I’ve put together 11 holiday cookie recipes that’ll make your festivities sweeter. You can’t go wrong with classic sugar cookies, chewy gingerbread, and colorful thumbprints. If you’re feeling fancy, try making flaky linzer cookies or tart cranberry orange treats. For a unique twist, bake snickerdoodles, nutty pecan diamonds, or rich chocolate crinkle cookies. I even included no-bake peppermint truffles for a fun option! These scrumptious recipes are perfect for sharing with family and friends, and I can’t wait for you to try them. Stick around, and I’ll share some tips to make your holiday baking even easier!
Classic Sugar Cookies
Classic sugar cookies are a holiday staple that I love to bake.
To make them, I cream 1 cup of softened butter with 1 cup of sugar, then add an egg and vanilla. Chilling the dough for 2-3 hours is recommended to enhance texture and handling. After incorporating 2 ½ cups of flour, I chill the dough for a few hours.
Once rolled out and baked, I decorate them with icing for a festive touch!
Chewy Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies fill the kitchen with a warm, spiced aroma that instantly brings back holiday memories. I whisk together flour, spices, and salt before creaming butter and brown sugar until fluffy. After mixing in egg yolks and molasses, I chill the dough to maintain shape. Once rolled and cut, I bake them at 350°F for about 10 minutes, creating the perfect chewy treat!
Festive Thumbprint Cookies
The delightful combination of buttery dough and colorful fillings makes Festive Thumbprint Cookies a holiday favorite. I mix softened butter, sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla, then chill the dough. After shaping the balls, I roll them in sprinkles and create thumbprints. Cookie dough requires chilling for 1 hour before shaping. Baking them until golden, I fill each with jam or candy melts, adding a personal touch for festive flair!
Flaky Linzer Cookies
Flaky Linzer Cookies are a delightful treat that never fail to impress during the holiday season. I love mixing creamy butter with sugar and adding egg yolks, vanilla, and lemon for a burst of flavor. After chilling the dough, I roll it out and cut shapes, then bake and assemble with my favorite jam. These cookies are traditionally associated with Christmas, and a dusting of powdered sugar makes them irresistible!
Cinnamon-Sugar Snickerdoodles
Baking Cinnamon-Sugar Snickerdoodles fills my kitchen with the warm, inviting scent of holiday spices. I mix flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt, then cream softened butter with sugar until fluffy. After adding eggs and vanilla, I combine everything. These cookies are a family favorite that many cherish during the holidays. I roll the dough balls in cinnamon-sugar, bake them at 350°F for 8-11 minutes, and enjoy their soft, chewy texture!
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
There’s something magical about Chocolate Crinkle Cookies that makes them a holiday favorite.
I love whisking together flour, cocoa powder, and sugar before mixing in eggs and oil. Refrigerating the dough for at least 2 hours helps to firm it up for the perfect crinkle.
After chilling the dough, I form it into balls, rolling them in sugar and powdered sugar. Baking them at 350°F creates a delightful crinkle, making my home smell amazing and my taste buds sing!
Mudslide Chocolate Cookies
After enjoying the rich, fudgy goodness of Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, it’s time to indulge in another decadently chocolatey treat: Mudslide Chocolate Cookies.
With a thick and glossy batter, these cookies are packed with semisweet chocolate chips and can be made gluten-free. These cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring only one bowl for preparation.
Bake them at 350°F for 11-12 minutes, and you’ll have soft, chewy cookies with crackled tops.
Enjoy!
Nutty Pecan Diamonds
Nutty Pecan Diamonds are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of caramelized pecans with a buttery shortbread crust. I love mixing brown sugar, honey, and cream to create a luscious filling. The Triple Nut Diamond Bar Cookies are an excellent option for those who enjoy nutty desserts. After baking, I cut them into diamond shapes for a festive touch. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and can be made in advance for convenience. Enjoy!
Tart Cranberry Orange Cookies
Baking Tart Cranberry Orange Cookies fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that perfectly captures the essence of the holidays. I love creaming unsalted butter and sugar, then adding fresh cranberries and zesty orange juice. Chilling the dough helps shape the cookies beautifully. After baking at 350°F for about 12 minutes, the result is a delightful treat bursting with flavor! These cookies feature a unique combination of cranberry-infused orange flavors.
Spiced Ginger Cookies
While Tart Cranberry Orange Cookies bring a burst of fruity flavor, Spiced Ginger Cookies offer a warm, cozy spice profile that warms the heart during the holidays.
I love combining ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves for that perfect balance. Fresh baking soda is crucial for achieving the right texture and flavor in these cookies.
After chilling the dough, I roll it into balls, coat them in sugar, and bake until they’re soft with crispy edges—simply irresistible!
No-Bake Peppermint Truffles
Indulging in No-Bake Peppermint Truffles is one of my favorite holiday traditions. I start by crushing peppermint Oreos or melting chocolate with cream. After mixing in cream cheese and peppermint extract, I chill the mixture, then roll it into balls. Using dark chocolate for the coating enhances both the flavor and texture of the truffles. Finally, I coat them in melted chocolate and sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top. They’re delicious and perfect for festive gatherings!
