30+ of the best Christmas cookies for your holiday baking! Lots of easy and delicious homemade ideas to make your next party or cookie exchange a success!

Best Christmas cookies photo collage.

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Table of Contents

Most Delicious Holiday Cookies

I love to host a cookie exchange around Christmas time each year. It’s one of my favorite ways to celebrate the holidays with loved ones AND enjoy all of the delicious Christmas cookies. Talk about a win-win!

One of my favorite things about the holidays is coming up with new cookie recipes to share with family and friends. I have so many wonderful memories of baking over the years, and love when I find yummy recipes to add to my collection.

On this list, you’ll find the top Christmas cookies to make this season. These would be fun to make for one of your Elf on the Shelf Ideas or any holiday party.

Whether you’re looking for traditional recipes, chocolate cookies, ones with decorations or easy recipes that still taste delicious – you’re bound to find all of your favorites here!

Favorite Baking Staples

Below are some of my favorite baking staples that I can’t live without! These make my holiday baking each year so much easier and enjoyable. Being prepared in the kitchen is key during the season and these make everything from Christmas morning breakfast ideas, to cookies, and finally Christmas dinner that much better!

cookie dough in mixer

Appliances

Bakeware

Utensils

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    Traditional Recipes

    There’s nothing like traditional Christmas cookies. My personal favorites are snickerdoodles because I’m a sucker for the cinnamon sugar coating. And above all, they are so soft and fluffy. Yum!

    Christmas sugar cookies with sugar cookie icing.
    Biscoff cookie butter cookies with biscoff frosting.

    Chocolate Cookies

    I love all things chocolate, and especially love chocolate Christmas cookies! Combine chocolate with peppermint at the holidays and it’s a heavenly match.

    Chocolate marshmallow cookies with candy canes on top.

    Decorated Cookies

    Decorated Christmas cookies are perfect for entertaining, and are always a big crowd pleaser. Whether you dip in chocolate, cover with sprinkles or create a fun design, these decorated treats will be a hit!

    Chocolate covered Christmas Oreos decorated and on a plate.

    Easy Christmas Cookies

    Things get so busy during the holidays, so I’m always looking for easy recipes to quickly whip up. These recipes below are fun, festive and super simple to make.

    stacked pistachio cookies

    Click on the links below to find the recipes for all of the delicious Christmas cookies mentioned above.

    Drop sugar cookies on a white plate.
    Drop Sugar Cookies
    Drop sugar cookies are an easy, no roll sugar cookie that is mixed in one bowl and done in under an hour. They are soft, chewy and buttery with slightly crisp edges.
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    5 from 6 votes
    Read more
    Stacked maple cookies.
    Maple Cookies
    These maples cookies are soft, chewy and irresistible with nutty brown butter, brown sugar and maple flavor. Topped with a maple glaze, they disappear at holiday parties!
    Total Time: 25 minutes
    5 from 5 votes
    Read more
    Stack of Christmas crack.
    Christmas Crack Recipe
    This Christmas crack recipe is the best sweet and salty treat made with a layer of saltine crackers, sweet toffee and chocolate! So easy and irresistible!
    Total Time: 27 minutes
    4.98 from 281 votes
    Read more
    Sheet pan cookie bars for the holidays with 4-in-1 cookie mix-ins.
    Sheet Pan Cookies
    These sheet pan cookies are soft, chewy and customizable! It's one dough and four flavors baked in one pan for the best 4-in-one cookie bars for a crowd.
    Total Time: 45 minutes
    5 from 1 vote
    Read more
    coconut caramel cookie on counter
    Coconut Caramel Cookies
    Buttery shortbread cookies topped with layers of gooey caramel, sweetened coconut and a chocolate drizzle. Every bite of these coconut caramel cookies is bursting with flavor! 
    Total Time: 1 hour 23 minutes
    5 from 9 votes
    Read more
    No Bake Avalanche Cookies
    No bake avalanche cookies are sweet and crunchy treats made in minutes with Rice Krispies, creamy white chocolate, peanut butter, mini marshmallows and chocolate chips.
    Total Time: 25 minutes
    5 from 7 votes
    Read more
    edible cookie dough in a glass bowl
    Edible Cookie Dough Recipe
    This edible cookie dough is a safe-to-eat raw cookie dough that is easily made without eggs and uses heat treated flour. This sweet treat is irresistible to enjoy by the spoonful!
    Total Time: 55 minutes
    5 from 6 votes
    Read more
    close up of turtle cookie
    Chocolate Turtle Cookies
    Rich and decadent these turtle cookies are made with soft chocolate cookies, rolled in pecans, filled with caramel and then topped with a chocolate drizzle!
    Total Time: 50 minutes
    5 from 8 votes
    Read more
    Rolo pretzels on a piece of parchment paper.
    Rolo Pretzels
    Only 3 ingredients to make and the perfect blend of salty and sweet, crunchy and chewy, and all around delicious! These Rolo pretzels are the easiest holiday treat and are so fun and festive
    Total Time: 13 minutes
    5 from 78 votes
    Read more
    reeses peanut butter cup cookie on baking sheet
    Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
    These peanut butter cup cookies are made with a soft, thick peanut butter cookie, rolled in sugar then topped with a Reese's peanut butter cup.
    Total Time: 19 minutes
    5 from 4 votes
    Read more
    Biscoff cookie butter cookies with biscoff frosting.
    Biscoff Cookies
    Biscoff cookies are made with a soft brown sugar cookie base then topped with sweet cookie butter buttercream frosting and Lotus cookie crumbs. Better than Crumbl cookies!
    Total Time: 38 minutes
    5 from 2 votes
    Read more
    Close up shot of a Christmas pinwheel cookie showing the soft texture, red swirl pattern, and colorful sprinkle edges.
    Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
    Bright and festive, Christmas pinwheel cookies feature red and white swirls with a hint of almond and vanilla. They’re perfect for cookie trays and holiday gifting.
    Total Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
    5 from 2 votes
    Read more
    bite taken from ginger sandwich cookie
    Gingerbread Whoopie Pies
    Gingerbread whoopie pies are soft, cake-like ginger cookies sandwiched together with fluffy cream cheese frosting. Cozy, spiced, and perfect for holiday cookie trays or gifting!
    Total Time: 1 hour 13 minutes
    5 from 9 votes
    Read more
    Peppermint swig cookies on a baking sheet topped with fluffy frosting and crushed candy canes.
    Peppermint Swig Sugar Cookies
    Soft, buttery peppermint Swig sugar cookies with a creamy peppermint frosting. These festive peppermint sugar cookies are the perfect holiday treat for any cookie tray.
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    5 from 6 votes
    Read more
    Stack of snickerdoodle cookies on a white plate.
    Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe
    This is the best snickerdoodle cookie recipe with soft and chewy texture and lots of cinnamon sugar flavor in every bite. This classic cookie is family favorite!
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    5 from 85 votes
    Read more
    Christmas sugar cookies.
    Christmas Sugar Cookies
    These Christmas sugar cookies are the best with a soft texture, sweet buttery taste and decorated with an easy icing. These festive cookies are perfect for the holiday season!
    Total Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
    5 from 38 votes
    Read more
    Black and white cookies.
    Black and White Cookies
    These black and white cookies are made with a shortbread like cookie topped with both vanilla and chocolate icing. A staple in New York City bakeries now made at home!
    Total Time: 1 hour 58 minutes
    5 from 1 vote
    Read more
    Chocolate marshmallow cookies with chocolate on top.
    Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
    These chocolate marshmallow cookies are fudgy, chewy chocolate cookies topped with gooey marshmallows and melted chocolate. An edible version of a mug of hot cocoa!
    Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
    5 from 2 votes
    Read more
    Chocolate almond joy cookies on plate.
    Chocolate Almond Joy Cookie Recipe
    Chocolate Almond Joy cookies are made with a soft chocolate cookie, filled with coconut cream, topped with an almond and drizzled with warm chocolate.
    Total Time: 57 minutes
    5 from 3 votes
    Read more
    Peanut butter blossoms on a plate.
    Peanut Butter Blossoms
    Easy sugar coated peanut butter blossoms topped with a chocolate kiss. This classic holiday cookie is soft, chewy and adds a festive touch to any Christmas cookie platter.
    Total Time: 18 minutes
    4.99 from 55 votes
    Read more
    Italian Christmas cookies with sprinkles.
    Italian Christmas Cookies
    Authentic Italian Christmas cookies are a special holiday treat with a soft and tender vanilla cookie topped with an almond glaze and festive Christmas sprinkles.
    Total Time: 50 minutes
    5 from 6 votes
    Read more
    gingerbread man cookies
    Soft Gingerbread Man Cookies
    Soft and chewy gingerbread man cookies full of ginger spice flavor. This classic Christmas treat is the perfect cookie to decorate with your family this season! 
    Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
    5 from 25 votes
    Read more
    Reindeer cookies on a wire cooling rack.
    Gingerbread Reindeer Cookies
    These gingerbread reindeer cookies are so festive! Soft and chewy gingerbread cookies are decorated with a reindeer face for Christmas fun.
    Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
    5 from 7 votes
    Read more
    Stack of soft cherry almond cookies drizzled with white chocolate, showing the tender cream cheese cookie texture and bright red cherry pieces.
    Cherry Almond Cookies
    Soft cream cheese cherry almond cookies with pops of maraschino cherries and a simple white chocolate drizzle. Festive, tender, and so easy to make.
    Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
    5 from 9 votes
    Read more
    Butter pecan cookies.
    Butter Pecan Cookies
    These soft and chewy butter pecan cookies have the delicious flavor combination of brown sugary goodness and nutty toasted pecans!
    Total Time: 28 minutes
    5 from 1 vote
    Read more
    Stack of M&M Christmas cookies.
    M&M Christmas Cookies
    Thick and chewy M&M Christmas cookies with crispy edges, a soft center and bursting with chocolate flavor. These are the ultimate cookie recipe to make this holiday season! 
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    4.98 from 141 votes
    Read more
    Mexican wedding cookies on a plate.
    Mexican Wedding Cookies
    These Mexican wedding cookies are so simple and take only 5 ingredients to make! The perfect bite-sized cookie recipe that will literally melt in your mouth. 
    Total Time: 28 minutes
    5 from 214 votes
    Read more
    Iced oatmeal cookies on the counter.
    Iced Oatmeal Cookies
    Old-fashioned iced oatmeal cookies are a sweet and crunchy cookie packed with oats, brown sugar, molasses and cinnamon. The sweet glaze adds a signature craggy top!
    Total Time: 1 hour
    5 from 9 votes
    Read more
    cranberry orange shortbread cookies on plate
    Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
    These cranberry orange shortbread cookies combine a buttery shortbread cookie with orange zest and sweet cranberries for a flavorful Christmas cookie is easily sliced and baked.
    Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
    5 from 12 votes
    Read more
    Soft and chewy white chocolate cranberry cookies studded with white chocolate chips and dried cranberries on a baking sheet.
    White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
    Soft and chewy white chocolate cranberry cookies made with sweet white chocolate chips and tart dried cranberries. A festive cookie that’s perfect for the holidays.
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    5 from 5 votes
    Read more
    christmas spritz cookies on plate
    Spritz Cookies
    These spritz cookies are a classic cookie for Christmas! Using a cookie press, they turn out fun and festive with a sweet and buttery taste then just decorate with sprinkles!
    Total Time: 46 minutes
    5 from 3 votes
    Read more
    Buttery classic shortbread cookies on a white plate.
    Shortbread Cookies
    These classic shortbread cookies are so easy to make with only 5 ingredients. They are irresistible with tender, butter melt-in-your-mouth texture!
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    5 from 20 votes
    Read more
    Chocolate crinkle cookies on parchment paper.
    Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
    These chocolate crinkle cookies are fudgy on the inside with a crisp crackly top! Rich and decadent and adored by any and all chocolate lovers. 
    Total Time: 53 minutes
    4.94 from 91 votes
    Read more
    andes mint cookies on top of parchment paper
    Andes Mint Cookies
    These Andes Mint cookies are made with an Andes mint melted on top of a soft-baked chocolate cookie! Sprinkle more mint chocolate chunks on top for an indulgent treat.
    Total Time: 55 minutes
    5 from 9 votes
    Read more
    White chocolate dipped peppermint chocolate cookies set on a countertop with crushed candy canes.
    Dipped Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
    These dipped chocolate peppermint cookies start with double chocolate cookies, then get dipped in sweet white chocolate and finished with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes.
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    5 from 19 votes
    Read more
    Twix cookies on cooling rack.
    Twix Cookies
    These Twix cookies are irresistible with a buttery shortbread base topped with smooth caramel and milk chocolate! Just as addictive as the candy bar!
    Total Time: 1 hour 41 minutes
    4.94 from 16 votes
    Read more
    Candy cane cookies on a cooling rack.
    Candy Cane Cookie Recipe
    These Betty Crocker candy cane cookies have been the star of Christmas cookie trays for years! They are a classic made with twists of bright red and white dough.
    Total Time: 4 hours 34 minutes
    5 from 10 votes
    Read more
    Almond cookies topped with a simple glaze on a white plate.
    Glazed Almond Cookies
    Soft, buttery glazed almond cookies are topped with a simple powdered sugar icing that makes every bite irresistible. This easy sweet treat is perfect for holiday cookie trays or gifting!
    Total Time: 1 hour
    5 from 9 votes
    Read more
    half eaten chocolate peanut butter stuffed cookie
    Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookie Recipe
    A rich and flavorful chocolate cookie filled with a delicious soft peanut butter center. These decadent peanut butter stuffed chocolate cookies are a dream!
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    4.86 from 28 votes
    Read more
    Coconut cookies on a cooling rack.
    Coconut Cookies
    These coconut cookies are soft, chewy and buttery with added texture and taste from shredded coconut. The perfect sweet treat for snacks and cookie cravings!
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    5 from 4 votes
    Read more
    Oreo balls stacked on a plate.
    Oreo Balls
    These OREO balls are made with just 3 simple ingredients and are such an easy dessert recipe to make. Drizzle with chocolate or top with your favorite colored sprinkles for the perfect decorative treat!
    Total Time: 35 minutes
    4.99 from 150 votes
    Read more
    Hot chocolate cookies on a white cake plate.
    Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
    These hot chocolate marshmallow cookies taste like hot cocoa in a soft baked chocolate cookie topped with a marshmallow and chocolate. So cozy for the holidays!!
    Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
    5 from 21 votes
    Read more
    mint chip chocolate cookie on pan
    Cake Mix Chocolate Mint Cookies
    These cake mix chocolate mint cookies are soft chocolate cookies loaded with mint chips. If you love the combination of chocolate and mint, these are so easy to make!
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    5 from 12 votes
    Read more
    close up of turtle cookie
    Chocolate Turtle Cookies
    Rich and decadent these turtle cookies are made with soft chocolate cookies, rolled in pecans, filled with caramel and then topped with a chocolate drizzle!
    Total Time: 50 minutes
    5 from 8 votes
    Read more
    A stack of ginger molasses cookies with one broken in half to show chewy texture.
    Ginger Molasses Cookies
    These soft and chewy ginger molasses cookies are packed with warm holiday spices like ginger and cinnamon and rolled in sugar for a classic crinkly finish!
    Total Time: 33 minutes
    4.99 from 253 votes
    Read more
    Melted Ginger Snowman Cookies - with a marshmallow belly, Reese's Peanut Butter Cup hat and chocolate chips for the eyes. Such a creative and kid-friendly dessert for the holidays!
    Melted Snowman Cookies
    These melted snowman cookies are made with a gingerbread cookie base, marshmallow belly, peanut butter cup hat and chocolate chips. Such a cute winter treat!
    Total Time: 50 minutes
    5 from 6 votes
    Read more
    christmas sugar cookie truffles cut in half
    Sugar Cookie Truffles
    No-bake sugar cookie truffles made with only 4 ingredients! An easy and delicious treat for the holidays that is super easy to make. 
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    5 from 88 votes
    Read more
    Snowman oreo balls coated in white chocolate and decorate with a Hershey's kiss hat, eyes, note and carrot.
    Snowman Oreo Balls
    These snowman Oreo balls are festive, adorable and fun to make with kids! No-bake truffles with Oreos, cream cheese and white chocolate are the perfect holiday dessert.
    Total Time: 45 minutes
    5 from 7 votes
    Read more
    A close-up view of a soft green Grinch cookie coated in powdered sugar with a small red heart in the center.
    Grinch Cookies
    These Christmas Grinch cookies are another fun version of cake mix cookies! Turn them green and add a heart to make them look like the "Grinch."
    Total Time: 33 minutes
    4.98 from 43 votes
    Read more
    Christmas Oreos covered in chocolate and decorated.
    Christmas Oreos
    These chocolate covered Christmas Oreos are an easy holiday treat dipped in chocolate then decorated in fun and festive ways. Perfect for sharing and gifting at Christmas!
    Total Time: 45 minutes
    5 from 27 votes
    Read more
    stacked cinnamon roll cookies on counter
    Cinnamon Roll Cookies
    These cinnamon roll cookies are soft, filled with cinnamon flavor and topped with a cream cheese frosting.
    Total Time: 50 minutes
    4.99 from 357 votes
    Read more
    cornflake wreaths on table
    Cornflake Wreaths
    These cornflakes wreaths are an easy to make Christmas treat that comes together in minutes made with butter, cornflakes and marshmallows.
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    5 from 11 votes
    Read more
    stacked spice cookies
    Spice Cake Mix Cookies
    Easy spice cake mix cookies made with 3 main ingredients in just 20 minutes. These delicious cookies have crisp edges, a soft inside and are filled with the perfect spice flavor. 
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    4.98 from 90 votes
    Read more
    stack of peanut butter cookies
    3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
    Easy 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies that are soft, chewy and dense. All you need are creamy peanut butter, an egg, some sugar and 15 minutes!
    Total Time: 14 minutes
    5 from 9 votes
    Read more
    stacked pistachio cookies
    Pistachio Cookie Recipe
    Soft, chewy and festive pistachio cookies are easy to make with instant pistachio pudding mix. A little green food coloring makes them perfect for Christmas or St. Patrick's Day!
    Total Time: 1 hour
    4.98 from 239 votes
    Read more
    m&m cookie bars
    M&M Cookie Bars Recipe1
    Christmas M&M Cookie Bars – Gooey, soft and fluffy cookie bars loaded with M&M’s and chocolate chips. Only 30 minutes to make and less than 10 ingredients. Perfect treat for a cookie exchange or holiday party! 
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    4.91 from 10 votes
    peanut butter and jelly thumbprint cookie drizzled with vanilla glaze
    Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies
    These peanut butter and jelly cookies made with a peanut butter cookie base, a strawberry jam center and vanilla glaze. A soft and tender cookie with classic PB&J flavor!
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    5 from 9 votes
    Read more
    eggnog cookies on white plate
    Eggnog Cookies
    All the flavor of the classic holiday drink staple in a delicious cookie! These eggnog cookies are the perfect treat to bring to holiday parties this year.
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    5 from 11 votes
    Read more
    stacked oatmeal pie cookies
    Oatmeal Cream Pie Cookies
    These homemade oatmeal cream pies cookies are soft and chewy with a rich, creamy marshmallow frosting filling. A nostalgic childhood treat better than Little Debbie!
    Total Time: 1 hour
    5 from 14 votes
    Read more
    A close up of a frosted ricotta cheese cookie with holly berry sprinkles for the holidays.
    Ricotta Cheese Cookies
    Soft and moist ricotta cheese cookies have a cake-like texture and sweet taste. Topped with a light frosting they are a classic Italian Christmas cookie!
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    5 from 13 votes
    Read more
    red velvet cookies with white chocolate chips
    Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies
    These red velvet cake mix cookies are easy to make with cake mix, cream cheese, butter and white chocolate chips. Soft and chewy with a vibrant red color for the holidays!
    Total Time: 25 minutes
    5 from 18 votes
    Read more
    Easy cake mix snickerdoodle cookies on the counter.
    Snickerdoodle Cake Mix Cookies
    These snickerdoodle cake mix cookies are soft, chewy and no-fuss! All you need is a box of cake mix, eggs, oil and cinnamon sugar to make this quick and easy cookie recipe.
    Total Time: 1 hour
    5 from 16 votes
    Read more