With the holidays fast approaching, the oven is working overtime. Whether you’re preparing for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or a festive dessert table, these 25 Christmas cookie recipes are perfect for the season. The selection spans classics like gingerbread, shortbread, and sugar cookies, as well as creative crowd-pleasers—each one designed to bring holiday cheer and delicious flavor to your celebrations. Happy baking!
25 Most Popular Christmas Cookie Recipes
Easy Stacked Sugar Cookie Christmas Tree from Wow It’s Veggie – Soft, chewy sugar cookies are stacked into a tree shape and finished with vanilla icing for a fun, festive presentation.
Cherry Chocolate Kiss Cookies from EverydayShortcuts – A buttery shortbread-style cookie with a cherry center and vivid red color that makes a striking addition to any holiday tray.
Peppermint Kiss Cookies from Mommy Musings – A seasonal twist on candy cane blossoms using crushed candy canes and a touch of peppermint extract for bright, minty flavor.
Melting Snowman Cookies from EverydayShortcuts – Candy-coated cookies that are as fun to make as they are tasty, featuring a whimsical melting snowman effect.
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies from Little Sunny Kitchen – Old-fashioned pinwheel cookies in red and green that are enjoyable to prepare and delightful on the holiday table.
Gluten Free Gingerbread Men Cookies from EverydayShortcuts – Classic gingerbread men made with gluten-free ingredients so everyone can enjoy these spiced, festive treats.
Christmas Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies from Flavor Mosaic – Buttery shortbread thumbprints filled with buttercream or jam and coated in red and green sprinkles for a cheerful finish.
Christmas Tree Shortbread Cookies from EverydayShortcuts – Flaky vanilla shortbread shaped like trees and decorated with candy melts and festive sprinkles.
Sugar Cookie Cut Outs from Deliciously Sprinkled – Easy-to-make cutout sugar cookies that become yearly family favorites when decorated with icing and sprinkles.
Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies from EverydayShortcuts – Rich, buttery cookies cut into shapes and decorated with royal icing for classic holiday style and taste.
Chocolate Ginger Crinkles from Milk and Pop – Fudgy on the inside with a spicy ginger kick, these crinkle cookies are a cozy, decadent choice for winter gatherings.
Peppermint Mocha Cookies from EverydayShortcuts – A sophisticated blend of mint and chocolate perfect for cookie swaps, these cookies pair well with coffee or hot chocolate.
Kolaczki Cookies (Polish Cream Cheese Cookies) from Feast from a Fraction – Tender cream cheese dough filled with fruit preserves and dusted with powdered sugar for a delicate, traditional treat.
Surprise Snowball Cookies from EverydayShortcuts – Soft, flaky, and buttery snowball cookies that are ideal for parties and cookie exchanges.
Christmas Monster Cookies from Garnish & Glaze – Hearty oatmeal cookies studded with red and green M&M’s, chocolate chips, and sprinkles—Santa-approved and fun for kids.
Chocolate Pizzelle Cookies from Savoring the Good – Light, crisp pizzelle cookies made with a few simple ingredients, perfect for adding texture and elegance to your cookie plate.
White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies from EverydayShortcuts – Soft, chewy cookies flavored with white chocolate and candy cane pieces, ideal for dunking in warm milk.
Chewy Ginger Cookies from Sweet and Savory Pursuits – Molasses and candied ginger give these cookies a warm, chewy texture and deep holiday flavor.
Eggnog Sugar Cookies from EverydayShortcuts – For eggnog fans, these cookies incorporate rum and eggnog for a rich, festive flavor that stands out on any dessert table.
Zimtsterne Cinnamon Stars (German Christmas Cookies) from Mrs. Jones Kitchen – Traditional German star-shaped cookies made with ground almonds, egg whites, sugar, and cinnamon for a fragrant, classic treat.
Classic Thumbprint Cookies from The Flavor Bender – A timeless holiday favorite that’s easy to customize with a variety of jam or chocolate fillings.
Lemon Shortbread Cookies from Taste of Homemade – Buttery, flaky shortbread with a bright lemon filling that melts in your mouth and cuts through richer holiday flavors.
Easy No Bake Rum Balls from Ann’s Entitled Life – Simple no-bake rum balls that are rich, boozy, and quick to prepare—an easy addition to any cookie assortment.
Poinsettia Cookies from Sula and Spice – Festive, flower-shaped cookies in bright holiday colors that add visual flair to your cookie platter.
Italian Christmas Cookies from Walking on Sunshine Recipes – Lemony cookies topped with sweet glaze and sprinkles, a beloved family favorite that’s both simple and delicious.
These 25 cookie ideas cover a wide range of flavors, textures, and traditions—there’s something here for every baker and every holiday occasion. Pick a few favorites, gather your ingredients, and enjoy sharing freshly baked cookies with family and friends this season.