We may earn a commission when you click on the affiliate links in this post.
During the holiday season, there’s nothing we love more than homemade Christmas cookies. From quick and easy favorites to more indulgent treats, these Christmas cookie ideas are perfect for baking, sharing, and celebrating all season long!
Table of Contents
One of our favorite family Christmas traditions is baking homemade Christmas cookies and then filling up plates to deliver them to neighbors and friends. Everyone has a different image that comes to mind when they hear “Christmas cookies”. For me, I think of colorful sugar cookies with sprinkles. Others might think of drop cookies with Christmas M&Ms.
What the “perfect Christmas cookie” is for me could be something completely different for you. Or maybe you are searching for a new recipe to make your favorite. Either way, we are sure you will find something here you will love to make… and eat!
Just looking at an image of a gingerbread cookie takes me back to the warm, inviting aroma of a kitchen at Christmas time. You can use cookie cutters to make gingerbread men or even a Mickey Mouse gingerbread man. The cinnamon, ginger and cloves in this recipe make these cookies smell — and taste — amazing!
The BEST Christmas Sugar Cookies ever begin and end with this soft, chewy, simple sugar cookie recipe with a hint of almond to give it that Christmas-y flavor. Decorate cut-out candy canes, bells, stockings, stars, and ornaments with royal icing and you have the perfect gift for neighbors and friends!
Peanut butter blossoms (also known as Hershey’s Kiss Cookies or Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies) are a classic cookie that have been a favorite among many for many years. These cookies are a perfect combination of a soft and chewy peanut butter cookie with a delicious chocolate kiss in the center (or your favorite nut). It’s easy to make these cookies in several batches and use for gifts for friends and neighbors.
Andes Mint Cookies are sure to get you on the nice list if you leave them out for Santa! A spin on thumbprint cookies, these chocolate cookies are topped with melted Andes mints. Rich and delicious with a mild mint flavor. A definite favorite!
Snickerdoodles are rich, soft sugar cookies rolled in cinnamon sugar. To me, the best Snickerdoodle has crunchy golden edges with an ultra soft and chewy center. What more could you ask for?
Molasses Cookies are soft, chewy cookies that will send you right back to your childhood. The molasses is the PERFECT amount, not too overpowering. Try melting some white chocolate chips and drizzling it over the tops of the cookies for a little design.
Dipped Ritz Christmas Cookies
The saltiness of the Ritz Crackers and the sweetness of the chocolate is a winning combination in these dipped Ritz Cookies with caramel or peanut butter filling. The peanut butter filled ritz is a no-bake cookie. The caramel filling is made by melting a Rolo candy on the Ritz cracker, so it does require a few minutes in the oven. Both fillings make delicious Christmas treats!
Easy No Bake Cookies are such a yummy treat to make when you’re pressed for time during the holidays. They make a great addition to a plate of goodies. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they come together in a snap. These can easily be made gluten-free cookies by using gluten free oats.
A Whoopie Pie is like a magical, spongy, miniature cake with a sweet, soft center. It’s made of two halves, like a sandwich, with a yummy, creamy marshmallow frosting filling in the middle. When you take a bite, it’s like a party in your mouth with all the delicious flavors coming together. It is a classic American cookie that originated in New England, most likely by the Amish in Pennsylvania (the exact origination is a hot debate). They are the perfect Christmas treat, especially if you add a little red or green food coloring, and a drop of peppermint extract to the creamy center.
Do you know what Santa’s favorite cookie is? Classic chocolate chip cookies! When I say this recipe came from an actual bakery, I mean it. It wasn’t one of those recipes that came from an aunt’s cousin’s in-laws who used to work at a bakery. This recipe came from a bakery that I, myself, worked at. They are the best, most perfect, chocolate chip cookies ever… and that’s if you can actually get to the baking part before the cookie dough disappears.
More Popular Christmas Cookies
Prepare the cookie platters! These holiday cookies are just what you need for the upcoming holiday parties. Try our elf cookies with festive sprinkles, or our raspberry jam thumbprint cookies for your next cookie exchange. No time for baking? We have a little trick up or sleeve. Gift the cookie ingredients in a jar, and let someone else do the baking! Check out our chewy pecan cookies where the ingredients are layered beautifully in a glass jar – we even have a free printable gift tag.
Christmas Cookie Questions
The most popular Christmas cookies based on sheer traffic volume on Favorite Family Recipes are: Peanut Butter Blossoms, Christmas Sugar Cookies, Gingerbread Cookies, and No Bake Cookies.
The most popular cookie for Santa BY FAR is Chocolate Chip Cookies.
According to Fox News, the least popular Christmas cookies in America are Speculoos cookies (spiced shortbread cookies).
These are the best! Love making them year round.
So easy and the orange/chocolate combo is amazing!
I am a big chocolate and orange fan! I just love those flavors together and these cookies we excellent! So tasty!
Chocolate and orange go so well together and these cookies are perfect! They are great for holiday cookie exchanges.
Chocolate oranges are my favorite thing ever. I love that you made a cookie recipe using them! I know already they’re going to be my new favorite treat.