15+ Christmas Cookies Easy Recipes for a Festive Holiday Treats Celebration

Christmas is a wonderful time filled with joy, family, and delicious treats. Making cookies during the holiday season is a fun tradition that everyone can enjoy. With easy recipes, you can create delightful Christmas cookies that will impress your friends and family without spending all day in the kitchen.

Whether you are an experienced baker or just starting out, there are plenty of simple recipes that fit your skill level. From classic sugar cookies to festive chocolate chip options, the possibilities are endless. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to bring the warm scents of baking into your home this holiday season.

1) Classic Sugar Cookies

Classic sugar cookies are a favorite during the holiday season. They are sweet, simple, and perfect for decorating with festive icing. You can enjoy them plain or with sprinkles for a cheerful touch.

For this recipe, you will need a few basic ingredients. Make sure to have your butter softened for easy mixing. These cookies bake to a lovely golden color, making them a delight for everyone.

Ingredients

• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 ½ cups butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 cups all-purpose flour

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, cream together sugar and butter.
3. Beat in the eggs and vanilla.
4. Gradually add flour, mixing until well combined.
5. Roll out the dough and cut into shapes.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

2) Italian Almond Cookies

Italian almond cookies are a tasty treat perfect for the holiday season. Known for their soft and chewy texture, these cookies delight your taste buds with rich almond flavor.

To make these cookies, you will need simple ingredients. You can enjoy making them with your family. They are fun to bake and taste amazing fresh from the oven.

Ingredients

• 2 egg whites
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cups almond flour
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy.
3. Gradually mix in the sugar until well combined.
4. Add almond flour and almond extract, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Let them cool, then dust with powdered sugar if desired.

3) Chocolate Chip Melts

Chocolate Chip Melts are a delightful treat for the holiday season. They are soft, rich cookies that practically melt in your mouth. With plenty of chocolate chips, every bite is a little piece of joy.

To make them, you only need simple ingredients that you might already have at home. These cookies are easy to bake, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or family time.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (225 g) butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups (340 g) chocolate chips

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
6. Stir in the chocolate chips.
7. Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
8. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until golden.
9. Let cool before serving.

4) Salted Caramel Pretzel Bites

Salted caramel pretzel bites are a tasty snack that combines sweet and salty flavors. They are perfect for Christmas gatherings or just a cozy night at home. You’ll enjoy the crunch of the pretzels along with the gooey caramel that makes this treat irresistible.

To make these bites, you will need soft pretzels, caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of sea salt. The combination is simple yet delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 bag of soft pretzels
• 1 cup of caramel sauce
• Sea salt (to taste)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Arrange the pretzels on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the pretzels.
4. Sprinkle sea salt on top.
5. Bake for about 10 minutes until warm and gooey.
6. Let them cool before serving. Enjoy!

5) No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars

No-bake chocolate oat bars are a quick and tasty treat for the holidays. You don’t need to turn on the oven, which makes them super easy to prepare.

To make these bars, gather your ingredients. You’ll mix together butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, rolled oats, and chocolate chips for a delicious combination.

This recipe is perfect for kids and adults alike. You can also add your favorite nuts or dried fruits for some extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Cooking Instructions

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over low heat.
2. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Remove from heat and mix in the rolled oats and chocolate chips.
4. Press the mixture into a greased pan.
5. Chill in the refrigerator until firm, then cut into bars.

6) Vanilla Biscotti

Vanilla biscotti are a delightful treat for the holiday season. They’re crunchy, sweet, and perfect for dipping in coffee or tea. Making them is simple and fun!

To get started, you will need a few basic ingredients. This includes flour, sugar, eggs, butter, vanilla extract, and baking powder. The combination makes a tasty, aromatic dough.

When your dough is ready, shape it into a loaf and bake it at 350°F (175°C) until golden. After that, slice the loaf and bake the pieces again for that classic biscotti crunch.

These cookies are great for sharing or enjoying as a cozy snack. They also store well, making them a wonderful addition to your holiday cookie box.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In another bowl, beat eggs, butter, and vanilla.
4. Combine both mixtures until a dough forms.
5. Shape the dough into a loaf and bake for 25-30 minutes.
6. Cool slightly, slice, and bake the slices for 10-15 minutes until crisp.

7) Peppermint Chocolate Delights

Peppermint Chocolate Delights are a festive treat everyone will love. These cookies have a rich chocolate flavor combined with a refreshing hint of peppermint. They are perfect for holiday gatherings or to enjoy at home.

To make these cookies, you’ll need simple ingredients and just a bit of time. They bake nicely and have a delightful chewy texture. Each bite is sure to bring smiles!

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• Optional: crushed candy canes for topping

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together.
3. Add the egg, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Gradually stir in the flour until fully combined.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set.
8. Let cool before serving.

8) Lemon Glaze Stars

Lemon Glaze Stars are fun and tasty cookies perfect for the holidays. They have a bright lemon flavor and a sweet glaze that makes them look beautiful on any dessert table.

To start, you’ll want to make the cookie dough. Mix flour, sugar, butter, and lemon zest until smooth. Roll out the dough and use a star-shaped cutter for fun shapes.

Once baked, let the cookies cool. Next, prepare a simple lemon glaze with confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice. Drizzle the glaze over each star for a nice finish.

These cookies are not just delicious; they add a cheerful touch to your celebrations. Enjoy making and sharing them with family and friends!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, butter, and lemon zest until smooth.
3. Roll out the dough and cut into star shapes.
4. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
5. Let cool before glazing.
6. Mix confectioners’ sugar with lemon juice for the glaze.
7. Drizzle the glaze on the cooled cookies.

9) Gingerbread Men

Gingerbread men are a classic holiday treat. They are perfect for decorating and bringing festive cheer to your celebrations. The combination of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and molasses makes them delicious.

To make your gingerbread men, you’ll need simple ingredients that are usually found in your kitchen. Once baked, let them cool before adding icing and fun decorations. Kids love to help out with this part!

These cookies not only taste great, but they also look adorable on a platter. They can be made soft and chewy or crisp, depending on your preference.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup molasses
• Icing for decorating

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and molasses.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
6. Roll out the dough and cut shapes with cookie cutters.
7. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.
8. Allow to cool before decorating.

10) Cranberry Orange Drops

Cranberry Orange Drops are a festive treat that brightens any holiday gathering. They are soft, flavorful cookies, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

To make these cookies, start by combining ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour. The addition of tart cranberries and zesty orange makes them special.

These cookies bake at 350°F (175°C) and take just a few minutes in the oven. You will love how they fill your kitchen with a delightful aroma.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, beat butter and sugars until creamy.
3. Add the egg, orange juice, and vanilla. Mix well.
4. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
5. Fold in the cranberries.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
8. Let cool before serving.

11) Almond Thumbprints

Almond thumbprint cookies are a delightful treat for the holiday season. They are simple to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. The combination of almond flavor and a sweet jam filling makes them truly special.

To start, you’ll need just a few ingredients. You’ll mix the dough and then make little wells in the center to hold the jam. Bake them until they are golden brown.

These cookies not only taste great but also look lovely on any dessert platter.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup ground almonds
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup raspberry or strawberry jam

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, cream butter and sugar together.
3. Add flour, ground almonds, vanilla, and salt, mixing until combined.
4. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
5. Make a small well in each ball.
6. Fill the wells with jam.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden.

12) Spiced Pecan Balls

Spiced Pecan Balls are delightful treats perfect for the holiday season. These cookies are easy to make and are filled with warm spices and crunchy pecans.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need unsalted butter, powdered sugar, all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, vanilla extract, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream together the butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Then mix in the flour, pecans, and spices until a dough forms.

Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, until they are light golden.

Once they cool, roll them in powdered sugar for a sweet finish. These Spiced Pecan Balls will surely be a hit during your holiday gatherings!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream butter and powdered sugar together.
3. Mix in flour, pecans, and spices.
4. Shape into balls.
5. Place on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes.
7. Cool and roll in powdered sugar.

13) Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Chocolate crinkle cookies are a festive treat loved by many. They have a soft, chewy center and a beautiful cracked surface covered in powdered sugar. These cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you crave something sweet.

To make them, you’ll mix cocoa powder with sugar, oil, and eggs. Then, add flour and baking powder to the batter. Once mixed, chill the dough for a bit. This helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.

When ready, roll the dough into balls and coat them in powdered sugar. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until the tops crack. Let them cool before enjoying these delicious cookies with friends and family!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar for coating

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix cocoa powder and sugar.
3. Add vegetable oil and eggs, then mix well.
4. Stir in vanilla extract, flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
6. Roll dough into balls and coat in powdered sugar.
7. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
8. Allow them to cool before serving.

14) Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Cinnamon roll cookies are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds. They offer the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls in a handy cookie form.

You can make these cookies with simple ingredients that you probably already have. They feature a buttery cinnamon sugar filling and a sweet icing drizzle to top them off.

Start by preparing your cookie dough using your favorite sugar cookie recipe. Then, roll it out and spread on the cinnamon filling. After baking, drizzle with icing for that perfect finishing touch.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
• 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
3. Add egg and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
4. Gradually add flour and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough flat.
6. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon; spread on the dough.
7. Roll the dough into a log and slice into rounds.
8. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
9. Mix powdered sugar and milk for icing; drizzle over cookies once cooled.

15) Red Velvet Shortbread

Red velvet shortbread cookies are a fun and festive treat for Christmas. Their bright red color and buttery taste make them special. You can dip them in white chocolate for extra sweetness.

To make these cookies, you will need basic ingredients like flour, sugar, and cocoa powder. Adding red food coloring gives them that signature look.

You can easily roll and cut these cookies into your favorite shapes. They’ll be a delightful addition to your holiday cookie platter.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• A pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
4. Then, add the red food coloring and vanilla to the butter mixture.
5. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until combined.
6. Roll out the dough and cut it into shapes.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until firm.