults alike with their vibrant appearance.
6. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Chocolate crinkle cookies are a chocolate lover’s dream. The dough, rich with cocoa powder, is rolled in powdered sugar before baking. As the cookies bake, they spread and crack, revealing the dark chocolate center beneath the snowy exterior.
This visual contrast makes them eye-catching and irresistible. The combination of a crisp outer shell and a fudgy interior provides a satisfying texture with each bite.
Chocolate crinkle cookies are perfect for those who want a sophisticated-looking treat without the fuss, adding elegance to any holiday dessert table.
7. Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread cookies are a buttery delight that melt in your mouth. Made with just three ingredients—flour, butter, and sugar—they are incredibly simple yet indulgent.
The key to perfect shortbread is to work the dough as little as possible to maintain its tender texture. Once shaped, prick each cookie with a fork to prevent puffing during baking.
These cookies are versatile and can be dressed up with a drizzle of chocolate or left plain for a more traditional presentation. Shortbread is a classic choice for holiday gifting or enjoying with afternoon tea.
8. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Oatmeal raisin cookies combine wholesome oats with the natural sweetness of raisins. Start by creaming butter and sugars, then add eggs and vanilla for richness.
Mix in the dry ingredients, including cinnamon for warmth, and fold in the oats and raisins. The dough bakes into hearty cookies that are both chewy and satisfying.
Perfect for those seeking a slightly healthier cookie option, oatmeal raisin cookies provide a comforting taste of nostalgia. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a delightful treat any time of the day.
9. Lemon Bars
Lemon bars bring a zesty freshness to your holiday cookie collection. The base is a buttery shortbread crust, topped with a tangy lemon filling.
Baking transforms the filling into a luscious custard, which is perfectly balanced by the sweet and crunchy crust. Dust with powdered sugar once cooled to add a touch of elegance.
Lemon bars are a delightful contrast to traditional holiday flavors, offering a citrusy escape. Their vibrant color and tart taste make them a refreshing addition to any festive spread, providing a burst of sunshine during the winter months.
10. Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are a beloved classic, perfect for any occasion. The dough is simple to prepare, combining butter, sugars, and eggs with flour and baking soda.
Stir in generous amounts of chocolate chips for gooey, melty pockets of chocolate in every bite. These cookies bake to golden perfection, with crispy edges and a chewy center.
Chocolate chip cookies are a crowd-pleaser, embodying comfort and indulgence. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or stored for later, they remain a timeless favorite, bringing smiles to faces young and old alike.
11. Almond Biscotti
Almond biscotti are the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea. These Italian cookies are baked twice, resulting in a crunchy texture that’s ideal for dunking.
Start by mixing almonds into a simple dough, then shape into logs for the first bake. After cooling, slice the logs into thin cookies and return to the oven for a final crisp.
The almond flavor adds a nutty richness that complements the sweet, delicate dough. Biscotti are a sophisticated treat, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
12. Molasses Cookies
Molasses cookies are a holiday staple, known for their deep, spiced flavor and soft, chewy texture. The key ingredients include molasses, ginger, and cinnamon, which create a deliciously aromatic dough.
Roll the dough in sugar before baking to add a hint of sweetness and a slight crunch to each bite. These cookies capture the essence of the holiday season, with their warm spices and comforting aroma.
Enjoy them with a warm beverage by the fire for a truly cozy experience, making every bite a taste of holiday nostalgia.
13. Linzer Cookies
Linzer cookies are an elegant and festive addition to any holiday dessert table. Made with almond flour for a rich, nutty flavor, these cookies are known for their iconic jam-filled center.
Roll out the dough and cut into shapes, using a smaller cutter to create a window in half of the cookies. After baking, sandwich the cookies with a layer of raspberry jam and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
Linzer cookies are a favorite for their delicate texture and sweet-tart filling, bringing elegance and charm to holiday celebrations.
14. Peppermint Bark Cookies
Peppermint bark cookies combine the seasonal flavors of peppermint and chocolate into one delightful treat. Start with a basic chocolate cookie dough, rich and luscious.
Once baked, top each cookie with a layer of melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes. The contrast between the dark chocolate and bright peppermint is both visually striking and deliciously satisfying.
These cookies are perfect for mint lovers and add a festive flair to any holiday cookie assortment. Enjoy them as a sweet treat after dinner or alongside a peppermint mocha.
15. Coconut Macaroons
Coconut macaroons are a simple yet indulgent treat, offering a taste of the tropics during the holiday season. Made with sweetened shredded coconut, condensed milk, and a touch of vanilla, these cookies are chewy and sweet.
Shape the mixture into small mounds and bake until the edges are golden brown. The toasty coconut provides a satisfying crunch, while the soft interior melts in your mouth.
Macaroons are a great gluten-free option and can be dipped in chocolate for added richness. They are perfect for those seeking something unique yet familiar.
16. Spritz Cookies
Spritz cookies are a traditional favorite for many families, often made using a cookie press to create intricate shapes. The dough is simple, consisting of butter, sugar, egg, and flour, flavored with vanilla or almond extract.
Once pressed into festive shapes, the cookies are baked until just golden. Add a touch of color with sprinkles or colored sugar before baking for extra festive flair.
These cookies are light and buttery, making them a delightful treat during the holiday season. They are perfect for sharing and make a lovely addition to any cookie platter.
17. Raspberry Almond Thumbprints
Raspberry almond thumbprint cookies are a delightful combination of nutty and fruity flavors. Begin by preparing a rich almond-flavored dough and roll into small balls.
Create an indentation in each with your thumb and fill with raspberry jam. The cookies bake to a golden hue, with the jam center becoming a sweet, sticky delight.
These cookies are visually appealing and offer a burst of fruity flavor with each bite. Raspberry almond thumbprints are ideal for those looking to add a touch of elegance and uniqueness to their holiday cookie offering.
18. M&M Christmas Cookies
M&M Christmas cookies are a fun and festive addition to any holiday gathering. The dough is similar to a classic chocolate chip cookie, but with colorful red and green M&Ms instead of chocolate chips.
These cookies are cheerful and bright, appealing to both kids and adults. As they bake, the M&Ms create pops of color, making them visually striking. These cookies are perfect for cookie exchanges or as a playful treat for a holiday party.
Enjoy them fresh from the oven for a warm, melty experience or pack them for later delight.
19. Toffee Shortbread Cookies
Toffee shortbread cookies are a rich, indulgent treat that combines buttery shortbread with the sweet crunch of toffee bits. Prepare a classic shortbread dough and incorporate bits of toffee throughout.
After baking, drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra layer of decadence. These cookies are perfect for those who enjoy a combination of textures, with the crisp shortbread and crunchy toffee offering a satisfying bite.
Toffee shortbread cookies are an elegant addition to any holiday dessert spread, ideal for gifting or enjoying with a hot cup of coffee.
20. Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Pumpkin spice cookies capture the warm, comforting flavors of the season in every bite. The dough is infused with pumpkin puree and a blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
These cookies bake to a soft, cake-like texture with an inviting aroma. Finish with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and a hint of vanilla for added sweetness.
Pumpkin spice cookies are perfect for those who love the seasonal trend of pumpkin-flavored treats, offering a cozy, familiar taste that’s synonymous with the holidays. They are a delightful addition to any festive occasion.
21. White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
White chocolate cranberry cookies are a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors. Start with a classic cookie dough and mix in chunks of white chocolate and dried cranberries.
The combination offers a beautiful contrast, with the creamy sweetness of the chocolate balancing the tangy cranberries. These cookies are perfect for those who enjoy a sophisticated flavor profile in their treats.
They add a touch of elegance to any holiday gathering and are sure to impress with their unique taste and festive appearance. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful pairing.
22. Spiced Pecan Sandies
Spiced pecan sandies are a nutty, aromatic treat that brings warmth to any holiday gathering. The dough is enriched with ground pecans and a mix of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Bake to a light golden brown, then dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch. These cookies have a crumbly texture that melts in your mouth, with the spices and pecans providing a rich flavor.
Spiced pecan sandies are perfect for those who appreciate a more subtle sweetness and complex flavors. They pair beautifully with a hot beverage, making them a cozy holiday favorite.
23. Eggnog Cookies
Eggnog cookies capture the essence of the beloved holiday drink in a sweet, tender cookie. The dough is flavored with nutmeg and a hint of rum extract to mimic the classic eggnog taste.
After baking, glaze with a mixture of powdered sugar, milk, and a dash of nutmeg for added flavor and elegance. These cookies are ideal for those who love the rich, creamy taste of eggnog and want to enjoy it in a different form.
They add a festive flair to any dessert table and are sure to delight eggnog enthusiasts.
24. Cherry Almond Cookies
Cherry almond cookies offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The dough is infused with almond extract and mixed with chopped maraschino cherries.
These cookies bake to a soft, chewy texture, with the cherries adding a pop of color and sweetness. Cherry almond cookies are perfect for those who enjoy a fruity twist in their holiday treats.
Their vibrant appearance and delicious taste make them a standout on any cookie platter, adding a touch of elegance and fun. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a delightful snack.
25. Caramel Apple Cookies
Caramel apple cookies bring the comforting flavors of caramel and apples into a delightful treat. The dough is enhanced with bits of dried apple and warm spices like cinnamon.
After baking, drizzle with caramel for added sweetness and a touch of luxury. These cookies capture the essence of a classic fall treat, making them perfect for holiday gatherings.
Caramel apple cookies are ideal for those who love a balance of sweet and tart flavors, offering a unique twist on traditional holiday cookies. They are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
26. Espresso Biscotti
Espresso biscotti are the perfect treat for coffee lovers, combining the bold flavor of espresso with a crisp, twice-baked texture. The dough is infused with espresso powder and mixed with chopped nuts for added richness.
After the first bake, slice the logs into cookies and bake again to achieve the classic biscotti crunch. These cookies are ideal for dunking in coffee or enjoying on their own as a satisfying snack.
Espresso biscotti add a touch of sophistication to any holiday dessert spread, making them a wonderful choice for gifting or enjoying with friends.
27. Matcha Green Tea Cookies
Matcha green tea cookies offer a unique, earthy flavor that’s perfect for those who enjoy trying something different. The dough is infused with high-quality matcha powder, providing a vibrant green color and subtle tea flavor.
These cookies are both beautiful and delicious, offering a slightly crisp texture that pairs well with the smoothness of matcha.
Matcha green tea cookies are perfect for those who appreciate the nuanced flavors of green tea, adding a touch of elegance and uniqueness to any holiday spread. Enjoy them with a cup of green tea for a harmonious pairing.