The Pioneer Woman’s Ultimate Christmas Cookie Collection
Ree Drummond knows how to make the holidays magical, and her Christmas cookie collection proves it.
From classics like snickerdoodles to creative treats like hot chocolate cookies, there’s something here for everyone.
Bake for a party or simply fill your kitchen with incredible aromas—these recipes will make your season unforgettable.
1. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Rich chocolate flavor meets stunning presentation in these show-stopping treats.
The powdered sugar coating cracks beautifully as they bake, creating a gorgeous contrast against the dark chocolate base. Your friends will think you spent hours making them, but they’re surprisingly simple.
Perfect for cookie exchanges because they look fancy without requiring decorating skills. The fudgy center stays soft for days, making them ideal for gift boxes.
Kids love helping roll these in sugar before baking.
2. Chocolate-Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies
Minty freshness and chocolate decadence come together in one irresistible bite.
Press your thumb into the center of each cookie before baking, then fill with peppermint-infused chocolate. The combination tastes like the holidays in cookie form.
Everyone at your holiday gathering will reach for seconds. The chocolate base is rich without being overly sweet, letting the peppermint shine through.
Make the filling extra special by using quality chocolate.
3. Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies
Tart cranberries and bright citrus transform ordinary oatmeal cookies into something extraordinary.
Fresh orange zest adds zing that wakes up your taste buds with every bite. These cookies taste lighter than traditional oatmeal versions, making them perfect for breakfast alongside coffee.
The chewy texture comes from rolled oats that give each cookie satisfying substance. Pack them in lunches or enjoy them as afternoon snacks.
They’re hearty enough to keep you full.
4. Mexican Wedding Cookies
Buttery, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, these cookies have earned their place at celebrations worldwide.
Rolling them in powdered sugar while still warm creates a sweet coating that sticks perfectly. The ground pecans or walnuts inside add richness without overwhelming the delicate texture.
One bite and they practically dissolve on your tongue. Make extra batches because they disappear faster than you’d expect.
Perfect with hot cocoa or coffee on cold winter evenings.
5. Fruitcake Cookies
All the festive flavors of traditional fruitcake without the heaviness or the jokes.
Candied fruits and nuts pack each cookie with color and texture that screams celebration. These chewy treats convert even fruitcake skeptics into believers.
The cookie format makes them way more approachable than dense fruitcake loaves. Bake them ahead since they stay moist for weeks when stored properly.
Your holiday dessert table needs this modern twist on a classic.
6. Hot Chocolate Cookies
Imagine your favorite winter drink transformed into cookie form, complete with gooey marshmallow topping.
Rich chocolate cookies get crowned with a marshmallow that toasts perfectly under the broiler. The result looks impressive and tastes like sitting by a fireplace with a warm mug.
Kids go absolutely wild for these, and adults love them just as much. The marshmallow stays soft and stretchy even after cooling.
Serve them warm for maximum cozy vibes.
7. Gingersnaps
Spicy warmth and satisfying crunch make these cookies a holiday essential.
Ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves create a flavor combination that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas while baking. The edges get crispy while the centers stay slightly chewy.
Dunk them in milk or tea for a comforting afternoon treat. The molasses adds depth and a beautiful dark color.
These cookies improve with age, developing even better flavor after a day or two.
8. Italian Christmas Cookies
Soft, cake-like texture meets sweet glaze and festive sprinkles in these celebration cookies.
The dough contains ricotta cheese, which keeps them incredibly moist and tender. Almond extract gives them authentic Italian flavor that grandmothers would approve of.
Top them with bright icing and rainbow sprinkles for maximum holiday cheer. They’re substantial enough to satisfy without being too heavy.
Make them for Christmas parties where they’ll vanish within minutes of arriving.
9. No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies
When you need cookies fast but don’t want to turn on the oven, this recipe saves the day.
Peanut butter and chocolate combine with oats for a treat that sets up in the refrigerator. The texture is chewy with a slight crunch from the oats.
Mix everything in one pot on the stovetop, drop spoonfuls onto waxed paper, and wait for them to firm up. Perfect for hot summer days or last-minute baking emergencies.
They’re ready in under thirty minutes.
10. Nutella Thumbprints
Hazelnut lovers rejoice because these cookies deliver maximum Nutella in every bite.
The buttery cookie base provides the perfect vehicle for that creamy chocolate-hazelnut filling. Press your thumb into each cookie before baking to create the perfect well.
Fill them generously with Nutella while they’re still warm so it melts slightly into the cookie. The combination is absolutely addictive.
Make extra because people will definitely come back for more of these treats.
11. Lemon Meltaways
Light, buttery, and bursting with citrus brightness, these cookies practically dissolve on your tongue.
Fresh lemon zest and juice give them authentic flavor that tastes nothing like artificial lemon. The texture is incredibly tender thanks to cornstarch in the dough.
Roll them in powdered sugar for a snowy finish that looks elegant on any dessert table. They offer a refreshing break from heavy chocolate cookies.
Perfect for people who prefer lighter, less sweet treats during the holidays.
12. No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
Classic simplicity meets nostalgic flavor in these stovetop wonders that require zero oven time.
Cocoa powder, butter, and sugar melt together before getting mixed with oats and peanut butter. The result is fudgy, chewy, and ready to eat in minutes.
Drop spoonfuls onto waxed paper and let them cool until firm. Kids can help make these since there’s no hot oven involved.
They’re the ultimate quick fix when cookie cravings strike unexpectedly.
13. Nutella Cookies
Sometimes the simplest recipes create the most amazing results, and these prove it perfectly.
The dough contains mostly Nutella, which means intense hazelnut-chocolate flavor in every bite. They bake up with crackly tops and soft, fudgy centers.
You only need a few ingredients, making them perfect for beginner bakers. The cookies spread slightly while baking, creating thin, crispy edges.
Serve them with cold milk for the ultimate snack that disappears way too quickly.
14. Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies
Festive red color and tangy cream cheese filling make these cookies absolute showstoppers at any gathering.
The red velvet base has subtle cocoa flavor that doesn’t overpower the buttermilk tang. Press indentations before baking, then fill with sweetened cream cheese frosting.
They taste like red velvet cake in convenient cookie form. The color alone makes them perfect for Christmas dessert tables.
Everyone will ask for the recipe after trying just one of these beauties.
15. Pecan Crescent Cookies
Delicate crescent shapes and toasted pecans create cookies that feel fancy but aren’t difficult to make.
The dough is tender and buttery, with finely chopped pecans adding nutty richness throughout. Shape them into crescents before baking for an elegant presentation.
Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar until completely coated. They’re perfect for formal holiday gatherings or afternoon tea.
The texture is crumbly and light, melting away as you eat them slowly and savor every bite.
16. My Favorite Sugar Cookies
Every baker needs a go-to sugar cookie recipe, and Ree’s version delivers perfectly every single time.
The dough holds its shape beautifully when cut into festive forms, making decorating a breeze. Soft centers and slightly crisp edges create ideal texture.
Use royal icing and sprinkles to transform plain cookies into edible art. Kids love decorating these for parties or leaving them for Santa.
The recipe makes enough for a crowd, so you can share the holiday joy widely.
17. Snickerdoodles
Cinnamon-sugar coating and tangy flavor make these cookies timeless favorites that never go out of style.
Cream of tartar gives snickerdoodles their characteristic slight tang that balances the sweetness. Roll the dough balls in cinnamon-sugar before baking for that signature crackly top.
They’re soft and chewy with crispy edges that provide textural contrast. The warm spice flavor works perfectly for fall and winter celebrations.
Bake a batch whenever you need something comforting and familiar.
18. Salted Caramel Cookies
Sweet meets salty in these sophisticated cookies that taste like they came from an expensive bakery.
Pockets of gooey caramel hide inside each cookie, creating surprise bursts of sweetness. A sprinkle of sea salt on top balances everything perfectly.
The brown sugar base adds depth and chewiness that keeps people reaching for more. They’re impressive enough for special occasions but easy enough for weeknight baking.
The flavor combination feels modern and trendy while still being totally accessible.
19. Pecan Sandies
Crumbly, buttery texture and toasted pecan flavor create cookies that practically melt away as you eat them.
The dough is incredibly short, meaning it contains lots of butter and little moisture. Toasting the pecans before adding them amplifies their nutty flavor significantly.
These cookies have a sandy texture that gives them their name. They’re not overly sweet, letting the butter and pecans shine through.
Perfect with coffee or tea when you want something simple yet satisfying.
20. Red Velvet Cookies
Cake-like softness and cream cheese frosting transform these cookies into handheld versions of everyone’s favorite cake.
The red color makes them festive for Valentine’s Day and Christmas celebrations alike. Cocoa powder adds subtle chocolate notes without making them taste like chocolate cookies.
Top each one with a generous swirl of cream cheese frosting for authentic red velvet flavor. They’re substantial enough to satisfy serious sweet tooths.
Serve them at parties where they’ll definitely steal the spotlight.
21. Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
Versatile dough that holds its shape perfectly makes decorating these cookies an absolute joy instead of a frustration.
Roll the dough to even thickness, cut festive shapes, and bake until the edges just start to turn golden. The cookies stay soft while being sturdy enough to handle without breaking.
Decorate with royal icing, fondant, or simple glaze depending on your skill level. Kids love helping cut shapes and adding colorful decorations.
These are essential for holiday baking traditions.
22. Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Rich chocolate flavor meets the versatility of sugar cookies in this genius combination that decorates beautifully.
The dough contains cocoa powder that creates deep chocolate flavor without making the cookies taste like brownies. Cut them into shapes and decorate with colored icing for stunning contrast.
They’re perfect for people who find regular sugar cookies too plain. The chocolate base pairs wonderfully with peppermint, vanilla, or cream cheese frosting.
Your cookie platter needs this darker, more sophisticated option.
23. Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies
Holiday eggnog flavor baked right into sugar cookies creates something truly special for the season.
Nutmeg and rum extract give these cookies authentic eggnog taste that adults particularly appreciate. The dough cuts and bakes beautifully, holding intricate shapes without spreading.
Ice them with cream-colored frosting and dust with nutmeg for extra festivity. They taste like the holidays in convenient, portable form.
Serve them at parties alongside actual eggnog for a themed dessert experience that guests remember.
24. Gingerbread Cookies
Spicy, sweet, and perfect for decorating, gingerbread cookies define Christmas baking for many families worldwide.
The blend of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses creates that unmistakable flavor everyone associates with the holidays. The dough rolls out smoothly and holds detailed shapes beautifully.
Decorate gingerbread people with royal icing faces and buttons, or keep them simple with just a dusting of sugar. They’re sturdy enough to hang on Christmas trees as edible ornaments.
No holiday season feels complete without these spiced beauties.
