The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a delightful array of Christmas cookies?

If you’re hosting a festive gathering, attending a cookie exchange, or simply looking to spread some holiday cheer, these 25 amazing Christmas cookie recipes are sure to impress your guests.

Baking cookies during the holidays is a cherished tradition for many families, and these recipes are designed to be easy and fun to make.

Most of them can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without the stress of last-minute baking.

Plus, many of these cookies freeze beautifully, so you can whip up a batch and save them for later.

Tips for Baking and Storing Christmas Cookies

The holiday season is synonymous with baking; nothing brings more joy than freshly baked Christmas cookies.

Baking Christmas cookies is a beautiful tradition, but it can also be overwhelming with so many recipes to choose from.

The key is to plan and make the most of your time in the kitchen. Many cookie recipes can be prepared in advance, allowing you to enjoy the holiday festivities without the stress of last-minute baking.

Additionally, knowing how to store your cookies properly will ensure they stay fresh and delicious throughout the season.

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

For the best results, always use room temperature butter and eggs.

This helps create a smooth and creamy cookie dough that incorporates air for a light texture.

If you forget to take your butter out in advance, you can soften it quickly by cutting it into small cubes.

2. Chill Your Dough

Chilling cookie dough is essential for many recipes, especially cut-out cookies.

It prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring they hold their shape.

Chill the dough for at least 1-2 hours, or even overnight for enhanced flavor.

3. Measure Accurately

Baking is a science, so precise measurements are crucial.

Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate results, or make sure to spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid packing flour into the cup, as this can lead to dense cookies.

4. Invest in Quality Baking Sheets

Using heavy-duty, light-colored baking sheets can help ensure even baking. Dark sheets can cause cookies to brown too quickly.

Consider using parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

5. Bake in Batches

If you’re making multiple types of cookies, bake similar cookies together. This will save time and ensure that each batch bakes evenly. Rotate your baking sheets halfway through the baking time for uniform results.

6. Cool Cookies Properly

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This will help them set and prevent breaking.

Make sure to cool completely before decorating or storing.

7. Store Cookies Correctly

To keep cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Layer cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

For cookies with frosting or delicate decorations, store them separately to avoid smudging.

8. Freeze for Later

Many cookie doughs freeze well. Portion out the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet.

Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store in the freezer. You can bake them straight from the freezer, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

9. Label and Date

If you’re freezing cookies, label the containers or bags with the type of cookie and the date they were made.

This will help you keep track of what you have on hand and ensure you use them within a reasonable time.

10. Experiment with Flavors

Don’t be afraid to get creative! Add different extracts, spices, or mix-ins to your cookie dough. For example, try almond extract in sugar cookies or add peppermint chips to chocolate cookies for a festive twist.

1- M&M Christmas Cookies

2- Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies!

3- Whipped Shortbread Cookies

4- Reindeer Cookies

5- Italian Christmas Cookies

6- Sprinkle Sandwich Cookies Recipe

7- Mint Christmas Cookies

8- Stuffed Christmas Cookies

9- Soft cut-out Christmas Sugar Cookies

No holiday cookie platter is complete without classic sugar cookies. These can be cut into festive shapes and decorated with icing or sprinkles.

Make the dough ahead of time and freeze it, so you can bake fresh cookies whenever you need them.

10- Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies

11- Gingerbread Cookies

These classic gingerbread cookies are spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, offering a warm and festive flavor.

They can be cut into fun shapes and decorated with icing, making them perfect for holiday gatherings. Plus, they store well, so you can bake them in advance and enjoy them throughout the season.

12. Peppermint Bark Cookies

Combining chocolate cookies with a layer of peppermint bark, these treats are a delightful mix of flavors.

They are simple to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making them an excellent addition to your holiday cookie platter.

13. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These fudgy cookies are rolled in powdered sugar before baking, creating a beautiful crinkled effect. They’re rich and decadent, perfect for chocolate lovers.

Bake them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for a delightful treat whenever you need it.

14. Peanut Butter Blossoms

A classic holiday favorite, these cookies feature a soft peanut butter base topped with a chocolate kiss.

They’re easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making them a great option for cookie exchanges or holiday parties.

15. Snickerdoodles

These soft and chewy cookies rolled in cinnamon sugar are a holiday favorite.

They’re quick to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making them a perfect addition to your holiday cookie selection.

16. Eggnog Cookies

Infused with the flavors of eggnog, these cookies are soft, spiced, and perfect for the holiday season.

They can be made in advance and stored in the freezer, so you can enjoy them whenever the holiday cravings hit.

17. Raspberry Linzer Cookies

These delicate cookies are filled with raspberry jam and dusted with powdered sugar.

They’re not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them a great addition to any holiday dessert table. Prepare the dough ahead of time and assemble them just before serving.

18. Cranberry Orange Cookies

These soft cookies combine tart cranberries with zesty orange, creating a bright and festive flavor. They can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer, making them a delightful surprise for guests.

19. Molasses Cookies

Soft and chewy, these spiced molasses cookies are perfect for the holiday season.

They can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container, allowing you to enjoy their rich flavors throughout the season.

20. Walnut Crescent Cookies

These buttery cookies, shaped like crescents and dusted with powdered sugar, are a delightful treat. They can be made ahead of time and stored in a tin, making them perfect for holiday gifting.

21. Red Velvet Cookies

These vibrant cookies are soft and chewy, with a hint of cocoa flavor. They can be prepared ahead of time and frozen, allowing you to enjoy their festive color and flavor throughout the holiday season.

22. No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

For a quick and easy treat, these no-bake cookies combine oats, cocoa, and peanut butter for a deliciously chewy dessert.

They can be made in minutes and stored in the fridge, making them a great last-minute addition to your holiday spread.

23- Christmas Bark

24- Chocolate Toffee Cookie Bars

25- Cinnamon Roll Cookies