Let’s talk holiday baking! I’ve rounded up my 10 absolute favorite Christmas cookies, all the buttery classics you crave every year, plus a few fun surprises that might just become new traditions.
Whether you’re filling tins for gifts or setting out a plate for Santa, these recipes will make your kitchen smell incredible and your heart feel full. Grab your apron, I’m sharing a lineup of sweet, festive goodness.
1. Stacked Sugar Cookie Christmas Trees
Vegan magic is happening with these Stacked Sugar Cookie Christmas Trees! They’re pillowy soft sugar cookies layered with a festive green icing center, and they taste so incredible you won’t even think about the dairy.
If you’re loyal to your family’s classic sugar cookie recipe, go right ahead and use it here, it’ll work like a charm. These little trees bring all the holiday charm without any fuss.
2. Peppermint Mocha Cookies
Oh, I am so ready for peppermint season! These Peppermint Mocha Cookies are thick and soft, deeply chocolatey, with that classic minty zing that just screams holidays.
A drizzle of dark chocolate and a shower of crushed candy canes take them right over the top. The peppermint chocolate combo is absolutely unbeatable here, and every bite is like a little celebration. Trust me, these are the kind of cookies that vanish from the platter first.
3. Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies
These Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies are the kind of classic that never goes out of style. Buttery shortbread with a whisper of almond, filled with a glistening little pool of sweet raspberry jam.
I bake them every single holiday season because that combo is just too good to skip. Six ingredients, no chilling the dough, that’s it. It’s the easiest recipe ever, my favorite thumbprint cookie with that perfect almond jam twist.
4. White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
Need a surefire holiday hit? These White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are exactly that.
The sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries are a match made in cookie heaven, and I swear by using frozen cranberries for that extra pop of color and flavor. They’re ridiculously easy to stir together, and baking a big batch instantly ups your whole cookie game. This is my ultimate go to when I want something simple, bright, and absolutely delicious.
5. Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
These Stacked Sugar Cookie Christmas Trees are the ultimate holiday showstoppers. Soft, chewy sugar cookies layered with luscious vanilla icing and stacked into a jaw dropping tree shape that totally steals the spotlight.
Yes, they take a bit of effort, but the payoff is huge when you see everyone’s faces. Trust me, this is the cookie centerpiece your holiday table has been waiting for.
6. Grinch Crinkle Cookies
Picture it: you’re snuggled on the couch watching The Grinch, and a plate of these bright green Grinch Crinkle Cookies is within arm’s reach. They’re a total breeze to make, starting with a simple cake mix, which means the kids can jump in and help without any stress.
They bake up soft and crinkly, and I swear they steal hearts faster than the Grinch stole Christmas. These are the easy holiday cookies that’ll win over everyone you love.
7. Snowflake Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread is the undisputed star of the holiday cookie tray, and these Snowflake Gingerbread Cookies are an absolute standout. They’re soft and chewy with that perfect cozy blend of seasonal spices that fills your whole kitchen.
I’m not being dramatic when I say this recipe will become your new go to for traditional Christmas cookies. It’s simply the best, and every snowy little cookie is pure holiday spirit.
8. Snowman Cookies
These are the cutest holiday baking project ever: Copycat Starbucks Snowman Cookies! These buttery shortbread cookies are so tender they practically melt in your mouth, and decorating them with royal icing is the perfect activity for little hands.
They look just like the coffee shop version but cost a fraction of the price, which I love. Sweet, adorable, and guaranteed to spread serious festive cheer.
9. Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are the rock stars of any cookie box, I’m telling you. They do take a little extra time and a whole lot of love, but honestly, the best things always do.
No cookie cutters or fussy frosting needed, just your best dough rolling ninja moves to get those swirls just right. When you see those spirals come together, you’ll know all the effort was totally worth it. Show stoppers, every single time.
10. Sparkling Frosted Cranberry Cookies
If you want a cookie that doubles as a centerpiece, these Sparkling Frosted Cranberry Cookies are it. They’re soft sugar cookies topped with gorgeous sugared cranberries that catch the light like little ruby gems.
A simple buttercream drizzle ties everything together in the sweetest way. I love them for Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings because they feel fancy but come together without a ton of fuss. Pure holiday cheer in every bite.