14 Festive Christmas Cookies Everyone Will Love Baking
Nothing says Christmas quite like the smell of fresh cookies baking in the oven. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want to spend quality time with family, homemade cookies bring joy to everyone.
Get ready to discover delicious recipes that will make your kitchen the most popular spot in the house this season!
1. Classic Sugar Cookies
You can’t go wrong with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat that lets your creativity shine. Roll out the dough, grab your favorite cookie cutters, and watch simple shapes transform into edible art.
Royal icing turns each cookie into a blank canvas. Kids love decorating with sprinkles, while adults enjoy intricate designs that impress holiday guests.
2. Gingerbread Men
Spicy, sweet, and full of personality, each little character brings smiles before anyone takes a bite. Molasses gives them that signature deep flavor, while ginger and cinnamon create warmth perfect for cold winter nights.
Decorating becomes a family tradition when everyone gathers around to give each cookie its own unique face and outfit.
3. Peanut Butter Blossoms
Imagine soft peanut butter dough rolled in sparkly sugar, baked until golden, then crowned with a chocolate kiss. That combination creates pure magic in every bite.
Press the chocolate into the center while the cookies are still warm so it melts slightly. The contrast between nutty and chocolatey flavors makes everyone reach for seconds!
4. Snickerdoodles
Cinnamon sugar coating gives each cookie a crackled appearance and irresistible sweetness. What makes them special is the tangy hint of cream of tartar in the dough, creating that signature snickerdoodle taste.
Bake them just until the edges set but centers stay soft. That perfect chewiness keeps people coming back to the cookie jar all season long!
5. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Fudgy chocolate dough rolled in powdered sugar creates a stunning crackled effect when baked. Each cookie looks like it’s wearing a snowdrift, making them visually striking on any dessert table.
Rich cocoa flavor satisfies serious chocolate lovers while the soft texture melts on your tongue. Don’t skip chilling the dough, or you’ll lose that beautiful crinkle pattern!
6. Shortbread Stars
Only three ingredients stand between you and buttery perfection. Flour, butter, and sugar come together to create a tender cookie that practically dissolves on your tongue.
Cut them into stars for extra holiday charm, then dust with sugar for a snowy effect. The simplicity lets the rich butter flavor shine through without any distractions whatsoever!
7. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Hearty oats and sweet raisins team up to deliver comfort in cookie form. Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth that reminds you of grandma’s kitchen during the holidays.
Chewy edges with soft centers make every bite satisfying. Some people swap raisins for cranberries or chocolate chips, but traditional versions remain timeless favorites year after year!
8. Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
When chocolate meets peppermint, holiday magic happens. Crushed candy canes sprinkled on top add festive color and refreshing crunch that balances the rich cocoa base beautifully.
Each bite delivers cool mint followed by deep chocolate satisfaction. Bake a double batch because they disappear faster than snowflakes on warm pavement during December gatherings!
9. White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
Tart cranberries and creamy white chocolate create a flavor combination that feels both elegant and festive. Bright red berries peek through golden dough, making each cookie look like a miniature celebration.
The sweet-tart balance keeps your taste buds interested with every bite. Add a pinch of orange zest to elevate the flavor profile even further!
10. Thumbprint Jam Cookies
Press your thumb into each ball of dough to create a perfect little well for jam. Raspberry, strawberry, or apricot preserves add jewel-toned beauty and fruity sweetness to buttery bases.
Kids absolutely love helping make the thumbprints, turning baking into quality family time. The finished cookies look fancy enough for gift-giving but remain simple enough for beginners!
11. Molasses Spice Cookies
Deep, dark molasses combines with warming spices to create bold flavor that stands out on any cookie platter. Ginger, cloves, and allspice dance together in perfect harmony.
Chewy texture and intense taste make them ideal for dunking in hot cocoa or coffee. The sugar-coated exterior adds just enough sweetness to balance the robust spices inside!
12. Coconut Macaroons
Shredded coconut bound with sweetened condensed milk creates chewy clouds of tropical flavor. Golden edges provide textural contrast while the centers stay wonderfully moist and tender.
Dip the bottoms in melted chocolate for an extra special touch. Gluten-free naturally, they welcome everyone to the dessert table without compromising on taste or satisfaction!
13. Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Why choose between cocoa and chocolate chips when you can have both? Dark, fudgy dough loaded with melty chocolate morsels satisfies even the most devoted chocoholics.
Slightly underbake them so the centers stay gooey and irresistible. The intense chocolate flavor makes them feel indulgent, turning ordinary moments into something truly special this season!
14. Linzer Cookies
Delicate almond-flavored cookies sandwiched with raspberry jam look like edible stained glass windows. Powdered sugar dusting and heart or star cutouts reveal the jewel-toned filling beneath.
Austrian tradition meets holiday celebration in every elegant bite. They require a bit more effort than drop cookies, but the stunning presentation makes them absolutely worth the extra time!
