The holidays aren’t complete without the smell of cookies baking in the oven. Whether you bake for friends, family, or just for fun, Christmas cookies bring warmth and cheer to every kitchen. From old-fashioned favourites to new ideas, these recipes are easy, cozy, and full of festive flavour.
1. Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies
Soft, buttery, and easy to decorate, these cookies are a family favourite year after year. They hold their shape perfectly and taste like sweet holiday memories.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180 °C (350 °F).
- Mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla.
- Combine dry mix; chill 30 minutes.
- Roll, cut shapes, bake 8–10 minutes.
How to Serve It
Let cool before decorating with royal icing and sprinkles. Arrange on a red platter or gift box tied with ribbon.
2. Peppermint Chocolate Crinkles
Rich chocolate meets cool peppermint in these chewy crinkle cookies. They look snowy and taste like winter magic.
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- Powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Combine flour, cocoa, and baking powder.
- Beat sugar, oil, eggs, peppermint.
- Add dry mix, chill 1 hour.
- Shape balls, coat with powdered sugar.
- Bake at 175 °C (350 °F) for 10–12 minutes.
How to Serve It
Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top while warm. Pair with hot chocolate or mint tea.
3. Gingerbread Men Cookies
These spiced cookies smell like Christmas itself. They’re chewy, full of molasses, and perfect for decorating with the kids.
Ingredients
- 3 cups flour
- ¾ cup molasses
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup butter (softened)
- 1 tsp each ginger and cinnamon
- ½ tsp cloves
- 1 tsp baking soda
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add egg and molasses.
- Blend in spices and flour.
- Roll dough, cut shapes.
- Bake at 175 °C for 8–10 minutes.
How to Serve It
Cool completely, pipe icing outlines, and dot buttons with candy. Thread ribbons for tree ornaments.
4. Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies
Sweet meets tart in every bite. The cranberries bring colour, and the white chocolate melts into creamy pockets.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- ¾ cup butter (softened)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Beat in egg and vanilla.
- Mix in dry ingredients.
- Fold cranberries and chips.
- Bake at 180 °C for 12 minutes.
How to Serve It
Drizzle with melted white chocolate and serve warm. Perfect for cookie trays or homemade gifts.
5. Snickerdoodles
These cookies are soft in the middle and crisp around the edges, rolled in a sweet cinnamon coat that tastes like comfort.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 3 tbsp cinnamon sugar
Instructions
- Beat butter, sugar, eggs.
- Add dry ingredients.
- Roll balls in cinnamon sugar.
- Bake at 175 °C for 10–12 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve warm with milk or pack in jars layered with ribboned fabric lids.
6. Almond Snowball Cookies
Crumbly and buttery, these almond cookies melt in your mouth and look like snowballs — a holiday classic for gifting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup finely chopped almonds
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Mix everything into dough.
- Shape balls, bake at 175 °C for 12 minutes.
- Roll in powdered sugar while warm.
How to Serve It
Dust with more sugar just before serving. Arrange on tiered stands for a snowy effect.
7. Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
These little gems are rich, fudgy, and filled with smooth chocolate ganache. They’re bite-sized happiness for any dessert tray.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup chocolate chips + 2 tbsp cream (for ganache)
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add yolk, flour, cocoa, salt.
- Form balls, press thumb indent.
- Bake at 175 °C for 10 minutes.
- Fill centres with melted ganache.
How to Serve It
Top with sprinkles or sea salt flakes. Best served slightly warm with coffee.
8. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Soft, chewy, and festive, these red velvet cookies are as pretty as they are tasty — a real show-stopper at cookie swaps.
Ingredients
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Combine cake mix, oil, eggs.
- Chill 30 minutes.
- Shape balls, roll in powdered sugar.
- Bake at 175 °C for 10–11 minutes.
How to Serve It
Stack on white plates or package in clear bags tied with red ribbons.
9. Chocolate Chip Shortbread
Crisp on the outside and buttery inside, these cookies crumble gently and melt in your mouth. The chocolate chips make every bite feel extra special.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Beat butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add vanilla and flour to form dough.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Press into baking tray and score lightly.
- Bake at 170 °C (340 °F) for 18–20 minutes.
How to Serve It
Cool completely, then cut into bars. Dip half in melted chocolate for a fancy touch and sprinkle with crushed peppermint.
10. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Warm, chewy, and wholesome — these cookies taste like comfort and nostalgia. They’re a perfect balance of soft oats, sweet raisins, and cozy spices.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugars.
- Add eggs and vanilla.
- Mix in flour, cinnamon, and oats.
- Stir in raisins.
- Bake at 180 °C (350 °F) for 12 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve warm with a pat of butter or dip in milk. Store in a tin for that classic homemade feel.
11. Linzer Cookies
Delicate almond cookies filled with tart jam — a beautiful European classic that looks and tastes festive.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup almond flour
- ¾ cup butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Raspberry jam (filling)
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add yolk and vanilla.
- Mix flours until smooth dough forms.
- Roll, cut pairs — one solid, one with a window.
- Bake at 175 °C (350 °F) for 10–12 minutes.
- Spread jam and sandwich.
How to Serve It
Dust with icing sugar just before serving. Stack on a tray lined with parchment for a bakery-style display.
12. Pecan Butter Cookies
Buttery, nutty, and crisp around the edges, these cookies are rich and toasty — a perfect holiday treat with coffee.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add egg and vanilla.
- Mix flour, fold in pecans.
- Scoop dough onto tray.
- Bake at 175 °C for 12–14 minutes.
How to Serve It
Cool and drizzle with maple glaze. Pair with espresso for an afternoon pick-me-up.
13. White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
Creamy white chocolate and buttery nuts make these cookies feel indulgent and soft — each bite melts away with gentle sweetness.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup butter
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips
- ¾ cup macadamia nuts
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugars.
- Add eggs and vanilla.
- Combine dry ingredients.
- Fold in chips and nuts.
- Bake at 180 °C (350 °F) for 11 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve warm so the chocolate is soft. Sprinkle sea salt on top for extra flavour.
14. Molasses Spice Cookies
Deep, spicy, and full of warm flavour, these cookies taste like gingerbread’s softer cousin — cozy and perfect for winter nights.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups flour
- 2 tsp ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp cloves
- ¾ cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp baking soda
Instructions
- Cream butter, sugar, and molasses.
- Add egg.
- Mix dry ingredients and combine.
- Shape balls, roll in sugar.
- Bake at 175 °C for 9–10 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve with chai or hot cider. Store in a tin — they stay chewy for days.
15. Coconut Macaroons
Crispy outside, soft inside, and coconut-sweet — these are a quick holiday favourite for anyone who loves tropical flavours.
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded coconut
- ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup dark chocolate (for drizzle)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175 °C.
- Mix coconut, condensed milk, vanilla, salt.
- Scoop onto tray.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until golden.
- Cool and drizzle with melted chocolate.
How to Serve It
Arrange on a plate with toasted coconut flakes for garnish. Pairs beautifully with coffee or egg nog.
16. Peanut Butter Blossoms
These classic Christmas cookies combine salty-sweet peanut butter dough with rich chocolate centres — simple yet irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups flour
- ½ cup sugar + extra for rolling
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 24 chocolate kisses
Instructions
- Cream butter, sugars, peanut butter.
- Add egg and dry ingredients.
- Shape balls, roll in sugar.
- Bake at 180 °C for 10 minutes.
- Press chocolate kiss in centre while warm.
How to Serve It
Cool until chocolate sets. Serve on a platter lined with red paper for a festive look.
17. Lemon Snowflake Cookies
Bright, tangy, and lightly sweet, these cookies bring a zesty twist to your Christmas dessert table. Their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them unforgettable.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp baking soda
- Powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add egg, zest, and juice.
- Mix in flour and baking soda.
- Chill 30 minutes.
- Roll into balls, bake at 180 °C (350 °F) for 10–12 minutes.
- Roll in powdered sugar while warm.
How to Serve It
Arrange on a white platter and sprinkle extra zest over the top. Serve with lemon tea for a light, refreshing pairing.
18. Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Trees
Crisp, buttery shortbread gets an upgrade with smooth chocolate coating. The pistachio topping adds colour and crunch — perfect for edible gifts.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup butter
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup dark chocolate (melted)
- ¼ cup chopped pistachios
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add flour and salt; mix to dough.
- Roll out and cut tree shapes.
- Bake at 175 °C for 12 minutes.
- Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate, sprinkle pistachios.
How to Serve It
Place on wax paper to set, then wrap in small cellophane bags tied with green ribbons for gifting.
19. Eggnog Cookies
If eggnog’s your holiday drink of choice, you’ll love it in cookie form. These soft cookies carry that same creamy flavour with a hint of nutmeg.
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup eggnog
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add egg yolk, vanilla, eggnog.
- Mix dry ingredients and combine.
- Drop by spoonfuls, bake at 175 °C for 12 minutes.
- Optional glaze: mix 1 cup icing sugar + 2 tbsp eggnog.
How to Serve It
Drizzle glaze and sprinkle nutmeg on top. Serve beside real eggnog for a matching treat.
20. Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
Fun, colourful, and full of peppermint goodness — these cookies brighten any dessert tray. The swirl and the chocolate kiss make them look bakery-perfect.
Ingredients
- 2½ cups flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- Red food colouring
- Candy cane kisses
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add egg and peppermint.
- Mix dry ingredients and combine.
- Divide dough, tint one half red, and swirl together.
- Bake at 180 °C for 10–11 minutes.
- Press a kiss into each cookie right after baking.
How to Serve It
Serve on candy-cane-striped plates or wrap in tins with red tissue paper.
21. Toffee Pecan Cookies
Crunchy on the edges, chewy in the middle — these cookies are packed with rich caramel flavour and a nutty bite.
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup butter
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ cup toffee bits
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugars.
- Add eggs and vanilla.
- Mix dry ingredients and fold in toffee and pecans.
- Scoop onto tray and bake at 175 °C for 12 minutes.
How to Serve It
Top warm cookies with a whole pecan for a polished finish. Pairs beautifully with hot caramel lattes.
22. White Chocolate Cranberry Biscotti
These crunchy Italian-style cookies are made for dipping. The tart cranberries and creamy chocolate make every dunk in coffee or cocoa delightful.
Ingredients
- 2½ cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla.
- Mix dry ingredients, fold in cranberries and chips.
- Shape into logs, bake at 175 °C for 25 minutes.
- Cool, slice, bake 10 more minutes per side.
How to Serve It
Drizzle with melted white chocolate once cooled. Serve alongside cappuccino or tea.
23. Hot Cocoa Cookies
All the comfort of a warm drink in cookie form! Fudgy and soft with melty marshmallows, these are a winter must-bake.
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugars.
- Add egg and vanilla.
- Mix dry ingredients and combine.
- Scoop dough, press a few marshmallows into the top.
- Bake at 175 °C for 10 minutes.
How to Serve It
Drizzle with chocolate sauce and sprinkle mini marshmallows before serving.
24. Classic Shortbread Stars
Simple, buttery, and crisp — these are the heart of Christmas baking. Perfect for beginners or as a quick last-minute treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup butter
- ½ cup sugar
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add flour and salt.
- Roll out, cut stars.
- Bake at 170 °C (340 °F) for 12 minutes.
How to Serve It
Sprinkle with coarse sugar or dip tips in chocolate. Stack in clear jars with ribbons for a homemade gift.
Conclusion
Christmas cookies aren’t just about the baking — they’re about laughter, music, and the joy that comes with sharing something homemade. Whether you go for chocolatey, nutty, or spiced, each batch adds a bit more warmth to the season.
Bake a few favourites, share them with family and friends, and keep a little plate just for yourself. After all, every cookie tells a sweet story — and these 24 are ready to make your holidays extra special.
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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