I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.
Christmas cookies are a sweet part of holiday traditions. You can find many tasty recipes to try, from classic sugar cookies to spicy gingerbread. There are over 100 delicious Christmas cookie recipes to choose from, with options for every taste and skill level.
Baking Christmas cookies is fun for the whole family. You can decorate them with icing and sprinkles or keep them simple. Some popular choices are snowballs, pinwheels, and almond layered cookies. No matter which you pick, your house will smell amazing and your taste buds will thank you.
Sugar Cookies
You’ll need:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Mix the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla, then mix well.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture.
Chill the dough for 1 hour. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll out the dough and cut into shapes. Place on lined baking sheets.
Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Let cool before decorating.
For icing, mix 2 cups powdered sugar with 2-3 tbsp milk and 1/2 tsp vanilla. Add food coloring if you like.
Gingerbread Cookies
You’ll need:
- 3 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
Instructions:
Mix flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and molasses, mix well.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing after each addition.
Form dough into a ball, chill for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll out dough, cut into shapes.
Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
Cool on wire rack before decorating.
Snickerdoodles
You’ll need:
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 2 3/4 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Instructions:
Mix 1 1/2 cups sugar and butter until fluffy. Add eggs and blend well.
Combine flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Add to butter mixture.
Mix 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in cinnamon-sugar mix.
Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden.
Cool on wire racks.
Enjoy your tasty Christmas snickerdoodles!
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Chocolate kisses
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix shortening and peanut butter until well blended.
Add sugars and beat until fluffy.
Stir in egg, milk, and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture.
Roll dough into small balls and place on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake for 8-10 minutes.
Remove from oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
Let cool on wire racks.
Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies
You’ll need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- Optional: 1/2 cup red and green M&Ms
Instructions:
Mix flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
In another bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
Add eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture. Stir well.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Fold in chocolate chips and M&Ms if using.
Chill dough for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets, leaving space between cookies.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Candy Cane Cookies
You’ll need:
- 1 cup shortening
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- Red food coloring
Instructions:
Mix shortening, butter, and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs and extracts.
Whisk flour and salt, then combine with wet ingredients.
Split dough in half. Color one half red.
Chill dough for 3-4 hours.
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Roll 1 tsp of each color into 5″ ropes.
Twist ropes together and shape into candy canes.
Bake 8-10 minutes until edges are light brown.
Cool and enjoy your festive treats!
Jam Thumbprints
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup jam (your favorite flavor)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract.
Slowly add flour and salt. Mix until dough forms.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place on baking sheets.
Make a small indent in each cookie with your thumb.
Fill each indent with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack.
Enjoy your homemade jam thumbprints!
Meringue Cookies
You’ll need:
- 3 egg whites
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
To make these festive treats:
Preheat your oven to 200°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Beat egg whites until foamy, then add cream of tartar and beat until soft peaks form.
Gradually add sugar while beating, then mix in vanilla. Beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
Add food coloring if desired. Spoon mixture into a piping bag with a star tip.
Pipe cookies onto prepared sheets. Make tree shapes by zigzagging wider at the bottom.
Sprinkle with decorations if you like.
Bake for 1 hour, then turn off oven and let cookies cool inside for another hour.
Gently remove from parchment and enjoy your light, crispy meringues!
Pecan Sandies
You’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- Extra powdered sugar for coating
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix butter and sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla and blend well.
Stir in flour and pecans until combined.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden.
Let cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar while still warm.
Cool completely and enjoy your homemade pecan sandies!
Red Velvet Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions:
Mix flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla, and food coloring.
Gradually mix in dry ingredients. Fold in white chocolate chips.
Chill dough for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto sheets, 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set.
Cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Soft Molasses Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions:
Mix flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a bowl.
Beat butter and brown sugar until creamy. Add egg and molasses, mix well.
Slowly add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Stir until dough forms.
Chill dough for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll dough into 1.5-inch balls. Coat with granulated sugar.
Place on ungreased baking sheet, 2 inches apart.
Bake for 9-11 minutes.
Cool on baking sheet for a few minutes before moving to wire rack.
Enjoy your soft, chewy molasses cookies!
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
You’ll need:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Beat butter and sugars until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stir until just combined.
Fold in oats and raisins.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack.
Enjoy your homemade oatmeal raisin cookies!
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Red food coloring
Instructions:
Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add egg and vanilla, mix well.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until combined.
Divide dough in half. Add red food coloring to one half, leaving the other plain.
Roll each dough half into a rectangle on parchment paper.
Place red dough on top of plain dough. Roll up tightly from the long side.
Wrap in plastic and chill for 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice dough into 1/4-inch rounds.
Place on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 oz unsweetened chocolate, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
Mix oil, melted chocolate, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl.
Stir in eggs one at a time.
Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll chilled dough into 1-inch balls.
Coat each ball in powdered sugar.
Place cookies 1 inch apart on lined baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookies look slightly underdone.
Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/3 cup eggnog
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg in a bowl.
Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg yolks, eggnog, and vanilla.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture.
Chill dough for 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out dough and cut into shapes.
Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are golden.
Cool on wire rack before decorating.
Snowball Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
- Extra powdered sugar for coating
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Beat butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl until creamy.
Mix in flour and salt until combined. Stir in chopped nuts.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place on prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned on the bottom.
Let cookies cool for a few minutes.
Roll warm cookies in extra powdered sugar. Cool completely.
Roll cookies in powdered sugar again for an extra snowy look.
Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in egg yolks and vanilla.
Add flour and salt. Mix until dough forms.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place on baking sheet.
Make a thumbprint in each cookie. Fill with raspberry jam.
Bake for 12-14 minutes until lightly golden.
Cool on wire rack before serving.
Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 12 large marshmallows, cut in half
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in egg and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Add to butter mixture and mix well.
Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place on prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 8 minutes. Remove from oven and press a marshmallow half onto each cookie.
Return to oven for 2 more minutes. Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Christmas Tree Cookies
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Green food coloring
- Sprinkles or candy decorations
Instructions:
Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture.
Add green food coloring until desired shade is reached.
Chill dough for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll out dough and cut into tree shapes.
Bake for 8-10 minutes.
Cool completely before decorating with icing and sprinkles.
Fluffernutter Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix peanut butter, butter, and brown sugar until creamy.
Add egg and vanilla, then mix well.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture.
Scoop dough onto baking sheets.
Make a small indent in each cookie and fill with marshmallow fluff.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack.
Enjoy your sweet and gooey Fluffernutter Cookies!
Rocky Road Cookies
You’ll need:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
Mix flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add to butter mixture.
Fold in chocolate chips, marshmallows, and nuts.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set. Let cool on sheets for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack.
Enjoy your delicious Rocky Road Cookies!
Butter Pecan Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Beat butter and sugars until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mix well.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture. Fold in toasted pecans.
Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown.
Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Grinch Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Green food coloring gel
- Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the cake mix, eggs, melted butter, peppermint extract, and green food coloring in a large bowl.
Roll the dough into small balls. Coat each ball in powdered sugar.
Place the coated balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Grinch-tastic cookies!
Maple Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and maple syrup until smooth.
Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Fold in the oats and raisins.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Iced Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Mix butter and sugars until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla, beat well.
Pulse oats in a food processor. Combine with flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Chill dough for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden. Cool completely.
Mix icing ingredients until smooth. Dip cookie tops in icing or drizzle over them.
Let icing set before serving. Enjoy your delicious iced oatmeal cookies!