10 Tasty Christmas Cookies Ideas for the Holidays
We may earn a commission through all links on this website. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.As the snowflakes start to fall and the fireplace crackles to life, the sweet aroma of freshly baked Christmas cookies wafts through the air, transporting us back to a time of warmth, joy, and festive cheer. For many of us, the tradition of baking Christmas cookies is a beloved holiday ritual, a chance to get creative in the kitchen, share in the joy of giving, and indulge in the sweet treats that bring us closer to loved ones.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a culinary newbie, the possibilities are endless when it comes to Christmas cookie ideas, and we’re excited to share some of our favorite recipes and tips to help you make this holiday season one to remember.
Classic Gingerbread Cookies
Classic Gingerbread Cookies are a beloved holiday treat, known for their warm spices and delightful aroma. These cookies are perfect for decorating with icing and candies, making them a festive addition to any Christmas celebration. Enjoy the sweet, spiced flavor that evokes memories of cozy winter nights and joyful gatherings.
1. In a large bowl, cream together 3/4 cup sugar and 1/2 cup softened butter until smooth. 2. Beat in 1 egg and 1/2 cup molasses until well combined. 3. In another bowl, sift together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon ground ginger, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves. 4. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. 5. Chill the dough for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator. 6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). 7. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into shapes with cookie cutters. 8. Place the cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes. 9. Allow the cookies to cool before decorating with icing and sprinkles.
Peppermint Mocha Crinkle Cookies
Peppermint Mocha Crinkle Cookies are a festive treat that perfectly blend the rich flavors of chocolate and coffee with a refreshing hint of peppermint. These soft and chewy cookies are dusted with powdered sugar, creating a beautiful contrast reminiscent of snowy winter days. Ideal for holiday cookie exchanges or cozy gatherings, these delightful cookies are sure to bring joy to your Christmas celebrations.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. 3. In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of brown sugar until well combined. 4. Add 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the sugar mixture and beat until smooth. 5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. 6. Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of brewed coffee. 7. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. 8. Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them in powdered sugar to coat. 9. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. 10. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops are crinkled. 11. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing
Sugar cookies topped with royal icing are a festive and delightful treat perfect for Christmas celebrations. Their soft, buttery texture pairs wonderfully with the sweet and glossy finish of the royal icing, making them a favorite among holiday baked goods. These cookies can be cut into various holiday shapes, decorated, and enjoyed by all, adding a touch of sweetness to your festive gatherings.
1. In a bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until smooth. 2. Beat in 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract until well combined. 3. In another bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. 4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture until a dough forms. 5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. 6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. 7. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick and cut out shapes with cookie cutters. 8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. 9. Allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating with royal icing. 10. To make royal icing, beat together 2 egg whites and 4 cups of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. 11. Use the icing to decorate the cooled cookies, and let them set for several hours before serving.
Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies
Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combine the rich flavor of chocolate with the warm spices of the season. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with semi-sweet chocolate chips, making them perfect for sharing with family and friends. Decorate them with festive sprinkles or enjoy them plain for a classic Christmas indulgence.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter with 1 cup of brown sugar and 1 cup of granulated sugar until smooth. 2. Beat in 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until well combined. 3. In a separate bowl, mix 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. 4. Fold in 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips. 5. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. 6. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. 7. Allow to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Snickerdoodle Holiday Treats
Snickerdoodle Holiday Treats are a delightful twist on the classic cookie, blending warm cinnamon with a rich buttery flavor. These soft and chewy cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends during the festive season. Their charming appearance and irresistible taste make them a must-have addition to any Christmas cookie platter.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. 3. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. 4. In another bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. 5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. 6. In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon for the coating. 7. Roll the cookie dough into balls, then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. 8. Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. 9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. 10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, blending rich chocolate flavor with a refreshing hint of peppermint. Each bite offers a chewy texture, complemented by the festive crunch of crushed candy canes sprinkled on top. These cookies are perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. 3. In a large bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until creamy. 4. Add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until combined. 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. 6. Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of crushed peppermint candies. 7. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. 8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set. 9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. 10. Optionally, sprinkle more crushed candy canes on top while the cookies are still warm.
Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies
Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies are a festive treat that perfectly capture the holiday spirit. These soft, buttery cookies feature a delightful eggnog flavor and are adorned with a sweet filling in the center. A sprinkle of nutmeg on top adds the finishing touch, making them an inviting addition to any Christmas cookie platter.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 3/4 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. 3. Beat in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined. 4. Gradually mix in 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until a dough forms. 5. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. 6. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create an indentation in the center of each ball. 7. Fill the indentations with your favorite eggnog-flavored or vanilla frosting. 8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. 9. Allow the cookies to cool before dusting them with powdered sugar and serving.
Pecan Snowball Cookies
Pecan Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday season. With their buttery texture and nutty flavor, these cookies are rolled in powdered sugar, resembling little snowballs. They’re perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until smooth. 3. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 cups of all-purpose flour, mixing until combined. 4. Fold in 1 cup of finely chopped pecans. 5. Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden. 7. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before rolling the warm cookies in additional powdered sugar. 8. Allow to cool completely before serving, and enjoy the snowball-like sweetness!
Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies
Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combine the tartness of cranberries with the zesty flavor of orange. These soft and chewy cookies are packed with wholesome oats, making them a scrumptious addition to your Christmas cookie platter. With their bright flavors and chewy texture, they are sure to impress family and friends during the festive season.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. 3. Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, then mix in the zest of one orange and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. 4. In another bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. 6. Fold in 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of dried cranberries, and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts. 7. Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie. 8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. 9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies
White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic cookie, perfect for the holiday season. With their rich white chocolate chunks and crunchy macadamia nuts, these cookies offer a wonderful balance of sweetness and texture. They are sure to become a favorite among family and friends during Christmas gatherings.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 3/4 cup of brown sugar until smooth. 3. Beat in 1 cup of white sugar, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well blended. 4. Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in another bowl; gradually add to the creamed mixture. 5. Stir in 1 cup of white chocolate chips and 1 cup of chopped macadamia nuts. 6. Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets. 7. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. 8. Allow the cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
