There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the air during the holiday season. Christmas cookies are a cherished tradition, bringing warmth, sweetness, and a sense of togetherness to every home. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned cookie enthusiast, these 25 recipes will add a touch of magic to your holiday celebrations. From classic favorites to new, original twists, there’s something here to delight every taste bud. You can also explore these recipes in a cookbook for beginners, which makes it easy to get started with baking. And if you want to expand beyond cookies, why not book cakes as well, and discover even more delightful holiday treats to share with loved ones?
1. Baci di Dama
These Italian “Lady’s Kisses” cookies are nutty, tender, and filled with creamy chocolate ganache. Baci di Dama are great for adding a sophisticated touch to your holiday table. They’re also easy enough for beginners, perfect if you want a quick and impressive holiday dessert.
2. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
For an easy Christmas cookies recipe that’s full of rich chocolate flavor, chocolate crinkle cookies are the way to go. Their powdered sugar coating creates an irresistible crackled effect that everyone loves. This chocolate crinkle cookies recipe is both a visual delight and a treat for your taste buds.
3. Chocolate Diamond Cookies
Bring some elegance to your dessert table with these delightful diamond-shaped cookies. Buttery and crisp, they’re ideal for enjoying with a warm coffee or as a comforting treat with tea in the evening.
4. Chocolate Salami
An unconventional, no-bake cookie-like dessert, chocolate salami is filled with crushed cookies, nuts, chocolate, and sometimes a dash of rum. This chocolate salami recipe makes a great conversation starter for your Christmas party.
5. Chocolate Snowballs
Chocolate Snowballs are melt-in-your-mouth cookies rolled in shredded coconut, giving them a “snowy” appearance. They’re easy, quick, and ideal for a holiday cookie platter.
6. Christmas Cookies
A traditionalChristmas gingerbread cookiesrecipe that’s timeless and customizable. Use different holiday cutters and icing designs to make these cookies uniquely yours, or let the kids take over decorating for a fun family activity.
7. Christmas Macarons
Brighten up your festivities with this beautiful Christmas macarons recipe. These deep-red macarons, topped with delicate snowflake decorations, are filled with a delightful mix of vanilla ganache and berry coulis.
8. Coconut Snowballs
Fluffy, coconutty, and delightfully easy to make, these sweets are perfect for adding variety to your holiday desserts. Be warned – they vanish fast, so consider doubling the recipe!
9. Diamond Cookies
Another French classic, these diamond cookies are easy to make but endlessly satisfying, perfect for sharing at any festive gathering. They’re crisp, buttery, and loved by all ages!
10. Hedgehog Cake Pops
Creating these Hedgehog Cake Pops takes a little extra effort, especially with the adorable spikes, but it’s a great way to get the whole family involved. Festive and tasty, they’ll delight anyone who takes a bite!
11. Kipferl Cookies
Kipferl are classic Christmas cookies traditionally shaped like little crescents. But for a quicker, simpler twist, try the French approach! Just roll the dough into tubes, slice, coat in vanilla sugar, and bake for 15 minutes – delicious Kipferl, ready to enjoy!
12. Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Jam
Linzer cookies are a holiday treat that’s as delightful to look at as they are to eat. With vibrant red raspberry jam framed by a dusting of powdered sugar, they make a stunning addition to any dessert table.
13. Nantes Cookies
These shortbread Nantes cookies bring a touch of French elegance with their simple, charming pattern and golden crust. Crispy and crumbly, they’re a perfect addition to your festive cookie plate.
14. Oatmeal and Cranberry Cookies
These hearty oatmeal and cranberry cookies are a perfect match with a warm glass of milk – a cozy Christmas treat everyone will love!
15. Oatmeal Cookies
Simple, wholesome, and made without wheat flour, these oatmeal cookies are a comforting classic. Quick to bake, they’re perfect for enjoying at home with a cozy cup of tea.
16. Pecan Roll Cookies
Rich and nutty, these Pecan Roll Cookies are perfect for anyone who loves nuts in their holiday desserts. Rolled in crushed pecans, they offer a crunchy, buttery texture that’s hard to resist.
17. Pine Cone Cookies
These crumbly, chocolatey cookies are a festive treat that’s easy to bake. Let the kids join in by pressing unique designs on each cookie – pine cone prints or anything your imagination inspires!
18. Spiral Cookies
These colorful spiral cookies add a fun pop of color to any cookie platter. They’re easy to make and add a touch of whimsy that’s sure to delight both kids and adults.
19. Turtle Thumbprint Cookies
If you’re looking for the best Christmas cookies recipe, these Turtle Thumbprints are a must-try! Rolled in crushed pecans and filled with silky vanilla caramel, they’re a chocolate-caramel delight impossible to resist!
20. Vanilla Apple Marshmallows
Not quite a cookie, these marshmallows , with their snow-white look and snowflake-light texture, are a delicious holiday treat. They’re perfect for adding something light and fluffy to balance richer cookies.
21. Vanilla Moon Cookies
Delicate, crumbly, and bursting with vanilla flavor, these cookies melt in your mouth and keep you reaching for more! Quick to bake and irresistibly tasty, they’re perfect for the holidays.
22. Viennese Chocolate Sable
These elegant chocolate cookies are a must for chocolate lovers. With two crumbly swirls held together by a rich, creamy ganache, they’re delightfully chunky and perfect for special occasions.
23. Walnut Cookies
This walnut cookies recipe is the best! Soft on the inside, crisp on the outside, and filled with nuts and melty chocolate chunks, they’re perfect with a cold glass of milk. Try them with walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts – or a mix of all!
24. Walnut Flower Cookies
Crisp, crunchy, and flower-shaped, these cookies are simple to make and full of festive joy. They’re beautifully delicious with any nuts, so pick your favorite and bake a delicious batch for your holiday cookie tray.
25. Walnut-Shaped Cookies with Condensed Milk
These walnut-shaped cookies, filled with condensed milk, are a traditional treat that never disappoints. Their distinctive shape and sweet filling make them one of the most popular cookies at any gathering.
The Joy of Baking Christmas Cookies
Christmas is a season of tradition, joy, and gathering with loved ones – and baking cookies is a cherished part of that magic. This collection of the 25 best Christmas cookie recipes is here to inspire you, filling your home with the comforting aroma of freshly baked holiday treats.
Designed for both beginners and experienced bakers, this cookbook offers recipes that make every moment special and every bite delightful. From simple classics like Chocolate Crinkle Cookies and Coconut Snowballs to more intricate treats like Christmas Macarons and Walnut-Shaped Cookies, there’s a cookie for every occasion and every skill level. Whether you’re baking for gifts, family gatherings, or simply to spread festive cheer, these recipes promise joy and flavor in every batch.
So, grab your copy of the ebook, turn on your favorite holiday tunes, and let the baking begin!