Holiday cookie trays are a joyful tradition that brings everyone together. From buttery classics to chocolatey surprises, these festive cookies add sweetness to every celebration. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting neighbors, or cozying up by the fire, these recipes will make your holiday season deliciously memorable.
1. Classic Gingerbread Cookies
These spiced cookies bring back the nostalgic scent of holidays with every bite.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup molasses
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in molasses and egg.
- Whisk dry ingredients separately, then mix into wet.
- Chill dough for 1 hour.
- Roll to ¼ inch thick, cut shapes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
How to Serve It
Decorate with royal icing and a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch.
2. Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Soft, chewy, and perfectly minty — these cookies taste like the holidays in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 2 cups sugar
- ½ cup oil
- 4 eggs
- 2 tsp peppermint extract
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Mix cocoa, sugar, and oil.
- Add eggs and peppermint extract.
- Stir in dry ingredients.
- Chill for 2 hours.
- Roll balls in powdered sugar.
- Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve with hot cocoa and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
3. Sugar Cookie Cutouts
The perfect cookies for decorating parties — buttery, crisp-edged, and fun to make with kids.
Ingredients
- 3 cups flour
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add egg and extracts.
- Mix in dry ingredients.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes.
- Roll and cut shapes.
- Bake at 375°F for 8 minutes.
How to Serve It
Frost with royal icing and add festive sprinkles.
4. Snickerdoodle Cookies
These cinnamon-swirled classics are soft inside with a crisp sugary coating.
Ingredients
- 2¾ cups flour
- 2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup butter
- 1½ cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp cinnamon sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Mix flour, tartar, soda, salt.
- Cream butter and sugar; add eggs.
- Combine mixtures.
- Roll balls in cinnamon sugar.
- Bake at 375°F for 8–9 minutes.
How to Serve It
Enjoy warm with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar.
5. White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
Sweet, tangy, and rich — the perfect festive cookie combo.
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup butter
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 egg + 1 yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Whisk dry ingredients.
- Cream butter and sugars.
- Add eggs and vanilla.
- Combine, then fold in chips and cranberries.
- Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
How to Serve It
Pair with eggnog or wrap in a tin for gifts.
6. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Chewy, comforting, and lightly spiced — a timeless favorite for cookie swaps.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup butter
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 3 cups oats
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugars.
- Add eggs and vanilla.
- Mix dry ingredients, combine.
- Fold in oats and raisins.
- Bake at 350°F for 10–11 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon or drizzle of icing.
7. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Soft, colorful, and cocoa-rich — these cookies make any holiday dessert table shine.
Ingredients
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup oil
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Combine cake mix, eggs, and oil.
- Chill dough 30 minutes.
- Roll in powdered sugar.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
How to Serve It
Dust with extra powdered sugar before serving.
8. Snowball Cookies
Buttery, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth—these snowballs are a classic on every holiday cookie platter.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups flour
- ¾ cup finely chopped pecans
- Extra powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Cream butter and powdered sugar.
- Add vanilla, flour, and nuts.
- Shape into 1-inch balls.
- Bake at 350°F for 12–14 minutes.
- Roll in powdered sugar while warm.
How to Serve It
Pile high on a plate and dust with extra sugar for a snowy effect.
9. Almond Shortbread Cookies
These buttery almond cookies have a crisp edge and tender crumb that pairs beautifully with tea.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup almond flour
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar until smooth.
- Stir in almond extract.
- Add flours and salt.
- Roll into logs or press into pan.
- Bake at 325°F for 18–20 minutes.
How to Serve It
Top with toasted sliced almonds or a light drizzle of white chocolate.
10. Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies
A festive twist on the classic chocolate chip—crisp edges, gooey centers, and a hint of mint.
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup butter
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugars.
- Add eggs and vanilla.
- Mix dry ingredients separately, combine.
- Fold in chips and candy.
- Bake at 350°F for 9–11 minutes.
How to Serve It
Sprinkle crushed candy cane right after baking for extra crunch.
11. Maple Sugar Cookies
Soft, sweet, and fragrant with maple syrup—perfect for cozy holiday mornings.
Ingredients
- 2½ cups flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Cream butter, sugar, syrup, and egg.
- Add vanilla, then dry ingredients.
- Chill 30 minutes.
- Roll out and cut shapes.
- Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
How to Serve It
Top with a light maple glaze for shine and flavor.
12. Hot Cocoa Thumbprint Cookies
These cookies capture all the cozy charm of hot cocoa—chewy, chocolatey, and topped with marshmallows.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 egg
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate sauce for drizzle
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add egg and vanilla.
- Mix in flour, cocoa, salt.
- Shape balls, press centers.
- Bake at 350°F for 9 minutes.
- Add marshmallow to center and bake 2 more minutes.
How to Serve It
Drizzle chocolate sauce and sprinkle cocoa powder before serving.
13. Pecan Butter Balls
Crunchy pecans and buttery dough make these little bites irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- Extra powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Mix in vanilla, flour, and nuts.
- Roll into small balls.
- Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes.
- Roll in sugar while warm.
How to Serve It
Arrange in small tins for gifting.
14. White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies
Sweet, nutty, and chewy with creamy white chocolate chunks in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup butter
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ¾ cup chopped macadamia nuts
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugars.
- Add eggs and vanilla.
- Stir in dry ingredients.
- Fold in chips and nuts.
- Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve slightly warm with melted white chocolate drizzle.
15. Cranberry Orange Cookies
Fresh citrus zest and tart cranberries make these cookies bright and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp orange zest
- ½ cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add egg and zest.
- Combine with dry ingredients.
- Fold in cranberries.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
How to Serve It
Top with orange glaze or sprinkle zest before serving.
16. Peanut Butter Blossoms
Soft, chewy, and chocolate-topped—these are a holiday favorite for all ages.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Chocolate kisses
Instructions
- Cream butter, peanut butter, and sugars.
- Add egg and vanilla.
- Mix in dry ingredients.
- Roll into balls and bake at 350°F for 9 minutes.
- Press chocolate kiss into each warm cookie.
How to Serve It
Serve once cooled so the chocolate holds shape.
17. Linzer Cookies
These elegant cookies combine buttery dough with sweet jam for a festive look.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup almond flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ cup raspberry jam
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add yolk and vanilla.
- Mix in dry ingredients.
- Roll, cut, and cut centers out of half.
- Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Spread jam and sandwich.
How to Serve It
Dust with powdered sugar for a snow-kissed finish.
18. Double Chocolate Mint Cookies
Deep chocolate flavor balanced with refreshing mint—perfect for chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugars.
- Add egg and extract.
- Mix dry ingredients and combine.
- Stir in chips.
- Bake at 350°F for 9–10 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve with warm milk or stack in a festive jar.
19. Coconut Macaroons
Chewy, sweet, and simple—these coconut treats are holiday staples.
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded coconut
- ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients.
- Scoop onto baking sheet.
- Bake at 325°F for 18–20 minutes until golden.
How to Serve It
Dip bottoms in melted chocolate for added flair.
20. Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread
Crisp, buttery shortbread meets silky chocolate for a simple yet stunning cookie.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 6 oz dark chocolate, melted
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Mix in flour and salt.
- Roll out and cut rectangles.
- Bake at 325°F for 20 minutes.
- Dip cooled cookies in chocolate.
How to Serve It
Add sprinkles or crushed peppermint before the chocolate sets.
21. Pistachio Cranberry Cookies
Festive colors and nutty crunch make these cookies a holiday showpiece.
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¾ cup butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ cup pistachios
- ½ cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add egg and vanilla.
- Combine with dry ingredients.
- Fold in pistachios and cranberries.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
How to Serve It
Drizzle with white chocolate for a festive finish.
22. Molasses Spice Cookies
Soft and spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves—these cookies fill your kitchen with holiday aroma.
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp cloves
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add molasses and egg.
- Mix in dry ingredients.
- Chill 30 minutes.
- Roll balls in sugar.
- Bake at 350°F for 9 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve with hot coffee or cocoa.
23. Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Moist, cake-like cookies full of warm pumpkin spice flavor.
Ingredients
- 2½ cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add pumpkin, egg, and vanilla.
- Mix in dry ingredients.
- Drop spoonfuls on sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
How to Serve It
Top with cream cheese frosting for a holiday treat.
24. Eggnog Cookies
Rich, creamy, and spiced with nutmeg—these cookies taste just like your favorite holiday drink.
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup eggnog
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add egg, eggnog, and vanilla.
- Mix in dry ingredients.
- Bake at 350°F for 9–10 minutes.
How to Serve It
Frost with eggnog glaze and sprinkle nutmeg on top.
Conclusion
Nothing brings warmth to a winter day like a tray of freshly baked cookies. With these 24 festive recipes, you’ll have something for everyone—classic, nutty, fruity, and chocolatey delights alike. Bake a few varieties, share them with loved ones, and let your kitchen fill with the scent of the holidays.
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