Nothing says the holidays quite like a kitchen filled with the scent of cookies baking in the oven. I’ve gathered 10 of my very favorite Christmas cookie recipes right here, from the classics you bake every year to a few new ones that are sure to steal your heart. Whether you’re filling up cookie tins for gifting or just craving a warm, sweet bite with a cup of cocoa, I’ve got you covered.
1. White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
Need a super easy Christmas cookie that delivers big? White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are it.
They absolutely nail that sweet and tart balance, and using frozen cranberries is my little secret for a burst of juicy flavor and gorgeous color. Whip up a big batch and watch your holiday cookie game skyrocket. They’ve become my ultimate go to for quick, festive treats.
2. Snowflake Gingerbread Cookies
Snowflake Gingerbread Cookies are my absolute go to for that classic holiday flavor. Soft and chewy, and packed with all those warm seasonal spices, they’re everything you want in a gingerbread cookie.
This recipe is a total winner and the one I reach for every single year. Trust me, these are the cookies that fill the house with the spirit of Christmas.
3. Peppermint Mocha Cookies
Oh, I am absolutely smitten with these Peppermint Mocha Cookies. They’re thick and soft and ridiculously chocolatey, with a drizzle of dark chocolate and a shower of crushed candy canes on top.
That classic peppermint plus rich chocolate combo is pure holiday magic. These are the treats I want sitting on my cookie platter all December long.
4. Snowman Cookies
Snowman Cookies are the cutest holiday project, and they taste just like the ones from Starbucks, but made at home for way less. These buttery shortbread cookies practically melt in your mouth, and decorating them with royal icing is a blast to do with the kids. They’re adorable and sweet, pure festive cheer in cookie form.
5. Grinch Crinkle Cookies
Grinch Crinkle Cookies are pure festive fun. Picture this: you’re curled up watching The Grinch, and a plate of these bright green, crinkly little cookies is right there with you.
They’re a total breeze to make using a cake mix shortcut, so I love getting the kids and the whole family in on the action. These cookies are heart stealers, guaranteed to win over everyone at your holiday gathering.
6. Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Oh, these Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are my holiday superstars. They’re actually soft and chewy sugar cookies stacked into adorable little trees with luscious vanilla icing between each layer. Trust me, they’re total showstoppers on the cookie table, and every bit of effort you put in is so worth it.
7. Sparkling Frosted Cranberry Cookies
These Sparkling Frosted Cranberry Cookies are the kind of simple, refined treat that feels right at home on any holiday dessert table. Sugar cookies get a serious glow up with a crown of sugared cranberries and a pretty drizzle of buttercream. They’re a sweet little fusion of homemade cookie goodness and bright cranberry flavor, and every single bite brings genuine holiday cheer.
8. Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies
Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies are an absolute classic in my kitchen. A buttery shortbread base with a whisper of almond gets a pretty little well of sweet raspberry jam right on top.
I make them every single holiday season without fail because they’re just that good. With only six ingredients and zero chilling time, they couldn’t be simpler.
9. Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are the rock stars of my holiday baking list. I won’t pretend they’re a whip it up in five minutes kind of deal; they do take a bit of extra love and some serious dough rolling finesse. But you skip all the fussy cutting and frosting of traditional sugar cookies, and the stunning swirls are so worth the effort.
10. Stacked Sugar Cookie Christmas Trees
Stacked Sugar Cookie Christmas Trees are pure vegan magic, so everyone can dig in without a second thought. You won’t miss the dairy at all, I promise.
And hey, if you’re loyal to your family’s classic sugar cookie recipe, just swap it in. These trees are built with soft, pillowy cookies and a generous layer of green icing nestled right in the center.