The holiday season is upon us, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than by filling my home with the warm, sweet aroma of freshly baked Christmas cookies.
Every year, I look forward to dusting off my favorite holiday recipes and spending cozy afternoons in the kitchen with flour-covered countertops and Christmas music playing in the background.
There’s something truly magical about the tradition of holiday baking that brings family and friends together.
In this collection of 15 Festive Christmas Cookie Recipes, I’ve gathered my most beloved treats that have become staples at our holiday gatherings.
From classic gingerbread men to melt-in-your-mouth shortbread and decadent chocolate peppermint delights, these recipes are guaranteed to spread holiday cheer.
I’ve tested each one multiple times (tough job, I know!), and they’ve all earned their place in my holiday baking rotation.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these recipes include detailed instructions to help you create picture-perfect cookies.
So put on your favorite holiday playlist, grab your mixing bowls, and let’s make this Christmas season the sweetest one yet!
Jump to Your Favorite Christmas Cookie Recipes
- Classic Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing
- Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
- Traditional Gingerbread Cookies
- Buttery Shortbread Cookies
- Pecan Snowball Cookies
- Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies
- Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies
- Peppermint Bark Cookies
- Triple Ginger Spice Cookies
- Chocolate Walnut Sandwich Cookies
- Eggnog Madeleines
- Christmas Light Sugar Cookies
- Millionaires’ Shortbread Bars
- Holiday Snickerdoodles
- Golden Lace Cookies
1. Classic Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing
Sugar cookies are the quintessential Christmas treat, and I’ve spent years perfecting this recipe.
What makes these cookies special is their perfect texture crisp edges with a soft, tender center.
I love how versatile they are; you can cut them into any festive shape and decorate them as elaborately or as simply as you like.
The royal icing recipe included here dries to a beautiful matte finish, making these cookies not only delicious but also gorgeous enough to give as gifts.
My family has a tradition of decorating these cookies together on Christmas Eve, and it’s become one of our most cherished holiday activities.
The dough can also be made ahead and frozen, which is a lifesaver during the busy holiday season.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Chill Time | Total Time | Difficulty | Yield |
| 30 minutes | 10 minutes | 1 hour | 1 hour 40 minutes | Moderate | 24 cookies |
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For the Royal Icing:
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 5-6 tablespoons warm water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring (red, green, etc.)
- Christmas sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using). Beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Divide dough in half, form into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters.
- Place cookies on prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are just barely golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the royal icing, mix powdered sugar and meringue powder in a bowl. Add water and vanilla, then beat on low speed until combined, then on high speed for 5-7 minutes until stiff peaks form.
- Divide icing into separate bowls and tint with gel food coloring as desired.
- Decorate cooled cookies with royal icing using piping bags. Add sprinkles before the icing dries if desired.
- Allow icing to dry completely (about 8 hours or overnight) before stacking or storing.
Tip: For the perfect sugar cookie, don’t overbake! The cookies should look almost underdone when you take them out of the oven they’ll continue to set as they cool.
2. Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
These chocolate peppermint crinkle cookies are one of my absolute favorites during the holiday season.
The combination of rich chocolate and cool peppermint is quintessentially Christmas, and the striking appearance of these cookies makes them a standout on any cookie platter.
I love how the powdered sugar creates beautiful cracks as they bake, revealing the fudgy chocolate beneath.
The texture is what really makes these cookies special they’re like a perfect cross between a brownie and a cookie.
Crisp on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside.
The addition of peppermint extract gives them that wonderful holiday flavor that pairs so beautifully with the deep chocolate.
I’ve found that chilling the dough is absolutely necessary, however, to achieve those perfect crinkles, so don’t skip that step!
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Chill Time | Total Time | Difficulty | Yield |
| 20 minutes | 10 minutes | 2 hours | 2 hours 30 minutes | Easy | 24 cookies |
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted and cooled
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for coating
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies (optional)
3. Traditional Gingerbread Cookies
No Christmas cookie collection would be complete without classic gingerbread cookies!
The warm spices of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves fill the house with the most incredible aroma that instantly puts everyone in the holiday spirit.
I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it never disappoints the cookies have the perfect balance of spice and sweetness with just the right amount of chew.
What I love about these gingerbread cookies is their versatility.
You can cut them into traditional gingerbread men or any festive shape you like. They’re sturdy enough for children to decorate yet tender enough to enjoy eating.
The molasses gives them that distinctive rich flavor and beautiful color that’s synonymous with Christmas baking.
These cookies also make wonderful gifts or decorations I’ve even hung them on my Christmas tree in years past!
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Chill Time | Total Time | Difficulty | Yield |
| 25 minutes | 10 minutes | 3 hours | 3 hours 35 minutes | Moderate | 30 cookies |
Ingredients:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Simple icing for decorating (powdered sugar and milk)
4. Buttery Shortbread Cookies
There’s something so elegant about a perfectly baked shortbread cookie.
With just a handful of ingredients, these buttery treats showcase the beauty of simplicity in baking.
I’ve always believed that shortbread cookies are the ultimate test of quality ingredients since there are so few components, each one truly shines through.
That’s why I always use the best butter I can find when making these cookies.
The texture of these shortbread cookies is absolutely divine tender and crumbly yet somehow melting in your mouth. I love the subtle sweetness that lets the rich butter flavor take center stage.
These cookies are incredibly versatile too; you can leave them plain for a classic look, press patterns into them with a cookie stamp, or dip them in chocolate for an extra special touch.
They’re perfect alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee on a cold winter day.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Chill Time | Total Time | Difficulty | Yield |
| 15 minutes | 12 minutes | 30 minutes | 57 minutes | Easy | 24 cookies |
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Granulated sugar for sprinkling (optional)
5. Pecan Snowball Cookies
Also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, these pecan snowballs are a holiday classic in my family.
I remember my grandmother making these every Christmas, and now I continue the tradition.
There’s something magical about these little powdery cookies that makes them irresistible perhaps it’s how they truly do resemble miniature snowballs on your holiday cookie tray!
The texture is what makes these cookies so special.
They’re buttery and somewhat crumbly, with a delicate melt-in-your-mouth quality that comes from the combination of butter and powdered sugar.
The toasted pecans add a wonderful nutty flavor and slight crunch.
I find the double-coating of powdered sugar is essential once while the cookies are still warm, and again after they’ve cooled to achieve that perfect snowy appearance.
These cookies actually improve with age, making them perfect for making ahead during the busy holiday season.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Chill Time | Total Time | Difficulty | Yield |
| 20 minutes | 12 minutes | 30 minutes | 1 hour 2 minutes | Easy | 36 cookies |
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup pecans, finely chopped and toasted
6. Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies
These red velvet thumbprint cookies are not only visually stunning with their bright red color and white cream cheese centers, but they also taste absolutely divine.
I started making these a few years ago when I wanted something festive yet different for my holiday cookie exchange, and they’ve been requested every year since!
The rich cocoa flavor of the red velvet cookie pairs perfectly with the tangy cream cheese filling.
What I love about these cookies is how they combine two beloved desserts red velvet cake and cheesecake in one perfect bite.
The cookies themselves have a soft, cake-like texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. They’re also quite simple to make despite their impressive appearance.
The vibrant red color makes them perfect for Christmas, but I’ve also made them for Valentine’s Day with equally enthusiastic reviews!
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Chill Time | Total Time | Difficulty | Yield |
| 25 minutes | 10 minutes | 1 hour | 1 hour 35 minutes | Moderate | 24 cookies |
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
For the Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
7. Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies
These cranberry orange oatmeal cookies bring a refreshing twist to the holiday cookie platter.
While chocolate and peppermint flavors often dominate Christmas baking, I find the bright, zesty orange paired with tart cranberries offers a welcome change of pace.
The addition of hearty oats gives these cookies wonderful texture and makes them substantial enough to enjoy with morning coffee (yes, I’ve been known to eat cookies for breakfast during the holidays!).
What makes these cookies special is the balance of flavors and textures.
The orange zest adds a fragrant citrus note that brightens the whole cookie, while the dried cranberries provide chewy bursts of tartness.
The oats create a wonderful hearty texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft, buttery cookie base.
I like to add a simple orange glaze that takes these cookies to the next level and makes them look extra festive. These have become a surprise favorite at my holiday gatherings!
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Chill Time | Total Time | Difficulty | Yield |
| 15 minutes | 12 minutes | 30 minutes | 57 minutes | Easy | 30 cookies |
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 large orange)
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
8. Peppermint Bark Cookies
These peppermint bark cookies combine two holiday favorites chocolate cookies and peppermint bark into one irresistible treat!
I created this recipe after having some leftover peppermint bark one year and wondering how I could incorporate it into my Christmas baking. The result was these cookies, which have since become one of the most requested items on my holiday cookie trays.
What makes these cookies special is the contrast between the soft, rich chocolate cookie base and the cool, crisp peppermint topping.
The cookies themselves are almost brownie-like in texture, which provides the perfect foundation for the white chocolate and peppermint candy layer.
I love how festive they look with the red and white peppermint pieces scattered across the top.
These cookies also make wonderful gifts, as they stay fresh for several days and the peppermint flavor actually intensifies over time.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Chill Time | Total Time | Difficulty | Yield |
| 20 minutes | 10 minutes | 1 hour | 1 hour 30 minutes | Moderate | 24 cookies |
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz white chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
9. Triple Ginger Spice Cookies
For true ginger lovers, these triple ginger cookies are an absolute dream!
I call them “triple” ginger because they feature three forms of ginger: ground ginger, fresh ginger, and crystallized ginger.
The result is a cookie with incredible depth of flavor and the perfect amount of spicy warmth.
These have become my signature Christmas cookie, and friends start asking about them as soon as the weather turns cold.
What makes these cookies special is their perfect texture crisp around the edges but chewy in the center and the complex layers of ginger flavor.
The ground ginger provides that classic gingerbread-like base, the fresh ginger adds a bright, zingy note, and the crystallized ginger pieces offer little bursts of intense sweetness and heat.
Rolling the cookies in sugar before baking gives them a beautiful crackled appearance and adds a delightful crunch. These cookies actually improve with age, as the ginger flavors meld and intensify over a few days.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Chill Time | Total Time | Difficulty | Yield |
| 20 minutes | 12 minutes | 1 hour | 1 hour 32 minutes | Moderate | 24 cookies |
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar, plus more for rolling
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
- 1/3 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
10. Chocolate Walnut Sandwich Cookies
These elegant chocolate walnut sandwich cookies are my go-to when I want to impress guests during the holiday season.
Inspired by Russian oreshki cookies, these delightful treats feature crisp, nutty cookie shells filled with a rich chocolate-walnut cream.
They take a bit more effort than some of the other cookies in this collection, but the results are absolutely worth it!
What makes these cookies special is their beautiful presentation and complex flavor profile.
The cookies themselves have a wonderful toasty walnut flavor that pairs perfectly with the smooth, creamy chocolate filling. I love the textural contrast between the crisp cookie and the soft filling.
These cookies also keep extremely well, making them perfect for holiday gift-giving.
While traditionally made in special oreshki molds, I’ve adapted the recipe to work with standard baking equipment, so anyone can enjoy these special treats.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Chill Time | Total Time | Difficulty | Yield |
| 30 minutes | 12 minutes | 1 hour | 1 hour 42 minutes | Advanced | 20 sandwich cookies |
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup walnuts, finely ground
For the Filling:
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
11. Eggnog Madeleines Cookies
These eggnog madeleines bring a touch of elegance to the holiday cookie tray.
I love how they combine the classic French madeleine with its distinctive shell shape and light, sponge-like texture with the beloved flavors of Christmas eggnog.
The result is a sophisticated yet festive treat that never fails to impress guests. While not technically a cookie in the traditional sense, these little cakes have earned their place in my Christmas baking rotation.
What makes these madeleines special is their delicate texture and complex flavor profile.
The batter is infused with nutmeg, vanilla, and a hint of rum extract to mimic the flavors of eggnog, while the characteristic bump on the back of each madeleine comes from properly chilling the batter before baking. A light dusting of powdered sugar and freshly grated nutmeg completes these elegant treats.
They’re best enjoyed the day they’re made, preferably with a cup of actual eggnog or hot tea!
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Chill Time | Total Time | Difficulty | Yield |
| 15 minutes | 10 minutes | 1 hour | 1 hour 25 minutes | Moderate | 24 madeleines |
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled, plus more for pans
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon rum extract (or 1 tablespoon dark rum)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus more for dusting
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Tip: A madeleine pan is essential for the classic shell shape. If you don’t have one, you can use a mini muffin pan, though you won’t get the signature ridges.
12. Christmas Light Sugar Cookies
These adorable Christmas light cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat!
I first created these with my children a few years ago, and they’ve become an annual tradition in our home.
Not only do they taste delicious with their classic sugar cookie base, but they also make for a stunning display on your holiday table or as a creative gift for neighbors and friends.
What makes these cookies special is their creative presentation.
Using a simple light bulb-shaped cookie cutter (or hand-cutting around a template), these cookies are transformed into a string of colorful Christmas lights with the help of royal icing in various colors and thin licorice strings to connect them.
They’re a perfect project for getting children involved in holiday baking, as little ones love helping to “color” each light.
The end result is both whimsical and festive guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone who sees them!
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Chill Time | Total Time | Difficulty | Yield |
| 45 minutes | 10 minutes | 1 hour | 1 hour 55 minutes | Moderate | 24 cookies |
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For Decorating:
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 5-6 tablespoons warm water
- Gel food coloring (red, green, blue, yellow)
- Black licorice laces
13. Millionaires’ Shortbread Bars
These indulgent Millionaires’ Shortbread Bars are the ultimate holiday treat for those who love the combination of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate.
I started making these a few years ago as Christmas gifts, and they’ve become so popular that friends and family now expect them every year! While they require a bit more effort than a simple drop cookie, the results are absolutely worth it.
What makes these bars special is the perfect balance of textures and flavors in each bite.
The base is a buttery, crumbly shortbread that provides the perfect foundation.
The middle layer is a luscious, chewy caramel that’s neither too soft nor too firm.
And the top is a smooth layer of dark chocolate that adds the perfect bitter note to balance the sweetness.
I like to add a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top to enhance all the flavors.
These bars keep well for several days, making them perfect for holiday gift-giving or preparing in advance for parties.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Chill Time | Total Time | Difficulty | Yield |
| 30 minutes | 35 minutes | 3 hours | 4 hours 5 minutes | Moderate | 16 bars |
Ingredients:
For the Shortbread Base:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons golden syrup or corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Chocolate Layer:
- 8 oz dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
14. Holiday Snickerdoodles
Holiday Snickerdoodles
Snickerdoodles have always been a classic cookie jar favorite, but these holiday snickerdoodles take the traditional recipe and give it a festive twist!
I love making these during the Christmas season because the warm cinnamon aroma that fills the house is absolutely intoxicating.
There’s something about the combination of cinnamon and sugar that feels so cozy and perfect for winter baking.
What makes these holiday snickerdoodles special is their perfect texture crisp around the edges but wonderfully soft and chewy in the center.
The cream of tartar in the recipe gives them that distinctive tangy flavor that sets snickerdoodles apart from other cinnamon cookies.
For a holiday twist, I add a touch of nutmeg to the dough and roll them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture that’s enhanced with a hint of cardamom.
Some red and green sprinkles make them extra festive! These cookies are always the first to disappear from my Christmas cookie platters.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Chill Time | Total Time | Difficulty | Yield |
| 15 minutes | 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 55 minutes | Easy | 30 cookies |
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
- Red and green sprinkles (optional)
15. Golden Lace Cookies
These delicate, crisp lace cookies are truly showstoppers on any holiday cookie platter.
I first encountered them at a Christmas party years ago and was immediately captivated by their beautiful, intricate appearance and delicious caramel-like flavor.
After getting the recipe from the host, I’ve been making them every Christmas since.
They look incredibly fancy but are surprisingly simple to make though they do require careful attention during baking.
What makes these cookies special is their unique texture and appearance.
As they bake, the dough spreads dramatically and bubbles, creating those distinctive holes that give lace cookies their name. The result is a thin, crisp cookie with a rich, buttery, caramelized flavor that’s absolutely irresistible.
I love to serve these alongside more substantial cookies for textural contrast.
For an extra special touch, you can drizzle them with melted chocolate or sandwich two together with a thin layer of chocolate or ganache in between.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Chill Time | Total Time | Difficulty | Yield |
| 15 minutes | 8 minutes | 0 minutes | 23 minutes | Moderate | 24 cookies |
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Optional: 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted (for drizzling or sandwiching)
Tip: Space these cookies far apart on the baking sheet—they spread a lot! I recommend baking just 4-5 cookies per standard baking sheet.
Bake Up Some Holiday Magic with These Christmas Cookies
I hope this collection of 15 Festive Christmas Cookie Recipes has inspired you to get baking this holiday season!
From classic favorites like gingerbread and sugar cookies to unique treats like eggnog madeleines and triple ginger spice cookies, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
Baking cookies during the holidays is about so much more than just creating delicious treats it’s about making memories, sharing traditions, and spreading joy.
Remember that the best cookies are made with love, so don’t worry if yours don’t look picture-perfect.
The warmth and care that goes into homemade cookies is what makes them truly special.
Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, creating gifts for friends and neighbors, or simply enjoying them with your family, I hope these recipes bring sweetness and joy to your holiday season.
Happy baking, and merry Christmas!
Share Your Cookie Creations!
I’d love to see your versions of these Christmas cookies! Tag me on social media or leave a comment below with your baking adventures. And don’t forget to subscribe for more seasonal recipes throughout the year!
