26 Spiced Cookie Recipes for Holiday Baking Delight
There's something magical about the holiday season that makes me want to spend all day in the kitchen, filling the house with the comforting aromas of spices and sweets. Nothing embodies that festive spirit more than a freshly baked batch of cookies. Inspired by my love for holiday baking, I've put together this collection of "26 Spiced Cookie Recipes for Holiday Baking Delight."
Each recipe is infused with warm spices, guaranteed to make your home smell like pure holiday magic. So, grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let's dive into these delightful recipes that are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
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1. Classic Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies are a holiday staple, bringing nostalgia and warmth in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg and molasses.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and spices.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing well.
- Chill dough for at least 1 hour.
- Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thick and cut into shapes.
- Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
- Cool on wire racks and decorate as desired.
2. Spiced Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
These cookies combine the chewy texture of oatmeal with a burst of spices and raisins.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and both sugars.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually stir in dry ingredients.
- Fold in oats and raisins.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.
- Cool on wire racks.
3. Chai-Spiced Cookies
Inspired by the soothing flavors of chai tea, these cookies are the perfect companion to a hot drink.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices in a bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar in another bowl.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Roll dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack.
4. Snickerdoodle Cookies
These classic cookies get a holiday twist with an extra dash of nutmeg.
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Extra cinnamon and sugar for rolling
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla.
- Gradually blend in dry ingredients.
- Roll dough into balls and coat in cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool on wire racks.
5. Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies
These cookies deliver a spicy kick reminiscent of traditional Mexican hot chocolate.
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugars.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Cool on wire racks.
6. Pumpkin Spice Cookies
These cookies capture the essence of fall with their rich pumpkin flavor and warm spices.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugars.
- Beat in pumpkin, egg, and vanilla.
- Gradually stir in dry ingredients.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes.
- Cool on wire racks.
7. Cardamom Shortbread Cookies
These buttery cookies are infused with the unique flavor of cardamom, perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Mix flour, powdered sugar, cardamom, and salt.
- Cut in butter until dough comes together.
- Roll dough out to 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut into shapes and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on wire racks.
Feel free to explore each of these recipes to bring the taste and aroma of the holidays into your home. Stay tuned for more spiced cookie delights to enhance your holiday baking repertoire.
8. Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
Cinnamon sugar cookies are a delightful blend of sweet and spice that melt in your mouth.
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Cream butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually blend in dry ingredients.
- Mix the 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll dough into balls and coat with cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Cool on wire racks.
9. Molasses Spice Cookies
Rich and chewy, these molasses spice cookies are filled with deep, warm flavors that are perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Combine flour, baking soda, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
- Cream butter and brown sugar.
- Beat in molasses and egg.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
- Roll dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Cool on wire racks.
10. Spice Thumbprint Cookies
These buttery thumbprints with a spiced filling are bite-sized delights perfect for any festive occasion.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup spiced jam or preserves
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Cream butter and powdered sugar.
- Beat in vanilla extract.
- Gradually blend in dry ingredients.
- Shape dough into balls and press a thumb into the center of each.
- Fill indentations with spiced jam.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes.
- Cool on wire racks.
11. Apple Spice Cookies
The combination of apples and spices makes these cookies taste just like autumn.
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely chopped apple
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugars.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients.
- Fold in chopped apple.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool on wire racks.
12. Cranberry Orange Spice Cookies
These cookies combine the tartness of cranberries with the zestiness of orange and spices for a refreshing holiday treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- Zest of one orange
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually blend in dry ingredients.
- Fold in cranberries and orange zest.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool on wire racks.
13. Almond Spice Cookies
Almonds and spice come together in a delicious crunch with these cookies.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Beat in egg and almond extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients.
- Fold in chopped almonds.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool on wire racks.
14. Chai Sugar Cookies
Turn the classic sugar cookie into something extraordinary with the addition of chai spices.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix flour and baking soda.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Combine spices and gradually add to flour mixture.
- Roll dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Cool on wire racks.
15. Clove Sugar Cookies
Clove gives these sugar cookies an unexpectedly delightful twist.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- Extra sugar for rolling
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix flour and baking soda.
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Add ground cloves to flour mixture.
- Blend dry ingredients into wet mixture.
- Roll dough into balls and coat with extra sugar.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Cool on wire racks.
16. Lemon Cardamom Cookies
With a combination of zesty lemon and aromatic cardamom, these cookies are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of one lemon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cardamom.
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
- Gradually add dry ingredients.
- Roll dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Cool on wire racks.
17. Anise Biscotti
Anise biscotti are perfect for dunking in your favorite holiday beverage.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp anise extract
- 1 cup chopped almonds
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix sugar and melted butter.
- Beat in eggs and anise extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing well.
- Fold in almonds.
- Divide dough in half and shape into logs.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Cool slightly and cut into slices.
- Place slices on a baking sheet and bake for another 10 minutes.
- Cool on wire racks.
18. Nutmeg Cookies
Nutmeg brings a cozy warmth to these holiday cookies.
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- Extra sugar for rolling
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Mix in ground nutmeg.
- Gradually blend in dry ingredients.
- Roll dough into balls and coat with extra sugar.
- Place on baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Cool on wire racks.
19. Ginger Molasses Cookies
These cookies, filled with ginger and molasses, are chewy, spicy, and utterly delightful.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the molasses and egg until well combined.
- Add the ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves to the mixture.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
- Roll dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool on wire racks.
20. Cinnamon Roll Cookies
These cookies take the best elements of cinnamon rolls and turn them into a delightful treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Cream the butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
- Gradually blend in dry ingredients.
- Roll out dough and spread with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll dough into a log and slice into cookies.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool on wire racks.
21. Peppermint Spice Cookies
Peppermint adds a refreshing twist to these spiced cookies.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and cloves.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Roll dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Cool on wire racks.
22. Spice Snowball Cookies
These bite-sized cookies look like snowballs and taste like holiday perfection.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Extra powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cream butter and powdered sugar.
- Beat in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture.
- Roll dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar.
- Cool on wire racks.
23. Clove and Orange Cookies
Clove and orange combine for a uniquely delicious holiday cookie.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- Zest of one orange
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Beat in egg, vanilla extract, cloves, and orange zest.
- Gradually blend in dry ingredients.
- Roll dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool on wire racks.
24. Holiday Spice Biscotti
These crunchy biscotti are spiced perfectly for the holidays and great for dipping in coffee.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
- Mix sugar and melted butter.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla.
- Gradually blend in dry ingredients until dough forms.
- Shape dough into logs and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Let cool slightly, then slice into biscotti.
- Bake slices for another 10 minutes.
- Cool on wire racks.
25. White Chocolate Cranberry Spiced Cookies
White chocolate and cranberries make these spiced cookies a sweet and tart holiday treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugars.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture.
- Fold in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool on wire racks.
26. Spiced Pecan Cookies
Pecans and spices come together for a delightful holiday cookie.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually blend in dry ingredients.
- Fold in chopped pecans.
- Roll dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool on wire racks.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks—26 spiced cookie recipes guaranteed to infuse your holiday season with warmth, sweetness, and spice. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or a quiet night in, these recipes are sure to bring joy and festive cheer to your home.
So, don’t wait! Grab those mixing bowls and spices, and let’s make this holiday season the most delicious one yet!