The ultimate collection of Christmas cookie recipes with photos — 75+ easy, classic and adorable cookie ideas for the holidays, from sugar cookies and gingerbread to no‑bake treats and family favorites.
Baking Christmas cookies has been a beloved family tradition for me since childhood. I still remember rolling out dough with my mom, licking spoons while stirring fudge, and decorating cookies with my boys. Many of the same recipes reappear on our holiday cookie tray every December, creating memories and delicious treats year after year.
Below is a large, carefully curated list of more than 75 Christmas cookie recipes with pictures. First, here are the recipes my family requests most often. Which will you try first?
My Family’s Favourite Christmas Cookies
- Rolled Sugar Cookies
- 5‑Minute Fudge
- Soft & Chewy Gingersnaps
- Christmas Crack (Graham Cracker Toffee)
- No‑Bake Coconut Balls
- Classic Gingerbread Cookies
- Never Fail Fudge
- Church Window Cookies
- Cranberry‑Orange Whipped Shortbread
More Christmas Cookie Ideas from Fellow Bloggers
I invited fellow bakers and bloggers to share their favorite cookie recipes, and the response was incredible. Below you’ll find recipe ideas sorted by style — sugar cookies, cute shapes, traditional favorites, diet‑friendly options, chocolate treats, and more.
Turn on your holiday playlist and get ready to bake and decorate — these cookies are perfect for cookie trays, exchanges, gift tins, and festive gatherings.
You may want to pin this collection for quick reference later!
Christmas Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies are a holiday staple. Cut out cookie dough can become trees, snowmen, stars, candy canes and angels. Decorate with royal icing, buttercream, sprinkles, colored sugar or fondant — the options are endless.
- High Altitude Sugar Cookies
- Christmas Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing
- Easy Chocolate Sugar Cookies
- Best Ever Christmas Sugar Cookies
- Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Fondant
- Oil‑Free Vegan Sugar Cookies
- Best Old‑Fashioned Sugar Cookies
- Easy Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies
- Rolled Sugar Cookies — a viral family favorite
Cute Christmas Cookies
These playful, whimsical designs are perfect for kids and festive cookie trays. From ornament surprises to tiny hot chocolate mug cookies with candy cane handles, these creations bring a smile to every face.
- 3D Hidden Surprise Ornament Cookies
- Melted Snowman Cookies
- Brownie Reindeer Cookies
- Rudolph Chocolate Christmas Cookies
- Hot Chocolate Mug Cookies with Candy Cane Handles
- Christmas Tree Oreo Cookies
- Chocolate‑Covered Oreo Reindeer
- Elf Quote Christmas Cookies
- Homemade Oreos
Top Traditional Christmas Cookies
Traditional favorites like gingerbread, peanut butter blossoms and shortbread are timeless for a reason. Below are classic cookies with a few modern twists to inspire your holiday baking.
- Gingerbread Cookies
- Classic Buckeye Cookies
- Thumbprint Cookies
- Christmas Shortbread Cookies
- Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Christmas Crack
- Russian Tea Cakes
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Caramel‑Filled Snickerdoodles
Gluten‑Free & Vegan Christmas Cookies
Dietary restrictions shouldn’t mean missing out on holiday treats. These gluten‑free and vegan cookie recipes deliver festive flavor and texture so everyone can enjoy the spread.
- Gluten‑Free Almond Thumbprint Cookies
- Chewy Gluten‑Free Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies
- Vegan & Gluten‑Free White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- 3‑Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies (Vegan & GF)
- Gluten‑Free Sugar Cookie Recipe
- Gluten & Dairy‑Free Chewy Coconut Macaroons
- Gluten‑Free Cranberry Almond Biscotti
- Vegan Snickerdoodles
- Vegan Cranberry Cookies
More vegan and gluten‑free cookie ideas (without pictures) are also available from bloggers who specialize in plant‑based and allergy‑friendly baking.
Chocolate Christmas Cookies
Chocolate is a holiday hero — from double chocolate cookies to fudgy brownie‑style treats. Add festive sprinkles or peppermint for a seasonal twist.
- Double Chocolate Espresso Cookies
- Double Chocolate Cookies
- Christmas Brownie Cookies
- Candy Cane Double Chocolate Cookies
- Chocolate Ginger Crinkles
- Double Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwich
- Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies
- Triple Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies
- No‑Bake Chocolate Marshmallow Log
Cookies Featuring Hershey’s Kisses, Reese’s, or Rolo
For a nostalgic and festive touch, top cookies with Kisses, mini Reese’s cups or Rolos. These simple additions make cookies extra special and perfect for gifting.
- Chocolate Cherry Cookies
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
- Oreo Ornament Cookies
- Peanut Butter Blossom
- Cherry Kissmas Christmas Cookies
- Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
Peppermint & Candy Cane Cookies
Peppermint and candy canes bring bright, festive flavor to classic cookie recipes. Try thumbprints, no‑bake peppermint cookies, or white chocolate peppermint variations.
- Candy Cane Thumbprint Cookies
- Candy Cane Cookies
- Peppermint White Chocolate Chickpea Cookies
- Chocolate Peppermint No‑Bake Cookies
- Candy Cane Cookies (alternative recipe)
- Peppermint Chocolate Ganache Thumbprint Cookies
- Candy Cane Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- Easy Peppermint Bark Cookies
White Christmas Cookies
White cookies — snowballs, powdered sugar‑dusted treats and white chocolate cranberry cookies — bring a snowy, festive look to cookie trays and exchanges. Cranberries and orange pair beautifully with white chocolate and powdered sugar.
- No‑Bake Coconut Balls
- Toasted Almond Russian Tea Cakes
- Cranberry & Chocolate Snickerdoodles
- Cranberry Noels
- Eggnog Biscotti
- Cardamom Walnut Cookies
- White Chocolate Cranberry Crinkle Cookies
- Iced Oatmeal Cookies
- World Famous Snowball Cookies
Gift Ideas: Turn Cookies into Presents
Cookies make wonderful gifts. Here are creative, budget‑friendly packaging ideas for sharing your homemade treats with neighbors, friends and coworkers.
- Cookie Tray: Arrange an assortment on an inexpensive tray, wrap tightly with clear cellophane and attach a gift tag.
- Mason Jar Cookies: Stack cookies in a jar, cover the lid with fabric or paper, tie a ribbon and add a tag for a rustic look.
- Festive Tin: Line a holiday tin with parchment and tissue paper, arrange cookies in layers, then close and add a ribbon or bow.
- Cookie Box: Use a small gift box with tissue and parchment for a neat, elegant presentation.
- Cookie Ornaments: Make edible cookie ornaments for the tree — a charming and edible decoration.
- Host a Cookie Exchange: Invite friends to swap batches so everyone goes home with a variety of homemade treats.
Decorating and Serving Your Christmas Cookies
After baking, presentation is everything. Here are easy decorating and serving tips to make your cookies look as good as they taste:
- Marbled Icing: A quick way to create bakery‑style sugar cookies without advanced piping skills.
- Easy Frosting: Soft, spreadable frosting that kids can help apply for a fun family activity.
- Christmas Cookie Board: Arrange a variety of cookies on a festive board for parties and open houses.
- Family Traditions: Turn baking into a yearly tradition — include printable gift tags or recipe cards for neighbors and friends.
FAQ
How far ahead can I bake Christmas cookies?
Most cookies freeze well for up to three months. Bake in advance, freeze, and thaw for holiday trays and gifts.
What are the most popular Christmas cookies?
Popular choices include sugar cookies, gingerbread, shortbread, gingersnaps, and chocolate no‑bake cookies.
How do I keep cookies fresh on a cookie tray?
Cover the tray tightly with plastic wrap and place delicate frosted cookies on top or add them just before serving.
Free Printable Baking Gift Tags
Give your cookies an extra special touch with printable baking gift tags. Print, cut and tie them onto tins, jars or bags for a polished, personal gift. Visit the site and enter your email to receive printable tags if you’d like them delivered to your inbox.
