The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the spirit than baking some delicious and festive Christmas cookies? This year, why not try something new and exciting with our collection of 20 festive fun Christmas cookie recipes? From classic sugar cookies and gingerbread men to more unique treats like peppermint swirl cookies and hot chocolate crinkle cookies, we’ve got a recipe for every holiday enthusiast.
In this article, we’ll be sharing some of our favorite Christmas cookie recipes that are sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to leave out for Santa or a delicious gift to bring to your holiday party, we’ve got you covered. So grab your mixing bowls and baking sheets, and let’s get started on the most wonderful time of the year – Christmas cookie baking!
Peppermint Swirl Christmas Cookies
Brighten up your holiday season with these festive peppermint swirl cookies that combine the classic flavors of chocolate and peppermint.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
– White chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate for swirling
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and peppermint extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Melt white chocolate chips or chop into small pieces. Drizzle over dough and use a knife or spatula to create a marbled effect.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Gingerbread Men with Royal Icing
A holiday tradition, these soft and spicy gingerbread men are the perfect treat to share with friends and family. Top them off with a sweet and tangy royal icing for an extra-special touch.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– Water, as needed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add water as needed to form a dough.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into shapes using a cookie cutter or knife.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
Royal Icing:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons meringue powder
– 2 tablespoons water
Whisk together powdered sugar and meringue powder. Gradually add water until desired consistency is reached.
Snowball Cookies with Powdered Sugar
These classic Snowball Cookies are a winter wonderland treat that combines the warmth of sugar and butter with the sweetness of powdered sugar. A simple and delightful recipe perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the dry ingredients until just combined.
4. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
6. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
Add a touch of festive cheer to your holiday baking with these adorable Christmas tree sugar cookies. Perfect for decorating and gifting, they’re sure to bring joy to all who receive them.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Green and red food coloring (optional)
– Decorations of your choice (e.g., sprinkles, icing)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Divide dough into 2-3 portions. Color one portion green (for trees) and one red (for ornaments). Leave one portion uncolored for the tree trunks.
6. Roll out each portion of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters or a glass.
7. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Reindeer Thumbprint Cookies
Get into the holiday spirit with these adorable Reindeer Thumbprint Cookies! With a sweet and buttery dough, these cookies are perfect for Santa’s little helpers (or big ones too!).
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Red and black gel or frosting for decorating (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
6. Use a thumbprint or the end of a wooden spoon to create a small indentation in each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Hot Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Warm up with these rich and indulgent Hot Chocolate Crinkle Cookies!
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
– 1 cup hot chocolate mix (dry)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the hot chocolate mix and flour mixture until just combined.
5. Roll dough into balls, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches (5 cm) space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies
These buttery shortbread cookies are infused with the classic flavors of peppermint and candy canes, making them a perfect holiday treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 sticks (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (about 4-5 canes)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add flour, salt, and peppermint extract; mix until combined.
4. Fold in crushed candy canes.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Eggnog Snickerdoodles
Warm up with a sweet and spicy twist on the classic snickerdoodle cookie, infused with the creamy flavors of eggnog.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 2 tablespoons eggnog
– 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and eggnog until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until a dough forms.
5. Roll dough into balls, about 1 tablespoon each. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Frosted Christmas Wreath Cookies
Add a touch of festive charm to your holiday gatherings with these adorable Frosted Christmas Wreath Cookies. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be whipping up a batch in no time!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Red and green gel or paste food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
5. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into wreath shapes using a cookie cutter or glass.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar and decorating with gel or paste food coloring (if desired).
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Chocolate Dipped Spritz Cookies
Elevate your holiday cookie game with these rich and buttery spritz cookies, perfectly paired with a velvety chocolate coating. This easy-to-make recipe yields a delicious and visually appealing treat that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
5. Dip spritz cookie press or a spoon into the dough and shape into desired forms. Place on prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until lightly golden.
7. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl. Dip cooled cookies into melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place on parchment paper-lined plate.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Santa Hat Sugar Cookies
Get into the holiday spirit with these adorable Santa hat sugar cookies! Perfect for decorating and gifting, these festive treats are sure to spread cheer.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– Red and white frosting for decorating
– Candy eyes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or glass.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool completely.
7. Decorate with red and white frosting, adding candy eyes if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Cinnamon Roll Christmas Cookies
These soft, chewy cookies capture the essence of cinnamon rolls in a festive holiday treat. With a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, they’re perfect for snacking or gift-giving.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Colored sprinkles or red and green M&M’s for decorating (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs until well combined.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes or use a cookie cutter.
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Peanut Butter Blossoms with Hershey Kisses
These classic Christmas cookies are a staple of holiday baking. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create these delicious treats that combine peanut butter, sugar, and chocolate.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
– Hershey Kisses, milk chocolate or dark chocolate
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine peanut butter and sugar. Beat until smooth.
3. Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until well combined.
4. Roll dough into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
6. Remove from oven and immediately press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Red Velvet Christmas Cookies
Celebrate the holiday season with these soft, chewy, and delightfully red velvet cookies, perfect for gift-giving or sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup packed red velvet cake mix
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and red velvet cake mix.
3. Add butter and vanilla extract; cream until smooth.
4. Beat in baking powder and salt.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between cookies.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
7. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
These chewy cookies combine the richness of white chocolate with the tartness of cranberries, making them a perfect treat for any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1 large egg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Stir in white chocolate chips and cranberries.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Christmas Lights Sugar Cookies
Brighten up your holiday season with these festive sugar cookies shaped like Christmas lights! These sweet treats are perfect for decorating your tree, gifting to friends and family, or enjoying with a warm cup of hot cocoa.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Red and green food coloring (optional)
– Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Divide dough into 2-3 portions. Roll out each portion on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
6. Use cookie cutters or a knife to shape dough into desired Christmas light shapes (e.g., long and thin with a rounded end).
7. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch space between each.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Nutella Stuffed Christmas Cookies
Brighten up your holiday season with these soft and chewy cookies stuffed with a surprise dose of Nutella goodness.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup Nutella
– Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until combined.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
7. Place a small spoonful of Nutella in the center of each cookie.
8. Fold cookie over filling to form a triangle or shape, pressing edges to seal.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
10. Allow cookies to cool before decorating with colored sugar or sprinkles (optional).
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Orange Cardamom Snowflakes
These delicate cookies are infused with the warmth of cardamom and the brightness of orange, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. With their intricate snowflake design, they’re sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (100g) confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
– 1/4 cup (60ml) orange juice
– 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, cardamom, and orange zest.
3. Add orange juice and butter; mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/8 inch (3mm) thickness.
5. Use a snowflake-shaped cookie cutter or a glass to cut out shapes. Place on prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Cookies
Rich, chewy chocolate cookies filled with gooey caramel – a match made in heaven! This recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and impressing your friends.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in flour mixture, then stir in chocolate chips.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are set. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
7. Once cookies are completely cooled, use a small cookie scoop or spoon to create an indentation in the center of each cookie. Fill with caramel sauce.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Pistachio and Cranberry Biscotti
These crunchy Italian cookies are perfect for dunking in coffee or tea, and the combination of pistachios and cranberries adds a delightful twist. With their sweet and nutty flavors, these biscotti make a great snack or gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add softened butter, eggs, salt, pistachios, and cranberries. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Divide the dough into two portions. Shape each portion into a log, about 12 inches long.
5. Place logs on prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
7. Reduce temperature to 325°F (165°C) and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until crispy.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired. Let cool completely before slicing.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Summary
Get into the holiday spirit with these 20 festive Christmas cookie recipes! From classic gingerbread men to sweet reindeer thumbprint cookies, there’s something for everyone. Try your hand at making peppermint swirl cookies or snowball cookies with powdered sugar. Or go all out with Santa hat sugar cookies or caramel stuffed chocolate cookies. Whatever you choose, these delicious treats are sure to bring joy and cheer to friends and family this holiday season.