All the best, easy Christmas Cookie Recipes and decorating tips for your annual Christmas Cookie bake day or holiday party. Fill your cookie jar with festive homemade cookies, frosted and decorated for the holiday season.
Every holiday has its own fun and bit of magic, but Christmas truly is the most wonderful time of the year where traditions are celebrated and memories are made. It’s a time to gather our loved ones, amend differences, be extra charitable, and remember our blessings.
One of the most special traditionas? Baking! I’ve been developing and sharing recipes for years. That’s led to far too many cookie taste-testing scenarios in my kitchen but it means a plethora of delicious baked goodies for you!
In fact, I’ve provided detailed tutorials and complete guides for everything from Baking with Yeast, to Pumpkin Desserts, Apple Recipes, and even a full Fall Cookie Guide, too.
This post is packed to the brim with tips, tricks, and suggestions for making your Christmas cookie baking so much easier and more fun! Use the convenient table of contents below and find all the printable recipe links at the bottom of this post!
The Best Christmas Cookies
Baking Christmas cookies is definitely one of my favorite traditions. Maybe my favorite! I love to gather with my girls in the kitchen baking up tasty treats to fill the cookie jar.
Christmas cookies make wonderful gifts for teachers, neighbors, and friends. The beauty of the holidays is that there is something for everyone. If baking cookies isn’t your thing, I’m sure we can all get on board with eating them!
I’m going to share with you my best tips for baking Christmas Cookies. I’ve included tools, frequently used ingredients (so you can stock up, if desired!) and of course, my most requested, and favorite Christmas Cookie recipes and holiday treats.
All these Christmas Cookie recipes are so easy to make, festive and delicious! You can also find some of my favorite cookie frosting recipes, toppings, decorating tips and ideas.
Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes
Christmas Cookies are always a favorite. It’s the time of year when I take a little extra time to add a bit of sparkle to each cookie. In fact, we even make Salt Dough Ornaments each year- it’s like baking and crafting combined!
Sugar Cookies are one of our favorite Christmas Cookie Recipes – they are always fun to make with kids, too! The girls love to help me make frosting and decorate them. The options are endless and each cookie is its own work of art.
If you ever feel overwhelmed by building a gingerbread house or cutting out gingerbread men, I have the perfect solution! Create a Sugar Cookie Candy House! It’s so simple and SO much fun! It’s a great Christmas activity without the fuss!
Christmas Cookie Decorations
During the holidays, I love to add a little extra flair to my Christmas Cookie recipes. I like to embellish my cookies with decorations… and even better, so do the kids.
Sometimes I’ve gone all out and other times I’ve taken a more simple route and with adding elegant coarse sugar crystals, lightly sprinkled on top as in my white chocolate cookies. It adds a delicate sparkle for the finishing touch.
Everyone I know loves a frosted and decorated cookie. Christmas cookie frosting is so delicious and smooth. It’s the heavenly last touch, and finishing topping on an already perfect cookie!
Melted chocolate is a perfect finishing touch for cookies. You can drizzle over finished cookies or dip your baked and cooled cookies into the melted chocolate. You can even finish with a few sprinkles.
Here’s a few great ideas for icing and decorating your holiday cookies!
Frosting Recipes
- Caramel Icing
- Apple Butter Icing
- Brown Butter Frosting
- Cinnamon Frosting
- Sugar Cookie Frosting (that looks like Royal but with delicious flavor)
- Buttercream for Sugar Cookies (a melt in your mouth version)
Sprinkles and Toppings
- Coarse Sugar
- Colored Sprinkles
- Candies
- Crushed Peppermint Candies
- Mini Chocolate Chips
- Chopped Nuts (pecans, walnuts, peanuts, almonds)
- Coconut
- Candied Fruit
- Sugared Fruit
- Hershey Kisses
- Powdered Sugar
Christmas Cookie Baking Tips
- Cookies only take a few minutes to bake. The time range is usually 7-10 minutes. The less time in the oven produces a more gooey cookie and more time equals a cruncher cookie. Testing your oven temperature and baking time with a pre batch of only 1 or 2 cookies before baking the entire batch will ensure the rest of the cookie batch is perfect!
- Most ingredients, including refrigerated items such as eggs and butter should be brought to room temperature before using in your recipe.
- Measure ingredients accurately, using liquid and dry ingredient measuring cups.
- Level off dry ingredients using the dull side of a knife. This will ensure an exact amount without packing down your ingredient.
- Read through your recipe beforehand to allow time for chilling, baking, and cooling your cookies.
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Storing Christmas Cookies
Christmas Cookies typically store quite well.
- A Christmas tin or tupperware work perfectly as storage containers.
- Fresh cookies will last at room temperature for about three days, up to seven depending on the style of cookie.
- Cookies can also be frozen. Shortbread and Sugar Cookies freeze especially well. Use parchment to layer undecorated cookies in a freezer safe bag. Freeze up to 3 months.
- Frozen cookies can be removed from the freezer and allowed to thaw at room temperature outside of their bag or container for several hours.
- Cookies can also be microwaved to speed up defrosting.
Shipping Christmas Cookies
- Choose wisely – some cookies ship better than others, like shortbreads, sugar cookies, etc.
- Use food safe materials. Parchment paper is easy to cut to fit any box and of course, food safe.
- Choose sturdy materials. If they need to be airtight, use tins.
- Package your cookies inside a box, then fill a second box with packing material, insert the box and surround it with packing material.
- Don’t skimp on the packing supplies. Save peanuts, bubble wrap, etc to ensure that the box inside the box won’t move.
- Ship USPS Priority. It’s quick, reasonable and can deliver anywhere…even military bases. Lesson learned.
You can get more details on how to ship cookies here.
Baking Tools
Cookie baking doesn’t require many kitchen appliances or utensils, but a few well chosen ones are definitely helpful. I’ve outlined my favorites below as well as some alternatives!
It is me or is baking even more fun with beautiful bakeware?
- KitchenAid Stand Mixer (a handheld mixer will also work well.)
- Cookie Sheet Pans
- Parchment Paper
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Cookie Cutters (set of 6) (18 piece set)
- Silpat
- Rolling Pin
- Spatula
- Icing Spatula
- Cookie Spatula
- Cooling Rack
- Cookie Press
Staple Ingredients for Baking Christmas Cookies
Stock up on these staple ingredients for all of your favorite Christmas Cookie recipes so that you can bake them up on a whim! You can also get my printable list of Essential Baking Supplies as well as this list of Baking Substitutions!
Dry Ingredients
- White Flour
- Granulated White Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Powdered Sugar (also called Confectioners Sugar)
- Course Ground Sugar Granules
- Baking Soda
- Baking Powder
- Cream of Tartar
- Salt
- Ginger
- Cinnamon
- Cinnamon Sugar
- Allspice
- Nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- Vanilla Extract (learn how to make your own- it’s so easy!)
- Molasses
Cold Ingredients
- Butter (salted and unsalted)
- Cream Cheese
Specialty Ingredients
- Cocoa Powder
- Chocolate Chips
- Chocolate Peppermint Chips
- Peanut Butter Chips
- White Chocolate Chips
- Sprinkles
- Shortening
- Candies
- Nuts
- Peppermint Extract
- Butter extract
- Maple Extract
- Almond Extract
- Orange Extract
- Cranberries
- Orange Zest
50 Amazing Christmas Cookie Recipes
All the best, easy, Christmas Cookie Recipes and decorating tips for your annual Christmas Cookie bake day or holiday party. Fill your cookie jar with festive homemade cookies, frosted and decorated for the holiday season.
Classic White Chocolate Chip Cookies rolled in granulated sugar crystals for a beautiful glow and a delicious crunch!
Decorating Cookies doesn't have to be complicated! These amazing, soft and flavorful sugar cookies are dipped in delicious buttercream icing for ease and flavor! They're easy crowd pleasers!
Brown butter gives these classic cookies a rich, nutty flavor.
A festive twist to classic Meringue Cookies dusted in powdered sugar or crystals for a snowy appearance. Drop with a cookie scoop for a no fuss, no mess cookie everyone will love!
A fresh spin on the timeless Snowball Cookies, these Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies are a pecan lover’s dream come true! Incredibly tender and flavorful, these buttery shortbread pecan meltaways are perfect for the holidays.
Another twist on the classic meringe with sugared cranberries and mint leaves!
Bite sized pecan pies wrapped into a delicious cookie! Hello goodness!
No bake? No problem! These melt in your mouth bars are SO good!
These cookies have been a Pinterest sensation and it's no wonder why! They're chewy, crunch and oh so good! They stack beautifully and are pretty to present as a gift to neighbors and friends!
These classic M&M Cookies have the most delicous TWIST! Get the SECRET that makes them better than the rest and bake them up with Christmas colored M&M's!
A mix of oatmeal and chocolate chips stuffed with caramel. Once you bite into one, you just can't stop!
Shortbread cookies are great for gifting becuase they keep incredibly well. Embrace the flavors of the season with this easy Sugar and Spice Shortbread Cookie recipe - or roll them in parchment to freeze for later!
Chocolate chip meringue cookies that offer a nice crunch without all the calories. Dubbed Nighty Night Cookies because the magic happens while you sleep saving precious oven space!
A St. Louis classic! These soft Gooey Butter Cookies are delightfully sweet but balanced thanks to creamy cream cheese. Rolled in powdered sugar they're a beautiful addition to any cookie exchange that will have everyone talking!
These cookies a mix of a little bit of everything and gosh, they're GOOD!
The perfect complement to a cup of coffee.
Quick and easy cookies that kids can't resist! (Okay, adults, too!) Use your favorite Christmas Sprinkles to make them festive!
It's like Christmas - wrapped into a cookie! These Cinnamon Cookies will melt in your mouth!
Add this idea to your Elf on the Shelf list! Miniature cookies!
Calling all chocolate lovers, these cookies are for you!
Chewy and crunchy cookies that are rich in flavor.
Classic thumbprint cookies with a soft, fine texture.
Thick, chewy, fudgy chocolate turtle cookies recipe, caramel stuffed and topped with pecans and sea salt. These are what cookie dreams are made of.
Thick, chewy, brown sugar cookies – a simple sweet and salty cookie recipe that everyone will enjoy! Easy and quick to make, these cookies take just 15 minutes with pantry staples! These melt in your mouth cookies are always a huge hit with the whole family!
A Candy House Sugar Cookie Cake makes a fun, festive, stress free and edible alternative to a gingerbread house! Kids can decorate their Candy House on a sugar cookie cake and eat it, too!
Espresso Cookies are a classic buttery shortbread cookie with a buttery crunch and rich espresso flavor made with staple ingredients and espresso powder. Latte Cookies easy to make and make a beautiful gift for the holidays.
These gooey Cheesecake Cookies (with caramel) are everything you need in your life. It’s just like a caramel cheesecake in bite-size pieces! Keep reading for the must have Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe you’ll make again and again!
Enjoy some of your favorite flavors of the season wrapped up in these delicious Gooey Butter Eggnog Cookies! Soft, gooey and chewy cookies made with bourbon, cinnamon and nutmeg for traditional eggnog flavor in one delicious bite.
Sweet and salty sugar cookies that are full of flavor. Top it with buttercream and they're irresistible.
Foolproof chewy chocolate peppermint cookies are always a favorite Christmas cookie recipe – they’re quick and easy to make with just a handful of simple ingredients. Perfect for cookie exchanges and all of your holiday gatherings. It takes less than 20 minutes to make a huge batch!
The best recipe for Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies. Get the secrets that make these Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies better than the rest.
These Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies are a thick, soft, chewy sugar cookie, topped with a beautiful pool of salted caramel icing! You can easily make a batch in just 20 minutes and they are perfect for cookie exchanges!
These chewy Chocolate Mint Cookies stuffed with Andes candy are for all those chocolate mint lovers! Rich, decadent and chocolate-y, it is the best recipe for Christmas and the holiday season! Serve them to all your friends and family at your next holiday get-together or cookie exchange.
These Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies are as good or better than classic peanut butter cookies! You’ll love these easy, low calorie cookies that are naturally gluten free!
Easy glazed apple pie spice cookies are a fall infused cookie recipe that everyone will love. They are easily stackable and transportable, so they are perfect to take to a coffee morning or cookie exchange.
Chewy chocolate cookies topped with marshmallow cream.
These oatmeal brickle cookies are made with toffee bits for a delicious sweet treat. Easy to make, these tasty cookies will be a hit with the whole family!
Melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies infused with fall flavor using apple butter and apple cider. It’s the subtle twist that captures the essence of fall and makes these Frosted Apple Butter Sugar Cookies irresistible! Easy to make and delicious to eat!
Thick, chewy and crunchy flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Want a taste of heaven? These salted caramel chocolate chip cookies are the stuff that dreams are made of.
A thick and chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar stuffed with Caramel (and a TWIST!)
A classic no bake cookie recipe that is easy and delicious!
These melt-in-your-mouth Peppermint Cookies are the ultimate Christmas treat! These Peppermint Sugar Cookies have a delicately sweet sugar cookie base. They are topped with the best peppermint buttercream and crushed candy canes which will have you dreaming about Christmas all year round!
No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies are easy to make, packed with protein and stuffed with Reese’s Pieces for good measure. They’re made with just 7 ingredients and are ready to devour in 10 minutes!
Ridiculously good Snickers stuffed peanut butter cookie recipe. An easy recipe that gives peanut butter cookies flavor and shape!
Chocolate stuffed peanut butter cookies are irresistible, especially when served warm. Impress your guests with these chocolate peanut butter cookies!
How to make the best Peanut Butter Cookies! These thick and chewy cookies are full of sweet and salty flavor and have a delicious crunch to them! Find out how to make the perfect cookies every single time with this easy recipe!
The best chocolate cookies with peanut butter chips and a secret twist. A recipe so irresistible, you won’t believe they didn’t come from a bakery.
These easy no bake cookies are perfect for when you want a sweet treat in a hurry! These sweet and salty snacks are made with a homemade trail mix and chocolate, and you can make a batch in just 5 minutes! They’re a great treat for the whole family.
Snickerdoodles are a fragrant, soft and deliciously classic cookie. This Easy Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe requires only seven ingredients and no refrigeration! If you’re looking for a Soft Snickerdoodle Recipe, you’re in the right place.
No bake? No problem! Save oven space with these edible cookie dough balls covered in red chocolate for the perfect crunch!
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I hope you enjoy all of these Christmas Cookie recipes! I can’t wait to hear which one is YOUR favorite!
I ?your cookies!!
Thank you!