Nothing captures the magic and warmth of the holiday season quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting from the kitchen. A decorative tin or a beautifully wrapped plate of homemade cookies is more than just a sweet treat; it is a heartfelt gift, a cherished tradition, and a delicious way to spread joy to friends, family, and neighbors.
From classic gingerbread men and buttery shortbread to intricate Linzer cookies and decadent chocolate crinkles, the world of Christmas cookies is vast and wonderful.
This collection of thirty-five recipes will inspire your holiday baking adventures, whether you are a seasoned expert or a beginner tying on your apron for the first time.
1. Classic Gingerbread Men
The cheerful shape and spicy-sweet flavor of gingerbread men are an iconic symbol of Christmas baking. These sturdy cookies are perfectly spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, filling the home with an irresistible festive aroma. They are as fun to decorate as they are to eat.
Their firm texture makes them ideal for decorating with intricate royal icing designs. A whole family of gingerbread people, each with its own unique personality, makes a delightful and whimsical gift that is especially loved by children. They are the quintessential Christmas cookie.
DIY Tips
- Chill the dough thoroughly for at least three hours before rolling to prevent the cookies from spreading and losing their shape.
- Use a good quality, dark, unsulphured molasses for a rich, deep flavor and color.
- Royal icing is the best choice for decorating as it dries hard and the details will not smudge.
- For a simpler decoration, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze works beautifully.
- Use mini chocolate chips or candies for buttons and eyes before baking for a “baked-in” decoration.
2. Buttery Shortbread
Simple, elegant, and irresistibly rich, shortbread is a classic Scottish cookie made from just three basic ingredients: butter, sugar, and flour. Its delicate, crumbly texture and pure buttery flavor make it a sophisticated and beloved holiday treat. It is the perfect cookie to enjoy with a cup of tea.
Shortbread can be cut into various shapes, from simple rounds and fingers to festive stars and snowflakes. Its simplicity is its strength, offering a wonderfully pure and comforting taste of home baking. A tin of homemade shortbread is a gift of understated elegance.
DIY Tips
- Use high-quality European-style butter, as it is the star ingredient and has a higher fat content for a richer flavor.
- Do not overwork the dough, as this will develop the gluten and make the shortbread tough instead of tender.
- Chill the dough before baking to help the cookies maintain their shape.
- Prick the surface of the cookies with a fork before baking; this is a traditional decoration and helps them bake evenly.
- For an extra touch, dip one end of the cooled shortbread in melted chocolate.
3. Thumbprint Cookies with Jam
Thumbprint cookies are a playful and pretty addition to any holiday cookie platter. These buttery, tender cookies feature a small indentation in the center traditionally made with a thumb that is filled with a jewel-like dollop of colorful jam. They are a delightful combination of cookie and confection.
The choice of jam allows for endless variety; raspberry, apricot, and strawberry are classic choices. Often rolled in chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor, these cookies are a beautiful and delicious way to showcase your favorite preserves. They are a sweet and personal gift.
DIY Tips
- Create the indentation in the cookies before baking. You can use your thumb or the rounded end of a wooden spoon.
- For the neatest results, fill the cookies with jam after they have baked and cooled slightly.
- To prevent the jam from becoming too runny in the oven (if you choose to fill before baking), use a thick jam or preserve.
- Rolling the dough balls in finely chopped pecans or walnuts before baking adds a wonderful crunchy texture.
- A light drizzle of a simple powdered sugar glaze over the top makes them even more festive.
4. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Chocolate crinkle cookies are a holiday showstopper with their rich, fudgy interior and beautiful crackled, snowy-white exterior. As they bake, the dark chocolate dough spreads and cracks, revealing a dramatic contrast against a generous coating of powdered sugar. They are as delicious as they are visually striking.
These cookies have a texture that is similar to a brownie crisp on the outside and wonderfully soft and chewy on the inside. They are a chocolate lover’s dream and a beautiful addition to any gift box. The magical crackled effect makes them seem much more complicated to make than they are.
DIY Tips
- Chilling the dough is essential; it will be very sticky and impossible to roll into balls otherwise.
- Roll the chilled dough into balls and then coat them very generously in powdered sugar. Do not be shy with the sugar coating.
- For an extra-defined crinkle, roll the dough balls in granulated sugar before rolling them in powdered sugar.
- Do not overbake these cookies, as they are best when the center is still soft and fudgy.
- For a festive twist, add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough.
5. Peppermint Bark Cookies
These cookies capture the festive flavor of classic peppermint bark in a soft, chewy cookie form. A rich chocolate cookie base is topped with a layer of melted white chocolate and a generous sprinkling of crushed candy canes. It is a perfect marriage of deep chocolate and bright, cool peppermint.
The combination of the soft cookie, the creamy white chocolate, and the crunchy candy cane pieces creates a wonderful textural experience. These cookies are incredibly festive and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering. They are a beautiful and delicious gift.
DIY Tips
- Use a good quality dark cocoa powder for a rich, intense chocolate flavor in the cookie base.
- Spread the melted white chocolate over the cookies while they are still slightly warm.
- Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the white chocolate while it is still wet so that they adhere properly.
- To easily crush candy canes, place them in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a pan.
- For a double dose of mint, add a little peppermint extract to the chocolate cookie dough.
6. Linzer Cookies
Originating from Austria, Linzer cookies are an elegant and impressive holiday treat. They are essentially a sandwich cookie made from a rich, nutty almond shortbread dough. A small “window,” called a Linzer eye, is cut out of the top cookie to reveal a beautiful layer of raspberry jam.
The dusting of powdered sugar over the top cookie looks like a fresh snowfall, making them incredibly festive. The combination of the buttery almond cookie and the sweet-tart raspberry jam is a classic and sophisticated flavor pairing. A box of these is a truly special gift.
DIY Tips
- The dough is traditionally made with almond flour or finely ground toasted almonds for a rich, nutty flavor.
- Chill the dough before rolling to make it easier to handle and to ensure clean cuts.
- Use a high-quality, seedless raspberry jam for the filling for the most vibrant color and smoothest texture.
- Dust the top cookie (the one with the cutout) with powdered sugar before assembling the sandwich.
- Assemble the cookies shortly before serving or gifting for the best texture, as the jam can soften the cookie over time.
7. Italian Pizzelle
Pizzelle are traditional Italian waffle cookies that are thin, crisp, and beautifully ornate. They are made in a special pizzelle iron, which imprints them with a delicate, lace-like snowflake pattern. Flavored with anise, vanilla, or lemon, they are a light and elegant holiday treat.
These cookies are wonderfully versatile; they can be eaten flat, rolled into a cannoli shape while still warm and filled with cream, or shaped into a cone to hold ice cream. A stack of these beautiful, snowflake-like cookies is a stunning and traditional gift. They are surprisingly easy to make with the right equipment.
DIY Tips
- A pizzelle iron is essential for making these cookies.
- Do not overfill the iron; a small spoonful of batter in the center of each grid is all you need.
- The cookies cook very quickly, usually in under a minute, so stay close to the iron.
- If you want to shape the pizzelle, you must do so immediately after removing them from the iron while they are still hot and pliable.
- Store them in an airtight container to maintain their signature crispness.
8. Mexican Wedding Cookies (Snowballs)
These small, round, buttery cookies are known by many names Russian tea cakes, snowballs, or Mexican wedding cookies. They are made with finely chopped nuts, typically pecans or walnuts, and have a delightful melt-in-your-mouth, sandy texture. They are a simple yet incredibly delicious confection.
The “snowball” effect is created by rolling the warm cookies in powdered sugar, and then rolling them again once they have cooled. This double coating gives them a beautiful, snowy appearance and an extra touch of sweetness. A tin full of these is like a beautiful winter scene.
DIY Tips
- Toast the nuts before chopping and adding them to the dough to enhance their flavor.
- Using confectioners’ sugar in the dough itself contributes to the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- The first roll in powdered sugar should be done while the cookies are still warm, so the sugar melts slightly and adheres.
- The second roll, once the cookies are completely cool, gives them their beautiful, thick, snowy coating.
- Do not overbake; the bottoms should be just lightly golden.
9. Norwegian Krumkake
Similar to pizzelle, krumkake are very thin, delicate Norwegian waffle cookies. They are traditionally flavored with cardamom and are rolled into a cone shape using a special wooden cone roller while they are still hot. They are incredibly crisp and light as air.
Krumkake are a beautiful and traditional Scandinavian Christmas treat. They are often served plain, but can also be filled with whipped cream or other sweet fillings just before serving. A bundle of these elegant cones is a unique and impressive gift.
DIY Tips
- A decorative krumkake iron and a cone roller are necessary for this traditional cookie.
- The batter should be very thin, similar to a crepe batter.
- Work quickly to roll the hot cookie around the cone form as soon as it comes off the iron.
- Let the cone cool and harden on the roller for a few seconds before sliding it off.
- Store the fragile cones carefully in an airtight container to keep them crisp.
10. Spiced Molasses Cookies
Soft, chewy, and packed with the warm flavors of molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, these cookies are the essence of holiday comfort. A crackly, sugar-coated exterior gives way to a wonderfully moist and richly spiced interior. They are a cozy and nostalgic treat.
The deep, robust flavor of the molasses makes these cookies incredibly satisfying. They are perfect for leaving out for Santa or for enjoying with a glass of milk on a cold winter’s night. Their rustic, crackled appearance is part of their charm.
DIY Tips
- Use dark, unsulphured molasses for a rich and classic flavor.
- Rolling the dough balls in granulated or coarse sugar before baking is what creates their signature sparkly, crackled top.
- For an extra chewy texture, be careful not to overbake them. The centers should still be soft when you take them out of the oven.
- The dough can be made ahead of time and chilled for up to a few days.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of black pepper or cayenne to the spice mix.
11. Snickerdoodles
A classic snickerdoodle is a soft, pillowy sugar cookie with a distinctive tangy flavor and a beautiful coating of cinnamon sugar. The tangy flavor comes from cream of tartar, a key ingredient that also contributes to their wonderfully chewy texture. They are a simple and beloved cookie for any occasion.
The crinkly, cinnamon-dusted top is the hallmark of a good snickerdoodle. They are wonderfully light and airy, and their comforting flavor profile is a favorite of both kids and adults. A bag of fresh snickerdoodles is a gift of pure, simple comfort.
DIY Tips
- Do not skip the cream of tartar; it is essential for the classic snickerdoodle flavor and texture.
- Roll the dough balls generously in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before baking.
- For a soft, chewy texture, be sure to pull them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- For best results, use a combination of both butter and shortening in the dough.
12. Eggnog Snickerdoodles
This festive twist on a classic snickerdoodle incorporates the beloved holiday flavor of eggnog. The dough is infused with rum extract and nutmeg, giving it the unmistakable taste of the creamy holiday beverage. They are a soft, chewy, and wonderfully seasonal treat.
The traditional cinnamon-sugar coating is enhanced with a bit of extra nutmeg, reinforcing the eggnog flavor. For an even more decadent version, they can be topped with a rum-spiked glaze. These cookies are a unique and delicious way to celebrate the flavors of Christmas.
DIY Tips
- Use a good quality rum extract for an authentic eggnog flavor without the alcohol.
- Freshly grated nutmeg will provide a much more vibrant and aromatic flavor than pre-ground nutmeg.
- Add a generous amount of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for rolling the dough balls.
- If you choose to glaze the cookies, wait until they are completely cool.
- Real eggnog can be used in place of some of the liquid in the recipe, but it may affect the texture slightly.
13. Cranberry Orange Shortbread
This festive variation of classic shortbread is studded with chewy dried cranberries and flavored with bright, fragrant orange zest. The combination of sweet, tart, and buttery flavors is a match made in holiday heaven. The cookies are colorful and incredibly delicious.
The flecks of red from the cranberries and the bright scent of the orange make these cookies feel very festive. They are a simple slice-and-bake cookie, making them a great option for make-ahead holiday baking. A log of the dough can be kept in the freezer, ready to be sliced and baked at a moment’s notice.
DIY Tips
- Use finely chopped dried cranberries to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Use the zest of a fresh orange for the best, brightest flavor.
- Shape the dough into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill it for at least a few hours before slicing. This ensures clean cuts and uniform cookies.
- For a decorative edge, roll the log of dough in coarse sanding sugar before chilling.
- A simple orange glaze made with powdered sugar and fresh orange juice can be drizzled over the cooled cookies.
14. White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
A classic drop cookie that is a favorite year-round, white chocolate macadamia nut cookies feel especially luxurious during the holidays. The combination of sweet, creamy white chocolate and buttery, crunchy macadamia nuts creates a wonderfully rich and textured cookie. They are a decadent and satisfying treat.
The key to a great version of this cookie is to not skimp on the high-quality ingredients. A soft and chewy cookie packed full of goodies is a wonderful and substantial gift. They are a crowd-pleasing favorite that is always a welcome addition to a cookie platter.
DIY Tips
- Toast the macadamia nuts lightly before adding them to the dough to deepen their flavor.
- Use high-quality white chocolate chunks or chips that are made with real cocoa butter.
- A hint of almond extract in the dough can complement the nutty flavor beautifully.
- For a perfectly chewy texture, slightly underbake the cookies and let them finish baking on the hot cookie sheet.
- A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies before baking can balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
15. Holiday Chocolate Chip Cookies
Even the classic chocolate chip cookie can be dressed up for the holidays. By simply adding some festive red and green M&Ms or sprinkles to your favorite recipe, you can transform this everyday favorite into a special Christmas treat. It’s a simple and effective way to get into the holiday spirit.
Everyone loves a good chocolate chip cookie, and the addition of holiday colors makes them a perfect gift for classmates, coworkers, and neighbors. It’s a familiar and comforting gift with a fun and festive twist. They are easy to make and always a hit.
DIY Tips
- Use a combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips and festive colored candies or sprinkles.
- Add the sprinkles or M&Ms towards the end of the mixing process to prevent their colors from bleeding into the dough.
- For a picture-perfect look, press a few extra chocolate chips and candies onto the tops of the dough balls before baking.
- Using brown butter (butter that has been melted until the milk solids turn brown) will give your cookies an incredibly deep, nutty, toffee-like flavor.
- For extra festive flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
16. Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies
This is a classic combination that is especially popular during the holidays. The chewy texture of the oatmeal cookie base is perfectly complemented by the tartness of the dried cranberries and the sweetness of the white chocolate chips. It is a hearty, flavorful, and wonderfully textured cookie.
The red and white additions make this cookie look naturally festive. It’s a substantial and satisfying cookie that is perfect for packing into gift bags. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a perennial holiday favorite.
DIY Tips
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats for a chewier texture; quick oats will result in a softer, cakier cookie.
- A pinch of cinnamon in the dough complements the oatmeal and cranberry flavors beautifully.
- If your dried cranberries are very hard, you can soften them by soaking them in hot water for a few minutes and then draining them well.
- As with other drop cookies, do not overmix the dough once the flour has been added.
- These cookies are best when they are soft and chewy, so be careful not to overbake them.
17. Pinwheel Cookies
Pinwheel cookies are a visually stunning slice-and-bake cookie that features a beautiful spiral of two different colored doughs. A classic combination is a vanilla sugar cookie dough and a chocolate dough, but you can create festive red and green spirals for Christmas. They are a true work of art.
The process of layering, rolling, and slicing the dough is a fun and satisfying project. The resulting cookies, with their perfect, hypnotizing spirals, are incredibly impressive. A box of these is a gift that shows a real dedication to the craft of baking.
DIY Tips
- Chill each color of dough before you roll them out into rectangles. This makes them easier to handle.
- Roll each dough between two sheets of parchment paper to a uniform thickness.
- Gently lay one rectangle of dough on top of the other and press them together lightly with a rolling pin.
- Roll the layered dough into a tight log, starting from one of the long edges.
- Chill the log thoroughly for several hours or overnight before slicing to ensure the cookies hold their pinwheel shape.
18. Stained Glass Cookies
These magical cookies feature a hard, translucent candy center that looks like a beautiful piece of stained glass. A simple sugar cookie dough is cut into a larger shape, and a smaller shape is cut from the center. The center is filled with crushed hard candies before baking.
As the cookies bake, the candy melts to create a beautiful, jewel-toned window. They are stunning when hung in a window where the light can shine through them. This is a fun and creative project that kids especially love to help with.
DIY Tips
- Use a simple sugar cookie dough that holds its shape well.
- Crush hard candies, like Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers, by color. Place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a mallet or rolling pin.
- Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent the melted candy from sticking.
- Fill the cutout center of the cookie with a single layer of crushed candy. Do not overfill.
- If you plan to hang them as ornaments, be sure to poke a hole in the dough before baking.
19. Decorated Sugar Cookies
A platter of intricately decorated sugar cookies is the quintessential Christmas gift. A simple, buttery sugar cookie that holds its shape is the perfect blank canvas for creative expression with royal icing. From snowflakes and Christmas trees to reindeer and Santas, the possibilities are endless.
The process of decorating cookies is a beloved holiday tradition for many families. While it can be time-consuming, the results are incredibly rewarding. A box of beautifully decorated cookies is a personal and artistic gift that is always received with awe.
DIY Tips
- Use a “cut-out” sugar cookie recipe that is specifically designed not to spread during baking.
- Chilling the dough before rolling and chilling the cut-out shapes before baking are key to sharp, clean edges.
- Royal icing, made with meringue powder or egg whites, is the ideal icing as it dries hard and is perfect for detailed work.
- Use a thicker consistency of icing for outlining the cookie and a thinner, “flood” consistency for filling in the center.
- Use a scribe tool or a toothpick to help spread the flood icing and to pop any air bubbles for a smooth finish.
20. Meringue Kiss Cookies
Light as air, sweet, and wonderfully crisp, meringue kiss cookies are a simple and elegant confection. Made from just whipped egg whites and sugar, they are a naturally gluten-free treat. They can be piped into festive shapes like kisses or wreaths and are often colored for the holidays.
These delicate cookies seem to melt in your mouth. Peppermint meringues, with a swirl of red food coloring and a hint of peppermint extract, are a particularly festive and popular variation. A bag of these ethereal treats is a light and beautiful gift.
DIY Tips
- Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of any grease, as even a tiny amount of fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping up properly.
- Use superfine sugar if possible, as it dissolves more easily into the egg whites.
- Beat the egg whites until they hold stiff, glossy peaks. The meringue should be very thick.
- To create a striped effect, paint thin lines of gel food coloring on the inside of your piping bag before filling it with the meringue.
- Bake the meringues at a very low temperature for a long time. They are essentially being dried out, not baked.
21. Coconut Macaroons
Not to be confused with the French macaron, these coconut macaroons are wonderfully chewy, moist mounds of shredded coconut. They are incredibly simple to make, often requiring just a few ingredients. Their craggy, golden-brown exterior gives way to a soft and sweet interior.
These cookies are a perfect gift for the coconut lover in your life. They are naturally gluten-free and have a delightful tropical flavor that provides a nice contrast to the more traditional spiced holiday cookies. Dipping the bottoms in dark chocolate makes them even more irresistible.
DIY Tips
- Use sweetened shredded coconut for the classic, moist and chewy texture.
- Sweetened condensed milk is often used as the binder and sweetener, and it makes for an incredibly simple recipe.
- Use a cookie scoop to create uniform, dome-shaped macaroons.
- Do not overbake; you want the tops to be golden brown but the centers to remain soft and chewy.
- Let the macaroons cool completely before dipping them in melted chocolate.
22. Almond Crescent Cookies
These delicate, buttery, crescent-shaped cookies are a classic European Christmas treat. They are made with ground almonds, which gives them a wonderfully tender, sandy texture and a rich, nutty flavor. A generous dusting of vanilla-scented powdered sugar gives them a beautiful, snowy finish.
Similar to Mexican wedding cookies, these also have a delightful melt-in-your-mouth quality. The elegant crescent shape makes them a beautiful addition to a cookie platter. A box of these sophisticated cookies is a wonderful gift for a discerning palate.
DIY Tips
- Use finely ground blanched almonds or almond flour for the best texture.
- The dough can be a bit crumbly; use your hands to press it together and shape it into crescents.
- Chill the shaped crescents before baking to help them hold their shape.
- Dust the cookies with powdered sugar while they are still warm, and then again once they have cooled completely.
- For an extra flavor boost, mix a little vanilla sugar (sugar that has been stored with a vanilla bean) into the powdered sugar for dusting.
23. Pistachio Cranberry Icebox Cookies
Icebox cookies, or slice-and-bake cookies, are a holiday baker’s best friend. This particular combination is especially festive, with the beautiful green of the pistachios and the ruby red of the dried cranberries. It is a buttery, crunchy, and colorful cookie.
The dough is shaped into a log and chilled until firm, then simply sliced and baked. This makes it incredibly easy to bake off a fresh batch of cookies whenever you need them. The vibrant, jewel-toned colors make them a stunning gift.
DIY Tips
- Use raw, shelled pistachios and chop them coarsely.
- Shape the dough into a log on a piece of parchment or wax paper. For a perfectly round log, you can tuck it into an empty paper towel roll to chill.
- Chilling the dough for at least 4 hours is crucial for getting clean slices and preventing the cookies from spreading.
- Use a sharp, thin knife to slice the cookies to prevent squishing the log.
- For a decorative touch, roll the log in coarse sugar or finely chopped pistachios before chilling.
24. Chocolate Turtle Cookies
Inspired by the classic turtle candy, these cookies are a decadent combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecans. A soft, fudgy chocolate thumbprint cookie is filled with a gooey caramel center and topped with a toasted pecan. It is an indulgent and multi-layered treat.
This is a gift for the true chocoholic and caramel lover. The combination of soft, chewy, gooey, and crunchy textures is absolutely irresistible. They are a bit more work than a simple drop cookie, but the result is a truly impressive and decadent present.
DIY Tips
- You can use store-bought soft caramels, melted down with a little cream, for an easy and reliable filling.
- Toast the pecan halves before placing them on top of the caramel to bring out their nutty flavor.
- Create the indentation in the chocolate cookies before baking.
- Fill the baked and cooled cookies with the warm caramel filling and top with a pecan.
- A final drizzle of melted chocolate over the top makes them look even more professional.
25. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
This festive take on the chocolate crinkle cookie uses a red velvet cake mix or a red velvet cookie recipe as its base. The result is a cookie with a striking, vibrant red interior and the same beautiful, snowy, crackled exterior as its chocolate counterpart. They are soft, chewy, and visually stunning.
The subtle tang of the red velvet, reminiscent of cream cheese frosting, gives these cookies a unique and delicious flavor. Their bright, festive color makes them a perfect addition to a holiday cookie box. They are a fun and modern twist on a classic.
DIY Tips
- Using a red velvet cake mix is a great shortcut for this recipe.
- As with chocolate crinkles, the dough must be chilled before rolling.
- A very generous coating of powdered sugar is key to achieving the dramatic crinkle effect.
- For a from-scratch recipe, use gel food coloring for the most vibrant red without adding too much extra liquid.
- A hint of white vinegar and cocoa powder are the secret ingredients that give red velvet its distinctive flavor.
26. No-Bake Avalanche Cookies
Avalanche cookies are a ridiculously easy, no-bake treat that everyone loves. They are a sweet and salty combination of melted white chocolate, peanut butter, crispy rice cereal, and mini marshmallows. They are crunchy, chewy, and incredibly addictive.
This is the perfect recipe for when you need a quick and easy holiday treat without turning on the oven. They are a great project to make with kids. A small pile of these “avalanche” mounds on a plate is a fun and delicious gift.
DIY Tips
- Melt the white chocolate and peanut butter together slowly and gently to prevent the chocolate from seizing.
- Work quickly to stir in the cereal and marshmallows once the chocolate is melted.
- Use a cookie scoop to drop mounds of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper.
- For a holiday twist, you can use red and green mini marshmallows or add some festive sprinkles.
- Let the cookies set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator before packaging.
27. No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
Another classic no-bake treat, these chocolate peanut butter balls (also known as buckeyes) are an irresistible combination of a creamy peanut butter center and a rich chocolate shell. They are simple, decadent, and a guaranteed hit at any holiday gathering. They are a perfect make-ahead gift.
These little spheres of deliciousness are easy to make in large batches. The only slightly tricky part is dipping them, but the result is a professional-looking confection. A small box of these is a rich and decadent present for the peanut butter lover in your life.
DIY Tips
- Use a creamy, processed peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) rather than a natural one, as it will create a smoother, better-textured center.
- Mix the peanut butter with powdered sugar and a little melted butter to create a firm, rollable filling.
- Chill the peanut butter balls before dipping them in chocolate. This helps them hold their shape and makes the dipping process much easier.
- To get the classic “buckeye” look, stick a toothpick into the ball, dip it most of the way into the melted chocolate, and leave a small circle of the peanut butter center showing at the top.
- Adding a little bit of paraffin wax or coconut oil to the melting chocolate can give it a shinier finish and a better snap.
28. Springerle Cookies
Springerle are traditional German Christmas cookies with a beautiful, intricate, embossed design. They are flavored with anise and have a unique texture crisp on the outside and slightly chewy on the inside. The designs are made by pressing a special carved rolling pin or mold onto the dough.
These cookies are a true work of art and a testament to the beauty of traditional baking. After being pressed, the cookies are left to dry overnight before baking, which helps to set the design. A box of these beautiful, picture-like cookies is a very special and historic gift.
DIY Tips
- Specially carved springerle rolling pins or molds are essential for creating the embossed designs.
- Flour your mold or pin well to prevent the dough from sticking.
- After pressing and cutting the cookies, you must let them air-dry for at least 12 hours before baking. This is the secret to a sharp, clear design.
- The cookies are baked on a baking sheet sprinkled with anise seeds, which infuses them with their characteristic flavor.
- These cookies are meant to be hard and crisp, perfect for dunking in coffee or tea.
29. Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies)
Lebkuchen are a traditional German Christmas cookie that is somewhere between a cookie and a cake. They are soft, chewy, and heavily spiced, often containing honey, nuts, and candied citrus peel. They are a complex and deeply flavorful holiday treat.
These cookies are often baked on a thin, edible wafer called “oblaten” to prevent them from sticking. They are typically finished with a simple sugar glaze or a layer of dark chocolate. A tin of homemade lebkuchen is a gift of rich, old-world holiday tradition.
DIY Tips
- These cookies often use a special German spice blend called “lebkuchengewürz,” which you can buy online or make yourself.
- Many traditional recipes call for the dough to be made and then left to ripen for several weeks to develop its flavor, but there are many quicker versions available.
- Edible wafers (oblaten) can be found online or at specialty baking stores and are key to the traditional texture.
- The glaze is often a simple mixture of powdered sugar and lemon juice or rum.
- These cookies have a long shelf life and their flavor actually improves with age.
30. Florentine Lace Cookies
Florentines are thin, crispy, lace-like cookies made from a base of nuts and candied fruit held together by a caramel-like syrup. They are incredibly delicate and elegant. The bottoms are often coated with a thin layer of dark chocolate.
These cookies look very impressive and gourmet, but they are surprisingly straightforward to make. The batter spreads out significantly during baking to create its signature lacy, see-through texture. A small, carefully packed box of these is a very sophisticated gift.
DIY Tips
- The batter is cooked on the stovetop before being dropped onto the baking sheet.
- Leave plenty of space between the spoonfuls of batter on the baking sheet, as they will spread a lot.
- Bake them until they are a deep golden brown and bubbly all over.
- Let them cool for a minute on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. They will crisp up as they cool.
- Spread a very thin layer of melted dark chocolate on the flat bottom of the cooled cookies for the classic finish.
31. Kitchen Sink Cookies
As the name suggests, these cookies are packed with “everything but the kitchen sink.” They are a delightful and chaotic mix of sweet and salty ingredients, such as chocolate chips, pretzels, potato chips, and toffee bits. Every bite is a new and exciting combination of flavors and textures.
This is a fun and highly customizable cookie that is great for using up leftover bits and pieces from your pantry. The combination of salty and sweet is incredibly addictive. A big bag of these is a fun, informal, and delicious gift for a friend with an adventurous palate.
DIY Tips
- Start with a good, basic cookie dough base, like an oatmeal or chocolate chip cookie dough.
- Gently crush the larger mix-ins, like pretzels and potato chips, before adding them to the dough.
- Be creative with your mix-ins! Other great additions include caramel corn, chopped candy bars, or M&Ms.
- Do not overmix once you add the fragile ingredients like chips and pretzels.
- These are typically large, hearty cookies, so use a generous scoop for each one.
32. Hot Cocoa Cookies
These cookies taste just like a cozy mug of hot cocoa in cookie form. They are a rich, soft chocolate cookie, often made with hot cocoa mix in the dough, and are topped with a gooey, toasted marshmallow. They are a fun and whimsical holiday treat.
The experience of biting into the soft cookie and the slightly sticky, toasted marshmallow is pure comfort. A final drizzle of chocolate over the top completes the hot cocoa illusion. A plate of these is a perfect gift for a family to share on a cold night.
DIY Tips
- Use a good quality hot cocoa mix in the cookie dough for an authentic flavor.
- These are essentially a chocolate thumbprint cookie; create an indentation in the dough balls before baking.
- Bake the cookies first, and then place a large marshmallow (or a few mini ones) into the indentation and return the pan to the oven for just a minute or two to soften the marshmallow.
- For a “toasted” marshmallow look, you can carefully use a kitchen torch or the broiler for a few seconds (watch them very closely!).
- Let the cookies cool completely before adding a chocolate drizzle.
33. Fruitcake Cookies
For those who are not fans of traditional fruitcake, these cookies are a fantastic alternative that captures all the festive flavors in a bite-sized form. They are a soft, spiced drop cookie that is loaded with candied fruit, nuts, and sometimes a splash of rum or brandy. They are a taste of old-fashioned Christmas.
These cookies are moist, chewy, and packed with color and flavor from the candied cherries, pineapple, and pecans. They are a great way to enjoy the classic holiday flavors without committing to a whole loaf of fruitcake. A tin of these is a nostalgic and flavorful gift.
DIY Tips
- Use a variety of colorful candied fruits for the best appearance.
- Soaking the dried and candied fruit in rum or orange juice for a little while before adding it to the dough can make the cookies extra moist and flavorful.
- A brown sugar cookie base with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg works beautifully with the fruit and nuts.
- These cookies are very hearty and hold up well, making them great for shipping.
- A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and a little of the soaking liquid can be drizzled on top.
34. Cherry Wink Cookies
Cherry wink cookies are a fun, retro Christmas cookie from the mid-20th century. They are a chewy, buttery cookie made with crushed cornflakes in the dough, which gives them a unique and wonderful texture. They are studded with dates and pecans and topped with a bright red candied cherry half.
The “wink” in the name is a charming and whimsical touch. These cookies are delightfully crunchy, chewy, and sweet, with a satisfyingly complex texture. A plate of these colorful, jewel-topped cookies is a fun and nostalgic gift.
DIY Tips
- Crush the cornflakes slightly before adding them to the dough; you still want some texture.
- The dough will be quite stiff. A cookie scoop is helpful for portioning.
- Press a candied cherry half (a maraschino cherry) into the top of each dough ball before baking.
- These cookies do not spread much, so you can place them fairly close together on the baking sheet.
- They are best enjoyed fresh, as the cornflakes can lose some of their crunch over time.
35. Rugelach
Rugelach is a delicious and traditional Jewish pastry that is especially popular during the holidays. It is made from a rich cream cheese dough that is rolled out, spread with a sweet filling, and then rolled up into a charming crescent shape. The dough is incredibly tender and flaky.
The filling possibilities are endless, but a classic combination is a mixture of cinnamon, sugar, walnuts, and raisins or apricot preserves. The layers of flaky dough and sweet, spiced filling are a heavenly combination. A box of homemade rugelach is a sophisticated and incredibly delicious gift.
DIY Tips
- The cream cheese dough is very soft and must be chilled thoroughly before you attempt to roll it out.
- Divide the dough into sections and roll each section into a circle. Spread the filling over the circle and then cut it into wedges, like a pizza.
- Roll each wedge up, starting from the wide end, to create the classic crescent shape.
- Brush the tops with an egg wash and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking for a beautiful, golden-brown finish.
- These are best served fresh but will keep in an airtight container for a few days.
Conclusion
A homemade cookie is a simple thing, made from humble ingredients like flour, butter, and sugar. But when given as a gift during the holidays, it becomes so much more. It is a symbol of warmth, a gesture of love, and a tangible piece of the festive spirit that you can hold in your hand and share with the people you care about.
Whether you choose a simple, no-bake treat or an intricately decorated work of art, the time and care you put into your baking will be evident in every delicious bite. This holiday season, preheat your oven, dust off your rolling pin, and fill your home with the unparalleled joy of Christmas baking. A gift from your kitchen is truly a gift from your heart.