There’s something special about giving cookies during the holidays. Homemade treats show care, creativity, and the joy of sharing. Whether you’re gifting them to neighbours, friends, or family, these 24 festive cookie gift ideas look beautiful and taste even better. Each one can be packaged simply yet thoughtfully, from rustic jars to ribbon-tied boxes. Every idea here is easy, affordable, and full of Christmas spirit — perfect for spreading cheer, one bite at a time.
1. Classic Gingerbread Men
These timeless cookies never go out of style. Make a batch of spiced gingerbread dough, cut into fun shapes, and decorate with icing. Stack them in cellophane bags tied with red ribbons for gifting. Add a mini tag that says “Made with love.” Affordable, nostalgic, and always appreciated. Kids will love helping decorate!
2. Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
These cookies scream Christmas. Mix cocoa powder and peppermint extract into your dough, bake, and top with crushed candy canes. Wrap a few in parchment, then place in festive tins. For a budget twist, use leftover candy canes from your tree décor — it adds charm and cuts waste.
3. Snowflake Sugar Cookies
These cookies double as edible ornaments. Roll out sugar cookie dough, cut into snowflakes, and decorate with royal icing. Add edible shimmer for sparkle. Package them in a clear box lined with tissue paper. They’re elegant yet simple to make in big batches.
4. Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread
Shortbread cookies are rich and buttery on their own — add a dip in chocolate, and they’re gift-worthy. Use sprinkles or nuts for texture. Wrap them in parchment and tie with twine for a rustic feel. One batch makes plenty, perfect for multiple small gifts.
5. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Soft inside, crisp outside — these cookies look festive with their red hue and snowy sugar coating. Use cake mix for an easy shortcut. Pack them in small boxes with gold tissue paper for a luxury touch without spending much.
6. Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
These chewy cookies are wholesome yet festive. Combine oats, cranberries, and white chocolate chips. They travel well and stay soft for days. Package them in mason jars with plaid ribbons for a cozy holiday vibe.
7. Linzer Cookies
Elegant and classic, these cookies look straight out of a bakery. Cut small shapes in the top layer to let jam peek through. Use any jam you have — raspberry, apricot, or strawberry. Stack neatly in boxes lined with wax paper for a polished gift.
8. Chocolate Chip Reindeer Cookies
A fun option for kids and families. Bake standard chocolate chip cookies, add pretzel antlers, and use candies for eyes and nose. Arrange in clear gift bags with festive tags. Simple, playful, and budget-friendly for class gifts or parties.
9. White Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies
Bake your favourite sugar cookie base and top with melted white chocolate and peppermint pieces. The red-and-white topping gives instant Christmas charm. Package in small tins or cookie jars for a modern, minimal look.
10. Snickerdoodle Cinnamon Stars
Soft, chewy, and dusted with cinnamon, these cookies smell like the holidays. Cut them into stars for extra cheer. Stack them in paper bags stamped with snowflakes for a simple but festive gift. They pair perfectly with hot cocoa.
11. Pistachio Cranberry Biscotti
Crisp and festive, these biscotti are perfect for gifting with coffee or tea. The pistachio and cranberry combo gives them a pop of colour. Tie a few together with twine and include a tag saying “Best dipped in coffee.” Long shelf life makes them ideal for mailing.
12. Thumbprint Jam Cookies
Simple and timeless. Press your thumb in each cookie, fill with jam, and bake. Use different jam flavours for variety. These pack beautifully in small tins or jars. Add a ribbon and gift tag for a personal touch.
13. Sugar Cookie Ornaments
Bake and decorate cookies with small holes near the top before baking. Thread with ribbons and let them double as edible décor. Wrap a few in clear cellophane for gifting. Great for families who love creative holiday crafts.
14. Ginger Molasses Cookies
Deep, spicy flavour with a soft texture—these cookies are perfect for gifting in jars or tins. They stay fresh for days and smell amazing. Affordable to make in bulk, they’re ideal for coworkers or neighbours.
15. Peppermint Meringue Kisses
Light, crisp, and minty, these cookies look stunning. Whip egg whites and sugar until glossy, pipe small swirls, and bake low and slow. They fit beautifully in small jars or clear boxes. A few drops of peppermint extract make them taste like candy canes.
16. Maple Pecan Cookies
Sweet and nutty with a hint of maple, these cookies feel fancy but are simple to make. Use maple syrup and chopped pecans for a rich flavour. Package in kraft paper bags with gold stickers for a rustic holiday look.
17. Chocolate-Dipped Biscotti Sticks
These cookies are elegant and sturdy—great for coffee lovers. Bake biscotti twice for crunch, dip in chocolate, and decorate with sprinkles or nuts. Gift in tall jars or wrapped with parchment and twine. Perfect for shipping too.
18. Coconut Macaroons
Chewy and golden, macaroons are simple yet impressive. Mix shredded coconut, condensed milk, and vanilla, then bake until crisp outside and soft inside. Drizzle chocolate for flair. Package in small tins or cupcake liners for gifting.
19. Matcha Sugar Cookies
Add a modern twist with matcha. These cookies are earthy, mildly sweet, and eye-catching. Shape into trees or stars for colour contrast on a cookie platter. Pair with green or white packaging for a clean, festive look.
20. Salted Caramel Sandwich Cookies
These cookies look fancy but are simple. Use any sugar cookie base, fill with caramel, and sprinkle sea salt on top. They’re rich, chewy, and make perfect gourmet gifts. Wrap them individually in parchment for neat presentation.
21. Chocolate Peppermint Pinwheels
Colourful and festive, these pinwheel cookies are showstoppers. Roll chocolate and peppermint doughs together, slice, and bake. The swirl pattern looks beautiful in gift tins. A batch makes plenty, so they’re budget-friendly for bulk gifting.
22. Almond Snowball Cookies
Also called Russian tea cakes, these melt-in-your-mouth cookies are simple to make and loved by everyone. Mix butter, flour, and crushed almonds. Roll in powdered sugar after baking. Package them in paper boxes for a snowy, elegant presentation.
23. Chocolate Orange Cookies
Chocolate and orange are a festive match. Add orange zest or extract to your dough for fragrance. Dip half in chocolate for an extra treat. These cookies feel premium but are affordable and easy to make in big batches.
24. Festive Cookie Jar Mix
Give the joy of baking itself. Layer cookie ingredients in a jar and attach a tag with baking instructions. It’s affordable, pretty, and interactive. Great for last-minute gifts or DIY lovers. Add a wooden spoon or mini cookie cutter for a personal touch.
Conclusion
Homemade cookies are more than treats—they’re memories you can share. These 24 festive cookie gift ideas make it easy to spread warmth this holiday season. With simple packaging and creative touches, your gifts will look professional and heartfelt. So preheat your oven, wrap them with love, and fill your home with the sweet scent of Christmas giving.
Hannah Collins is a passionate home cook and food storyteller who believes every recipe tells a little love story. At TastyWriter, she shares simple, delicious recipes made for real kitchens and busy days — from cozy comfort dishes to creative new favorites. When she’s not cooking, you’ll find her photographing food, testing family recipes, or sipping tea while dreaming up her next tasty idea.
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