The holiday season is all about sharing warmth, joy, and delicious treats with friends and family. When it comes to baking, Christmas cookies hold a special place in the heart of many. Here are 17 of the most cherished Christmas cookies to make your holiday season extra special.
1. Classic Sugar Cookies
Nothing says Christmas quite like the traditional sugar cookie. Crisp around the edges and soft in the center, these cookies are perfect for cutting into festive shapes and decorating with colorful icing and sprinkles.
Their subtle sweetness pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or eggnog, making them a staple at holiday gatherings.
2. Gingerbread Men
Gingerbread men are not only tasty but fun to decorate with kids and adults alike. Infused with molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, these cookies fill your kitchen with the warm and comforting scents of the season.
Decorate them with icing and tiny candies to bring a touch of whimsy to your dessert spread.
3. Snickerdoodles
With their signature cinnamon-sugar coating, snickerdoodles are a beloved classic that deserves a spot on every holiday cookie platter.
These cookies are known for their soft, chewy texture and slight tang, thanks to the cream of tartar in the dough. Their spicy-sweet flavor is simple yet irresistible, perfect for cozy evenings by the fire.
4. Thumbprint Cookies
Thumbprint cookies are as charming as they are delicious. These buttery shortbread cookies have an indentation in the center, often filled with sweet jam or preserves.
A combination of tender dough and fruity filling creates an ideal bite-sized treat that brings a touch of nostalgia to any Christmas celebration.
5. Linzer Cookies
Linzer cookies, a cousin to the thumbprint, are a showstopper on any cookie tray. These delicate, buttery cookies are sandwiched together with a layer of raspberry or strawberry jam, with a cutout on the top cookie to show a peek of the filling.
Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, they add elegance and flavor to your holiday dessert lineup.
6. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
If you’re a chocolate lover, chocolate crinkle cookies are a must-have during the holidays. These cookies are rich, fudgy, and coated in a layer of powdered sugar that cracks open during baking, giving them their signature look.
They are the perfect combination of a brownie-like center with a slightly crispy exterior.
7. Spritz Cookies
Spritz cookies are a traditional European treat made with a cookie press to form festive shapes like trees, stars, and wreaths.
Their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture is enhanced by a hint of almond or vanilla extract. Decorated with colorful sprinkles or sanding sugar, these cookies bring a festive flair to any cookie exchange.
8. Peanut Butter Blossoms
Peanut butter blossoms combine two beloved flavors in one: rich peanut butter cookies topped with a chocolate kiss.
These cookies are soft, chewy, and have a touch of chocolate in every bite. They’re simple to make but always make a big impression on a holiday cookie tray.
9. Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread cookies are classic for a reason. With just a few ingredients—butter, sugar, and flour—these cookies are simple yet delightfully rich.
Their crumbly texture makes them perfect for pairing with a hot drink or as a complement to more elaborate holiday cookies.
10. Biscotti
For a cookie that pairs perfectly with morning coffee or afternoon tea, biscotti is the way to go. These Italian twice-baked cookies come in a variety of flavors, like almond, cranberry-orange, and chocolate chip.
Though crunchy, they are perfect for dipping and offer a sophisticated touch to any holiday cookie spread.
11. Rugelach
Rugelach, a traditional Jewish pastry, adds a unique twist to your holiday cookie plate. These crescent-shaped treats are made with a rich, cream cheese-based dough and filled with a variety of fillings like cinnamon-sugar, nuts, or fruit preserves.
The flaky, tender texture of rugelach makes them a holiday favorite that’s worth the effort.
12. Mexican Wedding Cookies
Mexican wedding cookies, also known as snowball cookies or Russian tea cakes, are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treats made with ground nuts and coated in powdered sugar.
They look like little snowballs, making them ideal for a Christmas setting. The combination of buttery flavor and nutty crunch makes them a beloved choice during the holiday season.
13. Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
For those looking for a slightly healthier option, oatmeal cranberry cookies are the perfect blend of chewy oats and tart dried cranberries.
These cookies are hearty and satisfying, offering a burst of flavor with each bite. Adding white chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate them further, giving them a festive flair.
14. Amaretti Cookies
Amaretti cookies are an Italian delicacy that brings a hint of sophistication to your Christmas table. Made primarily from almond flour and egg whites, these cookies are chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Their subtle almond flavor pairs wonderfully with hot drinks, making them a perfect addition to your holiday spread.
15. Pfeffernüsse
Pfeffernüsse are traditional German cookies that are spiced with a mix of black pepper, anise, cinnamon, and other warming spices.
These cookies have a distinct, aromatic taste and are coated in powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Their bold flavor is perfect for those who love a hint of spice in their holiday treats.
16. Coconut Macaroons
Coconut macaroons add a touch of tropical flavor to your holiday cookie selection. Chewy, sweet, and golden-brown on the outside, they’re made primarily of shredded coconut and egg whites.
Dipping them in chocolate adds an extra touch of decadence that makes them even more special.
17. Chocolate-Dipped Orange Shortbread
For a gourmet twist on classic shortbread, try chocolate-dipped orange shortbread cookies. The zest of fresh orange adds a refreshing brightness to the rich, buttery base, while a dip in melted dark chocolate brings the perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness.
These cookies are elegant enough for gift-giving and indulgent enough for holiday parties.
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