Christmas Cookies: 28 Delicious Recipes to Bake This Year

Holiday aromas drifting from the oven can make any home feel instantly festive. Whether you’re filling tins for neighbors or stocking the dessert table for a big family gathering, the following cookie recipes will keep spirits merry and bright. Each one offers a different flavor profile, from nostalgic classics to fun new twists, so you can mix and match for the perfect platter.

1. Classic Sugar Cut-Out Cookies

Buttery sugar cookies hold their shape beautifully, making them ideal for trees, bells, and snowflakes. Chill the dough before rolling so edges stay sharp while baking. Let kids help with the icing and sprinkles for a creative family afternoon.

2. Gingerbread People

Rich molasses and a blend of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves give these cookies their unmistakable aroma. The dough is sturdy, so cutting out little figures is a breeze. Pipe on smiles and scarves once the shapes have cooled completely.

3. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Start with a thick chocolate batter that chills until firm, then roll in confectioners’ sugar before baking. As they rise, dramatic cracks appear, giving each cookie a snowy look. The texture stays chewy for days, so they’re perfect for gifting.

4. Snickerdoodle Stars

Tartar-tangy snickerdoodle dough gets pressed into star cutters for a playful shape. Rolling each piece in cinnamon sugar before baking ensures that signature crackly top. The result is tender inside and lightly crisp at the edges.

5. Peanut Butter Blossoms

Slightly salty peanut butter cookies meet a milk-chocolate kiss right after baking, so the candy softens just enough to adhere. The sugary coating gives each bite a subtle crunch. They freeze well, making them convenient for advance prep.

6. Linzer Raspberry Sandwich Cookies

Ground almonds in the dough lend a delicate crumb and nutty flavor. After baking, pair cookies with a dollop of tart raspberry jam, letting it peek through a tiny window. A gentle snowfall of sugar finishes the elegant look.

7. Almond Spritz Cookies

A cookie press turns soft almond-scented dough into intricate shapes in seconds. Food coloring can tint portions for variety without altering flavor. These petite bites bake quickly, so rotate sheets to prevent overbrowning.

8. Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies

Hearty oats provide chew while tart cranberries balance the sweetness of creamy white chocolate. A hint of orange zest brightens each bite. Bake until edges are golden but centers remain soft for the perfect texture.

9. Italian Ricciarelli

These chewy almond cookies from Siena use whipped egg whites to create a light, almost macaron-like interior. Aromatic orange zest is the traditional addition. Store in an airtight tin to keep them tender for days.

10. Norwegian Krumkake

Thin, lacy wafers are baked on a patterned iron and quickly rolled into cones while hot. Cardamom perfumes the batter, giving a subtle warmth. Serve plain or fill with lightly sweetened whipped cream just before eating.

11. Mexican Wedding Cookies (Snowballs)

Finely chopped pecans enrich a buttery dough that bakes into tender, crumbly rounds. While still warm, each cookie is rolled in confectioners’ sugar twice for an extra-fluffy coat. They’re melt-in-your-mouth delights during chilly evenings.

12. Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread

Classic buttery shortbread relies on just a handful of pantry staples. Once cooled, dip one end in melted chocolate and add a festive sprinkle. Let the glaze set at room temperature for a satiny finish.

13. Eggnog Thumbprints

Vanilla cookie dough is indented before baking, leaving shallow wells for a rich eggnog cream. A pinch of nutmeg echoes the classic holiday drink. Chill the filling briefly so it thickens and stays neatly in place.

14. Molasses Spice Cookies

Deep molasses flavor teams up with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves for a comforting bite. Rolling dough balls in coarse sugar adds sparkle and crunch. They stay chewy for days, making them ideal for cookie exchanges.

15. Pistachio Cranberry Biscotti

Twice-baked biscotti turn crisp enough for dunking yet remain pleasantly light. Festive colors from cranberries and pistachios brighten every slice. Package in cellophane bags for a naturally long-lasting gift.

16. Cherry Almond Bars

A shortbread base holds sweet cherry preserves beneath a golden almond crumble. Bake in a single pan, then cut into neat squares once cooled. They stack well, so they’re great for potlucks and parties.

17. Lemon Glazed Meltaways

Cornstarch in the dough creates an airy, melt-on-the-tongue texture. Fresh lemon juice delivers bright flavor without overwhelming sweetness. A quick glaze sets in minutes, giving each cookie a subtle sheen.

18. Chocolate-Peppermint Bark Cookies

A cocoa-rich base is covered in melted white chocolate, then sprinkled with peppermint shards for crunch. Breakable bark inspiration meets soft cookie comfort. Let toppings firm before stacking layers in tins.

19. Maple Pecan Tassies

Flaky cream-cheese dough forms tiny shells that cradle a maple-sweet pecan filling. Think of them as bite-sized pecan pies with a subtle pancake-syrup twist. They disappear quickly on dessert platters.

20. Rugelach with Apricot & Walnut

Cream cheese dough bakes up flaky and tender around a swirled filling of apricot jam, chopped walnuts, and cinnamon. Rolling from the wide edge to the tip locks in layers of flavor. Serve slightly warm for extra comfort.

21. Toffee Chip Butter Cookies

Plenty of butter and brown sugar create a caramel-like base that complements crunchy toffee chips. A pinch of flaky salt enhances both sweet and nutty notes. Bake just until edges brown for maximum tenderness.

22. Coconut Macaroons

Shredded coconut binds with sweetened condensed milk for a chewy, naturally gluten-free treat. Lightly toasting the mounds produces crisp edges while centers remain moist. A drizzle or dip of chocolate dresses them up for the holidays.

23. Chai-Spiced Snaps

Traditional ginger snaps meet aromatic chai spices like cardamom, black pepper, and cloves. Rolling the dough thin yields a satisfying snap. Enjoy alongside a mug of warm tea for an extra hit of cozy spice.

24. Brown Butter Pecan Sandies

Toasting butter until nutty deepens the flavor of these crumbly shortbread cookies. Chopped toasted pecans add crunch, while a pecan half on top signals what’s inside. Let them cool completely before moving to keep them intact.

25. Salted Caramel Thumbprints

Vanilla dough forms a nest for rich homemade caramel, which thickens as it cools. A tiny pinch of sea salt balances the sweetness. Chill the shaped dough before baking to help keep the wells defined.

26. Hazelnut Chocolate Florentines

Thin caramelized wafers of chopped hazelnuts and candied orange peel bake until glassy and crisp. Once cooled, spread the flat side with dark chocolate for richness. Their delicate texture makes them a sophisticated addition to any cookie spread.

27. Saffron Cardamom Stars

Saffron threads steeped in warm milk tint the dough a sunny hue, while cardamom adds gentle warmth. These Scandinavian-inspired treats look striking on a mixed platter. Dust lightly with sugar for extra sparkle.

28. White Chocolate Cranberry Blondie Bars

Buttery blondie batter bakes up dense and chewy, contrasting pops of sweet chocolate and tangy fruit. Line the pan with parchment so bars lift out cleanly for cutting. The festive colors make these a dependable crowd favorite.