25 Festive Holiday Cookies That’ll Brighten Every Cookie Tray
There’s something truly magical about baking holiday cookies during the festive season. The warmth of the oven, the sweet aroma of cookies filling the air, and the joy of decorating each one make it a cherished tradition for so many families. Whether you’re assembling trays for a holiday party, wrapping up homemade gifts for loved ones, or simply enjoying a cozy day in the kitchen, these cookie recipes are sure to bring smiles and spread joy.
These Christmas cookie recipes are designed to spread Holiday cheer with their festive flair, yet they’re simple enough that bakers of all ages and skill levels can join in the fun. From classic sugar cookies with colorful icing to indulgent chocolate-dipped treats and spiced gingerbread, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And it’s not just about the cookies themselves—it’s about the memories you create along the way. Mixing, rolling, cutting, and decorating together are moments that become treasured traditions.
Sharing these Christmas cookies with friends and family is a heartfelt way to show you care, whether you’re leaving them out for Santa, packing them up as thoughtful gifts, or offering them as a sweet treat during gatherings. Perfect for all occasions throughout the holiday season, these cookies are more than just desserts—they’re a way to bring people together and add a little extra cheer to your celebrations. So grab your apron and get ready to bake up some magic!
Christmas Monster Cookies
Loaded with oats, peanut butter, and colorful red and green M&Ms, Christmas Monster Cookies are both festive and fun to make. These chewy, chocolatey bites are ideal for holiday baking, bringing a cozy warmth to any cookie platter. Plus, they come together quickly, making them a top pick for holiday parties. Enjoy a batch of these festive holiday cookies that’ll have everyone grabbing for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Christmas Monster Cookies
Soft Glazed Gingerbread Cookies
With a soft texture and a sweet glaze, these gingerbread cookies are holiday perfection. Deeply spiced and chewy, they’re just the right balance of rich gingerbread flavor and sweetness. Perfect for sharing, these festive holiday cookies add that classic warmth to any seasonal celebration.
Get the Recipe: Soft Glazed Gingerbread Cookies
Maraschino Cherry Cookies
With vibrant red maraschino cherries and a hint of almond, these cookies add a pop of color and flavor to any festive gathering. Soft, slightly tangy, and irresistible, they’re sure to be a standout on your holiday cookie tray. Ideal for festive holiday cookies that offer something sweet and a little different.
Get the Recipe: Maraschino Cherry Cookies
Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies
These festive holiday cookies bring together rich chocolate and peppermint in each bite. The fudgy chocolate base is topped with a peppermint kiss, making them both cute and delicious for any holiday gathering. A perfect treat to share, these cookies will add extra cheer to your celebrations!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies
Chocolate Peppermint Icebox Cookies
These cookies combine dark or white chocolate with peppermint, creating a holiday classic with a crisp bite. Dipped and decorated with crushed candy canes, they’re visually striking and satisfyingly festive. A delightful addition to any holiday spread, these cookies are a must for a festive holiday cookie collection.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peppermint Icebox Cookies
Christmas Tree Cookies
Shaped like Christmas trees and decorated with colorful frosting, these cookies are as festive as it gets. Buttery and delicious, they’re perfect for baking with kids or for adding a homemade touch to holiday gatherings. These festive holiday cookies are sure to bring smiles and holiday cheer to everyone!
Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Cookies
Air Fryer Christmas Cookies
With their buttery, sugary goodness and colorful sprinkles, these air fryer cookies are quick and delicious. Perfect for holiday parties or last-minute treats, they’re ready in minutes and make cleanup easy. Enjoy a batch of festive holiday cookies with minimal fuss!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Christmas Cookies
Linzer Cookies
These elegant, buttery sandwich cookies with tangy cranberry jam filling are a holiday classic. Perfect for gifting or holiday gatherings, they look festive and taste incredible. Linzer cookies are ideal for anyone who wants a beautiful, delicious addition to their festive holiday cookie tray.
Get the Recipe: Linzer Cookies
Cranberry Orange Cookies
Soft and full of fresh cranberries and a hint of orange, these cookies offer a refreshing, citrusy twist for the holiday season. Ready in no time, they’re great for those last-minute cookie trays or holiday gifts. These festive holiday cookies bring a bright, cheerful flavor to every gathering!
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Cookies
Funfetti Cookies
Bright and colorful with rainbow sprinkles, these funfetti cookies are a festive treat that everyone will love. Soft and chewy, they’re perfect for holiday parties or as a quick baking project. These festive holiday cookies are a fun addition to any cookie spread.
Get the Recipe: Funfetti Cookies
Green Grinch Sugar Cookies for Christmas
Inspired by the classic holiday story, these bright green cookies with a single red heart are perfect for Grinch fans. Soft, sweet, and playful, they add a whimsical touch to any holiday dessert table. A perfect choice for your festive holiday cookie collection, especially with kids around!
Get the Recipe: Green Grinch Sugar Cookies for Christmas
Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies
With a rich chocolate base and a pop of cherry flavor, these crinkle cookies are a holiday must-have. Their chewy, slightly crisp edges and deep red color make them an eye-catching treat. Perfect for any festive holiday cookie tray, these cookies add a little something special to the season.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies
Frosted Christmas Tree Cookies
These adorable sugar cookies are stacked with green frosting to resemble tiny Christmas trees, creating a holiday treat that’s both cute and tasty. Fun to make and even more fun to eat, they’re a perfect project for family baking sessions. Add them to your festive holiday cookie spread for a touch of holiday magic!
Get the Recipe: Frosted Christmas Tree Cookies
Grinch Christmas Cookies
With a bright green hue and a tiny red heart, these Grinch-inspired cookies are a sweet way to spread holiday cheer. Made with cream cheese, they’re soft, chewy, and irresistibly cute. Perfect for your festive holiday cookie collection!
Get the Recipe: Grinch Christmas Cookies
M&M Christmas Cookies
With classic chocolate chip cookie goodness and red and green M&Ms, these cookies bring extra holiday cheer. Soft, chewy, and festive, they’re perfect for sharing at parties or leaving out for Santa. These festive holiday cookies make everyone smile!
Get the Recipe: M&M Christmas Cookies
Christmas Cookie Wreath
Shaped like a holiday wreath, this cookie creation adds a unique, festive touch to your dessert table. This plant-based wreath is easy to make and visually stunning, bringing a touch of holiday magic to any gathering. Ideal for festive holiday cookies that stand out and impress!
Get the Recipe: Christmas Cookie Wreath
Chocolate and Ginger Shortbread Cookies
These shortbread cookies blend rich chocolate with warm ginger for a holiday treat that’s both flavorful and aromatic. With a hint of spice and a buttery crumb, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings or as a gift. Add these festive holiday cookies to your collection for a little sophistication!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate and Ginger Shortbread Cookies
Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies
With a gingerbread base and white chocolate center, these thumbprint cookies are a holiday classic. Their festive look and spiced flavor make them perfect for holiday parties or cookie exchanges. A must-have for any festive holiday cookie spread!
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies
Sprinkle Cookies with Browned Butter
Browned butter gives these sprinkle cookies a rich, nutty flavor that’s perfect for the holidays. Colorful sprinkles add a fun, festive touch, making them ideal for cookie trays or gift boxes. These festive holiday cookies are easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Sprinkle Cookies with Browned Butter
Cherry Cheesecake Cookies
With a delicious cherry center and cheesecake flavor, these cookies are a fun spin on the classic dessert. Perfect for cookie exchanges or holiday parties, they’re a bite-sized treat that brings a little something special to the table. These festive holiday cookies are sure to impress!
Get the Recipe: Cherry Cheesecake Cookies
Chocolate Rugelach
Crisp and flaky, these chocolate-filled rugelach are a delightful addition to any holiday cookie tray. Perfect for making ahead, they’re a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy. Add these festive holiday cookies for a touch of elegance and flavor!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Rugelach
Lofthouse Cookies
Fluffy and soft with a sweet buttercream frosting, these Lofthouse cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and colorful sprinkles make them a favorite treat to share. These festive holiday cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends!
Get the Recipe: Lofthouse Cookies
German Christmas Stollen Cookies
Inspired by traditional stollen, these cookies are packed with dried fruit and citrus flavors, perfect for holiday season treats. Their bite-sized form makes them a lovely gift or party snack. Add these festive holiday cookies to your dessert table for an authentic taste of the season!
Get the Recipe: German Christmas Stollen Cookies
Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Peppermint Cookies
With a hint of peppermint and a coating of chocolate, these shortbread cookies are wonderfully festive. Perfect for cookie swaps or holiday gatherings, they’re both easy to make and delicious to share. These festive holiday cookies bring a cool, minty finish to every bite!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Peppermint Cookies
Christmas Lights Cookies
Decorated with “string lights” of icing and sprinkles, these cookies bring a cheerful, holiday-inspired look to the table. Fun to make with kids or friends, they add an extra pop of color to any holiday dessert spread. These festive holiday cookies are a simple way to light up your cookie tray!
Get the Recipe: Christmas Lights Cookies