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75 Best Christmas Cookie Recipes to Bake This Holiday Season

They're not just for Santa! 😉

By Erin Cavoto and Kara Zauberman
christmas cookie recipespinterest icon
Caitlin Bensel

From gingerbread to sugar cookies—there’s no holiday tradition sweeter than a Christmas cookie plate. That’s why we’ve rounded up our all-time best Christmas cookie recipes for you to make all season long. You’ll find inspiration for unique Christmas cookies with red and green flair and traditional Christmas cookies with old world charm. Looking for a cookie recipe that doubles as a homemade Christmas food gift? Just take Ree Drummond’s word for it and “bake a few different kinds, so the cookie platters look more fun." You can choose from cute cut-out cookies, wintry snowball cookies, and candy cane cookies that make peppermint desserts more fun!

Whether it's an annual cookie exchange, a holiday potluck, or your family's Christmas Eve dinner, there are plenty of Christmas cookies for any occasion this season. Here, you'll find classic cookie recipes, like snowball cookies, Linzer cookies, and Ree's sugar cookie stars, plus creative new recipes, like hot chocolate cookies and red velvet sandwich cookies. Looking for an activity to get the kids involved in the holiday fun? Get out your cutest Christmas cookie cutters and try one of the many ideas for decorating cookies using Christmas sprinkles, frosting, and candy. So what are you waiting for? Cookie baking season has officially begun!

1

Iced Oatmeal Cookies

christmas cookie recipes iced oatmeal cookies
Caitlin Bensel

Making cookies on Christmas brings back lots of childhood memories so why not make a cookie that's just as nostalgic?! Remember these soft-baked oatmeal cookies topped with icing?

Get the Iced Oatmeal Cookies recipe.

SHOP COOKIE SHEETS

2

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

christmas cookie recipes pumpkin sugar cookies
Caitlin Bensel

Pumpkin spice season is still going strong and these pumpkin sugar cookies prove it! Each one is also topped with a pumpkin-flavored icing.

Get the Pumpkin Sugar Cookies recipe.

3

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

christmas cookie recipes peanut butter chocolate chip cookies
Caitlin Bensel

Peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in heaven! You'll want to make these simple cookies again and again.

Get the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe.

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4

Pinwheel Cookies

pinwheel cookies
Caitlin Bensel

Impress all your friends and family with these gorgeous pinwheels decorated with red and green sprinkles. They're similar to shortbread cookies but with even more flair!

Get the Pinwheel Cookies recipe.

5

Snowball Cookies

snowball cookies on teal tree plate
Caitlin Bensel

This Christmas dessert will remind you of the wintry weather outside. They're nutty, sweet, and great for serving up alongside your favorite hot chocolate!

Get the Snowball Cookies recipe.

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6

Rainbow Cookies

rainbow cookies
Caitlin Bensel

The green, white, and red layers of these traditional cookies will add a pop of color to any cookie plate. Plus, they're great for people who prefer a cake-like cookie.

Get the Rainbow Cookies recipe.

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7

Peanut Butter Cookies

peanut butter cookies
Caitlin Bensel

To get that cute crisscross pattern, use a a potato masher to make the imprint! Then, you can put the tool to use for your favorite Christmas sides.

Get the Peanut Butter Cookies recipe.

8

Pizzelle

pizzelle on sheet pan
Caitlin Bensel

These stunning, thin waffle cookies are an Italian tradition. But we've included a few fun variations, like one made with red and green sprinkles!

Get the Pizzelle recipe.

9

Breakfast Cookies

breakfast cookies on teal plate
Caitlin Bensel

Give your kids the gift they really want this Christmas—cookies for breakfast! They're packed with oats, seeds, and puffed rice cereal so you can feel good about it, too.

Get the Breakfast Cookies recipe.

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10

Red Velvet Cookies

red velvet cookies with white chips
Caitlin Bensel

You'll get double the chocolate with these festive red velvet cookies. Each one is studded with both white and semisweet chocolate chips.

Get the Red Velvet Cookies recipe.

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11

Coffee Chocolate Chunk Cookies

coffee chocolate chunk cookies with glaze
Ralph Smith

Calling all coffee lovers! Not only will these cookies taste delicious with a morning cup of joe, but they also have instant coffee granules baked right in!

Get Ree's Coffee Chocolate Chunk Cookies recipe.

12

Cake Mix Cookies

cake mix cookies with rainbow sprinkles on cooling rack
Will Dickey

You only need 5 ingredients to make this super-easy, colorful cookie. It starts with a box of white cake mix for that classic Funfetti flavor.

Get the Cake Mix Cookies recipe.

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13

Texas Sheet Cake Cookies

texas sheet cake cookies with christmas ornaments
Brian Woodcock

The only thing better than chocolate cookies, is chocolate cookies covered in a rich chocolatey glaze! It's just calling for a glass of milk.

Get the Texas Sheet Cake Cookies recipe.

14

Apple Pie Cookies

apple pie cookies on green background
Ralph Smith

Apple pie gets the cookie treatment with this adorable recipe. You can use refrigerated pie dough to make it even easier.

Get Ree's Apple Pie Cookies recipe.

15

Nutella Cookies

nutella cookies on wire rack
Caitlin Bensel

Reach in the back of your pantry for that jar of Nutella to make these decadent cookies. They're perfect for those who love the combination of chocolate and hazelnuts.

Get the Nutella Cookies recipe.

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16

Candy Cane Cookies

candy cane cookies on white plate
William Dickey

Instead of buying candy canes from the store, try making candy cane cookies instead! They even have that peppermint flavor.

Get the Candy Cane Cookies recipe.

17

Caramel Apple Cookies

caramel apple cookies with glaze drizzled
Caitlin Bensel

You'll feel all warm and cozy when you take a bite out of these apple spiced cookies. The secret is using browned butter for even more depth of flavor.

Get the Caramel Apple Cookies recipe.

18

Hot Chocolate Cookies

hot chocolate cookies on pink plate
Brian Woodcock

Just like a cup of hot cocoa, these cookies are rich, chocolatey, and topped with a marshmallow! Be sure to stick the cookies back in the oven so the topping gets soft and melty.

Get Ree's Hot Chocolate Cookies recipe.

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19

Pistachio Star Cookies

pistachio star cookies on blue surface
Ralph Smith

Traditionally made with almonds, these star-shaped cookies are given a new twist by using pistachios instead. They're soft, slightly chewy, and seasoned with cinnamon.

Get the Pistachio Star Cookies recipe.

20

No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies with coconut
Caitlin Bensel

If your oven is working over time this holiday season, try these no-bake cookies instead. You'll still get the joy of cookie making without using up oven space.

Get the No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies recipe.

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