12 Easy Christmas Cookies

Looking to add a sprinkle of holiday magic to your baking this season? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re planning a festive baking session with the kids, need crowd-pleasing treats for holiday parties, or are assembling heartfelt gift hampers bursting with homemade goodies, this curated collection of 12 easy Christmas cookie recipes will inspire your inner baker. From timeless classics like buttery sugar cookies to rich, fudgy chocolate crinkle cookies and whimsical Grinch-themed delights, these recipes are sure to impress. Ready to turn your kitchen into a winter wonderland? Let’s get started!

1. Classic Sugar Cookies

Classic Sugar Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat. Buttery, sweet, and incredibly versatile, they’re perfect for decorating with kids or adding a personal touch to your holiday dessert spread.

Servings: Makes approximately 24 cookies.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
6. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
7. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a holiday favorite with their signature crinkled powdered sugar coating. These rich, fudgy cookies are as delicious as they are eye-catching—perfect for cookie trays, swaps, or indulging with a warm drink by the fire.

Servings: Makes approximately 50 cookies.

Ingredients

• 1 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Mix the wet ingredients: Beat together the cocoa powder, sugar, and vegetable oil until combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, espresso powder (if using), and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
3. Chill the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the powdered sugar in a wide bowl.
5. Shape and coat: Scoop out the chilled dough with a teaspoon and roll into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the powdered sugar until fully coated, then place them on the prepared baking sheets, spaced a few inches apart.
6. Bake: Bake for 10–13 minutes, until the cookies are set but still soft. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Peanut Butter Blossoms

Peanut Butter Blossoms are a holiday classic loved for their delightful combination of creamy peanut butter and a chocolate kiss center. These cookies are chewy, sweet, and incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for any festive gathering or as a treat to enjoy with loved ones.

Servings: Makes approximately 24 cookies.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Additional granulated sugar, for rolling
• 24 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until well combined.
3. Chill: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
4. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Shape and roll: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat. Place the balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden but still soft in the center.
7. Add the chocolate: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

4. Grinch Cookies

These Grinch Cookies are the perfect festive treat for the holidays, inspired by everyone’s favorite Christmas character. Soft, chewy, and full of holiday spirit, they’re easy to make and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Servings: Makes approximately 24 cookies.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Green food coloring
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Red heart-shaped candies for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and green food coloring until the mixture reaches the desired shade of green.
4. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Shape cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
7. Decorate: While the cookies are still warm, gently press a red heart candy into the center of each cookie. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

5. Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies

Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies are a timeless holiday favorite with their buttery shortbread base and sweet, fruity raspberry jam center. These elegant yet simple cookies are perfect for Christmas gatherings, adding a touch of class to any dessert spread.

Servings: Makes approximately 24 cookies.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup raspberry jam

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms.
5. Shape and indent: Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create an indentation in the center of each cookie.
6. Fill with jam: Fill each indentation with a small amount of raspberry jam.
7. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Spiced Molasses Cookies

Spiced Molasses Cookies are the epitome of holiday baking, bursting with warm, cozy flavors like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. These soft and chewy cookies have a deep molasses flavor that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee during the winter season.

Servings: Makes approximately 24 cookies.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add molasses and egg: Beat in the molasses and egg until fully incorporated.
4. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Shape and coat: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the granulated sugar to coat.
6. Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
7. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread Cookies are a timeless holiday classic, loved for their buttery flavor and tender, crumbly texture. With just three simple ingredients, these cookies are easy to make and perfect for any festive occasion.

Servings: Makes 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add the flour, mixing until the dough comes together.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness.
5. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
7. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Spritz Cookies

Spritz Cookies are a festive favorite, known for their delicate, buttery flavor and intricate shapes. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these cookies are quick to make and fun to decorate with colorful sprinkles or chocolate.

Servings: Makes about 84 bite-sized cookies.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (16 Tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Optional: gel food coloring, sprinkles, chocolate chips, or melted chocolate for decorating

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
2. Line 2–3 large baking sheets with silicone baking mats or use nonstick baking sheets without liners. Avoid parchment paper, as the dough won’t adhere to it.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until smooth (about 2 minutes).
4. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extracts until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Gradually mix in the flour and salt on low speed. Increase speed to high until fully combined.
6. Fit your cookie press with a decorative plate according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Add dough to the press.
7. Press cookies directly onto cold, lined baking sheets. Space cookies about 2 inches apart. Decorate with sprinkles or chocolate chips if desired.
8. Bake for 7–9 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, drizzle with melted chocolate.
10. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

9. Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are a festive holiday treat, combining the rich taste of semisweet chocolate with a refreshing hint of peppermint. Crushed candy canes add a delightful crunch and a festive touch, making these cookies perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings.

Servings: Makes approximately 24 cookies.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions:

1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs and flavoring: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
4. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
5. Add mix-ins: Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
6. Shape cookies: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

10. Gingerbread Men Cookies

Gingerbread Men Cookies are a festive favorite, known for their warm spices and delightful shapes. These cookies are perfect for decorating with icing and sprinkles, making them a fun and delicious holiday activity.

Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending until fully incorporated.
5. Shape the dough into a thick disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
6. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out gingerbread men using a cookie cutter.
7. Place cookies 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are set and slightly browned. Let cool on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
9. Decorate as desired and enjoy!

11. Snowball Cookies

Snowball Cookies are a holiday classic, known for their rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Coated in powdered sugar, they resemble snowballs and are a festive treat for any holiday gathering.

Servings: 60 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Gradually mix in flour, pecans, and salt until the dough forms.
4. Roll dough into small walnut-sized balls and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale. Avoid overbaking.
6. Let cookies cool slightly, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm.
7. Once cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for a festive finish.

12. Christmas M&M Cookies

These festive Christmas M&M Cookies are a colorful holiday treat that’s soft, chewy, and loaded with candy-coated chocolate. Perfect for holiday parties or gifting, these cookies are easy to make and loved by all ages!

Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup red and green M&M candies
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients.
5. Gently fold in M&M candies and chocolate chips if using.
6. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

These 12 Christmas cookie recipes are sure to bring joy to your holiday season. Whether you’re baking for a party, creating thoughtful homemade gifts, or simply enjoying a cozy moment by the fire with loved ones, there’s something here for everyone. Which recipe will you try first? Let us know in the comments!