35 Christmas Cookie Recipes To Make This Year
There’s something extra special about Christmas cookie. Maybe it’s the smell of warm butter and spices drifting through the house… or the way the kitchen feels a little more magical this time of year. Whether you’re baking for family, gifting to friends, or stocking up for holiday movie nights, Christmas cookies bring everyone together.
This roundup is filled with festive, easy-to-make christmas cookie recipes that anyone can enjoy from classic sugar cookies to chocolatey favorites, peppermint treats, and fun Christmas Tree Cookies. These recipes are simple, delicious, and guaranteed to make your home feel extra cozy.
Tips for Making Perfect Christmas Cookies
- Soften Your Butter Don’t Melt It: Soft butter creams beautifully with sugar, giving cookies the right texture. Melted butter can make cookies spread too much.
- Chill Your Dough When Needed: Some cookie doughs especially sugar or gingerbread bake better when chilled. It helps them hold their shape and prevents overspreading.
- Keep an Eye on Bake Time: Christmas cookies can go from perfect to overbaked quickly. Pull them out when the edges just start to turn golden—they’ll finish setting as they cool.
- Decorate When Cool: Let cookies cool completely before adding icing or sprinkles. If they’re warm, everything will melt right off.
- Add Holiday Flavors: Peppermint, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, orange zest, and vanilla instantly make cookies taste like Christmas.
35 Christmas Cookie Recipes
1. White Chocolate Oatmeal Christmas Cookies
White chocolate oatmeal Christmas cookies are the ultimate holiday treat. These delicious cookies are loaded with white chocolate chips, oats, and holiday M&Ms to create cookies that are as festive as they are delicious.They’re full of white chocolate chips and holiday M&Ms, so they have a wonderful holiday look, and the oatmeal gives them a fantastic texture. You can’t beat them!
Get the full recipe from: Pam’s Daily Dish
2. Old Fashioned Ginger Snap Cookies
These old fashioned ginger snap cookies are an absolute classic, perfect for any cookie lover’s collection. With a slight sugary crunch on the outside and a chewy, spiced molasses flavor inside, each bite of these cookies bring a nostalgic warmth, capturing the essence of holiday baking.Each bite is filled with the warmth of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg, capturing the essence of Christmas in every morsel.
Get the full recipe from: Jersey Girl Cooks
3. Peppermint Keto Christmas Cookies
Peppermint keto Christmas cookies with two delicious slice and bake options. One version is rolled in sugar-free crushed peppermint candy, and the other is dipped in sugar-free chocolate.Both have a delicious hint of peppermint flavor that you look forward to during the holiday season.
Get the full recipe from: The Foodie Affair
4. Frosted Christmas Tree Cookies
Frosted Christmas Tree Cookies are the perfect holiday treat. Homemade sugar cookies are stacked with green cream cheese frosting to create little “tree” desserts that will delight everyone who sees and eats them.They’re perfect for holiday gatherings and potlucks, weeknight desserts, or simply to keep on hand as afternoon snacks. Every bite is overflowing with sweet, holiday goodness.
Get the full recipe from: Maria’s Mixing Bowl
5. Christmas Cake Mix Cookies
Light, fluffy and scrumptious, these Christmas Cake Mix Cookies are an easy way to bake up a batch of holiday sweetness that’s studded with red and green M&Ms and sprinkles for a festive touch.Customizable for the holidays and beyond. Perfect for baking big batches of cookies for cookie swaps, bake sales or parties.
Get the full recipe from: Moore or Less Cooking
6. Caramel Chocolate Cranberry Treasure Cookies
Caramel Chocolate Treasure Cookies are the perfect cookie to add to your Christmas cookie trays, holiday cookie exchanges or package for Christmas presents! They also happen to be everyone’s favorite eggless cookie.It’s a soft chewy cookie filled with graham cracker crumbs and unsweetened coconut. Then loaded with dark chocolate and dried cranberries for a nice contrast to the caramelly sweet cookie base.
Get the full recipe from: Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
7. Nutella Sandwich Cookies Recipe – Eggless Cookies for Christmas
Nutella Sandwich Cookies Recipe – Simple vanilla cookies filled with silky Nutella. An easy, delicious and perfect holiday cookie without eggs.Nutella Sandwich Cookies are so easy to make and perfect for Christmas, festivals, parties or any special occasion.
Get the full recipe from: Blend with Spices
8. Christmas Cookies in a Jar
Gifting someone Christmas Cookies in a Jar is such an easy, cute, thoughtful, and inexpensive gift. The cookie ingredients look so beautiful layered in the jar, and all the recipient has to do is mix in a few wet ingredients, and bake. They’ll have soft, chewy cookies they can make any time! This is a perfect gift for teachers, neighbors, friends, or anyone on your holiday gift list.
Get the full recipe from: Best Christmas Desserts
9. Reindeer Cookies
These reindeer cookies are easy to make and so adorable! They’re the cutest Christmas cookies! These adorable reindeer cookies are so much fun for the whole family. They’re not only adorable, but also a delicious cookie that is loved by all!They’re a fun idea for a cookie swap, cookie trays for neighbors or at a holiday party, or baking up a batch for Christmas eve!
Get the full recipe from: Like Mother, Like Daughter
10. Copycat Lofthouse Christmas Cookies
These Copycat Lofthouse Christmas Cookies are an easy, delicious way to enjoy the classic Lofthouse flavor at home. The perfect sugar cookie is soft and chewy with a bright, sweet frosting – just like the bakery version!Whether you decide to give these Copycat Lofthouse Cookies as gifts or serve them up at your next party – your guests won’t be able to resist their delightful look and flavor!
Get the full recipe from: Pam’s Daily Dish
11. Caramel Pretzel Thumbprint Cookies
Caramel Pretzel Thumbprint Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and wonderfully chewy. Each cookie starts with a soft, buttery base rolled in crushed pretzels for a delicate crunch, then filled with smooth, golden caramel that melts right into the center. They bring a cozy, homemade charm to any dessert table and add a fun, irresistible twist to classic holiday baking.
Get the full recipe from: Kudos Kitchen by Renee
12. Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
Christmas kitchen sink cookies are like a festive and glorified chocolate chip cookie, containing “everything but the kitchen sink.” The combination of sweet and salty, paired with crunchy bits of pretzels, sprinkles and potato chips in a soft cookie dough makes these cookies a delicious and fun treat for Christmas!
Get the full recipe from: This Mom Cooks
13. Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies make the holidays even more festive! An easy homemade cookie dough is tinted with holiday colors and rolled into pinwheels. Just roll, slice and bake. So much fun for the holidays!With just four ingredients, plus food coloring, these cookies will be ready just in time for Santa’s arrival. Add a glass of milk and Santa won’t want to leave!
Get the full recipe from: Swirls of Flavor
14. Festive Eggnog Shortbread Cookies
These eggnog shortbread cookies are a combination of buttery shortbread and the rich, creamy taste of eggnog. Topped with a deliciously scrumptious eggnog glaze, they are perfect for any holiday occasion.These cookies are buttery, festive, and packed with that warm, cozy eggnog flavor that triggers all the good feelings centered around this time of year.
Get the full recipe from: The Salty Pot
15. Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Enjoy these delightful Chocolate Cherry Cookies that blend rich cocoa, sweet maraschino cherries, and a luscious chocolate drizzle. Perfect for any occasion, but especially during the holidays, these yummy Christmas cookies are sure to impress! Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, bringing a dessert to a potluck, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
Get the full recipe from: Manila Spoon
16. Snowball Christmas Cookies
Snowball Christmas Cookies also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes are a buttery cookie filled with pecans or other nuts and rolled in powdered sugar.They have a wonderful melt-in-your-mouth texture you would expect with a butter cookie but have a nice texture from the pecan chips. These cookies are perfect for the Holiday season and bring a little “snow” to the table.
Get the full recipe from: Mama Needs Cake
17. Christmas Cream Cheese Cookies
Christmas Cream Cheese Cookies are going to be your new favorite holiday cookie! They melt in your mouth and are so festive with their sprinkles. These Christmas Cream Cheese Cookies are also the perfect gift for teachers, neighbors, friends, hostess gift, anyone would love to receive these delicious little cookies! Merry Christmas!
Get the full recipe from: Life With The Crust Cut Off
18. Soft Cut Out Gingerbread Cookies (No Chill)
These delicious Gingerbread Cookies are soft and chewy, loaded with cozy spices and molasses, and hold their shape perfectly when baked-no chilling required. They are ideal for making gingerbread men and other festive shapes for Christmas trays, cookie exchanges, and holiday gifting.
Get the full recipe from: Midwestern Holidays
19. Ginger Crinkle Cookies
These Ginger Crinkle Cookies taste like Christmas. They have a crisp exterior, a powdered sugar shell, and a soft center with cozy gingerbread spices in every bite. The snowy, powdered sugar-cracked tops make these cookies extra festive. You can make these cookies every year, and they are loved by kids and adults alike.
Get the full recipe from: Risa’s Family Kitchen
20. Christmas Wreath Cookies
Christmas Wreath Cookies are a no-bake treat that is sweet, crunchy, and perfectly festive for the holiday cookie tray. You only need a handful of ingredients including corn flakes, butter, marshmallows, vanilla, and food coloring. Then add a few red candies for decoration and you have these adorable wreath cookies.
Get the full recipe from: Sweet and Savory Meals
21. Dipped Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
These chocolate dipped chocolate chip cookies are fun, festive, and delicious! A holly jolly spin on a cookie classic – you can’t go wrong. Be sure to make these for your next holiday cookie swap or just to bring some Christmas joy to your family!These cookies are so easy to customize to any event or holiday and it also looks so cute when they’re done, but requires minimal effort decorating.
Get the full recipe from: Maegan Kay Bakes
22. Ritz Christmas Cookies
These easy, no-bake treats combine sweet and salty flavors with chocolate and festive decorations, making them the perfect holiday dessert or gift idea. Fun, quick, and irresistibly delicious!This sweet and salty treat is part cookie, part candy, which makes it perfect for the holidays.
Get the full recipe from: Planning Inspired
23. Christmas Bar Cookies
The holiday season just got better with these festive and soft Christmas bar cookies that are bursting with bright colors and sweet candy. Christmas bar cookies are the best way to celebrate the holidays! Warm, gooey, and delicious, they feature a soft, brownie-like texture and are bursting with chocolate chips, bright and festive holiday sprinkles, and chocolatey candy.
Get the full recipe from: Spaceship and Laser Beams
24. Hot Cocoa Mug Sugar Cookies
Baking sugar cookies for the holidays is a tradition for so many families. It is fun to spend time together decorating them with colorful icing and beautiful sprinkles. With these Hot Cocoa Mug Sugar Cookies, you can keep the tradition alive all winter long by making these delicious treats!
Get the full recipe from: Marathons and Motivation
25. Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies
This simple recipe is going to be a family favorite for sure and Santa is going to love them each and every year you put them out for him. Bake some soon and enjoy every bite! Make these all through the year for bake sales, potluck dinners, and for an easy dessert recipe during a hectic weeknight. Also, these make wonderful edible gifts. Only 5 simple ingredients to cook yumminess!
Get the full recipe from: Pam’s Daily Dish
26. Christmas Funfetti Cookies
If you’re looking for an easy and festive treat, these Christmas Funfetti Cookies are bursting with holiday cheer and just the right amount of sweetness!These soft, buttery cookies come together quickly and are perfect for holiday parties, cookie trays, or a fun afternoon of Christmas baking with the kids. They’re a crowd-pleaser that both adults and children will love.
Get the full recipe from: Learned it from my Mom
27. Christmas Italian Ricotta Cookies
Celebrate the holidays with these soft and tasty Christmas Italian Ricotta Cookies! Simple, cake-like cookies with a sweet icing and topped with sprinkles. What’s great about these cookies, if you change up the color of the sprinkles, they can be used for any holiday, birthday or some other occasion.
Get the full recipe from: Hot Eats and Cool Reads
28. Two Tone Peppermint Cookies
Easy Two Tone Peppermint Cookies recipe. The perfect Christmas cookie recipe that can be made ahead. Perfect for your holiday dessert tray.The candy cane pieces give them a stunning appearance, making them perfect for holiday parties or cookie exchanges. These make the perfect holiday cookie, and they are so easy to make.
Get the full recipe from: A Taste of Madness
29. 3 Ingredient Christmas Cookies
These festive 3 Ingredient Christmas Cookies are a great last minute dessert recipe that takes no time at all and everyone loves them. Bake some soon and enjoy!With only 3 ingredients and a few simple steps, you have the most delicious cookie that will be devoured as soon as you serve them. This is a fun and crafty project for the kiddos and they make festive, yummy gift ideas too.
Get the full recipe from: Pam’s Daily Dish
30. How to Make Christmas-Spiced Snickerdoodles (Festive Holiday Cookies)
Christmas-Spiced Snickerdoodles. They’re rolled in a coating of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves mixed with sparkling red and green sanding sugars. The result? Chewy, buttery cookies with a festive sparkle and all the cozy flavors of the holiday season. They keep well and look gorgeous in cookie tins.
Get the full recipe from: Tasty Cue
31. Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookie
Made with just five simple ingredients, this Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookie recipe is delicious all year long! They are sugar free, low carb, gluten free, vegan and Keto!These delicious almond flour thumbprint cookies are so simple to make, allergy friendly and delicious. They are perfect for cookie exchanges and make the perfect holiday gifts!
Get the full recipe from: Lauren Kelly Nutrition
32. Christmas Chocolate Waffle Cookies
Christmas Chocolate Waffle Cookies are soft, fudgy, and easily made in a waffle maker! No oven is needed to make these delicious chocolate cookies with festive sprinkles.The texture of the cookies is unique because of the waffle shape! These cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends during holiday gatherings!
Get the full recipe from: Family Cookie Recipes
33. Red Velvet Christmas Cookies
Red Velvet Christmas Cookies combine the classic flavors of red velvet cake with the beloved texture of a sugar cookie. This easy cookie recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, offering a soft and rich treat that stands out on any dessert table!Every bite of these frosted cookies transports one to a world of flavor and texture, making them a memorable addition to holiday traditions.
Get the full recipe from: Butter with a side of Bread
34. Pecan Crescent Cookies
Nothing says holiday baking quite like these delicate, buttery pecan crescent cookies. These elegant little treats melt in your mouth with the perfect balance of nutty pecans and sweet powdered sugar coating.The dough comes together in minutes, and your kitchen will smell amazing while they bake. Perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges, holiday gifts, or enjoying your afternoon coffee.
Get the full recipe from: Kim Schob
35. Dainty Tea Cookies
Only a few ingredients and you have a buttery, melt in your mouth cookie that’s the perfect Christmas or anytime cookie. They are most popular during the holiday season. The recipe is so simple that they’re easy enough to make for any or no occasion at all.This is a versatile cookie recipe so you can swap out the center and add any filling in the center such as nuts or chocolate for a nice variety.
Get the full recipe from: Pam’s Daily Dish
Frequently Asked Questions For Christmas Cookie Recipes
Can I make cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes! Most cookie doughs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Perfect for holiday prep.
Why do my cookies spread too much?
The butter may have been too warm, or the dough wasn’t chilled. Adding a few tablespoons of flour can help if the dough feels too sticky.
What’s the best way to package cookies for gifting?
Use cookie boxes, tins, or clear treat bags. Add wax paper between layers and tie it with a festive ribbon for a cute holiday touch.
Christmas cookies are more than just treats they’re memories. Whether you spent the day baking with family, decorating with kids, or sneaking a cookie (or three!) while wrapping gifts, I hope this roundup brought lots of inspiration.
From classic flavors to fun holiday twists, these recipes are perfect for gifting, sharing, snacking, or building new holiday tradition. No matter which ones you try, may your kitchen be warm, your cookies be tasty, and your holiday season be full of sweetness.
Happy baking, and Merry Christmas!
Disclosure: You may see links to ingredients or cooking items in the ingredient, instructions, or equipment sections of this post. I’m a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. I will receive a small percentage of sales generated by these links. However, this in no way increases the price of the items.
