18+ Delicious Christmas Cookies Recipes

I’ve been baking some Christmas cookies lately, and I just have to tell you about them. The smell of buttery cookies with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla filling the kitchen is honestly magical. There’s something so comforting about soft, chewy cookies fresh out of the oven, or crispy chocolatey ones that just melt in your mouth.

Some of these recipes are perfect for decorating with festive sprinkles, while others are ideal for sneaking a few bites straight from the tray (no judgment, right?). Baking these cookies is not just about the treats themselves — it’s about creating fun memories with family, friends, or even just enjoying a cozy moment for yourself.

Grab a mug of hot cocoa, put on some holiday music, and dive into these easy, delicious, and totally festive recipes. Trust me, once you start, it’s hard to stop!

Christmas Cookies Recipes

Classic Sugar Cookies

Classic Sugar Cookies are the ultimate holiday staple. Soft, buttery, and lightly sweet, they’re perfect for cutting into festive shapes and decorating with colorful icing and sprinkles. Baking these cookies fills your kitchen with a warm, nostalgic aroma that instantly puts you in the holiday spirit.

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ½ cups sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Sprinkles for decoration

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~150
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 12g
Fat: 6g

These cookies are soft, festive, and perfect for decorating with family or friends.

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies are buttery, soft, and loaded with creamy white chocolate chips and crunchy macadamia nuts. Each bite is rich, nutty, and slightly sweet, making them a festive favorite for holiday gatherings. These cookies are easy to bake in batches and perfect for gifting in cute holiday boxes.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup sugar

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup white chocolate chips

• 1 cup chopped macadamia nuts

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~220
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 16g
Fat: 12g

These cookies are buttery, nutty, and perfect for holiday celebrations.

Peanut Butter Blossoms

Peanut Butter Blossoms are soft peanut butter cookies topped with a classic chocolate kiss in the center. They combine nutty, sweet, and chocolatey flavors in every bite. Fun to make and perfect for holiday cookie swaps, they’re a nostalgic favorite that both kids and adults love.

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup peanut butter

• ½ cup sugar

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 36 chocolate kisses

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~180
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 12g
Fat: 9g

These cookies are sweet, nutty, and a holiday classic everyone will enjoy.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are chewy, hearty, and full of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Packed with oats and sweet raisins, they’re a wholesome holiday treat that feels cozy and comforting. Perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of tea on a winter evening.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 cups old-fashioned oats

• 1 cup raisins

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~200
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 15g
Fat: 8g

These cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for a cozy holiday treat.

Red Velvet Cookies

Red Velvet Cookies are soft, mildly chocolatey, and visually festive with their vibrant red color. Topped with a drizzle of cream cheese icing or white chocolate, they’re perfect for a holiday cookie tray or gifting. The subtle cocoa flavor and creamy topping make them irresistible.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 teaspoons red food coloring

• ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional for topping)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~210
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 18g
Fat: 10g

These cookies are festive, soft, and perfect for holiday celebrations.

Snickerdoodle Snowball Cookies

Snickerdoodle Snowball Cookies combine the cinnamon-sugar flavor of classic snickerdoodles with a snowy powdered sugar coating. They’re soft, sweet, and perfect for festive cookie trays. The warm spice aroma makes your kitchen feel instantly cozy and inviting.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon cream of tartar

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ½ cups sugar

• 2 eggs

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon sugar for rolling

• ½ cup powdered sugar for coating

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~170
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 13g
Fat: 7g

These cookies are soft, cozy, and perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting.

Chocolate Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies

Chocolate Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies are rich chocolate cookies with a peppermint-flavored filling in the center. They’re festive, fun, and perfect for adding a holiday twist to your cookie tray. Each cookie melts in your mouth with the combination of chocolate and mint.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

• ¼ cup crushed candy canes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~200
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 18g
Fat: 9g

These cookies are chocolatey, minty, and perfect for a festive holiday treat.

Coconut Snowball Cookies

Source: Pinterest

Coconut Snowball Cookies are buttery, soft, and coated in shredded coconut to resemble snowy little treats. Each bite is slightly sweet and melt-in-your-mouth, perfect for holiday gift boxes or cookie trays. The coconut adds a festive tropical twist to your Christmas baking.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup shredded coconut

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~180
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 11g
Fat: 10g

These cookies are soft, coconutty, and perfect for a snowy holiday vibe.

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies are a holiday classic that never goes out of style. Loaded with gooey chocolate chips and a hint of vanilla, they’re soft in the middle and slightly crisp on the edges. Perfect with a glass of milk or hot cocoa on a cold winter evening.

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• ¾ cup white sugar

• 2 eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 cups chocolate chips

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~200
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 18g
Fat: 9g

These cookies are chewy, chocolatey, and perfect for sharing during the holidays.

Almond Biscotti Cookies

Source: Pinterest

Almond Biscotti Cookies are perfect for cozy holiday mornings with a cup of coffee or cocoa. These crisp, twice-baked cookies are studded with toasted almonds, giving each bite a satisfying crunch. Sweet but not overpowering, they’re ideal for dipping and sharing with friends and family. Making biscotti is easier than it seems, and their long shelf life makes them a convenient treat to bake ahead of holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon almond extract

• 1 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~180
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 12g
Fat: 7g

These cookies are crunchy, nutty, and perfect for festive mornings or gifting.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are rich, fudgy, and coated with powdered sugar for a snowy holiday look. Each bite is soft, chewy, and full of chocolate flavor, making them irresistible for chocolate lovers. They’re a fun cookie to bake with kids or for adding a beautiful visual touch to your Christmas cookie tray.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup powdered sugar for coating

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~200
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 18g
Fat: 9g

These cookies are soft, chocolatey, and perfect for snowy-themed holiday trays.

Lemon Snowball Cookies

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Danielle Rye (@livewellbakeoften)

Lemon Snowball Cookies are light, tender, and dusted with powdered sugar to resemble little snowy treats. The subtle lemon flavor adds a refreshing twist to classic butter cookies, making them unique for your holiday spread. They’re delicate, melt-in-your-mouth, and perfect for pairing with a warm cup of tea or cocoa.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~160
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Fat: 8g

These cookies are soft, citrusy, and perfect for a light, festive treat.

Pecan Snowball Cookies

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Beyond the Chicken Coop (@beyondthechickencoop)

Pecan Snowball Cookies are buttery, nutty, and coated with powdered sugar to create festive little snowballs. Each bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious with a subtle nutty crunch. Perfect for holiday gift boxes or cookie trays, these cookies are easy to make and always impress with their delicate flavor and festive appearance.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup finely chopped pecans

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~180
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 10g
Fat: 11g

These cookies are buttery, nutty, and perfect for gifting or holiday trays.

Caramel Pecan Cookies

Caramel Pecan Cookies combine the sweetness of caramel with crunchy toasted pecans for a festive, indulgent treat. Soft and chewy, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, and the combination of flavors makes them irresistible for both kids and adults. The aroma of caramel and toasted nuts will instantly make your kitchen feel cozy and inviting.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup chopped pecans

• ½ cup caramel bits

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~220
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 16g
Fat: 12g

These cookies are rich, nutty, and perfect for adding indulgence to your holiday cookie tray.

Chocolate Mint Cookies

Chocolate Mint Cookies are soft, chocolatey, and infused with a refreshing peppermint flavor. They’re perfect for the holidays because they combine rich chocolate with the coolness of mint, making them festive and irresistible. Easy to make and fun to decorate, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any Christmas gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

• 1 cup chocolate chips

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~210
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 18g
Fat: 10g

These cookies are chocolatey, minty, and perfect for adding festive flavor to your holiday dessert table.

Snickerdoodle Cookies

Snickerdoodles are soft, cinnamon-sugar cookies that melt in your mouth. Their warm cinnamon flavor makes them a cozy favorite for holiday baking. They’re fun to roll in sugar before baking and bring a nostalgic, comforting taste that everyone loves.

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ½ cups sugar

• 2 eggs

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon sugar for rolling

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~160
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 14g
Fat: 7g

These cookies are warm, soft, and perfect for cozy holiday moments.

Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread Cookies are a holiday classic with a spicy, sweet flavor that instantly evokes Christmas cheer. Perfect for decorating with icing or leaving plain, these cookies are fun to make with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 3 teaspoons ground ginger

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon cloves

• ½ teaspoon nutmeg

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• 1 egg

• ½ cup molasses

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~180
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 15g
Fat: 7g

These cookies are festive, spiced, and perfect for decorating or gifting.

Peppermint Bark Cookies

Peppermint Bark Cookies combine chocolatey goodness with festive peppermint. Soft chocolate cookies topped with crushed candy canes and white chocolate drizzle make a fun, holiday-ready treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup sugar

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

• 1 cup chocolate chips

• ½ cup crushed candy canes

• ½ cup white chocolate, melted for drizzle

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~220
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 20g
Fat: 10g

These cookies are minty, chocolatey, and perfect for adding festive cheer to your dessert table.

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are soft, slightly chewy, and packed with tart dried cranberries and sweet white chocolate chips. They’re festive, flavorful, and a great addition to holiday cookie trays.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup sugar

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups dried cranberries

• 1 cup white chocolate chips

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~210
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 18g
Fat: 10g

These cookies are sweet, tangy, and perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting.

Double Chocolate Cookies

Double Chocolate Cookies are a dream for chocolate lovers, rich, fudgy, and full of chocolate chips. Their deep chocolate flavor makes them irresistible, especially with a glass of milk or a warm cup of cocoa.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 cup chocolate chips

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~230
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 20g
Fat: 12g

These cookies are rich, fudgy, and perfect for chocolate enthusiasts.

FAQ

What makes Pecan Snowball Cookies different from regular snowball cookies?

Pecan Snowball Cookies include finely chopped pecans, which add a subtle nutty crunch and depth of flavor that regular snowball cookies usually don’t have. The combination of buttery dough and pecans makes them extra festive and satisfying.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes! Walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts can be used as a substitute. Just toast them lightly for the best flavor and texture.

How should I store Pecan Snowball Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months, keeping them fresh and flavorful.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes helps maintain the cookie’s shape and makes it easier to roll into perfect balls before baking.

Can kids help make these cookies?

Absolutely! Rolling the dough into balls and coating them with powdered sugar is a fun and easy task for kids, making this a perfect family-friendly holiday activity.