Christmas is around the corner, and that means it’s time for holiday baking! There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh cookies wafting through the house to bring everyone together. What’s better than sharing delicious homemade treats with family and friends?

This collection of 20 delightful Christmas cookie recipes is sure to spread joy and cheer. Each recipe will add a touch of magic to your holiday celebrations, making it a special time for both baking and bonding.

Enjoy the festive season with these delightful treats!

1) Peppermint Bark Cookies 🎄🍪

📋 Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 🍫
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies 🍬

📝 Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
3. Add vanilla extract, peppermint oil, and salt, then mix until combined.
4. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
7. Melt the semisweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 20 seconds.
8. Once cookies are cooled, spread melted chocolate over each one.
9. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top and let them set.

These cookies bring a wintery touch to any holiday table, mixing buttery goodness with a hint of peppermint. Perfect for sharing with family and friends! 🎅❤️

2) Gingerbread Men 🎄🍪

📋 Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

📝 Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla, and mix well.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
6. Roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut out gingerbread men with a cookie cutter.
7. Place the shapes 1 inch apart on prepared sheets.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are set. Let cool on sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
9. Decorate with icing if desired. Enjoy with a glass of milk! 🥛

📝 Notes:

• The dough can be made ahead and chilled for easier handling.
• Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

3) Snickerdoodle Reindeer Bites 🦌🍪

📋 Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Red and green sugar for decoration
• Mini pretzels (for antlers)
• Chocolate chips (for eyes)
• Red M&Ms (for noses)

📝 Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix well.
4. Gradually stir in flour and baking powder until just combined.
5. Roll dough into 1.5-inch balls.
6. Flatten each ball slightly and decorate with red and green sugar.
7. Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Add mini pretzels for antlers, chocolate chips for eyes, and red M&Ms for noses.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes.
10. Cool cookies on a wire rack before serving.

These cute Snickerdoodle Reindeer Bites make a perfect festive treat! 🦌✨

4) Classic Sugar Cookies 🍪

📋 Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups white sugar
• 1 egg 🥚
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 3 to 4 tablespoons buttermilk

📝 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
4. Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract; mix well.
5. Gradually add flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in buttermilk until dough is soft but not sticky.
6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
7. Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass. Sprinkle with sugar if desired.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges are golden.
9. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

5) Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies 🍪🥚

📋 Ingredients:

• ¾ cup butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup eggnog
• ½ teaspoon rum extract
• Nutmeg for sprinkling
• 2 ½ cups finely chopped nuts (like pecans)

📝 Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined.
4. Gradually mix in the flour and salt, forming a soft dough.
5. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them on the baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
6. Press your thumb gently into the center of each ball, creating an indent.
7. In a small bowl, mix eggnog and rum extract together. Spoon this mixture into each thumbprint indentation.
8. Sprinkle a little nutmeg and roll each cookie in the chopped nuts.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
10. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before enjoying them with a glass of milk. 🥛🎄

6) White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies 🍪🍒

📋 Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips

📝 Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix well.
3. Combine the flour and baking soda in a separate bowl. Gradually add to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
4. Fold in dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
5. Drop tablespoonfuls of dough 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned and centers are set.
7. Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
8. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

📝 Notes:
◻️ For extra flavor, add a pinch of salt to the dough mixture.
◻️ Use a mix of white chocolate chips and chunks for a more varied texture.

7) Pistachio and Cherry Christmas Wreaths 🍪🎄

📋 Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped pistachios 🥜
• 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries 🍒
• Green food coloring (optional)

📝 Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Slowly add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Stir in green food coloring if desired for a festive touch.
5. Gently fold in the pistachios and cherries to the dough.
6. Roll tablespoons of dough into balls. Press a hole through the center using your thumb to create a wreath shape.
7. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 9-11 minutes. Cookies should be set but not browned.
9. Let cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

📝 Notes: ◻️ These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings. 🎉

8) Nutmeg Log Cookies 🍪

📋 Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 3 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

📝 Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter with the vanilla and almond extracts until smooth.
3. Gradually beat in the sugar, then mix in the egg.
4. In another bowl, combine the flour, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, blending well.
6. Shape the dough into logs about 1/2 inch in diameter and cut into 3-inch pieces.
7. Place logs on a greased cookie sheet, leaving some space between each.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly browned.
9. Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool for 2 minutes on the sheet.
10. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutmeg log cookies are a delightful holiday treat with a hint of spice, perfect for gift-giving or enjoying with a cup of tea.

9) Red Velvet Snowballs 🎄🍪

📋 Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Red food coloring
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, for coating

📝 Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix the butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, vanilla, and red food coloring until fluffy.
3. Gradually add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix until a crumbly dough forms.
4. Stir in the chopped pecans.
5. Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes. Let them cool for 5 minutes.
7. Roll each cookie in the remaining powdered sugar to coat.
8. Serve these delightful red velvet snowballs for a festive treat!

🎁 Great for Christmas gift boxes or holiday gatherings! Enjoy these bite-sized treats with their rich cocoa flavor and festive color.

10) Candy Cane Blossoms 🎄🍬

📋 Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg 🥚
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons whole milk 🥛
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt 🧂
• 24 candy cane Hershey Kisses 🎁

📝 Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually mix these dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture until combined.
6. Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Remove from the oven and press a candy cane Hershey Kiss in the center of each cookie.
9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

🎉 Enjoy these festive cookies with friends and family!

11) Shortbread Stars ✨

📋 Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened 🧈
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

📝 Instructions:

1. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
2. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
3. Gradually stir in the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
5. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
6. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
7. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies. Place them on an ungreased baking sheet.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes.
10. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Enjoy these festive treats with a cup of tea or coffee! ☕️✨

12) Hot Cocoa Cookies 🍪☕

📋 Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips 🍫
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

📝 Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
3. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. In another bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows.
7. Drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until edges are set.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy these delightful hot cocoa cookies with a warm cup of cocoa! ☕

13) Raspberry Linzer Cookies 🍪🍓

📋 Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup raspberry jam
• Powdered sugar for dusting

📝 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy.
3. Add vanilla, then slowly mix in flour, almond flour, and salt until combined.
4. Divide dough in half, flatten each into a disc, and chill for 1 hour.
5. Roll dough on a floured surface to 1/8 inch thick.
6. Use a circular cutter to create cookies. Cut smaller shapes from the centers of half.
7. Place on baking sheet and bake for 9-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
8. Cool completely on a wire rack.
9. Spread raspberry jam on whole cookies and top with cookies with cutouts.
10. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

📝 Notes:
◻️ Swap raspberry jam with your favorite fruit preserves for variety.
◻️ Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

14) M&M Christmas Cookie Bars 🍪

📋 Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips 🍫
• 1 1/2 cups M&M’s, divided

📝 Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in chocolate chips and 1 cup of M&M’s. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
7. Sprinkle the remaining M&M’s on top for a colorful finish.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before cutting into bars.

🎉 Enjoy delicious M&M Christmas Cookie Bars with friends and family! 🎄

15) Grinch Cookies 🎄🍪

📋 Ingredients:

• 1 box white cake mix
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• Green food coloring
• Red heart sprinkles ❤️

📝 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, melted butter, and eggs until combined.
3. Add green food coloring until the desired Grinch shade is reached. Mix well.
4. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
5. Press a red heart sprinkle onto the top of each cookie.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set. The centers might look soft.
7. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Serve during a holiday party or enjoy with a festive movie!

📝 Notes: ◻️ Add red and green M&Ms for extra color and flavor! ◻️ No need to chill the dough, making these great for a quick treat. ◻️ Perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges and for sharing the holiday spirit!

16) Peppermint Mocha Cookies 🍪☕️

📋 Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• Crushed candy canes for topping

📝 Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, espresso powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto prepared baking sheets.
8. Lightly press each dough ball and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set.
10. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy these delightful treats with a warm cup of cocoa! 🎄

17) Maple Pecan Biscotti 🍁🌰

📋 Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon maple extract
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup maple syrup

📝 Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt together.
3. Using another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and maple extract to the butter mixture. Mix well.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
6. Fold in the chopped pecans and drizzle with maple syrup.
7. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 10 inches.
8. Place logs on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten slightly.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool for 10 minutes.
10. Slice logs into 1/2-inch slices. Place slices cut-side down on the baking sheet.
11. Bake again for 10-15 minutes until crisp.
12. Let cool completely and enjoy with coffee or tea! ☕🍪

18) Salted Caramel Pretzel Cookies 🥨🍪

📋 Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips 🍫
• 1 cup crushed pretzels 🥨
• 1 cup soft caramels, cut into small pieces 🍬

📝 Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually blend into the creamed mixture.
5. Fold in chocolate chips, pretzels, and caramel pieces until evenly distributed.
6. Use a spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Enjoy these sweet and salty treats with friends and family! 🎄

19) Snowflake Macarons ❄️

📋 Ingredients:

• 3 large egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup almond flour
• Food coloring (optional)
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for filling)
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

📝 Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, whip egg whites until frothy. Add salt.
2. Gradually add granulated sugar, mixing until soft peaks form. Add food coloring if desired.
3. Sift almond flour and powdered sugar into the egg whites. Fold gently.
4. Pipe small circles onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Tap to remove air bubbles.
5. Let shells dry for 30 minutes until a skin forms. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
6. Bake macaron shells for 15-20 minutes or until set. Cool completely on wire racks.
7. For the filling, beat butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
8. Pair macaron shells and pipe filling onto one side. Sandwich together.
9. Decorate with a snowflake stencil and powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Sprinkle some magic with these Snowflake Macarons! 🥳

20) Christmas Lights Cookies

🎄🍪 Christmas Lights Cookies 🎄🍪

📋 Ingredients:

• 1 batch sugar cookie dough
• 1 cup royal icing
• Mini M&Ms for “lights”
• Tube of black icing for “wires”

📝 Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the sugar cookie dough on a floured surface.
2. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on a lined baking sheet.
3. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden. Let them cool.
4. Spread royal icing on the cooled cookies. Let it set for a few minutes.
5. With the black icing, draw “wires” across the cookies.
6. Press mini M&Ms onto the “wires” to create colorful “lights.”
7. Let the cookies sit until the icing hardens.
8. Share these festive treats during holiday celebrations! 🎉