The holidays don’t really feel complete until the oven’s preheating, a playlist’s going, and the counter’s covered in flour—am I right?
Christmas cookies are one of those traditions that just stick — equal parts nostalgic, creative, and kind of therapeutic once you get into it.
Even if you’re not hosting or doing a cookie swap this year, baking still feels like a reset button.
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You can make a quick batch to share, keep dough in the freezer for low-effort weekend baking, or just whip something up because it’s cold out and you need the house to smell amazing.
This list of 64 Christmas cookie recipes has everything from low-maintenance classics to new spins worth adding to your lineup. Some are cozy and familiar; others feel a little more modern.
Either way, they’re proof that holiday baking doesn’t have to be perfect — just sweet, simple, and done with love (and maybe too many sprinkles).
1. Ombré Peppermint Cookies
These are the definition of cheerful. Striped in red, white, and green, they sparkle just enough to feel festive without going overboard. They’re buttery and delicate — like something you’d see in an old-fashioned bakery window.
2. White Chocolate Peppermint Candy Cane Sugar Cookies
If you love sugar cookies but want something extra, this is the move. Soft and buttery with crushed candy canes and melty white chocolate — they’re festive and simple, the kind of cookie that tastes like “one more won’t hurt.”
3. Vegan Raspberry Almond Linzer Cookies
You’d never guess these are vegan — seriously. The cookies are tender and buttery (without actual butter) and the jam center gives them that perfect sweet-tart finish.
4. White Chocolate-Dipped Brown Butter Ginger Cookies with Pistachios
These are next-level ginger cookies — rich from brown butter, slightly nutty, and finished with white chocolate and crushed pistachios.
5. Spritz Cookies
Buttery, light, and perfectly bite-sized — these are the kind of cookies that disappear faster than you expect. I love using a cookie press for the little shapes; it’s very “old-fashioned Christmas” in the best way.
6. Chai Spiced Santa Cookies with White Chocolate Frosting
A cozy twist on Santa cookies — infused with chai spices and topped with creamy white chocolate frosting. They’re soft, spiced, and full of personality. Every bite tastes like a warm mug of tea and Christmas morning.
7. Snowman Cookies
These make me smile every single time. Frosted sugar cookies turned into snowmen with candy earmuffs and orange sprinkle noses — they’re as fun to decorate as they are to eat.
8. Classic Snickerdoodles
Sometimes I forget how much I love a good snickerdoodle until I bite into one again. They’re simple — soft, cinnamon-sugary, and endlessly cozy. No fancy glaze or drizzle needed, just pure nostalgia in every bite.
9. Red and Green Striped Christmas Meringue Cookies
Light as air and melt-in-your-mouth sweet, these little meringues are like edible ornaments.
10. Skinny Chocolate Turtle Thumbprint Cookies
I have a soft spot for thumbprints, especially when they involve caramel. These are chocolatey and rich, but still surprisingly light — a perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and a little indulgent without the sugar crash.
11. Red Velvet Cookies
There’s something about red velvet that just feels like December. These cookies are soft, slightly cocoa-rich, and filled with creamy white chocolate chunks. I love how they stand out on a cookie tray — bold but classic.
12. Marbled Shortbread Cookies
Elegant, buttery, and surprisingly simple to make. The chocolate marbling gives each cookie a unique swirl, so no two look the same — kind of like little edible works of art. I always feel a little fancy baking these.
13. Shortbread Mug Lid Cookies
I fell in love with the idea of these. A buttery shortbread “lid” that fits over your mug — perfect for dipping or just keeping your coffee cozy. They’re simple, clever, and a charming little gift for any tea lover.
14. Gingerbread Christmas Sweater Cookies
These are pure joy. I made a batch last year, and they made everyone laugh — tiny gingerbread cookies decorated like ugly Christmas sweaters. They’re playful, delicious, and a guaranteed conversation starter at any cookie swap.
15. Gingerbread Emoji Cookies
Who knew gingerbread could be funny? These emoji cookies are equal parts silly and sweet, perfect for kids (or anyone who texts too much). The best part is seeing everyone pick their “emoji twin” before eating it.
16. Easy Slice ‘n’ Bake Vanilla Bean Christmas Sugar Cookies
These are for the planners (or procrastinators — no judgment). The dough freezes beautifully, so you can slice and bake fresh cookies whenever the craving hits. The vanilla bean gives them that little gourmet edge that makes them feel special.
17. Easy Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
Imagine if Oreos dressed up for Christmas — that’s what these are. Crunchy chocolate cookies with peppermint filling, and if you roll the edges in crushed candy cane bits, they instantly look bakery-perfect.
18. Speculoos Spice Cookies
Warm, cozy, and deeply spiced — these are the kind of cookies that make your kitchen smell like Christmas morning. They have that signature caramelized flavor that pairs perfectly with a mug of coffee or mulled wine.
19. Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
These taste like a cozy winter morning in cookie form. Tart cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and a hit of bright orange zest — I could eat a dozen of these and still go back for more. They’re sweet, chewy, and totally underrated.
20. Easy Sugar Christmas Tree Cookies
Classic sugar cookies, but make them festive. I’ve made these every year since I can remember — soft, buttery, and perfectly crisp at the edges. You can go simple with green icing and sprinkles or pull out all the stops with royal icing details.
21. White Chocolate and Peppermint Christmas Wreath Cookies
These cookies look like little edible decorations. Sweet, crunchy, and no baking required — they’re a festive mix of cornflakes, melted white chocolate, and peppermint.
22. Cinnamon Almond Flour Sugar Cookies
If you want a cookie that’s subtly sweet but full of warm spice, this is it. These are soft and nutty with a hint of cinnamon — perfect for anyone who wants a lighter, gluten-free option that doesn’t taste like a compromise.
23. Christmas Tree Meringues
Light, airy, and sweet as can be, these little green meringues look like frosted Christmas trees. I love how they sparkle with edible glitter — they feel like a snowy-day project that actually turns out exactly like the photo.
24. Peppermint Bark Fudge
If you love the snap of peppermint bark but want something creamier, this fudge hits that sweet spot. Layers of chocolate and white chocolate with crushed candy canes — it’s nostalgic, pretty, and dangerously easy to snack on.
25. Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies
These are my go-to for when I want something that looks impressive but takes barely any effort. Fudgy chocolate cookies topped with a striped peppermint kiss — they’re rich, minty, and festive without crossing into candy cane overload.
26. Gluten-Free White Chocolate Matcha Shortbread Cookies
I wasn’t expecting to love these as much as I do — buttery, earthy, and just a little sophisticated. The matcha adds that beautiful green hue naturally, and the drizzle of white chocolate turns them into something special enough for gifting.
27. Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
Rich, fudgy, and topped with crushed peppermint, these cookies bring all the cozy energy of a December night in. Think double chocolate meets holiday sparkle — simple, nostalgic, and seriously good with a mug of coffee.
28. A Cup of Hot Cocoa Cookies
These might just win for most creative. Made with marshmallows, chocolate, and mini candy canes, they look like tiny mugs of hot cocoa — and taste just as cozy.
29. Grinch Sugar Cookies
Soft, chewy, and perfectly green — these cookies are pure holiday fun. Rolled in sugar and topped with a tiny red heart, they’re festive in the most nostalgic way. I always think they’d make the Grinch’s heart grow at least three sizes.
30. Cutout Peppermint Sugar Cookies
Cute, cozy, and wintery in every way — these hat and mitten cookies are sugar cookie perfection. The bright pinks and reds give them a playful twist on classic holiday colors, and the peppermint flavor makes them taste as cheerful as they look.
31. Italian Rainbow Cookies
Layers of almond cake, raspberry jam, and dark chocolate make these cookies taste as good as they look. They’re a little extra effort — but the payoff? Totally worth it!
32. Slice & Bake Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies
Crisp, buttery, and dipped in dark chocolate — with just a hint of orange zest that makes them taste surprisingly bright. They’re elegant and understated, the kind of cookie that feels timeless and special all at once.
33. Chocolate Christmas Cookies
Crinkly, fudgy, and dressed up in red and green sprinkles — these cookies are pure holiday joy. They’re rich like a brownie but soft enough to melt in your mouth, and they look instantly festive cooling on a rack (no extra decorating required).
34. Stained Glass Window Cookies
These are the cookies that always stop people mid-sentence. The “stained glass” centers are made with melted candy, catching the light in the prettiest way. Hang them as edible ornaments or serve them with tea — either way, they’ll steal the show.
35. Italian Christmas Cookies
Soft, pillowy, and lightly sweet with almond icing, these cookies are an old-school holiday favorite for a reason. They’re simple, classic, and look beautiful stacked on a platter with sprinkles on top.
36. White Chocolate Candy Cane Fortune Cookies
A playful twist on a classic. These dipped fortune cookies are topped with crushed candy canes for a mix of creamy and crunchy. Add your own handwritten fortunes for an extra sweet touch (I’ve done it — it’s a hit).
37. Red Velvet Macarons
A little fancy, a lot festive. These red velvet macarons with cream cheese filling are for when you want to impress without being too over-the-top. They’re delicate, delicious, and totally worth the extra steps.
These cookies are everything cozy wrapped in one bite — chewy ginger spice dipped in creamy white chocolate and finished with a few holly berry sprinkles. They’re classic with a touch of modern charm.
39. Peppermint Snowball Cookies
Soft, buttery, and coated in powdered sugar that leaves the prettiest snow-dusted look — these peppermint snowballs are melt-in-your-mouth good. Perfect for gifting or stacking into a little mountain on your dessert table.
Fudgy peanut butter cookies turned into reindeer with pretzel antlers and candy noses — adorable, easy, and guaranteed to make people smile. Perfect for kids (or kids at heart).
41. Oreo Ornament Cookies
Okay, these might win “cutest cookie of the season.” Dipped in chocolate and topped with a Rolo to mimic an ornament cap, these Oreos are equal parts adorable and easy.
42. Pecan Praline Cookies
Buttery, rich, and unapologetically Southern. These praline cookies melt in your mouth with that perfect mix of brown sugar, cream, and toasted pecans. If you’re into cozy, caramelized flavors, you’ll make these on repeat.
43. White Chocolate Raspberry Cookies
Soft, buttery cookies filled with melty white chocolate and bright pops of raspberry — these taste as good as they look. The tart fruit balances the sweetness perfectly, and they always feel like something from a fancy bakery.
44. Peppermint Cookies
I’m convinced peppermint and white chocolate were made for each other. These red cookies are soft, slightly chewy, and topped with swirls of creamy frosting and candy cane bits.
45. Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies (Gluten Free)
If you love a little heat with your sweet, these cookies are it. Deep chocolate flavor meets a touch of cinnamon and cayenne, creating that rich, slightly spicy kick that makes them impossible to forget.
46. Christmas Cookies with Cake Mix
Bright, soft, and full of that nostalgic sugar-cookie flavor, these are the cookies everyone reaches for first. The colorful sprinkles keep things playful — ideal for gifting or stacking in a jar on the counter all December long.
Frosted with bright white icing and decorated with mini chocolate “light bulbs,” they’re fun, colorful, and easier to make than they look — a cheerful project for a cozy afternoon.
48. Chocolate-Glazed Polish Gingerbread (Poland)
Deep, dark, and delicately spiced, these traditional Polish gingerbread cookies are a perfect blend of bold cocoa and warm holiday flavor.
49. Peppermint Chocolate Roll Cookies
These elegant little logs are the definition of “effort pays off.” A chocolate cookie base rolled in crushed peppermint — simple, striking, and surprisingly light.
These cookies are basically hot cocoa in dessert form. Soft chocolate bases topped with melty marshmallows and a drizzle of fudge — they’re messy in the best way.
51. Lofthouse Style Snowman Sugar Cookies
Soft, frosted, and adorably decorated — the kind of cookie that makes you feel like a kid again. These snowmen are plump, sweet, and a total crowd-pleaser.
52. Mint Christmas Cookies
Soft, buttery, and tinted a cheerful green, these cookies are dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with mini tree confetti. They’re festive without being fussy — and the minty flavor is perfectly balanced, not toothpaste-adjacent.
53. Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Sweet, buttery spirals of red, white, and green that practically scream holiday spirit. The swirl effect looks fancy but comes together with simple slice-and-bake dough — perfect for impressing guests without stress-baking.
54. Easy Christmas Fudge
Sometimes the simplest treats are the ones everyone reaches for first. This fudge is creamy, rich, and dressed up with tiny candy lights — festive without the fuss.
55. Christmas Star Cookies
A classic sugar-cookie base with crisp edges, soft centers, and simple icing. The star shape and subtle pops of color make them timeless — like something you’d bake once and return to every December.
56. Gingerbread Cookies
You can’t go wrong with the timeless favorite. These gingerbread cookies strike the perfect balance between soft and crisp, with that signature molasses warmth and subtle spice. Decorate with royal icing or keep them simple — they’re nostalgic either way.
57. Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups
The ultimate holiday party cookie. These edible cups are made from sugar cookie dough, filled with rich chocolate ganache, and topped with marshmallows and a mini candy cane. Basically, hot cocoa — but in cookie form.
58. Brown Butter Chai Spice Cookies
Soft, spiced, and subtly sweet — these cookies taste like your favorite chai latte in baked form. The brown butter adds that cozy, nutty depth that pairs perfectly with cinnamon and star anise.
59. Christmas Butter Cookies
Classic, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth good, these cookies are everything you want in a holiday staple. The chocolate dip and festive sprinkles make them look party-ready, but the flavor is pure old-school comfort.
60. Espresso Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
A grown-up twist on a holiday classic. These rich chocolate cookies have just a hint of espresso, giving them that deep, mocha flavor that pairs perfectly with a mug of hot coffee.
61. M&M’s Christmas Cookies
A total crowd-pleaser. These chewy, buttery cookies are packed with melty chocolate chips and festive M&Ms, making them a must-bake for movie nights or cookie swaps. They’re as classic as it gets — and always the first to disappear.
62. Healthy Ginger Snap Recipe with Caramel Apples
Crisp, chewy, and full of spice, these gingersnaps are made lighter with wholesome ingredients — but you’d never guess it from the flavor. A drizzle of caramel on top makes them feel indulgent in the best possible way.
63. Easy Peppermint Cookies
Crisp on the edges, chewy in the middle, and filled with crushed candy canes — these peppermint cookies taste like Christmas in cookie form.
64. Thermos Gingerbread Cookies
How cute are these? Classic gingerbread cookies shaped like cozy thermoses, complete with plaid icing. They’re whimsical and nostalgic — a little wink to road trips, ski days, and steaming mugs of cocoa.
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