20 Christmas Cookie Recipes That Will Make Santa Jealous

by

I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.

Christmas cookies are a sweet tradition that brings joy to the holiday season. The smell of fresh-baked treats fills the air, making homes feel cozy and festive. You can find a cookie recipe for every taste, from classic sugar cookies to gingerbread, chocolate chip, and more.

Baking Christmas cookies is a fun activity to do with family and friends. You can decorate them together, swap recipes, or host a cookie exchange party. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert baker, there’s a recipe that’s perfect for you. Get ready to create some delicious memories this holiday season!

Sugar Cookies

You’ll need these ingredients for yummy Christmas sugar cookies:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Now let’s make the cookies! Here are the steps:

  1. Mix the butter and sugar until fluffy.

  2. Add the egg and vanilla. Beat well.

  3. In another bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder.

  4. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Mix until dough forms.

  5. Chill dough for 1 hour.

  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  7. Roll out dough and cut into shapes.

  8. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

  9. Cool on wire rack before decorating.

Your sugar cookies are ready to decorate! Use colorful icing and sprinkles to make them festive. These cookies are perfect for leaving out for Santa or sharing with friends and family.

Gingerbread Cookies

You’ll need these ingredients to make yummy gingerbread cookies:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Now let’s make the cookies! Here are the steps:

  1. Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl – flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.

  2. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla. Mix well.

  3. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until you have a soft dough.

  4. Chill the dough for at least 2 hours.

  5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough and cut into shapes.

  6. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly browned. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.

  7. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate as you like!

You’ve just made delicious gingerbread cookies! Enjoy them with a glass of milk or share with friends and family.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here’s a yummy recipe for Christmas chocolate chip cookies! These treats are sure to bring holiday cheer.

Ingredients:

  • 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
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups chocolate chips
  • Optional: 1/2 tsp cinnamon for extra festive flavor

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

  3. In another bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.

  4. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.

  5. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

  6. Fold in chocolate chips.

  7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.

  9. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Christmas chocolate chip cookies!

Snickerdoodles

Here’s what you’ll need for these classic Christmas cookies:

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the cinnamon-sugar coating:

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Now, let’s make these yummy treats!

  1. Mix the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.

  2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.

  3. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

  4. Chill the dough for 30 minutes.

  5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

  6. Mix the sugar and cinnamon for the coating in a small bowl.

  7. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

  8. Place cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.

  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

  10. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack.

Enjoy your warm, soft snickerdoodles with a glass of milk!

Peanut Butter Blossoms

Get ready to bake some yummy peanut butter blossoms! These cookies are perfect for Christmas or any time of year.

See also  2-Ingredient Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Extra sugar for rolling
  • 24 chocolate kiss candies

Now let’s make these tasty treats!

  1. Mix butter, peanut butter, and both sugars until fluffy.

  2. Beat in the egg and vanilla.

  3. In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.

  4. Slowly add dry ingredients to the butter mixture.

  5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll in extra sugar.

  6. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.

  7. Press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie right after baking.

  8. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack.

Enjoy your peanut butter blossoms with family and friends!

Shortbread Cookies

You’ll love these classic Christmas shortbread cookies! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

  2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.

  3. Gradually stir in the flour and salt until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix!

  4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.

  5. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets.

  6. Chill the cookies in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.

  7. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown.

  8. Let cool on the baking sheets for a couple minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

  9. Once completely cool, decorate as desired or enjoy plain!

These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are perfect for gifting or leaving out for Santa. Happy baking!

Snowball Cookies

Ready to make some delicious snowball cookies? Here’s what you’ll need:

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 chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Extra powdered sugar for coating

Now, let’s get baking!

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. In a large bowl, beat the butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

  3. Mix in the flour and salt until well combined. Stir in the chopped nuts.

  4. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

  5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden on the bottom.

  6. Let the cookies cool for a few minutes, then roll them in extra powdered sugar while still warm.

  7. Once completely cool, give them a second roll in powdered sugar for that perfect snowy look.

Your snowball cookies are now ready to enjoy! They’re perfect for holiday parties or as a sweet treat with a cup of hot cocoa.

Thumbprint Cookies

You’ll love these classic Christmas thumbprint cookies! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup jam (your favorite flavor)

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla.

  3. Add the flour and salt. Mix until the dough comes together.

  4. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on the baking sheet.

  5. Use your thumb to make a small indent in each cookie.

  6. Fill each indent with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam.

  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.

  8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

  9. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your homemade thumbprint cookies! They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holidays.

Spritz Cookies

Ready to make some delicious spritz cookies? Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

  3. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix well.

  4. Gradually add the flour and salt. Mix until the dough comes together.

  5. Load the dough into a cookie press fitted with your chosen design disk.

  6. Press cookies onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

  7. Bake for 7-9 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.

  8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.

  9. Decorate with sprinkles or drizzle with melted chocolate if you like.

Your spritz cookies are now ready to enjoy! They’ll stay fresh in an airtight container for up to a week.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

You’ll need these ingredients for tasty oatmeal raisin cookies:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup raisins
See also  Cuban Mojo Pork Recipe

Now let’s make the cookies! Here are the steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla.

  3. In another bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir this into the butter mixture.

  4. Fold in the oats and raisins.

  5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.

  6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

  7. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack.

Your oatmeal raisin cookies are ready! Enjoy them warm with a glass of milk.

Linzer Cookies

Ready to make some yummy Linzer cookies? Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup raspberry jam
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Now let’s get baking!

Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine the flours and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.

Shape the dough into a disk and chill for at least 2 hours.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough and cut into shapes. Make sure half have a small hole in the center.

Bake for 9-11 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool completely.

Spread jam on the solid cookies. Place the cut-out cookies on top and dust with powdered sugar.

Enjoy your homemade Linzer cookies! They’re perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holidays.

Fruitcake Cookies

You’ll need:

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 cups mixed candied fruits and nuts

Here’s how to make them:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.

  2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. This takes about 5 minutes.

  3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.

  4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

  5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined.

  6. Fold in the candied fruits and nuts.

  7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets.

  8. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.

  9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack.

Enjoy your homemade fruitcake cookies! They’re perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of year.

Butter Cookies

These classic Christmas cookies are easy to make and delicious! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.

  3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.

  4. Mix in the flour and salt until just combined. Don’t overmix!

  5. Roll out the dough and cut into shapes with cookie cutters.

  6. Place cookies on ungreased baking sheets.

  7. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.

  8. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

You can decorate these cookies with icing or sprinkles if you like. They’re perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa!

Candy Cane Cookies

You’ll love these festive treats! Here’s what you need to make candy cane cookies:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Red food coloring

Now let’s get baking! Follow these easy steps:

  1. Mix butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and extracts.

  2. Stir in flour and salt to form dough. Split in half.

  3. Color one half red. Chill both for 30 minutes.

  4. Roll 1 teaspoon of each color into 5-inch ropes.

  5. Twist ropes together and shape into candy canes.

  6. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

Your kitchen will smell amazing! These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holidays. Kids love helping to shape the dough into candy canes too.

Eggnog Cookies

Ready to make some festive eggnog cookies? Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup eggnog
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Now let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps:

  1. Mix the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl.

  2. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugars until fluffy.

  3. Add egg yolks, eggnog, and vanilla to the butter mixture. Beat until smooth.

  4. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.

  5. Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.

  6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  7. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto lined baking sheets.

  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

  9. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

See also  Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe

Your eggnog cookies are now ready to enjoy! They’re perfect for holiday parties or leaving out for Santa.

Gingersnaps

Ready to bake some crispy, spicy gingersnaps? Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup molasses
• Extra sugar for rolling

Now let’s get baking!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Set it aside.

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and molasses. Gradually stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture.

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Dip each ball in sugar. Place them 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The cookies will be golden brown and slightly cracked on top when done. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack.

Your gingersnaps are ready to enjoy! They’re perfect with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea.

Rum Balls

These no-bake treats are perfect for the holidays! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafers
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup rum
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • Extra powdered sugar for rolling

Directions:

Mix the crushed wafers, pecans, sugar, and cocoa in a big bowl.

Add the rum and honey. Stir until it forms a thick dough.

Shape the mix into 1-inch balls with your hands.

Roll the balls in powdered sugar to coat them.

Put the rum balls in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.

You can store these yummy treats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

The flavors will get even better after a few days!

Pecan Sandies

Ready to make some yummy pecan sandies? Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Now let’s get baking! Follow these easy steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

  2. In a big bowl, mix the soft butter and powdered sugar until creamy.

  3. Add vanilla and stir it in.

  4. Slowly mix in the flour and salt until the dough comes together.

  5. Fold in the chopped pecans.

  6. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.

  7. Gently press each ball with a fork to flatten it a bit.

  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.

  9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.

  10. Move them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Your pecan sandies are done! They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holidays.

Biscotti

Want to add a fancy Italian touch to your Christmas cookie platter? Try making some crunchy biscotti! These twice-baked treats are perfect for dunking in coffee or hot cocoa.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds or pistachios work great)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Now let’s get baking:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

  3. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and vanilla. Add this to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.

  4. Fold in the nuts and cranberries.

  5. Shape the dough into two logs on the baking sheet.

  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until lightly golden.

  7. Let the logs cool for 10 minutes, then slice diagonally into 3/4-inch pieces.

  8. Lay the slices cut-side down on the baking sheet.

  9. Bake again for 10-12 minutes on each side until crisp.

  10. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Macaroons

Ready to try a delightful Christmas cookie? Macaroons are a tasty treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 2 2/3 cups shredded coconut
  • 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large egg whites
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Mix coconut, condensed milk, and vanilla in a bowl.

  3. In another bowl, beat egg whites and salt until stiff peaks form.

  4. Gently fold the egg whites into the coconut mixture.

  5. If using, stir in chocolate chips.

  6. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.

  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

  8. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Your macaroons are now ready to enjoy! These sweet, chewy cookies are sure to be a hit at your Christmas gatherings.