Here’s a gift for you — an ultimate, photo-filled collection of Christmas cookie recipes to inspire your holiday baking.
Christmas cookies have been at the heart of our holiday celebrations since I was a child. I still remember rolling out dough with my mom for Rolled Sugar Cookies, sneaking tastes of the spoon while stirring No-Fail Fudge, and making chocolate treats with my boys. Baking together creates lasting memories—cookies become decorations, gifts, and the centerpiece of cozy family moments. If you want to explore more favorites, check my Christmas recipes collection.
I invited fellow bloggers to share their best cookie recipes, and the response was amazing. Below is a curated, photo-driven roundup of festive cookies grouped by type—perfect for decorating, gifting, or sharing at an exchange.
So preheat the oven, cue your favorite holiday playlist, and let’s get baking!
You may want to save this Pinterest pin to refer back to later!
The Ultimate List of Christmas Cookie Recipes with Photos — Organized by Type
Christmas Sugar Cookies
Few treats say “holiday” like sugar cookies. Cut into trees, snowmen, stars, candy canes, or angels, these cookies are ideal for decorating with royal icing, buttercream, sprinkles, or colored sugar. They’re a perfect activity for all ages and a staple on cookie trays and during cookie swaps.
1. High Altitude Sugar Cookies | 2. Christmas Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing | 3. Easy Chocolate Sugar Cookies | 4. Best Ever Christmas Sugar Cookies | 5. Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Fondant | 6. Oil-Free Vegan Sugar Cookies | 7. Best Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies | 8. Easy Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies | 9. Rolled Sugar Cookies
Cute Christmas Cookies
These fanciful cookies are as charming as holiday ornaments—perfect for kid-friendly cookie trays and festive gatherings. From reindeer and snowmen to a clever hot cocoa mug cookie with a candy cane handle, these cookies are sure to make guests smile.
1. 3D Hidden Surprise Ornament Cookies | 2. Melted Snowman Cookies | 3. Brownie Reindeer Cookies | 4. Rudolph Chocolate Christmas Cookies | 5. Hot Chocolate Mug Cookies with Candy Cane Handles | 6. Christmas Tree Oreo Cookies | 7. Chocolate-Covered Oreo Reindeer | 8. Elf Quote Christmas Cookies | 9. Homemade Oreos
Top Traditional Christmas Cookies
Traditional classics are always welcome on a holiday cookie plate. From gingerbread to peanut butter blossoms and buttery shortbread, these time-honored recipes are classics for a reason—and a few modern twists make them even more tempting.
1. Gingerbread Cookies | 2. Classic Buckeye Cookies | 3. Thumbprint Cookies | 4. Christmas Shortbread | 5. Peanut Butter Blossoms | 6. Saltine Cracker “Christmas Crack” | 7. Russian Tea Cakes | 8. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies | 9. Caramel-Filled Snickerdoodles
Christmas Cookies for Special Diets: Gluten-Free & Vegan Options
Being on a special diet shouldn’t mean missing out on holiday treats. These gluten-free and vegan cookie recipes deliver festive flavor and texture so everyone at the table can enjoy something sweet.
1. Gluten-Free Almond Thumbprint Cookies | 2. Chewy Gluten-Free Chocolate Gingerbread | 3. Vegan & Gluten-Free White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies | 4. 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies (Vegan & GF) | 5. Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies | 6. Gluten & Dairy-Free Chewy Coconut Macaroons | 7. Gluten-Free Cranberry Almond Biscotti | 8. Vegan Snickerdoodles | 9. Vegan Cranberry Cookies
More vegan options (without photos):
- 3-Ingredient Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
- Chocolate No-Bake Cookies with Vegan Options
- Vegan Oat Cookies
More gluten-free options (without photos):
- Gluten-Free Linzer Tart Cookies
- Gluten-Free Pfeffernusse
- Coconut Sugar Cookies (GF & Vegan)
- Chewy Gluten-Free Chocolate Gingerbread
Chocolate Christmas Cookies
Chocolate is always in season. These chocolate-forward cookies add holiday flair through peppermint, festive sprinkles, or rich fillings—great for anyone who loves deep, comforting flavor.
- 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 with Hershey’s Kisses, Reese’s Cups, or Rolo
Adding a candy center or topping instantly elevates a cookie. These recipes pair classic candies with cookie dough for irresistible results—perfect for brightening a cookie tin.
1. Chocolate Cherry Cookies | 2. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies | 3. Oreo Ornament Cookies | 4. Peanut Butter Blossom | 5. Cherry “Kissmas” Cookies | 6. Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
Easy Peppermint & Candy Cane Cookies
Peppermint and candy cane flavors bring holiday brightness to cookies. These recipes pair mint with chocolate, white chocolate, or cookie dough for refreshing, festive treats.
1. Candy Cane Thumbprint Cookies | 2. Candy Cane Cookies | 3. Peppermint White Chocolate Chickpea Cookies | 4. Chocolate Peppermint No-Bake Cookies | 5. Candy Cane Cookies | 6. Peppermint Chocolate Ganache Thumbprints | 7. Candy Cane Double Chocolate Cookies | 8. Chocolate Peppermint Cookies | 9. Peppermint Bark Cookies
White Christmas Cookies
Snowball cookies, powdered-sugar-dusted bites, and white chocolate–cranberry treats capture a snowy holiday aesthetic. They’re elegant, festive, and an ideal contrast on a cookie tray.
1. No-Bake Coconut Balls | 2. Toasted Almond Russian Tea Cakes | 3. Cranberry & Chocolate Snickerdoodles | 4. Cranberry Noels | 5. Eggnog Biscotti | 6. Cardamom Walnut Cookies | 7. White Chocolate Cranberry Crinkles | 8. Iced Oatmeal Cookies | 9. Snowball Cookies
Give Cookies as Gifts: Creative Ideas
Homemade cookies make thoughtful, personal gifts. Here are simple ways to package them beautifully:
- Cookie Tray: Arrange an assortment on a budget-friendly tray, wrap in clear cellophane, and add a ribbon and tag.
- Mason Jar: Stack cookies in a jar, cover the lid with fabric, tie a ribbon around the neck, and add a gift tag.
- Cookie Tin: Line a festive tin with tissue and parchment, layer cookies with paper between, close the lid, and finish with a ribbon and tag.
- Cookie Gift Box: Pack small assortments in a gift box with paper divider and a sticker or tag for a polished presentation.
- Cookie Ornaments: Turn some baked shapes into tree ornaments for a keepsake edible gift.
- Host a Cookie Exchange: Invite friends to swap batches—an efficient way to share many kinds without baking them all yourself.
Need more help with Christmas cookie making?
If you want to save time and stress this season, I’ve gathered a collection of recipes and tips to simplify holiday baking. Find step-by-step guidance, helpful photos, and printable tags to make gifting easy and beautiful.
Save time & enjoy the season — explore the complete Christmas cookie recipes collection.
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Free Printable Christmas Gift Tags
As another holiday gift, you can download free printable gift tags to pair with your cookie presents. They make packaging quick and festive—perfect for neighbors, coworkers, or friends.