30+ Christmas cookies recipes for your cookie tray or cookie swap! My list includes all the best Christmas cookie recipes, from beloved classics to new and unique options.
The Best Christmas Cookie Recipes ( & My Personal Favorites!)
Santa called, and he thinks you need to up your Christmas cookie game. Sure classic chocolate chip cookies are good, but the jolly old elf deserves something a bit more unique and festive on his big day, right? Make him one of these Christmas cookies recipes, and you will land a permanent spot on his “nice” list!
Today’s post is actually an update of one of my older recipe roundups. At that time, I only had 12 Christmas cookies recipes, and today that number has climbed to well over 30! Below you’ll find a little bit of everything: chocolatey cookies, spicy cookies (even with cayenne pepper!), fruity cookies, buttery cookies, and more.
If I had to pick one recipe for you to try from this list–dare I say the BEST of the best Christmas cookie recipes–it would have to be my easy sugar cookies. Gone are the days when you cut out adorable cookie shapes only to have them turn into unrecognizable blobs in the oven. My recipe cuts beautifully, holds its shape, and can even be customized to be as thick (soft) and thin (crispy) as you like!
Top them with my easy sugar cookie icing (my preference over fussier and less tasty royal icing!), and you’ll have the most beautiful, most flavorful, BEST sugar cookies of your life. Seriously!
1. Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe
“Phenomenal recipe! It was so easy to make and tasted and turned out PERFECT! I’ll definitely be using this recipe again in the future!” – Lulu, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2. Thumbprint Cookies
One of my most popular Christmas cookies recipes! I also have chocolate thumbprint cookies, if you want something a little different.
3. Crinkle Cookies
These are thick, soft, and fudgy and one of the first to go on my Christmas cookie tray! Just a quick note, the dough does take several hours to chill, but that makes it a great candidate for making a day in advance.
4. Gingerbread Men Cookies
“These cookies come out perfectly every time for us. We follow the recipe exactly and they make the most amazing gingerbread cookies I’ve ever had.” – Melanie, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5. Shortbread Cookies
One of the best Christmas cookie recipes! I love dipping mine in melted chocolate, and sometimes topping with a few festive sprinkles, too.
6. Snowball Cookies
I also have chocolate chip snowball cookies.
7. Grinch Cookies
Cute and festive Grinch cookies are one of my kids’ favorites. They’re a fun twist on classic M&M cookies.
8. Whipped Shortbread
“These are phenomenal. I’ve been searching for years for a shortbread cookie that was more melt in your mouth than crumbly. These are perfection.” – Lindsay, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
9. Peppermint Bark Cookies
Just like peppermint bark candy! They’re pretty and festive.
10. Peanut Butter Blossoms
One of the most popular Christmas cookies recipes and a top request! I grew up with dry, crumbly blossoms that were shortening-heavy, for my version I perfected a soft and buttery texture that pairs perfectly with the milk chocolate kisses.
11. Spritz Cookies
“Never liked spritz cookies but these were delightful! So light and airy. I think I will add some almond extract next time and also experiment with dipping some in chocolate. Thanks for a great recipe!” – Jan, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
12. Drop Sugar Cookies
Don’t have time to roll and cut dough? Drop sugar cookies are just as festive. These are buttery, soft, and chewy and I love making them year round. Customize them for the occasion by using holiday-themed sanding sugar.
13. Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
A chocolatey twist on classic shortbread! These are just as buttery and hold their shape beautifully. Dip them in melted chocolate for next-level decadence.
14. Soft & Chewy Gingersnaps
“Wow. This recipe is incredible! I made a batch for company and it disappeared so quickly I had to whip up a second batch. By far the best gingersnaps I’ve ever had. Thanks for a great recipe!” – Jenny, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
15. Butter Cookies
Mix the dough very well, so it’s soft enough to pipe easily (under-mixing could leave you with a hand workout and frustration towards your piping bag!). Dipping in chocolate is optional, but highly recommended.
16. Chocolate Sugar Cookies
“I can’t believe how delicious these cookies are!! I have tried many chocolate sugar cookies and was so disappointed, but I have found the perfect one for holiday cookies. Thank you for the recipe. Can’t stop eating these.” – Cheryl, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
17. Snickerdoodles
Or, to be a bit unique, try my chocolate snickerdoodles or brown butter snickerdoodles.
18. Lace Cookies
Lace cookies are a cookie/candy hybrid that are almost like a brittle. These are risky to keep around… it’s impossible to stop at 1 (or 2… or 3…).
19. Linzer Cookies
With their peek-a-boo jam centers and powdered sugar exteriors, Linzer cookies are fun, festive and pretty. Oh, and they’re egg-free, too.
20. Christmas Kiss Cookies
A fun twist on the crinkle cookies I shared above. I won’t lie, the candy-cane stripes paired with the dark chocolate and white sugar sometimes remind me a bit of Jigsaw… but they sure are tasty! Use your favorite holiday kisses!
21. Pizzelle
“These were delicious and perfect! I’ve tried many pizzelle recipes and I finally found the one I will always use! These are perfectly sweet (no powered sugar needed) and very thin and crispy (the way a pizzelle should be).” – Bernie, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
22. Eggnog Cookies
These eggnog cookies are festive without any peppermint or ginger.
23. Hot Chocolate Cookies
Like a cup of hot chocolate in cookie form! This is one of my most unique Christmas cookie recipes.
24. Italian Cookies
“This was my first time making these. I’m not much of a baker but they turned out wonderfully. I made them with anise extract. I’m going to make another batch with lemon. Thanks for the recipe and video!” – Mary, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
25. Orange Cranberry Cookies
I have to thank a few of you for turning me on to how amazing cranberry and orange are when paired together. This is a fun and unique cookie that works well with fresh or frozen cranberries.
26. Gingersnaps
Many gingersnap recipes on the internet lack the critical snap factor and are instead soft and chewy. Not these. These are perfectly spiced (remember the cayenne I mentioned earlier…) and carefully perfected to be actually snappy.
27. No-Chill Sugar Cookies
“Made these for the first time tonight, followed the instructions exactly and they are perfect. Did not puff, clean crisp edges and the taste absolutely amazing.” – Susan, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
28. Coal Cookies
Need something unique? Coal cookies taste like Oreo cookies and look like lumps of coal! Black cocoa is the secret to the color (no food coloring needed).
29. Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies
These are a favorite of mine. This recipe combines soft gingerbread cookies with creamy white chocolate buttercream.
30. Russian Tea Cakes
Very similar to snowball cookies, these are classic, super simple and pretty.
31. Sand Tarts
This recipe is especially festive with colored sanding sugars. Feel free to cut your cookies into fun shapes!
32. Lemon Meltaway Cookies
“This has become my absolute favorite lemon cookie! I have made them twice so far and my family loves them just as much as I do!” – Laurie, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
33. Anise Cookies
A traditional twist on the Italian cookies I shared earlier. Anise has the distinct flavor of black licorice, and while I’m not a fan of that candy in its plain form, I love these melt-in-your mouth cookies.
34. Molasses Cookies
Similar to gingerbread, these cookies have a warm and cozy flavor that’s perfect for Christmas.
35. Funfetti Christmas Cookies
This is a festive spin on classic chocolate chip cookies. Use your favorite holiday sprinkles!
Frequently Asked Questions
Gingerbread men and sugar cookies are probably the most classic Christmas cookies. A few other popular options include peanut butter blossoms, crinkle cookies, thumbprint cookies, and shortbread.
Freezing cookie dough is a great way to break up your Christmas baking! Fortunately for you, I have an entire guide on how to freeze cookie dough. I outline how to freeze each type of cookie, from cutouts to sugar coated cookies. It’s a great resource!
Yes! Some might even argue that no-chill Christmas cookie recipes are the best Christmas cookie recipes (especially if you are baking with impatient little ones)!
If you head over to my no-chill cookie recipes post, you’ll find my 13 no chill Christmas cookies recipes listed there.
Leave me a comment below if you plan to try any of these recipes this year. I’d LOVE to hear what you typically include on your Christmas cookie tray!
Oh, and if there’s a cookie that you think deserves a spot among the BEST Christmas cookie recipes, please comment below so I can add it to my list.
Merry Christmas! 🎄
If you try any of these recipes, be sure to tag me on Instagram, and you can also find me on YouTube and Facebook
Elvia
Thank you for all these scrumptious recipes. My question is about the icing/frosting. I want to take cookies to a party. Lots of them. So I know I have to stack them. Which icing or frosting do you recommend using on cookies so they don’t mess up. And how long do I need to let them dry before I can stack them so I don’t ruin them?
Sam
You’re very welcome, Elvia! Both my sugar cookie icing and my royal icing will dry hard. They will take at least several hours to dry completely (it depends how thick of a layer of icing you put on). Typically I like to let mine sit out overnight to dry completely before stacking them. I hope that helps!
Helen
I made the molasses cookies also. Delicious and easy. Next time I will use the finer sugar to roll them in. You suggested that in the recipe) I liked it, but my husband thought it was to much sugar
Sugar Spun Run
I am glad that you enjoyed the molasses cookies, Helen! Next time you make them, you just need half without the extra sugar. 🙂
Lisa K.
Happy holidays Samantha and congratulations on the birth of your child. Just wanted to say thanks for a delicious year of recipes. I made so many of them and was so pleased and got so many compliments. I’ll continue to follow you and I’m already looking forward to making these peppermint bark cookies reel soon❤
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you so much, Lisa! I really appreciate it! Happy Holidays to you! Enjoy your peppermint bark cookies. 🙂
Cheryl
Merry Christmas! You’ll be busy this year with your sweet baby! First Christmas!
Sugar Spun Run
Thanks so much, Cheryl! He has been such a blessing. Merry Christmas to you! 🙂
Roberta
My son loves the molasses cookies.. he is asking more!!! Thank you happy holidays!
Sam
I’m so happy to hear this! Thanks for commenting, Roberta! Happy Holidays! 🙂
Joanne
Your cookies are the best! I baked your chocolate chip cookies and they are fantastic!
Sam
Thank you so much, Joanne! 🙂
Kerry
Thank you! I appreciate your recipes, your fun personality, and the high quality website. Happy holidays!
Sam
Thank you so much, Kerry! I appreciate your kind comment, have a wonderful day, and Happy Holidays! <3