The holiday season is the perfect time to enjoy delicious Christmas cookies, and we’ve got the top 10 best recipes for you!
Each of these recipes has been tested for consistent results, from perfectly soft centers to cookies that hold their shape when decorated. They range from beginner friendly drop cookies to slightly more involved cutout cookies, so there's something here whether you're baking with kids or aiming for a bakery style spread.
Whether you love classic flavors like gingerbread and sugar cookies or want to try something new and exciting, these cookies will make your holiday celebrations extra special.
From fun, festive shapes to irresistible flavors, these top 10 Christmas cookies are sure to be a hit at any holiday party.
Grab your mixing bowls and get ready to bake some treats that everyone will love and remember!
10 Best Christmas Cookies
Cream Cheese Christmas Spritz Cookies Recipe
Christmas spritz cookies is a long-standing tradition in many households during the holiday season! These classic spritz cookies are buttery and soft, made with cream cheese and formed into all kinds of shapes using a spritz cookie press.
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No Chill Gingerbread Cookies
These No Chill Gingerbread Cookies are the best Christmas cookies. The dough comes together quickly with no chilling time. They have a rich, buttery flavor and are perfectly spiced. Plus, they hold their shape well!
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Old Fashioned Molasses Cookies (Soft and Chewy!)
These old-fashioned ginger molasses cookies are chewy inside, slightly crispy outside, and beautifully cracked from rolling in sugar. They're perfect for the holidays with warm spices, great with eggnog, or crumbled over ice cream.
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Healthy Almond Flour Shortbread Cookies
These easy and healthy almond flour shortbread cookies make the perfect addition to your holiday baking and only require five simple ingredients. Such a cute and delicious sweet treat to share with friends and family! {Paleo, vegetarian, dairy-free & gluten-free}.
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Photo credit: hauteandhealthyliving.com
Peppermint Kiss Cookies
Are you looking for an cookie recipe that combines a perfect crunch with melt-in-your-mouth flavor? These Peppermint Kiss Cookies are the best! Perfect size for enjoying a sweet dessert this holiday season.
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Photo credit: greedyeats.com
Snowflake Cookies
These festive snowflake cookies will put you right in the holiday spirit! Not only are they beautiful but they're buttery and delicious, too! Bring in the holiday season with this simple shortbread recipe and be the talk of your holiday cookie exchange!
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Photo credit: britneybreaksbread.com
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Bring these homemade Christmas Pinwheel Cookies to the exchange for the prettiest treats—red and white swirled, easy to make, and delicious with a hint of peppermint.
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Photo credit: easydessertrecipes.com
Reindeer Cookies
Reindeer cookies are soft chocolate cookies with candy faces and pretzel antlers. This is the easiest Christmas cookie recipe – no mixer, no chilling necessary!
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Photo credit: ihearteating.com
No Bake Christmas Peanut Butter Ritz Crackers
These No Bake Christmas Peanut Butter Ritz Crackers are a family favorite—just buttery crackers, creamy peanut butter, almond bark, and sprinkles make them feel like cookies!
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Photo credit: simplyscratchmade.com
Christmas Cut Out Cookies
This Christmas cut out cookies recipe makes soft sugar cookies that hold their shape well, and are perfect for frosting and decorating!
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Photo credit: anediblemosaic.com
Top 10 Tips for Cookie Baking
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use proper measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients to ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter and eggs mix better when at room temperature, leading to a smoother dough and better texture.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading too much during baking.
- Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: These prevent sticking and promote even baking, making clean-up easier.
- Don't Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Space Cookies Evenly: Leave enough space between cookies on the baking sheet to allow for spreading.
- Watch Baking Times: Check your cookies a few minutes before the recommended time to avoid overbaking. They should be set around the edges and slightly soft in the center.
- Cool Properly: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to finish cooling completely.
- Store Correctly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Recommended Tools For Baking Cookies
- Baking Sheets: Opt for light-colored, heavy-duty baking sheets to ensure even baking. Darker pans can cause cookies to brown too quickly. Look for rimless sheets for easy cookie transfer.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: These non-stick surfaces prevent cookies from sticking and promote even baking. Silicone mats can be reused, making them an eco-friendly choice.
- Cookie Scoops: Available in various sizes, cookie scoops help you portion dough evenly, ensuring uniform cookies. This also aids in consistent baking times.
- Cooling Racks: Use sturdy cooling racks to cool cookies quickly and evenly, preventing them from becoming soggy. Ensure they have a tight grid pattern to support all cookie types.
- Rolling Pins: A classic wooden rolling pin works great for rolling out dough evenly. For ease, consider a rolling pin with thickness rings to ensure consistent dough thickness.
- Mixing Bowls: A set of various sizes, preferably stainless steel or glass, is ideal for mixing ingredients. They are durable and easy to clean.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: While a hand mixer is great for most tasks, a stand mixer is a versatile tool for mixing larger batches and heavier doughs effortlessly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measuring tools are crucial for baking success. Look for sets that include both dry and liquid measurements.
- Spatulas: Silicone spatulas are heat-resistant and perfect for scraping bowls, folding ingredients, and lifting cookies off baking sheets without breaking them.
- Cookie Cutters: A variety of shapes and sizes make holiday baking fun. Metal cutters provide cleaner cuts than plastic ones. We love for spritz cookies: OXO Cookie Press Kit; for round shapes: this 12 Piece Set; different shapes: Ann Clark.
Ways to Mix Up Your Cookie Lineup
- Pick a mix of textures - pair soft drop cookies with crisp cutout cookies for a well-rounded platter.
- Add a chocolate dip - dip half of any cookie in melted chocolate for a fancier finish.
- Go mini - scoop smaller portions so guests can sample a few different cookies at once.
Ways to Serve These Christmas Cookies
- Arranged on a platter for a holiday cookie exchange.
- Packed into tins or boxes as homemade gifts.
- Alongside hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy baking day.
FAQ
Can I freeze these Christmas cookies?
Most cookies on this list freeze well for up to 3 months. Store them in an airtight container with parchment between layers.
How far ahead can I bake for the holidays?
You can bake most of these up to a week ahead if stored airtight at room temperature, or freeze further in advance.
What's the best way to keep cutout cookies from spreading?
Chill the shaped dough before baking, and make sure your butter isn't too warm when you mix the dough.
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