MomSkoop
The holidays bring joy, laughter, and the wonderful smell of fresh cookies baking in the oven.
Christmas cookies are a tradition that brings families together and creates memories that last a lifetime.
Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, making treats for Santa, or simply enjoying time with loved ones, these twenty simple recipes will fill your home with festive cheer and delicious flavors everyone will love.
1. Sugar Cookies
Nothing says Christmas like decorating sugar cookies with family and friends.
The simple dough comes together quickly with butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, creating a blank canvas for your creativity.
Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters shaped like reindeer, snowmen, and ornaments.
Once baked to golden perfection, let them cool completely before the real fun begins.
Break out the colored icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter to transform plain cookies into edible works of art.
Kids especially love getting messy with frosting and adding their personal touch to each cookie, making this recipe perfect for family bonding time during the busy holiday season.
2. Gingerbread Cookies
Warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves give these cookies their signature cozy flavor that reminds everyone of Christmas.
The molasses adds a deep, rich sweetness that balances perfectly with the spicy kick.
Making gingerbread people is a tradition dating back centuries, and decorating them never gets old.
Use white royal icing to draw smiling faces, buttons, and scarves on your cookie characters.
The dough holds its shape beautifully when baked, so your gingerbread men will look just as cute coming out of the oven as they did going in.
Store them in an airtight container to keep them soft and chewy for days.
3. Chocolate Chip Cookies
Everyone’s favorite cookie gets a festive makeover when you add red and green chocolate chips instead of regular ones.
The classic recipe never disappoints, with its perfect balance of crispy edges and soft, chewy centers.
Brown sugar creates that irresistible caramel-like flavor while vanilla extract adds warmth.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt into gooey pockets of deliciousness in every bite.
Bake these cookies slightly underdone if you prefer them extra soft, or leave them in a bit longer for crunchier results.
They’re so easy that even beginners can master them on the first try, making them ideal for last-minute holiday gatherings or unexpected guests.
4. Snickerdoodles
Cinnamon and sugar create magic when rolled together and coating these buttery cookies before baking.
The tangy addition of cream of tartar gives snickerdoodles their distinctive flavor that sets them apart from regular sugar cookies.
Watch as they puff up in the oven and develop those beautiful cracks across the top.
The edges get slightly crispy while the centers stay wonderfully soft and pillowy.
Their warm cinnamon coating makes them taste like Christmas in cookie form, perfect alongside hot cocoa or coffee.
The name itself is fun to say, making these cookies a conversation starter at any holiday party or cookie swap event.
5. Peanut Butter Blossoms
A Hershey’s Kiss pressed into the center of each warm cookie creates an iconic look that everyone recognizes instantly.
The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is simply unbeatable, satisfying both flavor cravings at once.
Roll the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking to give them a sparkly, festive appearance.
The cookies will spread and crack slightly as they bake, creating the perfect nest for your chocolate kiss.
Press the candy into each cookie immediately after removing them from the oven while they’re still soft.
The heat will slightly melt the chocolate, helping it stick perfectly.
These cookies disappear fast at parties, so consider making a double batch.
6. Shortbread Cookies
With just three ingredients—butter, sugar, and flour—shortbread proves that simplicity can be absolutely delicious.
Scottish bakers perfected this recipe centuries ago, and it remains a holiday favorite today.
The key is using high-quality butter since it’s the star ingredient that creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Cream the butter and sugar thoroughly before adding flour to achieve the perfect crumbly consistency.
Press the dough into a pan and cut it into fingers or rounds before baking until pale golden.
The subtle sweetness and buttery richness make shortbread an elegant addition to any cookie platter, and they pair wonderfully with tea or coffee during holiday gatherings.
7. M&M Christmas Cookies
Bright red and green M&Ms scattered throughout these cookies instantly make them look festive and fun.
Kids go absolutely crazy for these colorful treats, and they’re simple enough for young bakers to help make.
The basic dough is similar to chocolate chip cookies but studded with candy-coated chocolates instead.
Press a few extra M&Ms on top of each dough ball before baking so they show beautifully on the finished cookies.
The candies stay crunchy even after baking, adding a satisfying texture contrast to the soft cookie base.
Package these in clear bags tied with ribbons to give as gifts, or arrange them on platters for parties where their cheerful colors will brighten any dessert table.
8. Thumbprint Jam Cookies
Making an indentation with your thumb in each cookie creates a perfect little well for jam or preserves.
This hands-on technique makes baking feel more personal and fun, especially when kids help press their thumbs into the dough.
The buttery cookie base provides a neutral backdrop that lets the fruity jam shine through.
Raspberry, strawberry, and apricot preserves are popular choices that add beautiful pops of color.
Fill the thumbprints after baking and while cookies are still slightly warm so the jam settles nicely.
Some bakers roll the dough in chopped nuts before making the indentation, adding extra flavor and texture that complements the sweet jam filling perfectly.
9. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Hearty oats and sweet raisins make these cookies feel almost wholesome, though they’re definitely still a treat.
The chewy texture comes from the oats absorbing moisture from the dough as they bake.
Brown sugar and cinnamon add warmth and depth that make these cookies perfect for cold winter days.
Some people love them while others prefer chocolate chips, but raisin fans are truly devoted to this classic combination.
The cookies stay soft for days when stored properly in an airtight container, making them great for baking ahead.
Plump the raisins in warm water for ten minutes before adding them to the dough if you want them extra juicy and tender in the finished cookies.
10. No-Bake Cornflake Wreaths
Melted marshmallows bind together cornflakes and green food coloring to create these adorable edible wreaths.
No oven required means kids can safely help with every step of the process without worry.
Red cinnamon candies pressed into the green mixture look like holly berries, completing the wreath appearance.
Work quickly once the marshmallow mixture is ready because it sets fast as it cools.
Butter your hands before shaping the wreaths to prevent sticking and make forming easier.
These festive treats are crunchy, sweet, and so cute that guests often hesitate to eat them.
They’re perfect for classroom parties, bake sales, or anytime you need a quick, impressive holiday dessert without turning on the oven.
11. Candy Cane Cookies
Dividing sugar cookie dough in half and coloring one portion red creates the signature striped effect.
Roll ropes of each color separately, then twist them together and shape them into candy cane curves.
Peppermint extract in the dough gives these cookies their authentic candy cane flavor that tastes just like the classic Christmas treat.
The shaping process is fun and meditative, perfect for a relaxed afternoon of holiday baking.
Brush the finished cookies with a simple glaze and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for extra peppermint punch.
Hang them on your Christmas tree as edible ornaments, or arrange them standing upright in mugs of hot chocolate for a festive presentation that delights both kids and adults.
12. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Rich chocolate dough rolled in powdered sugar creates dramatic cracks as the cookies spread during baking.
The contrast between dark chocolate and white sugar makes these cookies look incredibly elegant and bakery-worthy.
Cocoa powder and melted chocolate combine to deliver intense chocolate flavor in every bite.
Chilling the dough thoroughly before rolling and baking helps the cookies maintain their shape and develop those signature cracks.
The exterior stays slightly crispy from the powdered sugar while the inside remains fudgy and soft.
These cookies look fancy enough for holiday parties but are surprisingly simple to make, fooling everyone into thinking you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen when they actually come together quickly.
13. White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
Tart dried cranberries and sweet white chocolate chips create a flavor combination that tastes sophisticated and festive.
The red berries add beautiful pops of holiday color throughout each golden cookie.
Cream cheese in the dough makes these cookies extra soft and gives them a subtle tanginess.
Orange zest is an optional addition that enhances both the cranberry and white chocolate flavors beautifully.
These cookies strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart, satisfying multiple taste preferences at once.
They’re particularly popular with adults who appreciate more complex flavors than basic chocolate chip.
Bake them until just barely golden for the softest texture, and watch them vanish from the cookie plate faster than you can imagine.
14. Peppermint Bark Cookies
Inspired by the popular holiday candy, these cookies feature chocolate dough topped with melted white chocolate and crushed peppermint.
The combination delivers all the flavors of peppermint bark in a chewy cookie form.
Bake the chocolate cookies completely, then drizzle or spread melted white chocolate over the tops while they’re still warm.
Immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes over the white chocolate before it sets so the pieces stick firmly.
The minty crunch against the soft chocolate cookie creates an exciting texture contrast in every bite.
These cookies look professionally decorated even though the technique is simple enough for beginners.
They’re perfect for peppermint lovers who want something different from traditional candy cane cookies.
15. Almond Crescent Cookies
Shaped like little moons, these delicate cookies are also called Mexican wedding cookies or Russian tea cakes.
Ground almonds in the dough create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s absolutely irresistible.
Roll the dough into small logs and curve them into crescent shapes before baking until pale golden.
While still warm from the oven, roll each cookie generously in powdered sugar.
After they cool completely, roll them in powdered sugar again for an extra thick, snowy coating.
The double coating ensures they stay beautifully white and sweet.
These elegant cookies look stunning arranged on fancy platters and taste buttery and nutty with a subtle sweetness that’s not overwhelming at all.
16. Hot Cocoa Cookies
Cocoa powder in the dough creates a rich chocolate base that tastes just like a cup of hot chocolate.
Mini marshmallows pressed on top before baking add that classic hot cocoa touch.
Some recipes include hot chocolate mix stirred right into the dough for extra flavor intensity.
The marshmallows toast slightly in the oven, getting golden and gooey just like they do in a real mug of cocoa.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra decadent finish that makes them look bakery-fancy.
These cookies capture all the cozy feelings of sipping hot chocolate by the fire on a snowy evening.
Kids especially love them because they combine two favorite winter treats into one delicious package.
17. Red Velvet Cookies
Vibrant red color and subtle cocoa flavor make these cookies a showstopper on any holiday cookie platter.
The addition of cream cheese in the dough or as frosting gives them that signature tanginess associated with red velvet cake.
White chocolate chips scattered throughout provide pops of sweetness and create a beautiful color contrast against the deep red.
The cookies bake up soft and cake-like rather than crispy, with a tender crumb that’s absolutely heavenly.
Some bakers add a cream cheese frosting drizzle on top for extra decadence and authentic red velvet flavor.
These cookies look fancy and taste amazing, making them perfect for impressing guests at holiday parties or giving as gifts to people who appreciate something special.
18. Molasses Cookies
Dark, rich molasses gives these cookies a deep flavor that’s slightly bitter and wonderfully complex.
Warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves complement the molasses perfectly, creating a taste that screams old-fashioned Christmas.
Roll the dough balls in coarse sugar before baking to create a sparkly, crunchy exterior.
The cookies develop beautiful cracks across the top as they bake and spread.
They’re chewy in the center with slightly crispy edges, offering the best of both texture worlds.
These cookies improve with age, developing deeper flavors after a day or two in storage.
Grandmothers have been making versions of these cookies for generations, passing down recipes that bring comfort and nostalgia with every bite.
19. Spritz Cookies
Using a cookie press to pipe these buttery cookies creates beautiful shapes and designs that look professionally made.
Traditional spritz recipes come from Scandinavia, where they’ve been a Christmas staple for centuries.
The dough must be the right consistency—not too soft or too stiff—to press through the cookie gun properly.
Chill the baking sheets before piping to help the cookies hold their intricate shapes during baking.
Add food coloring to different portions of dough to create colorful cookies, or keep them plain and decorate with sprinkles.
The cookies are crisp, buttery, and slightly sweet, perfect for dunking in coffee or tea.
Once you master the cookie press technique, you can create dozens of beautiful cookies in minutes.
20. Snowball Cookies
Pecans or walnuts ground into the dough give these round cookies their distinctive texture and nutty flavor.
Rolling them in powdered sugar while still warm creates a thick white coating that resembles fresh snowballs.
The cookies are incredibly tender and crumbly, practically melting on your tongue with each bite.
Some recipes call them Mexican wedding cookies, Russian tea cakes, or butterballs, but they’re all variations of the same delicious treat.
Make them small—about one inch in diameter—so they stay delicate and dainty looking.
The powdered sugar coating sometimes gets absorbed, so roll them again before serving if needed.
These cookies look beautiful piled high in a bowl, creating an edible winter wonderland on your dessert table that guests can’t resist grabbing by the handful.