25 Christmas Cookie Recipes (& Top Cookie Tips)
Looking for the perfect cookie to bake this holiday season? Get inspired with 25 fun and delicious Christmas cookie recipes everyone is sure to love! Plus, my best tips, such as how to freeze cookie dough for easy baking, how to package cookies for gifts, and my favorite cookie tools.
Christmas cookies! We love to bake and enjoy these treats all season long. Some cookies are for potlucks and cookie exchanges, some are gifts for neighbors and friends, and others simply satisfy a craving or fulfill a tradition.
Whatever your reason for baking, starting with a winning recipe is a MUST! Here’s a roundup of 25 holiday cookies I’ve shared over the years that are perfect for Christmastime. These are my favorites, and I hope you’ll find a favorite or two here as well.
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My best cookie tips
But before we start baking, here are a few of my favorite cookie tips so your next batch turns out perfect. Click here if you want to head straight to the cookie recipes!
- Start with butter at the right temperature so cookie don’t spread too much. It should be a “cool” room temperature (about 65°F) and soft enough for your finger to leave an indent, but not push all the way through. Pull out butter 30-60 minutes before using, or see my tips on how to quickly bring butter to room temperature.
- Measure flour correctly to prevent dry or dense cookies. All of my recipes on this site use the “spoon and level method” and include gram measurements for accuracy. Flour compacts as it sits in your pantry, and it’s really easy to accidentally add to much flour to your cookies!
- A few extra steps makes cookies look their best. Use a cookie scoop so they’re all the same size, add extra mix-ins (like chocolate chips) to the tops before baking, and use a spatula to push warm baked cookies back into a perfect circle. More tips here!
- If you’re planning to package cookies for gifts or send cookies in the mail, I have a complete guide for how to package cookies!
My favorite cookie tools
These are the very tools I use in my kitchen! (Please note these are affiliate links.)
- Aluminum sheet pans (NordicWare is my favorite brand).
- Spring-loaded cookie scoops. I use a medium #40 1.5 Tbsp scoop for regular cookies and a large #20 3 Tbsp scoop for large bakery-style cookies.
- Pre-cut parchment sheets. So much easier that cutting a roll of parchment paper.
- Stackable wire cooling racks. Frees up so much counter space!
- Flaky sea salt. I sprinkle most of my cookies with salt for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Coarse sanding sugar. Another way to garnish baked cookies.
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment. A must if you make lots of cookies!
baking tip:How to freeze cookie dough
- Prepare cookie dough as directed and portion with a spoon or cookie scoop.
- Place cookie dough on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and do a quick freeze for about 1 hour until they’re frozen solid.
- Transfer cookie dough to a freezer ziplock bag, label, and store in the freezer for up to a month or more.
Now, on to the cookies! Check out my complete cookie recipe archives if you need even more inspiration.
25+ Christmas cookie recipes
Chewy Gingersnaps
My grandma Wilda’s famous recipe is a favorite this time of year.
Chai Spiced Chocolate Chip Cookies
All the cozy warm spices you love in a steamy cup of chai, but in a chewy chocolate chip cookie.
Frosted Sugar Cookies
These soft sugar cookies require zero chilling time!
Frosted Brownie Cutouts
These cookies are actually brownies cut out with festive cookie cutters and decorated with frosting.
Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
One of my most favorite cookies of all time, and it’s perfect for the holidays.
Chocolate Candy Cane Sandwich Cookies
So pretty and perfect for the holiday season.
Brown Butter Shortbread
The brown butter really shines in these incredibly flavorful cookies.
Classic Buttery Shortbread (4 ways)
Rich and buttery, and so many options for flavor mix-ins and toppings.
Brown Butter Snickerdoodles
Snickerdoodles just got a delicious upgrade.
Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
No one will be able to resist these cookies once they discover the gooey caramel surprise inside!
Holiday Spritz Cookies
I’ve been baking a batch of buttery spritz every Christmas since I can remember. It’s tradition!
Snowball Cookies
A seriously underrated holiday cookie. These snowballs are rich, buttery and delicious!
Brown Butter Pecan Cookies
No mixer required! These simple cookies are simply irresistible.
Peanut Butter Blossoms
No mixer required! These simple cookies are simply irresistible.
White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
As soon as the holiday season rolls around, this is often the first cookie I bake. It’s been a favorite for years!
Chocolate Mint Thumbprint Cookies
These cookies are both unique and delicious!
Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
These are the very BEST chocolate chip cookies!
Soft & Chewy Chocolate Cookies
So fudgy and perfect. This recipe is a favorite from my mom!
Chocolate Hugs Cookies
A delicious variation on Hershey Kiss cookies, and you can even make them with the peppermint kisses.
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
So chocolaty with a melt-in-your-mouth buttery texture.
Cherry Almond Snowballs
So pretty, festive, and delicious!
Pineapple Coconut Macaroons
Transport yourself somewhere tropical with these bright and sunny cookies.
Chocolate Mint Cookies
You can’t beat the combination of chocolate and mint in these fudgy cookies.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
You can’t beat the combination of chocolate and mint in these fudgy cookies.
Peppermint Bark Shortbread Cookies
Everyone loves peppermint bark, and they’re sure to go nuts for these shortbread cookies.
Snowman Sugar Cookies
Have you ever seen a cuter cookie?
White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
These are the best white chocolate macadamia nut cookies you’ve ever had, I promise!
Toasted Coconut, Dark Chocolate and Pecan Cookies
Such a great combination of flavors in these chewy cookies.
These cakes look amazing