So, Christmas is rolling in faster than Santa down a chimney, and you’re thinking, “How on earth am I gonna pull off the perfect batch of cookies this year?” Look no further—whether you’re baking with your crazy crew or flying solo with some festive tunes, these 22 Christmas cookie recipes are the ultimate crowd-pleasers.
They’re easy enough for the kids to help with (just maybe don’t give them the super-hot oven part) and seriously tasty enough to impress even the dessert skeptics. Plus, I’ve thrown in my honest takes and little tips so no one’s left wondering if those weird ingredient swaps are genius or a total disaster (FYI, swapping butter for margarine = disaster. Don’t do it.).
Ready to make your kitchen smell like a Christmas wonderland? Let’s get this cookie party started!
1. Classic Sugar Cookies That Never Go Out of Style
Why this recipe rocks: Because sometimes, simplicity is king—and these iconic sugar cookies remind you what holiday bliss tastes like.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (yes, real butter)
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sour cream (trust me here)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla, and sour cream.
- Combine the dry ingredients separately, then slowly mix into the wet stuff.
- Roll out dough and cut shapes with cookie cutters.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges turn slightly golden.
Why You’ll Love It
Perfectly crispy on the edges and tender inside, classic sugar cookies let your creative juices flow with frosting and sprinkles. I once left these un-decorated, and my family shoved them down like they were life’s last cookie—enough said.
2. Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies (Because Peppermint Is Christmas)
Why this recipe rocks: It’s got the holiday spirit baked right in—peppermint and chocolate, anyone?
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together butter, brown sugar, and white sugar.
- Add egg and vanilla; mix well.
- Gradually stir in flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Fold in chocolate chips and crushed peppermint.
- Scoop dough onto baking sheet; bake 10-12 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
The crunch of peppermint with melty chocolate? It’s pure Christmas magic. My family always fights over these, so double the batch unless you’re ready to cause a cookie war.
3. Gingerbread Men with a Twist of Orange Zest
Why this recipe rocks: Gingerbread gets a zesty upgrade that’s fresh, fun, and festive.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup molasses
- 1 egg
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- Beat butter and molasses until creamy, add egg and orange zest.
- Slowly add dry ingredients and combine into dough.
- Chill dough for 1 hour (don’t skip—trust me!).
- Roll out and cut into men shapes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
The orange zest gives a light citrus pop that cuts through the spice—making these gingerbread men unexpectedly refreshing. I swapped in lemon zest once, and wow, why did I ever stray?
4. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies (Because Red Velvet Is Year-Round)
Why this recipe rocks: Spot-on red velvet flavor, with that fun crackly sugar finish.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- Powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar, add egg, food coloring, and vanilla.
- Alternate adding flour mix and buttermilk.
- Chill dough, then scoop and roll in powdered sugar.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
They look fancy but bake up fresh, soft, and festive with a dusting of snowy powdered sugar. Pro tip: Don’t skip chilling; it keeps the crinkle magic alive.
5. Snickerdoodles That Bring All the Cinnamon Goodness
Why this recipe rocks: Soft, cinnamony, and coated in a crunchy cinnamon sugar crust.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp cinnamon sugar (a mix of cinnamon and granulated sugar)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Combine flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar; add eggs one at a time.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients.
- Roll dough into balls, coat in cinnamon sugar.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
These snickerdoodles are basically a cinnamon hug in cookie form. I’ve tried recipes without cream of tartar, but IMO this one nails the classic tang.
6. Chewy Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies
Why this recipe rocks: It’s chocolate cookie meets peppermint bark magic in one bite.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup chopped peppermint bark or candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla.
- Gradually add dry ingredients.
- Fold in peppermint bark.
- Bake 10-12 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
The chewy cookie base complements crunchy peppermint shards perfectly. My kids are obsessed—warning, these disappear fast!
7. Eggnog-Spiced Sugar Cookies
Why this recipe rocks: If you love eggnog but hate the calories, these cookies give you all that flavor without the spill risk.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ cup eggnog
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
- Cream butter and sugar, add egg, vanilla, and eggnog.
- Gradually add dry ingredients.
- Scoop dough and bake 10-12 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
These are soft, with just enough eggnog spice to remind you that holiday cheer is definitely edible. Perfect with a glass of actual eggnog, too.
8. Salted Caramel Thumbprint Cookies
Why this recipe rocks: Nothing beats a cookie that brings salty, sweet, and buttery caramel all at once.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Coarse sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar, add vanilla.
- Add flour and salt, mix to form dough.
- Roll into balls; press thumb in center.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Fill centers with caramel, sprinkle sea salt.
Why You’ll Love It
Salty caramel + buttery cookie = the perfect little decadence. Tip: if caramel feels runny, pop it in the fridge before filling.
9. White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
Why this recipe rocks: The tartness of cranberries and creamy white chocolate is a festive knockout.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugars; add eggs and vanilla.
- Slowly add dry ingredients.
- Fold in cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Bake 10-12 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
These cookies balance sweet and tart like pros. Once I tossed in some orange zest—game changer! You might want to try that.
10. Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
Why this recipe rocks: A timeless treat with a chocolate kiss right in the middle.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup peanut butter (the real stuff)
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Cream butter, peanut butter, and sugars; add egg and vanilla.
- Stir in dry ingredients.
- Roll dough into balls, coat in sugar, place on baking sheet.
- Bake 8-10 minutes, immediately press a Kiss onto each cookie.
Why You’ll Love It
Classic, crunchy edges with a chewy center and that iconic chocolate pop. Side note: peanut butter substitutes? Just don’t.
11. Snowball Cookies (AKA Russian Tea Cakes)
Why this recipe rocks: Powdered sugar bombs that basically melt in your mouth.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and powdered sugar, add vanilla.
- Stir in flour and pecans.
- Roll into balls, bake 12-15 minutes until set.
- Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar, cool and repeat coating.
Why You’ll Love It
These little snowballs pack a buttery nutty punch and are hide-your-hand addictive. Heat them up slightly before serving for a melt-in-mouth moment.
12. Almond Joy Cookies (For Coconut Lovers)
Why this recipe rocks: Coconut, almond, and chocolate chip overload, inspired by the candy bar.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugars, add egg and vanilla.
- Slowly add dry ingredients, then stir in coconut, chocolate chips, and almonds.
- Bake 10-12 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
Layers of texture with that toasty almond crunch and melty chocolate. I always eat way more than planned. You will too.
13. Thumbprint Jam-Filled Cookies
Why this recipe rocks: Super cute and even tastier with a jammy surprise inside.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup fruit jam (raspberry or apricot)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar, add vanilla.
- Stir in flour until dough forms.
- Roll into balls; press thumb in center to create well.
- Fill with jam.
- Bake 12-15 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
The sweet jam bite lifts these simple, buttery cookies to festive perfection. Perfect for cookie exchanges or gifting.
14. Orange Cranberry Shortbread
Why this recipe rocks: Tangy citrus and juicy cranberries elevate classic shortbread.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Zest of 1 orange
- ½ cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Cream butter and powdered sugar, add orange zest.
- Fold in flour and cranberries until dough forms.
- Press into pan or roll into logs, slice, and bake 20-25 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
Shortbread lovers, this one’s for you: crumbly, buttery, with a burst of fruity goodness. I sneak these in the lunchbox year-round.
15. Chocolate-Dipped Biscotti
Why this recipe rocks: Crunchy, dunkable twice-baked cookies with a chocolate twist.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup chocolate chips (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt.
- Beat eggs and vanilla, add to dry ingredients.
- Shape into logs, bake 25-30 minutes.
- Slice into biscotti, bake another 10-12 minutes.
- Dip half of each biscotti in melted chocolate; cool.
Why You’ll Love It
Perfect with coffee or cocoa, crunchy with a satisfying chocolate buzz. Double bake makes these last longer than other cookies (if they last at all).
16. Funfetti Christmas Sugar Cookies
Why this recipe rocks: Childhood nostalgia with a festive twist (sprinkles, obviously).
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
- ½ cup rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cream butter and sugar; add egg and vanilla.
- Mix dry ingredients, add to wet, fold in sprinkles.
- Scoop and bake 8-10 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
These cookies scream party (even if it’s just you and the dog). I swear sprinkles make everything better.
17. Molasses Crinkle Cookies
Why this recipe rocks: Deep, spicy, chewy cookies that bloom with molasses flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 ½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup molasses
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk flour, baking soda, spices, salt.
- Cream butter and sugar; beat in egg and molasses.
- Add dry ingredients; mix well.
- Roll in sugar and bake 8-10 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
No gingerbread man, but just as festive! These cookies pack a flavor punch and satisfying chew.
18. Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti
Why this recipe rocks: Festive colors, crunch, and a little sophistication.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped pistachios
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt.
- Beat eggs and vanilla, add to dry.
- Fold in cranberries and pistachios.
- Shape logs, bake 25 minutes.
- Slice and bake 10-12 minutes more.
Why You’ll Love It
Elegant and crunchy! I bring these to holiday brunches because they go perfectly with coffee or mulled wine.
19. Chocolate Mint Crinkle Cookies
Why this recipe rocks: A mint-chocolate combo that’s downright addictive.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- Powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt.
- Cream butter and sugar; add egg and peppermint.
- Add dry ingredients; chill dough.
- Roll balls in powdered sugar, bake 10-12 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
Chocolate and mint are holiday soulmates here, and powdered sugar makes them look like snowy gems.
20. Maple Pecan Cookies
Why this recipe rocks: Rich maple flavor with a nutty crunch — fall meets Christmas.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, baking powder, salt.
- Cream butter and sugar; add egg, vanilla, and maple syrup.
- Mix dry ingredients in, stir in pecans.
- Bake 10-12 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
The maple syrup is subtle but makes these cookies extra moist and flavorful. Pecan crunch adds a delightful texture contrast.
21. White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
Why this recipe rocks: The ultimate balance of creamy white chocolate and buttery macadamia nuts.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped macadamia nuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugars; add eggs and vanilla.
- Blend in dry ingredients, then white chocolate and macadamia nuts.
- Bake 10-12 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
Slightly crunchy edges give way to a soft, chewy center packed with nuts and smooth chocolate. It’s a cookie classic for good reason.
22. Frosted Lemon Christmas Cookies (For the Citrus Lovers)
Why this recipe rocks: Bright, zesty, and covered in sugary frosting—total palate cleanser between heartier sweets.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Powdered sugar (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix flour, baking soda, baking powder.
- Cream butter and sugar; add egg, vanilla, lemon zest, and juice.
- Gradually add dry ingredients.
- Bake 8-10 minutes.
- Frost with powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice).
Why You’ll Love It
These cookies are the bright spot of a winter cookie plate—a zingy, sweet shout-out to citrus. Perfect if you want something less sweet but still festive.
Let’s Wrap It Up
With these 22 delicious Christmas cookie recipes, you’re more than ready to take on holiday baking like an absolute boss. Whether you stick with the classics or get adventurous with peppermint bark or orange zest, there’s something here to fit your mood, your family’s taste buds, and your sanity. These recipes aren’t just about the sugar rush; they’re about the laughs, the flour fights, and the sweet memories made along the way.
So grab that rolling pin, put on your favorite holiday playlist, and bake your way to being the family’s official cookie legend. Your kitchen (and your Instagram feed) will thank you.
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