22 Traditional Christmas Cookies That Will Never Go Out of Style
Baking traditional Christmas cookies is like unwrapping a gift of holiday nostalgia. The warm scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla fill the air, instantly transporting us to cherished memories of past festivities. These classic recipes have been passed down through generations, creating a sweet bond between family and friends that only grows stronger with time.
Their timeless appeal lies in their simplicity and the joy they bring, whether you’re decorating sugar cookies with little ones, exchanging festive tins with neighbors, or sneaking a treat fresh out of the oven. Perfect for sharing or simply savoring with a cup of hot cocoa, these cookies add a touch of magic to the season. Celebrate the holidays with these sweet traditions that make every moment a little more special.
M&M Christmas Cookies
These M&M Christmas cookies are a festive favorite, making them a must-have for traditional Christmas cookies. The classic chocolate chip cookie base gets a cheerful update with red and green M&Ms, adding just the right holiday flair. They’re perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying while decorating the tree.
Get the Recipe: M&M Christmas Cookies
Toblerone Shortbread Cookies
Toblerone shortbread cookies bring a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with the rich, nougat-filled chocolate center. These cookies are ideal for traditional Christmas cookies, whether gifting, swapping at cookie exchanges, or enjoying by the fireplace. They disappear fast, so make an extra batch!
Get the Recipe: Toblerone Shortbread Cookies
Air Fryer Christmas Cookies
Air fryer Christmas cookies are a modern take on traditional Christmas cookies, offering simplicity and deliciousness in every bite. Their buttery dough pairs perfectly with festive sprinkles, making them a standout at holiday gatherings. Quick prep and easy cleanup mean you’ll be savoring fresh cookies in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Christmas Cookies
Italian Fig Christmas Cookies
Italian fig Christmas cookies, or Cucidati, are a beloved addition to any collection of traditional Christmas cookies. Their crumbly dough and sweet fig filling, topped with icing, create a festive treat steeped in tradition. These cookies are a special way to honor Italian holiday flavors.
Get the Recipe: Italian Fig Christmas Cookies
Dairy-Free Sugar Cookies
Dairy-free sugar cookies are a perfect choice for traditional Christmas cookies, ensuring everyone can enjoy holiday baking. Their soft, buttery flavor pairs beautifully with festive decorations, making them great for creating memories with friends and family. Plus, they’re easy enough for bakers of any skill level.
Get the Recipe: Dairy-Free Sugar Cookies
Amaretti Cookies
Amaretti cookies are a classic addition to traditional Christmas cookies, boasting a chewy almond flavor that’s impossible to resist. They pair wonderfully with coffee or tea and are a great treat to share during the holidays. These cookies are simple yet sophisticated, adding a touch of elegance to any platter.
Get the Recipe: Amaretti Cookies
Eggnog Cookies
Eggnog cookies embody the flavors of traditional Christmas cookies with their rich blend of nutmeg, cinnamon, and creamy eggnog. A light glaze and a sprinkle of spices make these cookies a standout on any holiday table. Perfect for fans of the classic holiday drink in cookie form!
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Cookies
Chewy Gingerbread Cookies
Chewy gingerbread cookies are a classic example of traditional Christmas cookies, with their warm molasses and spice-filled flavor. Whether shaped into festive designs or left plain, they’re fun to bake and even better to eat. Perfect for decorating or enjoying as-is with a cup of tea.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Gingerbread Cookies
Soft PB Chip Choc. Chip Cookies
These soft peanut butter chip chocolate chip cookies combine rich peanut butter and chocolate into one irresistible treat. A great addition to traditional Christmas cookies, they’re soft, pillowy, and ideal for cookie platters or gift tins. Perfect for any chocolate and peanut butter lover this season!
Get the Recipe: Soft PB Chip Choc. Chip Cookies
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Christmas pinwheel cookies are a festive, vibrant choice for traditional Christmas cookies. With their colorful swirls and crunchy edges, they bring joy to any cookie platter. Surprisingly simple to make, they’re as fun to bake as they are to share during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Chocolate crinkle cookies, with their soft centers and crisp edges, are a must for traditional Christmas cookies. Made with cake mix, these cookies come together in minutes and look stunning with their crackled powdered sugar coating. They’re perfect for gifting, swapping, or enjoying with loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Hot Cocoa Cookies
Hot cocoa cookies bring the essence of cozy winter nights into a traditional Christmas cookie. Loaded with chocolate chips and marshmallows, these chewy cookies are perfect for holiday parties or a quiet evening by the fire. They’re a fun, nostalgic treat everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Hot Cocoa Cookies
Chocolate Kourabiedes
Chocolate Kourabiedes are a buttery, almond-filled addition to traditional Christmas cookies, dusted generously with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and festive look make them a standout choice for holiday trays or gift boxes.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Kourabiedes
Coffee Shortbread Cookies
Coffee shortbread cookies are a bold, flavorful take on traditional Christmas cookies, blending buttery richness with espresso undertones. These cookies are perfect for gifting or enjoying with coffee after a festive meal. Their simplicity and unique flavor make them a memorable holiday treat.
Get the Recipe: Coffee Shortbread Cookies
Nutmeg Cookies
Nutmeg cookies are a subtly spiced addition to traditional Christmas cookies, featuring delicate patterns from festive stamps. Their warm flavor and tender texture make them perfect for holiday parties or as a sweet treat with your morning coffee.
Get the Recipe: Nutmeg Cookies
Marbled Christmas Sugar Cookies
Marbled Christmas sugar cookies are a visually stunning option for traditional Christmas cookies, combining a soft, cut-out cookie base with colorful, swirled royal icing. These cookies add an elegant touch to any platter and are as fun to decorate as they are to eat.
Get the Recipe: Marbled Christmas Sugar Cookies
Best Molasses Cookies
Soft and chewy, molasses cookies bring a nostalgic flavor to traditional Christmas cookies with their blend of rich molasses and spices. They’re quick to make—no chilling required—and perfect for baking in batches for holiday gatherings. These cookies are a timeless addition to any festive spread.
Get the Recipe: Best Molasses Cookies
Oatmeal Raisin Spice Cookies
Oatmeal raisin spice cookies are a hearty choice for traditional Christmas cookies, combining chewy oats, sweet raisins, and warming spices. They’re easy to make and offer a comforting flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season. Add them to your cookie platter for a classic treat everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Raisin Spice Cookies
PB Chocolate Kiss Cookies
Peanut butter chocolate kiss cookies are a staple of traditional Christmas cookies, pairing the creamy richness of peanut butter with a sweet chocolate center. They’re simple to bake and always a hit at holiday gatherings. These classic cookies bring nostalgia and joy to every batch.
Get the Recipe: PB Chocolate Kiss Cookies
Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies
Gingerbread thumbprint cookies are a unique addition to traditional Christmas cookies, combining the spiced warmth of gingerbread with a rich white chocolate filling. Perfect for cookie platters, they’re both festive and indulgent. Add these to your holiday spread for a cookie that’s sure to stand out.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies
Anise Pizzelle Recipe
Anise pizzelle are a timeless favorite for traditional Christmas cookies, offering a delicate, crisp texture with a hint of licorice flavor. Perfect for pairing with coffee or tea, these cookies are light and flavorful. Their intricate patterns make them as beautiful as they are delicious.
Get the Recipe: Anise Pizzelle Recipe
Christmas Linzer Cookies
Christmas Linzer cookies are a stunning addition to traditional Christmas cookies, with their buttery layers and jam-filled centers. These classic cookies are perfect for festive celebrations and gift-giving. Their elegant design and sweet flavor make them a must-have for the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Linzer Cookies