12 Festive Holiday Cookie Recipes That Will Make Your Season Merry and Bright!
April 9, 2025 | by Roz L
The holiday season is here, and nothing spreads joy quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home.
These 12 festive holiday cookie recipes will not only tantalize your taste buds but also fill your heart with the warmth of the season.
Whether you’re gathering around the fireplace with family or hosting a holiday party, these delightful treats will brighten your celebrations.
So, grab your mixing bowls and let’s get baking with these easy and fun holiday cookie recipes that everyone will love!
1. Classic Gingerbread Cookies
Nothing says ‘holiday cheer’ quite like the classic gingerbread cookie!
These spiced delights are perfect for decorating and spreading joy, making them a staple during the festive season. The aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg baking will instantly lift your spirits and fill your home with holiday magic.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon ground ginger
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 egg
– 1/2 cup molasses
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, cloves, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and molasses, mixing well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, forming a dough.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into shapes.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes and let cool before decorating.
Tips:
– Use royal icing for intricate decorations.
– For a softer cookie, reduce the baking time slightly.
These cookies also make for great gifts when packaged in festive boxes!
2. Peppermint Bark Cookies
These delightful peppermint bark cookies bring together the flavors of chocolate and mint in one festive treat!
With a rich chocolate base topped with white chocolate and crushed candy canes, these cookies are a deliciously sweet way to celebrate the season. The combination of textures and flavors will surely impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 eggs
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until combined.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients.
4. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
5. Once cooled, melt white chocolate and drizzle over the cookies, then sprinkle with crushed peppermint.
Tips:
– Make sure to let the white chocolate cool before adding to prevent it from melting the cookie.
– For a fun twist, try adding a dash of espresso powder to the chocolate cookie dough for a mocha flavor!
These cookies are perfect for holiday parties or as a sweet gift for neighbors.
3. Snowball Cookies
Snowball cookies, also known as Mexican wedding cookies, are delightful little bites of sweetness that resemble snowy treats!
These buttery cookies, rolled in powdered sugar, melt in your mouth and are perfect for holiday gatherings. Their simplicity and charm make them a beloved classic during the festive season.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
– Extra powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar. Stir in vanilla.
3. Gradually add flour and nuts, mixing until combined.
4. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Allow them to cool slightly before rolling in powdered sugar.
Tips:
– For added flavor, try using almond extract instead of vanilla.
– You can also swap out the nuts for chocolate chips for a different twist!
These cookies are perfect for snacking and make delightful gifts when packed in decorative tins!
4. Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies
These cranberry orange oatmeal cookies are a delightful twist on the classic oatmeal cookie!
The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange creates a refreshing flavor that will brighten your holiday gatherings. Plus, oatmeal adds a nice chewy texture, making these cookies a satisfying treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– Zest of 1 orange
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
4. Stir in oats, cranberries, and orange zest until combined.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Tips:
– For extra chewiness, add a tablespoon of honey to the dough.
– These cookies freeze well, so batch bake and enjoy later!
They are a fantastic addition to any holiday cookie platter and a unique gift for loved ones.
5. Chocolate Chip Reindeer Cookies
Add a playful twist to your holiday cookie platter with these adorable chocolate chip reindeer cookies!
Not only are they delicious, but they also bring a smile to everyone’s face with their fun decorations. Perfect for kids and adults alike, these cookies are a great way to get everyone involved in the baking fun!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Pretzel twists, red M&Ms for decoration
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, then fold in chocolate chips.
4. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
5. Once cooled, decorate each cookie with pretzel twists for antlers and red M&Ms for noses.
Tips:
– Use mini chocolate chips for a more festive look.
– Allow kids to decorate their own cookies for a fun activity!
These cookies are not just tasty; they also make memorable gifts during the holiday season!
6. Eggnog Sugar Cookies
Bring the festive flavor of eggnog into your cookies with these delicious eggnog sugar cookies!
Perfectly soft and chewy, these cookies are spiced with nutmeg and vanilla, capturing the essence of holiday cheer. They are a delightful addition to any holiday gathering and a must-try for eggnog lovers!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup eggnog
– 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and eggnog until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing until smooth.
4. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Tips:
– For a fun twist, drizzle with eggnog glaze after baking.
– These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week!
They also make great gifts when packaged in festive boxes or tins!
7. Hot Chocolate Cookies
Indulge in the cozy flavors of a warm cup of hot chocolate with these delicious hot chocolate cookies!
These cookies are rich, chocolatey, and filled with mini marshmallows, making them a festive treat that everyone will love. Perfect for cold winter nights, these cookies will warm your heart and satisfy your sweet cravings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, then fold in mini marshmallows.
4. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Tips:
– For an extra chocolatey kick, add chocolate chips to the dough.
– Serve warm for the best gooey marshmallow experience!
These cookies are perfect for holiday parties and make a delightful gift when packaged in cute bags!
8. Pecan Pie Cookies
Enjoy the classic flavors of pecan pie in cookie form with these delicious pecan pie cookies!
These soft, chewy cookies are filled with the rich flavors of brown sugar, corn syrup, and toasted pecans, making them a perfect treat for the holiday season. They combine the best of both worlds – cookies and pie!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1/2 cup corn syrup
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, then fold in pecans and corn syrup.
4. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Tips:
– For best results, toast pecans before adding them to the dough.
– These cookies are wonderful served warm or at room temperature!
They also make a lovely gift when packaged in decorative containers!
9. Sugar Cookie Cutouts
Sugar cookie cutouts are a timeless holiday classic that everyone loves!
These cookies are versatile, easy to decorate, and can be made in fun shapes for every holiday occasion. The sweet, buttery flavor pairs perfectly with colorful icing and sprinkles, making them a hit for both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 2 eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture to form a dough.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into desired shapes.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes until just golden. Allow to cool before decorating.
Tips:
– Use royal icing for beautiful decorations.
– Let kids help with the decorating for a fun family activity!
These cookies are perfect for holiday parties and make great gifts when decorated with care!
10. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Chocolate crinkle cookies are a delightful treat that looks as good as they taste!
These soft, fudgy cookies are rolled in powdered sugar before baking, creating a beautiful crinkle effect that reveals rich chocolate inside. They are perfect for any holiday gathering and are sure to impress your guests with their appearance and flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 2 eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Stir in vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until combined.
4. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes. Roll into balls, then roll in powdered sugar.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes until crinkled.
Tips:
– Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps with the crinkle texture!
– For a fun twist, add chocolate chips to the dough!
These cookies are great for cookie exchanges and make delightful gifts!
11. Almond Joy Cookies
These almond joy cookies are a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of the classic candy bar in cookie form!
Packed with coconut, chocolate, and almonds, these cookies are a delightful treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth. They are perfect for holiday gatherings and can even be given as gifts!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup shredded coconut
– 1 cup chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup chopped almonds
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, then fold in coconut, chocolate chips, and almonds.
4. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Tips:
– For added flavor, toast the shredded coconut before adding it to the dough.
– Drizzle melted chocolate on top of the cooled cookies for a finishing touch!
These cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday cookie tray!
12. Linzer Cookies
Linzer cookies are a beautiful and delicious way to celebrate the holidays!
These elegant sandwich cookies, filled with raspberry or apricot jam, are not only delightful to eat but also a feast for the eyes. The cutout design reveals the jam inside, making them a perfect centerpiece for any cookie platter.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup raspberry or apricot jam
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients to form a dough.
4. Roll out the dough and cut into shapes, making sure to cut out the center of half the cookies.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes and let cool before sandwiching with jam and dusting with powdered sugar.
Tips:
– Use a fine mesh sieve to dust powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
– These cookies are perfect for gifting or as a treat for holiday parties!
They add a touch of elegance to any cookie tray and are always a crowd-pleaser!
Conclusion
This holiday season, treat yourself and your loved ones to these 12 festive holiday cookie recipes that are sure to spread joy and cheer.
From classic gingerbread cookies to elegant linzer cookies, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Get your baking supplies ready, gather your family and friends, and create beautiful memories in the kitchen while making these delicious festive treats!
