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Look, Christmas pies have their moment—and rightfully so—but cookies? Cookies run the festive season.
They’re the all-rounders: quick to make, easy to gift, and somehow always the first thing to disappear at any gathering.
You can batch-bake them for your freezer, plate them up for last-minute guests, or box them up like the domestic goddess you absolutely are!
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This list has 49 Christmas cookie recipes to suit whatever December throws at you—office parties, neighbour drop-offs, or just a Sunday night scroll session where baking sounds better than wrapping presents.
Expect everything from nostalgic iced sugar cookies and chocolate-studded shortbread to low-effort, high-impact options that still look good on Instagram.
Because no matter how many Christmas desserts are on the table, you always make room for a cookie. Or three.
1. M&M Christmas Cookies
CREDIT: CELEBRATING SWEETS
If you’ve ever wondered what the inside of a Target holiday aisle tastes like—it’s probably this. Soft, chewy, and loaded with festive M&Ms, these are an easy win for office parties or last-minute bake swaps.
2. Christmas Butter Cookies
CREDIT: DRIVE ME HUNGRY
Piped and dipped and absolutely buttery, these swirly shortbreads bring the drama in the most low-maintenance way. Sprinkle them with red and green to keep the festive vibes strong.
3. Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies
CREDIT: MY INCREDIBLE RECIPES
A salty-sweet take on a classic. The soft peanut butter base plays surprisingly well with the peppermint kiss topper—kind of like Christmas chaos that somehow just works.
4. Red Velvet Macarons
CREDIT: AHEAD OF THYME
For when you want to show up with something that screams, “I made an effort.” These glossy red velvet macarons with creamy white filling are equal parts elegant and delicious. Definitely one for the “I brought dessert” flex.
5. Christmas Cookies with Cake Mix
CREDIT: ORGANIZED ISLAND
These soft, green sugar cookies are pure nostalgic energy. Covered in a riot of sprinkles and bright colours, they’re the kind of thing you bake when you’re fully leaning into the chaos of the season.
6. Polish Chocolate-Glazed Gingerbread
CREDIT: BRIT + CO
Deep, dark, and spiced just right. These heart-shaped cookies are a nod to traditional Polish pierniki, glazed in chocolate and honestly too elegant to dunk—but you probably will anyway.
7. A Cup of Hot Cocoa Cookies
CREDIT: THE KITCHEN MAGPIE
Mini marshmallow mugs with candy cane handles—come on. These are so cute they almost feel illegal. Use them as edible table decor, or hand them out as party favours. Either way, they’re a guaranteed conversation starter.
8. Italian Rainbow Cookies
CREDIT: AHEAD OF THYME
Layered, nostalgic, and unapologetically extra. These almond cake bites are sandwiched with jam, topped with chocolate, and cut into neat little bricks of Christmas magic. They take time—but they’re so worth it.
9. Chocolate Christmas Cookies
CREDIT: ERREN’S KITCHEN
Soft and rich in the centre with that signature cracked top, these are everything you want from a classic chocolate crinkle—with an upgrade. The festive sprinkle coating makes them look way more effort than they actually are.
10. Italian Christmas Cookies
CREDIT: ELLA CLAIRE INSPIRED
A soft, almond-scented classic that shows up at every nonna’s house and never disappoints. Finished with glaze and festive sprinkles, these look understated but taste very main character.
11. Peppermint Chocolate Roll Cookies
CREDIT: SUGAR SALT MAGIC
Like a candy cane and a brownie had a stylish little baby. These crisp cocoa cookie rolls are dipped in melted chocolate and finished with crushed peppermint for that perfect sweet-snap combo. Ideal for gifting—or hoarding, no judgement!
12. Crushed Peppermint, Molten Chocolate Cookies
CREDIT: CAMILLE STYLES
Soft in the centre, with a gooey dark chocolate core and candy cane crunch on top. If a brownie and a crinkle cookie had a holiday fling, this would be the result.
13. Stacked Cookie Christmas Trees
CREDIT: BRIT + CO
Proof that cookies can double as centrepieces. These layered tree stacks use a mix of sandwich cookies and icing to build a 3D treat that’s almost too cute to eat. Almost.
14. Espresso Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
CREDIT: BARLEY & SAGE
A grown-up take on the classic crinkle. These espresso-laced cookies have a rich, dark flavour that pairs perfectly with your third coffee of the day.
15. Christmas Star Cookies
CREDIT: MY GORGEOUS RECIPES
A staple that never goes out of style. Cut-out sugar cookies with crisp white icing and a smattering of sprinkles—just enough sparkle without going full glitter bomb.
16. Easy Peppermint Cookies
CREDIT: MOM ON TIME OUT
Soft vanilla cookie base meets crushed peppermint and creamy white chocolate. They taste like peppermint bark, but in cookie form—and take half the time to make.
17. Pecan Praline Cookies
CREDIT: AHEAD OF THYME
Somewhere between a cookie and a candy, these buttery pecan pralines basically melt on contact. Sweet, rich, and ridiculously moreish—don’t make them unless you’re OK with being asked for the recipe every year.
18. Mint Christmas Cookies
CREDIT: FAMILY COOKIE RECIPES
Festive in the boldest way. These bright green cookies are dipped in melted chocolate and covered in tree-shaped sprinkles. The vibe? Whoville meets Bake Off.
19. Eggnog Frosted Chai Snickerdoodle Snowmen
CREDIT: HALF BAKED HARVEST
Sweet, spiced, and impossibly charming. These snowman cookies get a chai twist with eggnog frosting and peanut butter cup hats. A little chaotic, but very on brand for December.
20. Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
CREDIT: INSPIRED BY CHARM
The swirl is non-negotiable. These slice-and-bake cookies give candy cane energy with a clean spiral that’s made for gifting—or just looking smug about your baking skills.
21. Healthy Ginger Snap Recipe with Caramel Apples
CREDIT: FOOD, FAITH, AND FITNESS
Crisp edges, chewy centres, and that sticky caramel drizzle? Say less. These spiced ginger snaps are big on flavour and unapologetically messy in the best way.
22. Christmas Lights Cookies
CREDIT: DESSERT FOR TWO
White iced bases with hand-drawn fairy lights? Say less. These are simple to decorate, impossible not to post, and perfect for getting kids (or bored adults) involved.
23. White Chocolate Candy Cane Fortune Cookies
CREDIT: BRIT + CO
Cute, creative, and kind of addictive. These candy cane-dipped fortune cookies are a fun twist on a classic, with festive messages tucked inside and white chocolate shells that look way more impressive than they actually are.
24. Brown Butter Chai Spice Cookies
CREDIT: BARLEY & SAGE
Cosy, rich, and subtly spiced. These cookies take the warming flavours of chai and dial them up with nutty brown butter and a drizzle of icing. For anyone who prefers flavour over flash (but still appreciates a good aesthetic).
25. Peppermint Snowball Cookies
CREDIT: MOM ON TIME OUT
Basically Christmas in bite-sized form. These pink-tinted shortbread balls are dusted in icing sugar and melt in your mouth with every buttery, pepperminty bite. Bonus: they look so good on a cookie platter.
26. Peppermint Cookies
CREDIT: CULINARY HILL
Soft, chewy, and unapologetically festive. These vibrant red cookies are topped with whipped white frosting and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes. Think of them as the holiday version of those iconic Lofthouse cookies—but better.
27. Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups
CREDIT: PRINCESS PINKY GIRL
Yes, they’re real. These sugar cookie cups are filled with chocolate ganache, mini marshmallows, and candy cane handles. Basically edible mugs—and way more fun than actual baking.
28. Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies (Gluten Free)
CREDIT: THE REAL FOOD DIETITIANS
Gluten-free with a spicy kick. These soft chocolate cookies have cinnamon and cayenne for that warm tingle you didn’t know your dessert needed. A grown-up crowd-pleaser (and great with red wine, FYI).
29. Gingerbread Cookies
CREDIT: CLEAN CUISINE
Soft, warmly spiced, and impossible to mess up. Whether you go for trees, stars, or the full gingerbread fam, these are a December essential. White royal icing optional—but encouraged.
30. Oreo Ornament Cookies
CREDIT: KATHRYN’S KITCHEN
These dipped Oreos get the full Christmas bauble treatment with drizzled chocolate, festive sprinkles and a Rolo “cap.” Zero baking required, maximum cuteness unlocked.
31. Stained Glass Window Cookies
CREDIT: AHEAD OF THYME
A total throwback—in the best way. These crisp vanilla cut-outs are filled with melted sweets that turn into jewel-toned centres once baked. Pretty, nostalgic, and surprisingly simple to make.
32. Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
CREDIT: VIKA LINKA
If a peppermint mocha turned into a cookie, it would be this. Rich chocolate base, minty crunch on top, and a drizzle of chocolate that pulls it all together. They’re as dramatic as they look—and that’s why we love them.
33. Gingerbread Christmas Sweater Cookies
CREDIT: BRIT + CO
Cosy up—but make it edible. These iced gingerbread jumpers are giving peak festive energy, with snowflakes, reindeer, and one impressively accessorised pug. Cute enough to frame, better eaten with a cuppa.
34. Marbled Shortbread Cookies
CREDIT: WOMAN SCRIBBLES
Part biscuit, part art project. These chocolate-swirled shortbreads are buttery and beautiful, with a marbled finish that makes them feel a lot fancier than the recipe actually is.
35. Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
CREDIT: TWO PEAS AND THEIR POD
Big festive energy in one buttery bite. These chewy oat cookies are packed with tart dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, and a hit of fresh orange zest. Bake once, snack all week.
36. Gingerbread Emoji Cookies
CREDIT: BRIT + CO
Who said gingerbread had to be serious? These emoji-inspired bakes mix old-school spice with pure millennial chaos. Bake them for your funniest friend or keep them all for yourself—you earned it.
37. Easy Slice ‘n’ Bake Vanilla Bean Christmas Sugar Cookies
CREDIT: HALF BAKED HARVEST
Soft, golden, and speckled with real vanilla bean, these are your “I’m not into icing, but I still want something pretty” cookies. Slice, bake, done.
38. Classic Snickerdoodles
CREDIT: AHEAD OF THYME
Soft, chewy and cinnamon-dusted, snickerdoodles are the kind of cookie that doesn’t need a glow-up. Serve with hot chocolate, chai, or a side of childhood nostalgia.
39. Red Velvet Cookies
CREDIT: AHEAD OF THYME
Soft-baked with a bold red hue and chunks of creamy white chocolate, these cookies feel indulgent without being fussy. Ideal for December gifting…or fridge-raiding.
40. Cinnamon Almond Flour Sugar Cookies
CREDIT: COTTER CRUNCH
Soft, chewy, and gluten-free without trying to be trendy about it. These almond flour sugar cookies are dusted with cinnamon sugar for a low-key festive feel—perfect with coffee or a chai latte situation.
41. Easy Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
CREDIT: BRIT + CO
These chocolatey cookies with peppermint buttercream filling feel like something you’d find in a fancy Christmas hamper—except they’re way easier (and cheaper) to make at home.
42. Vegan Raspberry Almond Linzer Cookies
CREDIT: TWO SPOONS
These pretty sandwich cookies bring a plant-based twist to a classic bake. They’re buttery (without butter), fruity, and almost too aesthetic for their own good.
43. Skinny Chocolate Turtle Thumbprint Cookies
CREDIT: THE SKINNY FORK
Fudgy and rich with gooey caramel centres and a crunchy pecan coating, these are giving ‘dessert board chic.’ Pro tip: they’re gluten-free and slightly healthier, but no one needs to know.
44. Snowman Cookies
CREDIT: BELLE OF THE KITCHEN
These cheerful little faces are almost too cute to eat. Almost. With their peppermint earmuffs and sprinkle accessories, they’re perfect for decorating parties or gifting to literally anyone.
45. Easy Sugar Christmas Tree Cookies
CREDIT: THE FORKED SPOON
Green icing, tiny sprinkles, sugar cookie base—it doesn’t get more iconic than this. These are the ones you make for decorating nights, cookie exchanges, and honestly? Just to feel festive for no reason at all.
46. White Chocolate Peppermint Candy Cane Sugar Cookies
CREDIT: BAKER STABLE
A bake that looks like it came straight from Santa’s workshop. These red-and-white twisted cookies are old-school, sweet, and a guaranteed hit with kids or retro Christmas lovers.
47. Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies
CREDIT: OUR LOVE LANGUAGE IS FOOD
Equal parts cute and classic. These cocoa cookies are rolled in sugar and topped with striped peppermint kisses—because sometimes, you really can judge a cookie by its cover.
48. Christmas Tree Meringues
CREDIT: WE’RE FAR FROM NORMAL
Light, crisp, and impossibly cute—these piped meringue trees are basically edible ornaments. With gold sprinkles and tiny star toppers, they’re more ‘whimsical tablescape’ than weekday snack (but we still support both).
49. Spritz Cookies
CREDIT: CUPCAKE PROJECT
Buttery spritz dough gets piped into swirls and filled with tangy raspberry jam. They’re delicate, dainty, and the type of cookie that makes you feel like you own fine china (even if you don’t).