There’s something magical about the smell of Christmas cookies baking in the oven—it instantly takes me back to my grandma’s kitchen.
Every holiday season, she’d fill the house with trays of the most delicious holiday treats, from sugar-dusted butter cookies to perfectly spiced ginger snaps.
Her cookies weren’t just Christmas desserts – they were little bites of joy that made the season feel extra special!
Now, I’m sharing her favorite recipes so you can bring a taste of that magic to your own kitchen and create cherished memories with your loved ones.
Let’s bake some classic Christmas food that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds!
Easy Christmas Cookies to Make
There’s nothing like baking old-fashioned Christmas cookies to bring a little nostalgia to your holiday.
These easy-to-make classics deliver all the cozy flavors you love without keeping you tied to the kitchen all day.
Perfect for sharing or sneaking a few for yourself!
1. Gingerbread Cookies
These spiced classics are a must for the holidays.
Mix molasses, brown sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon and ginger into a rich dough.
Roll it out, cut into festive shapes, and bake until just firm—perfect for decorating with icing or enjoying plain.
2. Sugar Cookies
Soft and buttery with a hint of vanilla, these cookies are ideal for cutting into shapes and decorating.
Whip up a simple dough, chill, then roll and bake.
Top them with colorful icing or sprinkles for a festive touch.
3. Snickerdoodles
This cinnamon-sugar coated treat is a cozy holiday favorite.
Cream butter and sugar, mix in a touch of cream of tartar for that signature tang, and roll the dough in a cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking.
They’re crisp on the edges and soft in the middle—perfection!
4. Shortbread Cookies
These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are rich with butter and subtly sweet.
Combine butter, sugar, and flour, then press the dough into a pan or shape into rounds.
Bake until lightly golden, and enjoy their simple, elegant flavor.
I love making shortbread cookies because there’s so many ways to add delicious flavors – like peppermint for a holiday twist!
5. Spritz Cookies
Made with a cookie press, these delicate, buttery cookies are as pretty as they are tasty.
Mix up a dough that’s similar to shortbread, then press it into intricate shapes.
Add sprinkles or a dab of jam before baking for extra flair.
6. Molasses Cookies
Chewy and full of bold flavor, molasses cookies are holiday staples.
Combine molasses, dark brown sugar, and a mix of spices like ginger and cloves.
Roll the dough into balls, coat in sugar, and bake until just set for a perfectly soft center.
7. Thumbprint Cookies
These jam-filled treats are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Mix up a buttery dough, roll into balls, and press your thumb in the center to create a small well.
Fill with your favorite jam and bake until golden.
8. Peanut Butter Blossoms
These iconic cookies are a perfect mix of peanut butter and chocolate.
Make a soft peanut butter dough, roll in sugar, and bake.
As soon as they come out of the oven, press a chocolate kiss into the center for a gooey, melty finish.
9. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
For a wholesome, chewy cookie, mix oats, raisins, and a touch of cinnamon into a buttery dough.
Bake until golden for a treat that tastes just like grandma used to make.
Want to mix it up? Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips!
10. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
With their fudgy centers and powdered sugar coating, these cookies look like little snow-dusted treats.
Roll chocolate dough in powdered sugar, then bake to create their signature crackled appearance.
They’re rich, chocolatey, and perfect with a glass of milk.
11. Anise Cookies
These lightly licorice-flavored cookies are popular in Italian holiday baking.
Blend anise extract into a simple dough, roll, and bake.
Add a glaze and festive sprinkles for a sweet, aromatic treat.
12. Butter Cookies
Rich and buttery, these cookies are often piped into shapes and baked to a golden crisp.
Their smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them perfect for pairing with coffee or tea.
Add a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of sugar for variety.
13. Pfeffernüsse
These spiced German cookies are bite-sized and full of bold flavors like cloves, nutmeg, and pepper.
The dough is rolled into small balls, baked, and coated in powdered sugar or a light glaze.
They’re perfect for nibbling while sipping hot cocoa.
14. Lemon Bars
These zesty bars have a buttery shortbread base topped with a tangy lemon filling.
Bake until the filling sets, then dust with powdered sugar.
Their bright, citrusy flavor is a refreshing addition to any holiday cookie tray.
15. Linzer Cookies
These sandwich-style cookies feature a delicate almond-flavored dough and a jam filling.
Cut the top layer with a small window shape, spread the bottom with jam, and sandwich them together.
Dust with powdered sugar for a festive finish.
No Bake Christmas Cookies
Short on time but still want festive treats?
These no-bake Christmas cookies are the answer to the holiday hustle—quick, easy, and every bit as delicious as the baked kind.
They’re perfect for last-minute gatherings or keeping the oven-free for the main course.
16. Chocolate Haystacks
These crunchy, chocolatey treats are as easy as they come.
Simply melt chocolate and mix it with chow mein noodles or pretzel sticks.
Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet, let them set, and enjoy their sweet and salty crunch.
17. Peanut Butter Balls (Buckeyes)
These creamy, chocolate-dipped bites are a holiday favorite.
Combine peanut butter, powdered sugar, and butter to form small balls.
Chill, then dip them into melted chocolate, leaving a small circle of peanut butter exposed for that classic Buckeye look.
18. Rum Balls
Rich, boozy, and perfect for grown-ups, rum balls combine crushed cookies, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and a splash of rum.
Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls and coat with sprinkles or powdered sugar.
Let them sit overnight for the best flavor.
19. Coconut Snowballs
These little bites of tropical sweetness are made by mixing shredded coconut with condensed milk and a splash of vanilla.
Shape into small balls, roll in more coconut or powdered sugar, and chill.
They’re as festive as they are easy!
20. No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
These chewy cookies are packed with oats, cocoa, and peanut butter for a quick and satisfying treat.
Boil butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa, then stir in the oats and peanut butter.
Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper and let them set—no oven required.
21. Rice Krispie Wreaths
These adorable holiday treats use a classic Rice Krispie base.
Melt marshmallows and butter, stir in green food coloring, and mix with cereal.
Shape into wreaths, decorate with red candies for “berries,” and let them cool before serving.
22. Chocolate Peanut Clusters
Sweet and salty come together in this simple no-bake recipe.
Melt chocolate, mix in peanuts, and drop spoonfuls onto wax paper.
Once they set, you have a perfectly crunchy and creamy holiday treat.
23. No Bake Gingerbread Cookies
Capture the warm, spiced flavors of gingerbread without turning on the oven.
Combine crushed gingersnaps, cream cheese, and a touch of molasses.
Roll into balls, dip in white chocolate, and sprinkle with cinnamon for a festive finish.
24. Chocolate Bark with Nuts and Dried Fruit
This versatile treat is made by spreading melted chocolate onto a sheet and topping it with your favorite mix of nuts, dried fruits, or crushed candy canes.
Let it set, then break into pieces for a simple, elegant dessert.
25. Cornflake Holly Clusters
These festive clusters are made by coating cornflakes in melted marshmallows dyed green with food coloring.
Spoon onto wax paper and shape into small mounds.
Add red candies for a holly berry effect and let them cool before serving.
Let’s Bake Some Holiday Magic!
Whether you’re recreating family favorites or trying something new, Christmas cookies have a way of making the season brighter.
So grab your apron, gather your loved ones, and let’s bake up some holiday magic—one delicious cookie at a time!
