Cookie season calls for sparkle, color, and flavors that stand out on the holiday table. Each recipe offers something delightful—festive shapes, glossy icing, warm spices, and buttery sweetness. Kids and adults alike can join the decorating fun, turning baking into an activity as joyful as the cookie itself. From classic snowballs to creative twists, there’s plenty to gift or enjoy. A plate of cookies becomes holiday cheer in edible form.
Thumbprint Cookies with Chocolate
These thumbprint cookies get a decadent upgrade with a creamy chocolate ganache center. The buttery, tender dough creates the perfect texture contrast with the smooth, rich filling. Easy to bake and impossible to stop at one, they’re a treat that feels elegant but stays effortless.
Get the Recipe: Thumbprint Cookies with Chocolate
Sugar Cookie Recipe for Rolled and Cut-Out Cookies
This soft, sweet sugar cookie dough rolls and cuts beautifully for holiday shapes or any fun baking day. Frost with a simple icing and finish with sprinkles for a colorful touch. Great for decorating with kids, gifting, or festive cookie platters.
Get the Recipe: Sugar Cookie Recipe for Rolled and Cut-Out Cookies
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
Tender, delicate, and coated in powdered sugar, these pecan snowball cookies melt in your mouth with every bite. The toasted pecans add nutty richness that pairs perfectly with the buttery dough. A simple classic that never loses its charm during the holidays or any time of year.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
Old-fashioned Ginger Cookies
These ginger cookies balance crisp edges with soft, chewy centers and a warm spice aroma that feels nostalgic and cozy. A touch of ginger gives them just the right kick without overwhelming sweetness. Familiar yet special, they’re the kind of cookie that disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Old-fashioned Ginger Cookies
Reindeer Sugar Cookies
Cute, festive, and full of personality—reindeer sugar cookies bring instant holiday cheer. Simple decorations like chocolate antlers and red noses make them fun to assemble and even better to share. A great choice for cookie exchanges or family baking traditions.
Get the Recipe: Reindeer Sugar Cookies
Red Velvet Cake Cookies
Soft, chewy red velvet cookies meet white and semi-sweet chocolate chips for a double-chocolate bite. They’re rich, festive, and visually stunning with their deep red color. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or whenever you need a decadent cookie moment.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Cake Cookies
White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
Creamy white chocolate meets tart dried cranberries for a sweet-tangy cookie that balances flavor beautifully. They bake soft and chewy with pops of brightness in every bite. A year-round favorite that also shines on holiday dessert plates.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
Red Crinkle Cookies
Coated in powdered sugar and baked to a crackled finish, these red crinkle cookies look as festive as they taste. Soft, chewy texture meets subtle cocoa flavor for a crowd-pleasing batch every time. They’re fun to roll, fun to bake, and even more fun to snack on.
Get the Recipe: Red Crinkle Cookies
Peppermint Mocha Cookies
These cookies transform a favorite cafe drink into a dessert—with chocolate chips, peppermint pieces, and cozy mocha flavor. Soft and fudgy, they deliver the perfect mix of rich and refreshing. A holiday bake you’ll want to repeat every December.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Mocha Cookies
Red and Green Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
Cake mix makes these colorful Christmas cookies incredibly quick and foolproof to bake. Bright red and green add instant holiday flair without extra effort. Ideal for last-minute sweets, cookie boxes, or baking with kids.
Get the Recipe: Red and Green Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
Almond Flour Sugar Cookies
These almond-flour sugar cookies bake crisp, thin, and lightly sweet for a healthier take on a classic. They’re great for gluten-free or grain-free baking without compromising texture. A simple treat with just the right balance of wholesome and indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Almond Flour Sugar Cookies
Cinnamon Lattice Cookies
Soft cookies scented with warm cinnamon are woven into a beautiful lattice pattern that looks impressive on a platter. Despite their elegant design, they’re easy to assemble and fun to make. A cozy bake that tastes as festive as it looks.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Lattice Cookies
Chocolate Dipped Almond Horn Cookies
These almond horn cookies are crisp, chewy, and finished with a rich chocolate dip for extra indulgence. A traditional Italian favorite, they bring sophistication to any holiday spread. Perfect for gifting or pairing with coffee.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Dipped Almond Horn Cookies
Christmas Butter Cookies: Southern Holiday Funfetti Bites
Buttery, colorful, and cut into bite-sized pieces, these cookies bring pure holiday fun. Sprinkles add cheerful flair that makes them irresistible for parties and gifting. A simple, festive bake you’ll want to make every year.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Butter Cookies: Southern Holiday Funfetti Bites
Glazed Sugar Cookies
These swirled glazed sugar cookies look beautiful and taste even better with their soft bite and sweet finish. The glaze adds color and shine without being too heavy or overly sweet. A festive, easy option that disappears quickly from the cookie tray.
Get the Recipe: Glazed Sugar Cookies
Christmas Cookies with MMs
Classic soft cookies dotted with colorful M&Ms make a fun, family-friendly treat any time of year. Swap in seasonal colors for holidays or use leftover candy for a no-waste bake. They’re quick to mix and always a hit at parties, potlucks, or afternoon snacks.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Cookies with MMs
