There’s nothing I love more than pulling a tray of festive cookies out of the oven and knowing they’ll end up tucked into little gift boxes for everyone I adore. I’ve gathered 22 easy Christmas cookies that are just as joyful to bake with kids as they are to wrap up for neighbors and friends. From classic cutouts to buttery shortbread, these recipes are simple, merry, and made for sharing.
1. Irresistible Fruitcake Cookies
Irresistible Fruitcake Cookies are a total makeover for anyone skeptical about fruitcake, packed with fruit, spice, and wonderful texture. They channel those rich traditional holiday bread flavors in cookie form. I think they’re one of the best easy cookies for gifting or setting out on a dessert tray.
2. Chocolate M&M Cookies
Chocolate M&M Cookies put a colorful, happy spin on a classic favorite. I bake these whenever I need something joyful and family friendly that still feels festive. They’re so easy to make, perfect for those sweet and simple cravings.
3. Molasses Crinkle Cookies
Molasses Crinkle Cookies are dark and spicy, hitting all those deep, cozy notes I crave in holiday baking. They’re rooted in classic recipes with molasses and warm spices. No fancy decorating needed, just mix, bake, and enjoy.
4. Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are rich, soft, and completely impossible to stop eating. They belong on every best cookies list when you’re after something a little more decadent. But don’t let the richness fool you, they’re still wonderfully easy to pull off when you need a simple sugar cookie fix.
5. Meringue Wreath Cookies
Meringue Wreath Cookies are airy, light, and absolutely stunning on a holiday table. I pipe them into wreath shapes and they come out looking like edible decorations. They’re fancy enough to impress but simple enough that I don’t stress about making them.
6. Reindeer Cookies
Reindeer Cookies are adorable little faces that kids go wild for, and they’re perfect for decorating together or handing out to neighbors. They bring that whimsical holiday fun without sacrificing taste. Honestly, they’re one of those effortless treats that deliver pure joy.
7. Whipped Shortbread Cookies
Whipped Shortbread Cookies are light, buttery, and they just dissolve on your tongue. I love tucking these pretty little bites into cookie tins or setting them out on a dessert platter, they always feel fancy. And here’s the secret: they’re surprisingly simple to make.
8. Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are loaded with everything: chocolate, marshmallows, nuts, you name it. They’re a best cookie contender thanks to all those layers of texture and flavor. One batch satisfies every single holiday craving and they’re so easy to throw together.
9. Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies are hearty, tart, and loaded with cozy flavor. They’re perfect for a wholesome Christmas cookie spread. I make them when I want a sweet treat that comes together quickly for last minute gatherings.
10. Cake Mix Eggnog Cookies
Cake Mix Eggnog Cookies deliver that rich seasonal eggnog flavor with hardly any effort. I reach for this recipe when I want a holiday favorite in a flash. It’s hands down one of the best easy cookies for my crazy busy schedule.
11. Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles
Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles are pure joy in cutout form, bright and festive with that classic holiday sugar cookie taste. I keep these simple with easy shapes and a shower of sprinkles. They’re my go to when I need a big batch for a cookie swap.
12. Spritz Cookies
Spritz Cookies are all about butter, vanilla, and the prettiest little shapes. These delicate buttery shortbread bites feel fancy but if you have a cookie press, they’re ridiculously easy. I love them when I want something charming without a ton of work.
13. Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies
Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies are pure holiday magic with frosting, candy bits, and marshmallow puddles that look like melted snow. Underneath it all, they’re classic sugar cookies with a playful twist. I love making huge batches of these for cookie swaps, they’re ridiculously easy.
14. Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are my little secret for batch baking when I need to share with everyone. A box of cake mix makes them practically effortless, but they still come out looking and tasting totally festive. Minimal fuss, maximum holiday cheer.
15. Peppermint Mocha Cookies
Peppermint Mocha Cookies taste like your favorite coffee shop drink turned into a cookie, all cozy and brimming with holiday spirit. They’re minty, sweet, and just indulgent enough to feel like a treat. Even on my busiest days, I can whip these up with zero fuss.
16. Grinch Crinkle Cookies
These cheerful Grinch crinkle cookies are a holiday party showstopper. The crackly powdered sugar coating hides a soft, fudgy middle.
Every bite feels a little magical. I think they’re the perfect playful spin on classic sugar cookies, and they’re so simple to pull together.
17. Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies bring together peppermint, chocolate, and a satisfying crunch in one festive bite. They’re a standout on any cookie platter and perfectly satisfy my candy cane cravings. Plus, they’re so effortless I can make them anytime.
18. Snowman Cookies
Snowman Cookies with cheery little faces always steal the show on any cookie plate. A simple sugar cookie base plus playful decorations make them a hit with grown ups and kids alike. They’re my favorite easy way to add a dose of festive fun.
19. Reindeer Linzer Cookies
Reindeer Linzer Cookies give a classic cookie a cute reindeer twist that charms everyone. Nutty crusts and jammy centers come together in one of the best holiday cookie combinations I know. Make them ahead, then share them out, they’re easy and impressive.
20. Cranberry Lemon Pistachio Cookies
Cranberry Lemon Pistachio Cookies deliver tang, crunch, and the most beautiful holiday colors. If you love fruit and nuts in your treats, these are definitely some of the best cookies around. They look impressive but they’re totally doable, even for newer bakers.
21. Christmas Baci di Dama Cookies
Christmas Baci di Dama Cookies are delicate little Italian style sandwiches with a dreamy chocolate filling. I make them when I want something that feels a little special on the holiday table. They’re best fresh, and they’re surprisingly easy for such a memorable, dainty treat.
22. Spicy Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies
Spicy Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies bring all the warm, cozy vibes I crave on a cold December night. If you’re a fan of classic spice, these are some of the best Christmas cookies you’ll make. They’re easy to mix up, but the flavor packs a serious holiday punch.