Best Christmas Cookie Recipes: Sweet Traditions for the Holidays

Nothing brings people together during the holidays like the warm, comforting scent of fresh-baked Christmas cookies filling the home. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering, gifting homemade treats, or just enjoying a cozy moment by the fire, Christmas cookies are an essential part of the season.

From classic sugar cookies to indulgent gingerbread, these recipes will add a sprinkle of joy to your holiday celebrations. Let’s dive into some of the best Christmas cookie recipes to try this year!

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1. Classic Sugar Cookies

Why They’re a Favorite:

Sugar cookies are a holiday staple. Their soft, buttery texture and ability to be decorated in endless ways make them perfect for kids and adults alike. Whether you love sprinkles, frosting, or just a little dusting of powdered sugar, sugar cookies are a canvas for creativity.

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
• Sprinkles, colored sugar, or frosting (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and extracts, and mix until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet. Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass.
6. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are golden. Let cool before decorating with sprinkles or frosting.

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2. Gingerbread Cookies

Why They’re a Favorite:

These spicy, molasses-flavored cookies are a holiday tradition and perfect for decorating. The dough is sturdy enough to make gingerbread men or houses, and the cookies hold their shape well when baked.

Ingredients:

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup unsulfured molasses
• Royal icing or candy decorations (for decorating)

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together. Add the egg and molasses, mixing well.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
6. Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes.
7. Cool completely before decorating with royal icing or candy.

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3. Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Why They’re a Favorite:

The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint is a holiday favorite. These cookies have the perfect balance of minty freshness and chocolaty goodness.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugars together. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies.
5. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 9–11 minutes or until edges are golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

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4. Snowball Cookies (Mexican Wedding Cookies)

Why They’re a Favorite:

These soft, buttery cookies are coated in powdered sugar, giving them a snowball-like appearance. They’re rich and crumbly, perfect for a delicate holiday treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
• Pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar. Add vanilla extract and mix.
3. Slowly add flour, chopped nuts, and salt, mixing until combined.
4. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until cookies are light golden brown.
6. Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar and allow to cool.

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5. Thumbprint Cookies

Why They’re a Favorite:

These cookies are easy to make, and the center of each cookie is filled with jam, chocolate, or even caramel. The thumbprint creates a little pocket for these delicious fillings, making them irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2 cup fruit preserves (such as raspberry or apricot)
• Chopped nuts (optional, for rolling)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together.
5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Press your thumb into the center of each ball to make a small indentation.
6. Fill the center with a teaspoon of fruit preserves.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
8. Let cool before serving or gifting.

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6. Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

Why They’re a Favorite:

Biscotti is a crunchy, twice-baked cookie that’s perfect for dipping in coffee or hot cocoa. The combination of tart cranberries and salty pistachios gives it a festive flair.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup shelled pistachios

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, and mix until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients, followed by cranberries and pistachios.
5. Shape dough into two logs and place on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool slightly.
7. Slice logs into 1/2-inch thick pieces and place back on the baking sheet. Bake for another 10–12 minutes.
8. Let cool before serving.

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Conclusion: Bake, Share, and Enjoy!

Christmas cookies are more than just treats—they’re a tradition, a way to show love, and a way to bring family and friends together. Whether you prefer the classic sugar cookie or something more adventurous like cranberry pistachio biscotti, these recipes are sure to make your holiday season even sweeter. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready for some delicious holiday baking!