15 Best Holiday Cookie Recipes
Besides decorating the house and wrapping endless presents, the holidays are all about indulging. And right after you've forked into that last bite of herb-roasted turkey or juicy brisket, you know you'll need a sweet bite to end the night. That's why we've rounded up a list of the best Christmas cookie recipes you can bake with your loved ones this holiday season.
From coconutty Santa's Whiskers to chai-sprinkled-snowmen to oversized ginger cookies, you'll want to try your baking skills on these irresistible holiday cookies. Whip out the cookie cutters and baking aprons and get to decorating!
And for more, check out these 15 Classic American Desserts That Deserve a Comeback.
Gingerbread Cookies
The cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and molasses lend this dessert a warm and robust flavor while scenting your home with the most comforting aromas. These classic cookies will be the highlight of the cookie spread this year.
Get our recipe for Gingerbread Cookies.
Death by Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Think of this confection as devil's food cake meets Starbucks' peppermint mocha latte. The decadent cocoa base makes for a tasty foundation for crushed peppermint candies and sweet white chocolate.
Get the recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.
Looking for more holiday cooking inspiration? The Best Christmas Recipe in Every State has more recipes you'll want to try.
Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies
Spruce up your tried-and-true chocolate chip cookie recipe with white chocolate chips and holiday sprinkles. This recipe begins with a quick and easy Betty Crocker mix, so you know you won't be spending too long in the kitchen.
Get the recipe from Lil' Luna.
And to make sure you get all of your baking recipes right, see The 30 Worst Mistakes You're Making When Baking Cookies so you know what to avoid!
Mini Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
With a crunchy shell that houses gooey, oozing fudge, these are sure to be a hit. They're super indulgent and chocolatey, so you'll want to pair them with a tall glass of milk. And you'll want to know The Single Best Way to Keep Homemade Cookies Fresher for Longer so you can eat them all week!
Get the recipe from Pinch of Yum.
Eggnog-Frosted Chai Snickerdoodle Snowmen
Here, snowmen bodies are molded with snickerdoodle cookies and topped with a chai-scented eggnog frosting. You can also enlist the kids' help to craft the snowmen's hats out of mini Reese's cups. The best part? They're ready in just a half-hour!
Get the recipe from Half Baked Harvest.
Grinch Heart Cookies
You may remember this line from the 1996 film: "Well, in Whoville, they say that the Grinch's small heart grew three sizes that day." Dyed green and heart-shaped, these creative cookies might as well be the edible embodiment of the Christmas spirit.
Get the recipe from The Girl Who Ate Everything.
Eggnog Cookies
Rather than sipping on eggnog during Christmas dinner, why not bake up the dessert version of this creamy beverage? The holiday-staple-turned-cookie is crafted with a delicious combo of nutmeg, cinnamon, butter, eggs, vanilla, and—you guessed it—real eggnog. And if you need a recipe for the seasonal drink, see The Single Best Way to Make Eggnog You've Never Tried.
Get the recipe from Lil' Luna.
Santa's Whiskers Cookies
This green-and-red-studded confection may look holiday-esque, but it tastes like the ultimate tropical retreat. These rounds are rolled in coconut flakes and peppered with chopped maraschino cherries and almonds.
Get the recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction.
Big Soft Ginger Cookies
Whether you're baking something up for a holiday potluck or looking to leave Santa something a little extra special, these ginger cookies go a long way. Drizzle the cookies in a thick sugar glaze, or try dipping one half in melted chocolate for a festive flair.
Get the recipe from Flour On My Face.
Maple Glazed Sugar Cookies
Who doesn't love a good maple-infused dessert? These traditional sugar cookies get a double dose of holiday flavors with gingerbread spices laced into the dough and a rich maple glaze.
Get the recipe from Creme de la Crumb.
Santa Claus Cookies
Nutter Butter cookies make up Santa's face, while white chocolate and sprinkles make for Mr. Claus' hat and beard. Semi-sweet chocolate chips and M&Ms act as the eyes and nose. These are too cute, and they're sure to be a hit!
Get the recipe from The Girl Who Ate Everything.
Peppermint Bark Cookies
A rich chocolate cookie is coated in peppermint white chocolate for a truly mouthwatering treat that can be served on both Hanukkah and Christmas tables. Consider these cookies the iconic thin mint's more fun cousin.
Get the recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction.
Snowball Cookies
These fluffy, six-ingredient cookies are laced with chopped pecans and dusted with a generous helping of powdered sugar. Not only do they melt in your mouth thanks to the butter, but they also boast a nice crunch due to the sweet nuts.
Get the recipe from Lil' Luna.
Four-Ingredient Hot Chocolate Cookies With Toasted Marshmallows
Transform your favorite wintry beverage into a portable, post-dinner treat. These four-ingredient cookies start with Pillsbury cake mix and swap traditional frosting with a toasted marshmallow. You can even add some crushed graham crackers to the cake mix for a s'mores twist.
Get the recipe from Your Cup of Cake.
Butter Cookies With Orange and Chocolate Ganache
Get in a festive spirit with these butter cookies stuffed with orange and chocolate. The added citrus pairs perfectly with the subtle-tasting butter base and complements the cocoa. The dough bakes to a delicious crumble, while the ganache boasts a velvety richness.
Get the recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction.
And for more, don't miss these 108 most popular sodas ranked by how toxic they are.
