25 Best Cookie Recipes to Bake This Winter: Cozy Classics

When the temperatures drop, there's nothing better than the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. It's a nostalgic embrace that makes winter evenings cozier. Whether you're an experienced baker or someone just testing the waters, these cookie recipes are bound to add a touch of warmth to your winter.

Welcome to "25 Best Cookie Recipes to Bake This Winter: Cozy Classics"! I've compiled my favorite recipes that are sure to remind you of home, cuddles, and cups of hot cocoa. From classic chocolate chip to festive gingerbread, these cookies will become your go-to treats for the cold months ahead.

1. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Warm, gooey, and timeless!

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups semisweet and/or milk chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda.
3. In another bowl, mix butter and sugars until fluffy. Add salt, vanilla, and eggs, beating well each time.
4. Gradually mix in flour mixture. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Drop tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets.
6. Bake until edges are golden, around 10-12 mins.

2. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Chewy and perfect for a hearty bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup raisins

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Beat butter and brown sugar until light. Add eggs and vanilla.
3. Mix in flour, baking soda, and cinnamon.
4. Stir in oats and raisins.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets.
6. Bake for 10-12 mins until edges are light brown.

3. Snickerdoodles

Simple sugar cookies coated in cinnamon.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Combine 1 1/2 cups sugar, butter, and eggs; mix until well blended.
3. Stir in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
4. Shape dough into 1 1/4-inch balls.
5. Mix 2 tablespoons sugar and cinnamon. Roll balls in the mixture.
6. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
7. Bake 8-10 mins until set.

4. Peanut Butter Blossoms

Peanut butter and chocolate lovers' dream cookie.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Additional granulated sugar for rolling
• About 36 milk chocolate kisses, unwrapped

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Mix both sugars, butter, peanut butter, and egg.
3. Stir in flour, baking soda, and baking powder until dough forms.
4. Shape dough into 1-inch balls, roll in additional sugar.
5. Place on ungreased cookie sheets.
6. Bake 8-10 mins or until edges are light brown.
7. Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center; cracks will form.

5. Gingerbread Cookies

A holiday classic with a spicy kick.

Ingredients:

• 3 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 salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup packed dark-brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup molasses

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and spices.
2. In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light. Beat in egg and molasses.
3. Gradually add flour mixture; mix until smooth.
4. Divide dough into thirds. Shape each into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill until firm.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F.
6. Roll out dough onto floured surface. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
7. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
8. Bake until edges are set, 8-10 mins. Cool on wire racks.

6. Sugar Cookies

Perfectly crisp and sweet for decorating.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 egg
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Beat powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, almond extract, and egg in large bowl.
3. Stir in flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
4. Roll out dough on floured surface, cut into shapes.
5. Place on ungreased cookie sheet.
6. Bake until edges are golden, 7-8 mins.
7. Decorate as desired once cool.

7. Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Decadent and rich with double the chocolate.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chocolate chunks

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Beat butter and sugars until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla.
3. Mix in flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
4. Stir in chocolate chunks.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

8. White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies

A delightful blend of sweet and nutty flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped macadamia nuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Beat butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually beat flour mixture into butter mixture.
5. Stir in white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts.
6. Drop rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.
7. Bake for 10-12 mins until edges are lightly browned.

9. Molasses Cookies

Soft and spiced with a rich molasses flavor.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cream butter and brown sugar until light. Beat in egg and molasses.
3. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
4. Gradually mix into the butter mixture.
5. Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place on ungreased sheets.
6. Bake for 10-12 mins.

10. Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Bright and zesty, perfect for a winter pick-me-up.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for rolling

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cream butter and sugar. Mix in vanilla, egg, lemon zest, and juice.
3. Add salt, baking powder, and baking soda to the flour, then mix into butter mixture.
4. Chill dough for 30 mins.
5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, coat in powdered sugar.
6. Place on baking sheets and bake for 9-11 mins.

11. Red Velvet Cookies

Soft, chewy, and beautifully red with a hint of cocoa.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and food coloring.
3. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in another bowl.
4. Gradually mix into butter mixture.
5. Fold in white chocolate chips.
6. Drop spoonfuls onto baking sheets and bake for 10-12 mins.

12. Thumbprint Cookies

Delightfully buttery with a sweet jam center.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup fruit preserves or jam

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla.
3. Mix in flour and salt until combined.
4. Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place on baking sheets.
5. Press thumb into each ball to make an indentation.
6. Fill each center with jam.
7. Bake for 10-12 mins.

13. Almond Biscotti

Crunchy and perfect for dipping in coffee or hot chocolate.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole almonds

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, beat sugar and butter until creamy. Add eggs one by one and mix. Stir in vanilla.
3. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. Gradually add to butter mixture.
4. Stir in almonds.
5. On a floured surface, shape dough into two logs. Place on baking sheets.
6. Bake for 25 mins, then cool slightly.
7. Slice logs into 3/4-inch slices. Lay slices cut side down on sheets.
8. Bake for another 10-12 mins per side until golden.

14. Coconut Macaroons

Chewy and loaded with sweet coconut flavor.

Ingredients:

• 3 large egg whites
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. In a bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
3. Gradually add sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating constantly.
4. Fold in coconut.
5. Drop spoonfuls onto parchment-lined baking sheets.
6. Bake for 20-25 mins until lightly golden.

15. Pumpkin Cookies

Soft and spiced with a touch of pumpkin goodness.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened pumpkin puree
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Combine pumpkin, sugar, oil, and egg.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
4. Dissolve baking soda in milk and add to the pumpkin mixture.
5. Stir in vanilla, then gradually add flour mixture.
6. Mix in pecans if using.
7. Drop spoonfuls onto baking sheets and bake for 10-12 mins.

16. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Fudgy and rolled in powdered sugar for a festive look.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 oz unsweetened chocolate, melted
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix oil, melted chocolate, and sugar. Blend in eggs and vanilla.
3. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt to form a dough.
4. Chill dough for several hours.
5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, coat in powdered sugar.
6. Place on baking sheets and bake for 10-12 mins.

17. Toffee Bar Cookies

Rich, buttery base topped with melted chocolate and toffee bits.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup toffee bits

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add egg yolk and vanilla.
3. Mix in flour and salt until combined.
4. Press dough into a greased 9x13 pan.
5. Bake for 20-25 mins until edges are golden.
6. Immediately sprinkle with chocolate chips; let melt and spread evenly.
7. Top with toffee bits and let cool before slicing.

18. Butter Pecan Cookies

Buttery and crunchy with toasted pecans.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla.
3. Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
4. Stir in pecans.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets.
6. Bake for 10-12 mins until edges are golden.

19. Apricot Almond Cookies

Chewy with bits of apricot and almond flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup dried apricots, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Beat butter and both sugars until creamy. Add egg and vanilla.
3. Mix in flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
4. Stir in apricots and almonds.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets.
6. Bake for 10-12 mins until edges are golden.

20. Chocolate Mint Cookies

Cool mint flavor with rich chocolate.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mint chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Beat butter and both sugars until fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extracts.
3. Mix in flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
4. Fold in mint chocolate chips.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets.
6. Bake for 9-11 mins.

21. Maple Pecan Cookies

Sweet with a hint of maple and crunchy pecans.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add maple syrup, egg, and vanilla.
3. Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt until combined.
4. Stir in chopped pecans.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets.
6. Bake for 10-12 mins until edges are golden.

22. S'mores Cookies

All the flavors of a campfire favorite in cookie form.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Beat butter and both sugars until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla.
3. Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Fold in chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed graham crackers.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets.
6. Bake for 8-10 mins until edges are golden.

23. Cherry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies

Elegant and bursting with cherry and pistachio flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
• 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla.
3. Mix in flour and salt until dough forms.
4. Fold in dried cherries and pistachios.
5. Shape dough into a log, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 mins.
6. Slice dough into rounds and place on baking sheets.
7. Bake for 12-15 mins until edges are light golden.

24. Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Cookies

A luscious combination of rich dark chocolate and a hint of sea salt.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups dark chocolate chunks
• Sea salt flakes for sprinkling

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Beat butter and both sugars until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla.
3. Mix in flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Fold in dark chocolate chunks.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets and sprinkle with sea salt.
6. Bake for 10-12 mins.

25. Chai-Spiced Cookies

Aromatic and warm with all the flavors of chai tea.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
4. Gradually mix dry ingredients into butter mixture.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets.
6. Bake for 8-10 mins until edges are golden.

Conclusion

These 25 best cookie recipes to bake this winter, you're set to make your home even cozier and fill it with the most delectable aromas. Whether you're sharing with friends and family or enjoying them yourself, these cookies are bound to bring joy and warmth to any chilly day. Happy baking!