Christmas baking is one of my favorite holiday traditions, and I’ve gathered some of the Best Christmas Cookies to make this season. From classic sugar cookies and pretty decorated cutouts to chocolate favorites and gingerbread treats, there’s something delicious for everyone.
Whether you’re filling a Christmas cookie platter, hosting a cookie exchange, or baking a few batches to share with friends and neighbors, these homemade Christmas cookie recipes are a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays.
Today, I’m sharing a collection of cookies that includes some of my family’s favorites, along with a few creative ideas that are especially fun to make at Christmastime.
My Favorite Christmas Cookie Traditions
There’s something so special about baking cookies during the holidays. I love pulling out my collection of cookie cutters, rolling out the dough, and decorating cookies with colorful icing and sprinkles.
Some of the most iconic Christmas cookies are the simplest ones, like buttery sugar cookies, gingerbread, and chocolate chip cookies. But I also love making something a little different, like miniature gingerbread houses that sit on the rim of a mug or a Christmas tree made from stacked star-shaped cookies.
The best part is that you don’t need to be an experienced baker to enjoy these recipes. Some are easy enough for a casual afternoon of baking, while others are fun projects to make with family and friends.
Personal Note from Janine
As a child, my mom would whip up a big batch of sugar cookie dough, and that’s when the fun would begin. My four brothers and I would completely take over the dining room table, rolling out the dough, cutting out cookies in every shape imaginable, and sprinkling so much sugar on top that you could hardly see the cookie underneath. The whole house smelled like buttery sweetness—it was pure magic.
I still have some of our old cookie cutters—the classic red ones with the little handles! They’re a bit worn, but every time I see them, I’m flooded with memories of those chaotic, sugar-filled afternoons.
This year, I hope to round up all my cookie cutters—old and new—and host a family cookie-baking session. It feels like the perfect way to relive those nostalgic moments and make new memories. The holidays are an excellent time for these fun, creative projects with the family, whether baking cookies, decorating gingerbread houses, or just spending time together.
Cheers,
This Week’s Inspiration – Best Christmas Cookies
I’ve gathered some of my favorite Christmas cookie recipes to share with you this week! You’ll find everything from buttery sugar cookies and chocolate favorites to creative holiday treats that are almost too pretty to eat.
Some of these recipes are wonderful for Christmas cookie exchanges, while others make sweet homemade gifts or festive additions to a holiday dessert table.
Let’s get baking!
Classic Christmas Cookies
These are the kinds of cookies that everyone reaches for during the holidays. They’re simple, delicious, and perfect for filling a Christmas cookie tin.
The Best Crunchy Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you love a cookie with a good crunch, you’ll want to try my Crunchy Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies. They’re thick, packed with chocolate chips, and have that wonderful crispy texture that I love. These are especially good with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
Ranger Cookies (Gluten Free Recipe)
These Ranger Cookies are filled with oatmeal, coconut, cornflakes, and chocolate chips. They have crispy edges and slightly chewy centers, making them a delicious addition to any Christmas cookie platter. You can also make them with my gluten-free flour blend.
The Best Big Thick Oatmeal Cookies
If you enjoy a hearty cookie, these Big Thick Oatmeal Cookies are a wonderful choice. They’re chunky, full of oatmeal, and have a satisfying texture. I love including a few classic cookies like these alongside the more decorative holiday treats.
Pretty Decorated Christmas Cookies
Decorating cookies is one of my favorite Christmas activities. These festive treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, homemade gifts, or a fun afternoon of baking with family.
Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
Discover how to make these unique Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars that are both delicious and visually stunning. The frosting is applied in a painterly fashion, transforming each bar into a beautiful floral scene.
You don’t need any artistic skills to create these simple yet gorgeous flower designs on your Sugar Cookie Bars!
Snowflake Sugar Cookie with Sprinkles
Wow, your friends at your next holiday get-together with our Snowflake Sugar Cookies, each sparkling with gold sprinkles.
They’re not just a joy to look at but a delight to eat, too. Bring a little extra sparkle to your celebrations with these magical treats.
Edible Holiday Wreath (Sugar Cookies)
An Edible Holiday Wreath made out of sugar cookies makes a wonderful treat or gift! I’ve always wanted to create a wreath made out of cookies but needed to devise a way to attach the cookies.
Finally, after watching The Great British Baking Show, I got the courage to tackle this project. And you’re in luck since today I’m sharing my tutorial with you!
Chocolate Christmas Cookies
Of course, every Christmas cookie collection needs a little chocolate! These rich, delicious recipes are wonderful for chocolate lovers and make a nice addition to traditional sugar cookies.
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
If you’re a cookie enthusiast, you’re definitely going to adore my favorite Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies! The only issue I face with these irresistible treats is my inability to stop munching on them.
Even my daughter constantly requests that I bake them!
Triple Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Happy Holidays! Take a look at these Triple Chocolate Chunk Cookies to get a taste of Christmas this year at the Waite’s! Bake a chewy, sweet yet salty, delicious dessert to enjoy during the cold days of Winter or any time of the year. Easy to create, special to serve, and just the right amount of sweetness to your liking.
This recipe is for all of those chocolate-loving, dessert craving kinds of people out there.
Creative Christmas Cookie Ideas
Sometimes I like to make cookies that are a little more playful. These creative Christmas cookie ideas are fun to decorate, display, and share with friends.
Gingerbread House Mug Topper
This adorable Gingerbread House Mug Topper recipe is the best. Make these delicious gingerbread houses for your family or as gifts to give to friends.
Package them with fun holiday treats and candles for perfect Christmas gifts!
Hanging Mug Topper Cookies and Cutter
These adorable Hanging Mug Topper Cookies are the easiest to make. Unlike the complicated mini gingerbread houses mug huggers, these cutout sugar cookies don’t require building a house.
The specially designed cookie cutters create a little notch in each cookie, allowing it to hang neatly on the rim of a mug. They’re such a cute addition to Christmas coffee or hot chocolate!
Christmas Cookie Recipe Twinkle Tree
So a couple of years ago, I found this incredible Christmas cookie recipe, and whenever I need to bake a cookie that keeps its shape, I use it.
And I made it again since this cookie tree requires a cookie that doesn’t spread during the baking process so it’s perfect when creating this holiday masterpiece!
Christmas Cookie Charcuterie Board
A Christmas Cookie Charcuterie Board is always a welcome treat during the holidays! Add homemade cookies and store-bought cookies along with sweet gourmet treats.
Learn how to make this easy Christmas charcuterie board dessert.
More Christmas Cookies from My Friends
The Best Classic Christmas Cookies
I love cookies with royal icing every holiday season. These incredible classic Christmas Cookies are perfect for our Christmas party, check out the recipe.
The Santa Clause Cookies
Officially kicking off the holiday season with The Santa Clause Cookies. Made with double the vanilla and sweet brown sugar, these cookies are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet with hints of caramel throughout. Check out the recipe!
Cookie Gift Tag
The possibilities for a gift wrapping post title are endless. So why not bake a cookie gift tag! Check out the recipe.
Tips for Baking the Best Christmas Cookies
A little preparation makes holiday baking so much easier, especially when you’re making several different kinds of cookies. Here are a few things I like to keep in mind.
- Plan your baking ahead of time. Choose a few different cookie recipes so you have a nice variety of flavors, shapes, and textures.
- Chill your cutout cookie dough. If your recipe calls for chilling, don’t skip this step. It helps the dough hold its shape and makes cutting out cookies easier.
- Let cookies cool before decorating. Warm cookies can cause icing to melt or slide off, so give them plenty of time to cool.
- Mix up your decorations. I love using colorful sprinkles, sparkling sugar, and pretty icing to make Christmas cookies feel extra special.
- Store different cookies separately. Keep crispy cookies away from soft cookies so they maintain their textures.
How to Make a Pretty Christmas Cookie Platter
One of my favorite ways to serve Christmas cookies is to arrange several varieties together on a large platter or tray.
Start with a few larger decorated cookies, then fill in the spaces with chocolate chip cookies, thumbprints, and smaller holiday treats. I like combining different colors and shapes to make the platter look festive.
You can also add a few wrapped chocolates or candy canes for a little extra Christmas color.
Giving Homemade Christmas Cookies as Gifts
Homemade Christmas cookies make such thoughtful gifts for friends, neighbors, and family.
I love the idea of arranging a few different varieties in a pretty cookie tin or gift box. Line the container with parchment paper, separate different cookie types when needed, and finish with a simple ribbon.
Make sure the cookies have cooled completely and any icing has set before packaging them. For the freshest results, follow the storage recommendations for each recipe.
My Amazon Finds – Christmas Cookies
A Little More Christmas Inspiration
I hope these Christmas cookie recipes give you a few new ideas for your holiday baking! Whether you’re making a batch of chocolate chip cookies, decorating sugar cookies, or putting together a festive cookie platter, there’s something special about sharing homemade treats with family and friends.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season filled with delicious cookies and happy memories!
Cheers,
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