25 Delicious Christmas Cookie Recipes for Festive Cheer

The holiday season is hands-down my favorite time of the year. It's the time when my kitchen transforms into a bustling holiday workshop filled with the aromas of cinnamon, vanilla, and chocolate. Baking cookies has always been one of my treasured holiday traditions, whether I'm baking for friends, family, or even just for myself.

I’ve compiled 25 delicious Christmas cookie recipes for festive cheer to fill your home with the same joy and sweetness that mine experiences each December. You’re about to embark on a baking adventure with everything from classic sugar cookies to exotic gingersnaps. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let's bake some holiday magic!

1. Classic Sugar Cookies

There’s nothing like a traditional sugar cookie to get you into the holiday spirit.

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3-4 tablespoons buttermilk

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
4. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Add buttermilk a teaspoon at a time until the dough is soft.
5. Roll out the dough and cut into shapes. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.
6. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven or until the edges start to brown.

2. Chocolate Chip Cookies

You can't go wrong with the timeless favorite of chocolate chip cookies.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until smooth.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
4. Dissolve baking soda in hot water and add to the batter along with salt.
5. Stir in flour, chocolate chips, and nuts, if using.
6. Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.
7. Bake for about 10 minutes or until edges are nicely browned.

3. Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are a holiday staple that brings nostalgia and warmth to any home.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and molasses until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and baking soda.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into shapes.
7. Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes.

4. Snickerdoodles

Snickerdoodles are chewy, cinnamon-sugar cookies that are simply irresistible.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cream together butter, sugar, and eggs.
3. Blend in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
4. Shape dough by rounded spoonfuls into balls.
5. Mix 3 tablespoons sugar and the cinnamon in a small bowl.
6. Roll balls of dough in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
7. Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges set.

5. Peanut Butter Blossoms

This classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate is always a hit.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Additional granulated sugar, if desired
• Hershey’s Kisses chocolates, unwrapped

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, peanut butter, butter, and egg until well blended.
3. Stir in flour, baking soda, and baking powder until mixed.
4. Shape dough into 1-inch balls and roll in additional sugar.
5. Place balls on an ungreased cookie sheet.
6. Bake 8-10 minutes or until edges are light brown.
7. Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.

6. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

These hearty cookies are a perfect mix of chewy oats and sweet raisins.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 3/4 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup raisins

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
4. Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture.
5. Mix in oats and raisins.
6. Drop by spoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges start to brown.

7. Red Velvet Cookies

Bring the elegance and taste of red velvet cake to your holiday cookie tray.

Ingredients:

• 1 box red velvet cake mix
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla until well combined.
3. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are firm.
5. Let cookies cool, then dust with powdered sugar.

8. Lemon Bars

These tangy and sweet lemon bars make an unexpected but delightful holiday treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 lemons, juiced

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, blend together softened butter, 2 cups flour, and 1/2 cup sugar. Press into the bottom of an ungreased 9x13-inch pan.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes in the preheated oven or until firm and golden.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 1/2 cups sugar and 1/4 cup flour. Whisk in the eggs and lemon juice.
5. Pour over the baked crust.
6. Bake for an additional 20 minutes.
7. Allow bars to cool, then cut into squares.

9. Thumbprint Cookies

These cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. Fill them with your favorite jam.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup jam (any flavor)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla.
4. Gradually blend in flour and salt.
5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
6. Make a small indentation in the center of each ball with your thumb.
7. Fill each indentation with a small amount of jam.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are light brown.

10. Mint Chocolate Cookies

These cookies combine the refreshing flavor of mint with rich chocolate.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mint chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream together butter and sugars until smooth.
3. Beat in vanilla and egg.
4. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture.
5. Stir in mint chocolate chips.
6. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are set.

11. Coconut Macaroons

These sweet, chewy cookies are perfect for coconut lovers.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups shredded coconut
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla until completely combined.
3. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
5. Let cool completely before removing from sheet.

12. Shortbread Cookies

These buttery shortbread cookies literally melt in your mouth.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Cream together butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
3. Blend in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface and cut into shapes.
6. Place on ungreased cookie sheets.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until edges are golden.

13. Molasses Cookies

These cookies are packed with robust flavors of molasses and spices.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in egg and molasses.
4. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
5. Gradually blend dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
6. Roll dough into balls and place on ungreased baking sheets.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are set.

14. Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies

These cookies are bursting with tart cranberries and decadent white chocolate.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white 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 dried cranberries
• 1 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream together butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually blend dry ingredients into wet mixture.
6. Stir in cranberries and white chocolate chips.
7. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.

15. Pizzelle Cookies

These thin, crisp Italian waffle cookies are perfect for any cookie platter.

Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat the pizzelle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a bowl, beat eggs and sugar until thick.
3. Stir in melted butter and vanilla.
4. Sift together flour and baking powder; blend into batter until smooth.
5. Drop batter by teaspoonfuls onto the center of the preheated pizzelle iron.
6. Close the lid and bake for about 30-45 seconds, or until steam stops and the pizzelle are golden brown.
7. Remove and cool on wire racks.

16. Peppermint Bark Cookies

These cookies are topped with creamy white chocolate and crushed peppermint candies.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces white chocolate, melted
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in egg and peppermint extract.
4. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually blend dry ingredients into wet mixture.
6. Roll dough into balls and place on ungreased baking sheets.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are light brown.
8. Cool completely before spreading melted white chocolate on top.
9. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies.

17. Linzer Cookies

These pretty cookies are filled with a sweet jam and dusted with powdered sugar.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup fruit preserves or jam (any flavor)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in egg and vanilla.
4. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually blend dry ingredients into wet mixture.
6. Roll dough out on a floured surface and cut into shapes.
7. Cut out the centers of half of the cookies with a smaller cutter.
8. Place the cookies on ungreased baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes.
9. Cool completely before spreading jam on the whole cookies.
10. Top with the cut-out cookies and dust with powdered sugar.

18. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These cookies have a fudgy center and a powdered sugar coating that crackles as they bake.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 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. In a bowl, mix together cocoa, granulated sugar, and oil.
2. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
3. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually stir into the cocoa mixture.
4. Cover dough and chill for at least 4 hours.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and coat each one in powdered sugar.
7. Place on ungreased baking sheets.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

19. Walnut Sandies

Walnut sandies are tender, nutty cookies that are always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
• Extra confectioners' sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream together butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually blend in flour until dough is uniform.
5. Stir in walnuts.
6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on ungreased baking sheets.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set.
8. Roll warm cookies in extra confectioners' sugar.

20. Cherry Almond Cookies

These festive cookies have a delightful blend of cherry and almond flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
• Sliced almonds for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in egg and almond extract.
4. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually blend dry ingredients into wet mixture.
6. Stir in chopped cherries.
7. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.
8. Top each cookie with sliced almonds.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are light golden brown.

21. Pistachio Shortbread Cookies

If you love pistachios, these buttery shortbread cookies are for you.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Cream together butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
3. Mix in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add flour until the dough forms.
5. Stir in chopped pistachios.
6. Roll the dough into a log and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for 30 minutes.
7. Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place on ungreased baking sheets.
8. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until edges are golden.

22. Spiced Orange Cookies

These cookies combine the warmth of spices with the zestiness of orange for a delightful treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in egg and orange zest.
4. In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
5. Gradually blend dry ingredients into wet mixture.
6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on ungreased baking sheets.
7. Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.

23. Chocolate-Dipped Biscotti

These twice-baked Italian cookies are perfect for dunking in coffee or hot cocoa.

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat eggs, oil, and vanilla until blended.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Divide dough in half and shape each half into a 12-inch log.
6. Place logs on a baking sheet and flatten slightly.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Cool for 10 minutes, then slice logs diagonally into 1/2-inch slices.
9. Return slices to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes on each side, or until dry and crispy.
10. Once cooled, dip each biscotti into melted chocolate and let set on parchment paper.

24. Hazelnut Crescents

These crescent-shaped cookies are rich with hazelnut flavor and dusted with powdered sugar.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely ground hazelnuts
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, combine flour and ground hazelnuts.
5. Gradually blend dry ingredients into the wet mixture until dough forms.
6. Shape dough into crescent shapes and place on ungreased baking sheets.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
8. Cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.

25. Eggnog Cookies

Capture the essence of the holiday season with these delightful eggnog-flavored cookies.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup eggnog
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Icing (optional): 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons eggnog, a pinch of nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg, eggnog, and vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Gradually blend dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
6. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
8. If desired, mix powdered sugar and eggnog to form icing and drizzle over cooled cookies, then sprinkle with a pinch of nutmeg.

Conclusion

There you have it—25 mouth-watering Christmas cookie recipes to add a bit of festive cheer to your holiday season. I hope you enjoy making (and eating) these cookies as much as I do. Happy holidays and happy baking!