It’s the most wonderful time of the year – holiday season! And what better way to get into the festive spirit than baking up a storm of delicious Christmas cookies? From classic gingerbread and sugar cookie cutouts, to creative twists like peppermint chocolate chip and cranberry white chocolate oatmeal, there’s a cookie recipe out there for everyone. Whether you’re looking for sweet treats to leave out for Santa or savory snacks to enjoy with family and friends, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll dive into 18 mouthwatering Christmas cookie recipes that are sure to become new holiday traditions.
Classic Gingerbread X Mas Cookies
Warm up your holiday season with these classic gingerbread cookies, infused with the comforting spices of cinnamon and ginger.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Water, as needed
– Decorations of your choice (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
8. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Festive Sugar Cookie Cutouts
Add a touch of holiday cheer to your gatherings with these festive sugar cookie cutouts. Perfect for decorating or serving, they’re sure to bring joy to all who taste them.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Divide dough into 4 equal parts. Roll out each part on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
6. Use cookie cutters of your choice to cut out shapes. Place on prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
8. Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating with colored sugar or sprinkles (if desired).
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Peppermint Chocolate Chip X Mas Cookies
A classic holiday treat with a refreshing twist! These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are the perfect combination of sweet and minty, sure to be a hit at any festive gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies or peppermint extract
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add peppermint candies or extract; mix well.
4. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients; mix until just combined.
6. Stir in chocolate chips.
7. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cranberry White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
These chewy cookies combine the warmth of oatmeal with the brightness of cranberries and the creaminess of white chocolate. Perfect for a sweet snack or dessert, they’re sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Stir in the dry ingredients, cranberries, and white chocolate chips.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Eggnog Snickerdoodle Cookies
Warm up with these sweet and spicy cookies that capture the magic of the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup eggnog
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 3 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (see note)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Stir in eggnog, vanilla extract, and cinnamon sugar mixture.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are set.
Note: To make cinnamon sugar, mix together 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with these decadent Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. Rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint come together in perfect harmony, making them a perfect treat for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and peppermint extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, then stir in chocolate chips.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set.
7. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Cinnamon Roll X Mas Cookies
Get ready to deck the halls with these sweet treats that combine the warmth of cinnamon rolls and the magic of Christmas.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Colored sprinkles or red and green M&M’s for decorating (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Stir in cinnamon.
5. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes (e.g., trees, stars, or circles).
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies
Snowball Shortbread Cookies
Snowball Shortbread Cookies: A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
These buttery shortbread cookies are rolled in powdered sugar and perfect for a sweet snack or dessert. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms. Stir in salt.
3. Roll dough into balls, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) space between each cookie.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
5. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar while still slightly warm.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Reindeer Chow Cookie Balls
Reindeer Chow Cookie Balls Recipe
Get ready to jingle bell rock with these adorable cookie balls, perfect for holiday parties or snacking on the go!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter, powdered sugar, and salt. Mix until smooth.
2. Stir in the rolled oats and nuts until well combined.
3. Drop small balls of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You should end up with around 12-15 cookie balls.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
5. Serve chilled, or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Cooking Time: None! These no-bake cookie balls are ready in just a few minutes of mixing and setting.
Orange Cranberry Thumbprint Cookies
Brighten up your holiday baking with these sweet and tangy cookies that combine the flavors of orange, cranberries, and vanilla. Perfect for a festive treat or gift-giving.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup orange marmalade
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add orange marmalade and mix well.
4. Stir in cranberries and vanilla extract.
5. Roll dough into balls, about 1 Tbsp each. Flatten slightly to form thumbprint shapes.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool on wire rack.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pecan Praline X Mas Cookies
Pecan Praline Christmas Cookies Recipe
Warm up the holiday season with these delicious Pecan Praline Christmas Cookies, featuring a rich caramel pecan praline topping and soft, chewy cookie centers.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pecan praline topping (recipe below)
- Instructions:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop 1-inch balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pecan Praline Topping Recipe:
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Bake the praline topping at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely before using.
Spiced Molasses Cookies
These soft, chewy cookies are infused with the rich flavors of molasses and warm spices, perfect for a cozy treat or gift. With a hint of sweetness and a satisfying crunch from the spices, these treats will be a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground ginger
– 1/2 tsp ground cloves
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup molasses
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses and mix until combined.
4. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cherry Almond X Mas Cookies
Brighten up your holiday season with these sweet and tangy cookies, infused with the warmth of almonds and the pop of cherry flavor. Perfect for gift-giving or serving at your next festive gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup cherry jam or preserves
– 1 cup chopped almonds
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– Cherry halves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in cherry jam or preserves.
4. Add chopped almonds and egg; mix until combined.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients; mix until a dough forms.
6. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
8. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Mint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Mint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe
These refreshing cookies combine the cooling flavor of mint with the richness of chocolate, all wrapped up in a crinkly package.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in peppermint extract.
4. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
5. Stir in chocolate chips.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
8. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Yield: About 24 cookies
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Butterscotch Cashew X Mas Cookies
Get ready to spread holiday cheer with these scrumptious Butterscotch Cashew Christmas Cookies! Rich, buttery dough infused with the sweetness of butterscotch and crunch from toasted cashews.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped cashews
– 1 tablespoon butterscotch syrup
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in flour mixture and cashews. Stir in butterscotch syrup.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Lemon Glazed Poppy Seed Cookies
Lemon Glazed Poppy Seed Cookies Recipe
These sweet and tangy cookies are perfect for springtime treats or as a snack any time of the year. With a bright lemon glaze and crunchy poppy seeds, you’ll be hooked from the first bite.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup poppy seeds
– Lemon glaze (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar, honey, eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in poppy seeds.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
Lemon Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Combine powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl, whisking until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes per batch
Coconut Macaroon X Mas Cookies
Coconut Macaroon X Mas Cookies Recipe
Get ready to spread holiday cheer with these chewy and delicious Coconut Macaroon Christmas cookies! Made with shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and a hint of vanilla, these treats are perfect for snacking on while wrapping presents or leaving out for Santa.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– Pinch of salt
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Stir in granulated sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt until a dough forms.
4. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Pistachio Rosewater Cookies
A delicate and fragrant cookie that combines the nutty flavor of pistachios with the sweetness of rosewater.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
– 1 tablespoon rosewater
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar.
3. Add softened butter, chopped pistachios, rosewater, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
5. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Conclusion
Get ready to spread holiday cheer with these 18 delicious Christmas cookie recipes! From classic gingerbread to peppermint chocolate chip, and from cranberry white chocolate oatmeal to pecan praline, there’s something for every taste bud. These creative treats include festive sugar cookie cutouts, cinnamon roll cookies, snowball shortbread, and more. Whether you’re a fan of sweet and spicy or nutty and fruity, these recipes are sure to bring joy to your holiday season.
Sophia Brennan is the cook and writer behind Go Jack Rabbit Go. She spent years working in Portland’s restaurant world before bringing that same warm, unfussy approach into her home kitchen. These days, she focuses on simple, comforting recipes inspired by real life, family routines, and the rhythm of cooking without overthinking it.
