Best Christmas Cookie Recipes

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

Christmas cookies bring festive joy and warmth to every holiday gathering. From classic sugar cookies to spiced gingerbread and buttery shortbread, these treats are perfect for cookie swaps, gift boxes, or cozy evenings by the fire. With a variety of flavors, textures, and decorating options, these cookies add sweetness and sparkle to the season.

Classic Sugar Cookies

ingredients

flourunsalted buttersugarvanilla extracteggssaltbaking powder

directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
Mix in eggs and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder.
Gradually blend dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Roll out dough, cut into shapes, and bake for 8-10 minutes.
Cool and decorate with icing or sprinkles.

Gingerbread Cookies

ingredients

flourunsalted buttermolassesbrownsugareggsbaking sodaallspiceground clovesground cinnamon ground ginger

directions

In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar.
Add molasses and eggs, mixing thoroughly.
Whisk dry ingredients in a separate bowl, then combine with wet.
Chill dough for at least 1 hour.
Roll out and cut into desired shapes.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.
Cool and decorate with royal icing.

Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

ingredients

flourunsweetened cocoa powdergranulated sugarsaltbaking powdersugarpowdered sugarpeppermint extracteggsvegetable oil

directions

Mix oil, sugar, and cocoa powder.
Add eggs and peppermint extract.
Blend in flour, baking powder, and salt.
Chill dough for 1 hour.
Form into balls, roll in powdered sugar.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
Cool and enjoy the crackled surface.

Thumbprint Cookies

ingredients

flourunsalted buttersugarvanilla extracteggsaltfruit jam (raspberry or apricot)

directions

Cream butter and sugar.
Add vanilla and beat until smooth.
Mix in flour and salt.
Roll dough into balls and indent centers.
Fill indentations with jam.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-14 minutes.
Cool completely before serving.

Snowball Cookies

ingredients

flourunsalted butterpowdered sugarchopped nutsvanilla extractsalt

directions

Cream butter and powdered sugar.
Add vanilla, flour, salt, and chopped nuts.
Roll into small balls.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
Cool and roll in powdered sugar while warm.
Dust again when fully cooled.

Servings and timing

Each recipe yields approximately 24-36 cookies.
Preparation time: 15-30 minutes
Baking time: 8-14 minutes per batch
Cooling and decorating time: 15-30 minutes
Total time: 45-90 minutes per recipe

Variations

Use gluten-free flour blends for dietary needs.
Add festive spices like nutmeg or cardamom for warmth.
Dip cookies in chocolate for a richer flavor.
Decorate with colored sugar or edible glitter for extra sparkle.

storage/reheating

Store cookies in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 5-7 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe bags.
To refresh, warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, most doughs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

How do I keep cookies soft?
Store with a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture.

Can I freeze decorated cookies?
Yes, but freeze in layers with parchment between them to preserve decoration.

What’s the best way to ship cookies?
Choose sturdy types like snowballs or gingerbread, wrap well, and use a snug container.

Can kids help make these cookies?
Absolutely! Sugar cookies and thumbprints are especially fun for decorating.

Conclusion

These Christmas cookie recipes offer something for everyone—sweet, spiced, or chocolatey. Whether you’re baking with family, preparing gifts, or filling your holiday table, these festive treats will delight and impress all season long.

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