Are you searching for the best Christmas cookies to bake this holiday season? From classic sugar cookies to soft chocolate crinkles, every cookie tells a story of warmth, love, and celebration.
Baking cookies at Christmas is more than a tradition — it’s a way to spread happiness, fill homes with sweet aromas, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re baking for friends, gifting to neighbors, or simply treating yourself, these Christmas cookies bring color, flavor, and joy to your festive table.
Most are easy to make, fun to decorate, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake these 35 Christmas cookie recipes that capture the spirit of the holidays in every delicious bite.
1. Grinch Crinkle Cookies
Bright green and coated with powdered sugar, these Grinch Crinkle Cookies bring cheer to every Christmas table. They’re soft, fudgy, and filled with a chocolatey twist that kids love.
Their playful color makes them perfect for cookie swaps or family baking days. Simple to make, they’re one of the most loved holiday treats for sharing laughter and sweetness.
2. Peppermint Mocha Cookies
These cookies blend the rich flavors of cocoa, espresso, and peppermint into one festive bite. They’re ideal for coffee lovers who want a cozy holiday treat.
The hint of mint adds freshness, while the mocha makes them indulgent. Perfect for pairing with hot chocolate or gifting in tins, they’re an easy Christmas cookie favorite for all ages.
3. Ginger Molasses Cookies
Warm, spicy, and chewy, these cookies capture the essence of the holidays. The blend of molasses and ginger creates a comforting aroma that fills the kitchen.
They’re simple to bake and perfect for snowy evenings with tea or coffee. These classic Christmas cookies make every moment feel cozy and nostalgic, reminding everyone of homemade love.
4. Whipped Shortbread Cookies
Light, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth, these whipped shortbread cookies are elegant yet effortless. Their soft texture and delicate taste make them perfect for gifting or adding to your holiday dessert platter.
They require just a few ingredients but deliver big flavor. Top them with sprinkles for extra cheer and enjoy these timeless cookies all season long.
5. Reindeer Cookies
These adorable cookies shaped like reindeer faces are as fun to make as they are to eat. Decorated with pretzel antlers and candy noses, they’re a hit with kids and guests alike.
Perfect for Christmas parties, they combine creativity and sweetness in every bite. A simple recipe that brings big smiles during festive celebrations.
6. Snowman Sugar Cookies
Snowman sugar cookies make winter baking magical. Using simple sugar cookie dough, decorate with icing, chocolate chips, and marshmallows for cheerful snowman faces.
They’re perfect for family decorating sessions and holiday gatherings. These cookies are soft, sweet, and fun to customize, making them a delightful treat for all ages during Christmas celebrations.
7. Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
These cookies are a peppermint lover’s dream. Each cookie features a sweet Hershey’s Kiss on top, adding the perfect festive touch.
With their red and white swirl design, they look beautiful on any Christmas dessert table. They’re simple to make and bring a joyful mix of chocolate and mint to every holiday moment.
8. Chocolate M&M Cookies
Filled with colorful M&Ms, these cookies are soft, chewy, and full of festive fun. They’re ideal for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or a quick baking session with kids.
The candy adds crunch and holiday cheer to every bite. Easy to bake and even easier to love, these cookies make celebrations brighter and sweeter.
9. Cranberry Lemon Pistachio Cookies
Tangy cranberries, zesty lemon, and crunchy pistachios come together for a flavorful holiday cookie. They’re as pretty as they are tasty, with festive colors that brighten any tray.
These cookies strike the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making them ideal for those who like something elegant yet simple during the Christmas season.
10. Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
Need a quick recipe? Cake mix Christmas cookies are your answer. Made using boxed cake mix, they’re fluffy, colorful, and ready in no time.
Add sprinkles, chocolate chips, or red-green candies for a festive twist. These cookies are great for last-minute baking or gifting, proving delicious doesn’t have to be complicated.
11. Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Soft, sweet, and irresistibly rich, these cookies melt in your mouth. Made with cream cheese and butter, they deliver a tender texture that’s pure bliss.
Dust them with powdered sugar for a snow-kissed finish. They’re perfect for cookie exchanges and one of the most satisfying treats you can bake during Christmas.
12. Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
These adorable Christmas tree cookies make decorating fun for everyone. Use a simple sugar cookie base and green icing to create tree shapes, then add sprinkles as ornaments.
They’re soft, buttery, and festive enough for any holiday party. Perfect for baking with kids or gifting in tins, these cookies bring cheerful color to your dessert table.
13. Gingerbread Men Cookies
No Christmas season is complete without classic gingerbread men. With warm spices and a soft, chewy bite, they fill your home with holiday aroma.
Decorate with icing for smiling faces or festive outfits. These cookies are fun to make, gift, or hang as edible ornaments — a timeless Christmas favorite that never goes out of style.
14. Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
Chewy, hearty, and full of flavor, these cookies combine oats and cranberries for a wholesome holiday treat. They’re slightly tart and perfectly sweet, making them ideal for cozy mornings or gift baskets.
With warm spices and simple preparation, they’re a great option when you want something festive yet comforting.
15. Molasses Crinkle Cookies
These cookies feature a dark, rich flavor from molasses and spices like cinnamon and ginger. Their crackled tops make them beautiful and rustic.
Soft inside and slightly crisp outside, they’re easy to make and store well. Perfect for anyone who enjoys deep, cozy holiday flavors in every bite.
16. Meringue Wreath Cookies
Light and airy, these meringue cookies shaped like wreaths are both beautiful and delicious. With crisp edges and a sweet melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re perfect for elegant dessert tables.
Add green coloring and sprinkles for a festive look. A delicate, low-effort treat that brings holiday charm to every celebration.
17. Whipped Vanilla Sugar Cookies
These cookies are soft, simple, and timeless. With a light vanilla flavor and buttery texture, they’re a must for any Christmas platter.
Decorate them with colored sugar or icing to match your holiday theme. They’re easy to bake in large batches, making them great for family gatherings or thoughtful gifts.
18. Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
A fun twist on the traditional snowball, these cookies feature chocolate chips inside a buttery dough. Rolled in powdered sugar, they look like little snowballs on your dessert tray.
They’re melt-in-your-mouth delicious and easy to prepare. Perfect for adding a sweet, wintry touch to your Christmas celebrations.
19. Eggnog Cookies
Creamy, spiced, and soft, these cookies taste just like a glass of eggnog. Nutmeg and cinnamon bring warmth, while vanilla glaze adds sweetness. They’re great for anyone who loves classic holiday flavors. These cookies are festive, comforting, and easy to bake, making them a must-try treat this Christmas.
20. Peanut Butter Blossoms
These classic cookies pair peanut butter dough with a chocolate kiss in the center. They’re chewy, sweet, and perfectly balanced.
Ideal for cookie exchanges and easy to make in batches, they’re always a crowd-pleaser. A holiday favorite that never goes out of style and brings comfort to every plate.
21. Red Velvet Cookies
Soft and rich, red velvet cookies add a splash of color to your dessert tray. Their mild cocoa flavor pairs beautifully with creamy white chocolate chips.
They’re festive, eye-catching, and simple to prepare. Perfect for Christmas gatherings or edible gifts that look as good as they taste.
22. Lemon Snowflake Cookies
These zesty cookies bring a burst of freshness to traditional Christmas baking. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar, they resemble snowflakes.
The lemon adds brightness that balances the sweetness perfectly. Easy to make and delightful to share, they’re ideal for anyone wanting something refreshing and beautiful on the dessert table.
23. Hot Cocoa Cookies
All the joy of a cozy drink in cookie form! These chocolate cookies are topped with marshmallows and drizzled with fudge.
Soft, rich, and comforting, they’re perfect for chilly nights. Kids adore them, and they make wonderful additions to Christmas movie nights or cocoa bars.
24. Pistachio White Chocolate Cookies
These cookies are soft, nutty, and filled with chunks of creamy white chocolate. The pistachios add crunch and a lovely green color, making them great for Christmas.
They’re elegant enough for gifting yet simple to prepare. A classy addition to any festive baking lineup.
25. Toffee Pecan Cookies
Chewy and crunchy at once, these cookies feature buttery toffee bits and toasted pecans. The nutty flavor and caramel notes make them irresistible.
They’re easy to bake and stay fresh for days, perfect for holiday cookie tins or potlucks. A sweet, buttery delight that brings warmth to every bite.
26. Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
These cookies blend rich chocolate with refreshing peppermint for a holiday-perfect treat. With crushed candy canes on top, they sparkle with festive flair.
Soft inside and crisp at the edges, they’re simple to bake and always a favorite. Perfect with hot cocoa on a winter evening.
27. Snickerdoodle Cookies
Soft, buttery, and rolled in cinnamon sugar, snickerdoodles are timeless Christmas classics. Their simple ingredients make them easy to whip up anytime.
The sweet cinnamon coating gives each bite a cozy flavor. Perfect for baking with kids or enjoying fresh from the oven on chilly days.
28. White Chocolate Dipped Ginger Cookies
These soft ginger cookies get an elegant upgrade when dipped in creamy white chocolate. The spicy-sweet flavor and snowy finish make them stand out on any Christmas platter.
They’re festive, simple, and perfect for make-ahead baking. Pair them with tea or serve at gatherings for a sweet, seasonal treat that feels extra special.
29. Maple Pecan Cookies
Sweet maple syrup and crunchy pecans make these cookies taste like winter comfort. Their soft, nutty flavor pairs perfectly with hot cocoa or coffee.
Simple to prepare and beautiful on the plate, they bring a cozy homemade feel to your holiday spread. A lovely option for gifting or enjoying warm from the oven.
30. Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Rich and decadent, these double chocolate chunk cookies are every chocolate lover’s dream. Soft in the center with slightly crisp edges, they’re easy to bake and hard to resist.
Add dark and milk chocolate chunks for an indulgent twist. Perfect for cozy nights, cookie swaps, or holiday dessert platters filled with sweetness and joy.
31. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Cracked and coated in powdered sugar, these cookies look like little snow-covered delights. Their soft, brownie-like texture makes them irresistible.
They’re easy to bake in large batches, ideal for parties and gifting. Chocolate lovers will adore their rich flavor and festive appearance every holiday season.
32. Almond Snowball Cookies
These crumbly cookies are filled with almond flavor and rolled in powdered sugar. They’re delicate and light, melting in your mouth with every bite.
Simple to make and store well, they’re great for gifting or serving with tea. A snowy, nutty treat perfect for Christmas gatherings.
33. Orange Cranberry Cookies
Bright, citrusy, and sweet, these cookies bring sunshine to winter baking. The orange zest adds aroma, while cranberries give a tangy kick. They’re soft, chewy, and beautiful to look at.
Perfect for afternoon tea or dessert trays, these cookies add a refreshing twist to Christmas traditions.
34. Spritz Cookies
Butter, vanilla, and delicate shapes make these cookies classic holiday favorites. Use a cookie press to create festive designs like stars or wreaths.
They’re crisp, buttery, and elegant, making them ideal for gift boxes or parties. Spritz cookies bring timeless beauty and light sweetness to your holiday baking.
35. Classic Sugar Cookies
No Christmas is complete without classic sugar cookies. Soft, buttery, and easy to decorate, they’re the ultimate holiday favorite. Use festive cutters and colorful icing for endless designs.
Baking and decorating them with family brings joyful memories, making these cookies the heart of every Christmas celebration.
Conclusion
Christmas cookies bring people together with warmth, flavor, and joy. Whether you love classic sugar cookies or new creative flavors, each recipe adds sweetness to your holiday moments. Baking them is simple, fun, and heartwarming — a tradition worth keeping forever. So, preheat the oven and spread the love with these 35 Christmas cookies.
