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The holidays just wouldn’t feel complete without the scent of warm cookies drifting through the kitchen. There’s something magical about baking Christmas cookies—mixing dough with your kids, sneaking tastes off the spoon, and sharing sweet, homemade treats with friends and neighbors.
Whether you’re continuing a treasured family tradition or starting a new one this year, these 15 easy and festive Christmas cookie recipes are here to fill your home (and heart) with joy. From nostalgic gingerbread cheesecake cookies to peppermint chocolate chip and red velvet crinkle cookies, each recipe is beginner-friendly, utterly delicious, and full of holiday cheer.
They’re perfect for cookie swaps, gifting in tins, or serving at your next holiday gathering. And with options for every craving—sweet, spiced, fruity, or chocolatey—there’s something here for everyone.
No.1. Christmas Pretzel Rolo Snacks
These Christmas Pretzel Rolo Snacks are the ultimate quick holiday treat. With only three ingredients—pretzels, Rolos, and M&M’s—you can whip up a whole batch in under 15 minutes. The result is a perfectly balanced sweet-salty bite that looks festive and tastes irresistible.
Start by laying pretzels on a baking sheet, top each one with a Rolo, then bake briefly until the candy softens. Press an M&M into the center for that festive pop of color. Once cooled, these crunchy, gooey bites are ready for gifting or snacking.
Great for last-minute parties or holiday tins, these treats are also easy enough for kids to help make. You can even customize them with different candies or colored M&M’s to match other holidays.
No.2. Raspberry Swirl Cookies
Raspberry Swirl Cookies are buttery, elegant, and packed with fruity flavor. A cream cheese-based dough adds a rich, tender texture, while the swirl of sweet raspberry jam offers just the right amount of brightness.
These cookies are shaped by rolling the dough with raspberry filling, slicing into pinwheels, and baking until lightly golden. A dusting of powdered sugar gives them a snowy, festive finish that’s perfect for your holiday cookie tray.
They’re ideal for cookie swaps, brunches, or even as a homemade gift tied with ribbon. Don’t worry if you’re not an expert baker—these are surprisingly easy to make and always impress.
No.3. Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you love classic chocolate chip cookies but want a holiday spin, these Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are for you. They’re soft, chewy, and loaded with rich dark chocolate chips and crushed candy canes for that refreshing peppermint crunch.
The cool peppermint flavor paired with melty chocolate makes these cookies festive yet comforting. They bake beautifully and stay soft for days—ideal for gifting or enjoying with hot cocoa by the fire.
These are a crowd favorite, especially for peppermint lovers, and they freeze well if you want to prep ahead of time. Customize with white chocolate or peppermint extract for extra flavor.
Craving more smart yet satisfying holiday treats? Browse The Encyclopedia of Power Foods for tips on ingredient swaps and festive recipes that fuel your energy without skimping on taste.
No.4. Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies
Packed with sweet, salty, crunchy goodness, these Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies are holiday chaos in the most delicious way. Imagine pretzels, potato chips, M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles all baked into a soft, chewy cookie base. It’s a snack lover’s dream!
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Add in your own mix-ins like crushed peppermint, caramel bits, or festive marshmallows. No two batches have to be the same—which makes them a fun way to use up odds and ends in your pantry.
They’re perfect for cookie exchanges, family baking sessions, or even as a “clean-out-the-cabinet” dessert. These cookies are playful, colorful, and seriously addictive.
No.5. Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
Soft, buttery, and filled with a sweet surprise, these Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are a timeless holiday treat. The cookie itself is chewy and tender, making it a perfect base for jams, chocolate, or caramel in the center.
Rolling them in colorful sprinkles or powdered sugar makes them extra festive. Use your favorite jam—raspberry, strawberry, or apricot—for variety. They’re easy to make and even easier to love.
Thumbprint cookies are also great for baking with kids. Let them choose the fillings and decorations for a fun, hands-on holiday activity.
No.6. Grinch Sugar Cookies
Inspired by everyone’s favorite green Christmas character, these Grinch Sugar Cookies are fun, soft, and full of holiday spirit. Made with melted butter, vanilla, and a dash of green food coloring, they’re topped with a single red sprinkle to represent the Grinch’s heart.
The texture is soft and chewy, with just the right balance of sweetness. You can use a cookie scoop for uniform drops, making them easy to bake in big batches.
These cookies are especially popular with kids—and they make the perfect treat for a Grinch-themed movie night or party.
Looking to add festive flair and functional ingredients to your baking? The Encyclopedia of Power Foods is filled with colorful, nutritious ideas that even the Grinch would approve of.
No.7. Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies
These Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies take everything you love about the holidays and wrap it up into one indulgent bite. A soft and chewy gingerbread cookie surrounds a creamy cheesecake center, then gets rolled in spiced sugar before baking to golden perfection.
The warm spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves—create that nostalgic gingerbread flavor, while the tangy cream cheese filling adds a luscious contrast. Each bite melts in your mouth with a perfect balance of sweet and spice.
These cookies are perfect for holiday cookie platters, gifting, or enjoying with a warm mug of tea. They’re simple to assemble with just a bit of chilling time, and they stay soft for days.
No.8. Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Rich, fudgy, and decadent, these Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are a must for any chocolate lover’s holiday baking list. The cookie base is made with cocoa powder for an intense chocolate flavor and gets filled with smooth chocolate ganache or your favorite frosting.
The thumbprint design adds charm and makes each cookie feel special. Top them with festive sprinkles or a pinch of flaky sea salt for extra flair. These cookies are great for cookie swaps or as a classy dessert for your holiday table.
Despite their elegant look, they’re surprisingly easy to make—and they hold their shape beautifully after baking.
No.9. Yummy Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies
Bright, zesty, and bursting with festive flavor, these Cranberry Orange Cookies are a cheerful addition to any cookie tray. The tartness of dried cranberries pairs perfectly with fresh orange zest and buttery dough for a vibrant and tangy-sweet treat.
These cookies are soft and chewy with crispy edges, and they come together easily with pantry staples. The citrus adds a refreshing twist that cuts through the richness of other holiday treats.
They’re beautiful enough to serve at holiday parties and casual enough to enjoy with coffee or tea. Add a drizzle of orange glaze for an extra touch of sweetness and shine.
For more ways to brighten your holiday baking with functional fruits and natural flavors, check out The Encyclopedia of Power Foods—a delicious source of smart inspiration.
No.10. Cherry Snowball Cookies
Delicate, snowy, and full of charm, these Cherry Snowball Cookies are like little bites of winter wonderland. A tender, buttery dough is wrapped around a maraschino cherry, then rolled in powdered sugar to create that classic snowball look.
With subtle hints of coconut and chopped walnuts, these cookies offer rich texture and flavor in every bite. They’re crumbly, sweet, and perfect for enjoying by the fire or packaging in holiday tins.
Their nostalgic look and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them a holiday favorite for all ages. Plus, they freeze well and stay fresh for days.
No.11. Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies
Bring a touch of Italy to your holiday celebrations with these Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies. Lightly sweet, tender, and flavored with almond extract, these cookies are topped with a simple sugar glaze and festive nonpareils for a pop of color.
These cookies are soft and cake-like, making them perfect alongside espresso or hot chocolate. They’re also a wonderful make-ahead option, staying soft and flavorful for several days.
Simple to prepare and deeply nostalgic, these cookies are perfect for honoring family traditions or introducing new ones. They’re great for gifting or sharing at large gatherings.
No.12. Santa Claus Macarons
These Santa Claus Macarons are festive, fun, and surprisingly achievable—even if you’re new to macaron baking. Crisp almond meringue shells are filled with a sugar cookie buttercream for a sweet and whimsical surprise.
Decorated with red shells and a white buttercream center, they resemble Santa’s hat and add a playful touch to your dessert table. Despite their fancy look, this recipe is beginner-friendly when you follow a few key steps (like aged egg whites and gentle folding).
They’re perfect for gift boxes or as a conversation-starting centerpiece for your cookie tray.
Want to make macarons with more nourishing ingredients and bold flavors? Learn about superfoods, natural colors, and flavor pairings in The Encyclopedia of Power Foods—a baker’s best friend for the holidays.
No.13. White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
These White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are cool, creamy, and totally crave-worthy. A soft, buttery base is loaded with white chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies, creating a delightful crunch and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Each bite balances sweetness and freshness, making these cookies a hit at cookie swaps and holiday parties. They’re especially popular with kids and those who love candy cane flavors.
They bake quickly, store well, and taste even better the next day—making them perfect for holiday planning and gifting.
No.14. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Soft, fudgy, and full of holiday spirit, these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a beautiful and delicious addition to your baking list. Rolled in powdered sugar before baking, the dough expands to reveal that classic “crinkle” effect, creating a snow-dusted finish.
The red velvet flavor is rich with cocoa and just a hint of vanilla, while the center remains tender and chewy. These cookies are as pretty as they are satisfying—and they’re always a favorite at holiday cookie exchanges.
They require no decorating and minimal chill time, making them easy for even beginner bakers.
No.15. Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies
Red Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies are the definition of holiday indulgence. A soft red velvet cookie cradles a luscious, tangy cream cheese center, creating a bite that’s rich, festive, and completely satisfying.
With their bold color and beautiful contrast, they look stunning on any dessert tray. The dough is simple to prepare and holds its shape beautifully, while the cream cheese filling stays soft and creamy after baking.
These cookies offer a lovely balance of chocolatey depth and creamy brightness—and they’re easy enough to double for larger gatherings.
Need creative ways to upgrade your holiday baking while keeping it wholesome? The Encyclopedia of Power Foods has plenty of inspiration to help you strike the perfect balance between joy and nutrition.
Conclusion
Baking Christmas cookies isn’t just about the sugar and spice—it’s about creating moments of joy, connection, and tradition. Whether you’re sharing these with loved ones, gifting them to neighbors, or keeping a secret stash for yourself, each recipe brings warmth and cheer to the season.
From peppermint and gingerbread to red velvet and raspberry, these cookies are proof that you don’t need complex ingredients or hours of work to make something magical. Just a few basics, a little creativity, and a generous dash of holiday spirit.
So pick a recipe (or three!), preheat your oven, and let the scent of fresh cookies fill your home.
