Holiday desserts don't have to be complicated. These delicious and easy Christmas cookies are perfect for any occasion, from dessert platters and cookie exchanges to cozy nights in.
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Chocolate Caramel Kiss Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this cookie every Christmas with my family. It’s a fun twist on a classic peanut butter blossom because of the cinnamon in the batter and the caramel kiss on top. We love the cinnamon-caramel combination, but you could switch out the kiss for a different festive flavor. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
If you’re a fan of peanut butter blossoms, then you have to try this new twist: chocolate cookies adorned with caramel-filled milk chocolate kisses. Best of all, they’re ready to eat in just 25 minutes.
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Peppermint Meltaways
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe for peppermint meltaways is very pretty and festive-looking on a cookie platter. I put these peppermint cookies in bright holiday containers to give to family and friends. And yes, they really do melt in your mouth! —Denise Wheeler, Newaygo, Michigan
Make a few batches, because these cute little guys go fast. If you prefer a sweeter frosting, add more confectioners’ sugar.
3/40
Silver Bells
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom and grandma are known for their signature Christmas cookies. I decided to create my own, inspired by one of my favorite Christmas songs. Edible shimmer dust gives them their iconic shine. Look for the dust in the cake decorating section of craft or grocery stores. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Less is more when it comes to these elegant, classic cookies. Adorn them with pretty edible cake decorations, like a shimmer of pearl dust or tiny glitter stars.
4/40
Peppermint Puff Pastry Sticks
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted to impress my husband's family with something you'd expect to find in a European bakery, and these chocolaty treats are what I came up with. The flaky pastry melts in your mouth. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
These pastry sticks are three-ingredient sweets that are delicious with coffee or homemade hot cocoa. One reader recommends sprinkling the pastry dough with a cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking.
5/40
Cherry Snowballs
From the Recipe Creator:
A juicy maraschino cherry is the secret center tucked inside these special cookies. My mom was inspired to create this by a recipe she clipped out of a newspaper more than 30 years ago. —Evy Adams, West Seneca, New York
Maraschino cherries are nestled inside a sweet dough made with butter, flour and quick-cooking oats, dipped in sugar and milk, then rolled in coconut. Et voila, you have a light and crunchy treat with a sweet surprise inside.
6/40
First-Place Coconut Macaroons
From the Recipe Creator:
These coconut macaroon cookies earned me a first-place ribbon at the county fair. They remain my husband's favorites—whenever I make them to give away, he always asks me where his batch is! I especially like the fact that this recipe makes a small enough batch for the two of us to nibble on. —Penny Ann Habeck, Shawano, Wisconsin
If you’re prepping these goodies in advance, place them on a single layer on a sheet pan in the freezer. Once the individual cookies are completely frozen, store them in a flat-bottomed airtight freezer container, separating each layer with parchment paper or waxed paper.
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Big Soft Ginger Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These nicely spiced, big soft ginger cookies are perfect for folks who like the flavor of ginger but don't care for crunchy gingersnaps. —Barbara Gray, Boise, Idaho
If you prefer crunchy ginger cookies, make the recipe as directed, but leave out the baking soda. If you like them chewy, store them on the counter in an airtight container with a slice of bread.
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Peppermint Meringues
From the Recipe Creator:
Peppermint lovers won't be able to get enough of these light and airy delights. They make terrific Christmas gifts or lovely treats to pass around when guests drop in. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois
Peppermint lovers won’t be able to get enough of these light and airy delights. They make terrific Christmas gifts or lovely treats to pass around when guests drop in. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois
9/40
Basic Chocolate Pinwheel Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe evolved from several different recipes that I combined into one. I've never received so many compliments on my baking! —Denise Hufford, Midland, Michigan
Don’t let the fancy-looking spiral shape dissaude you—they’re easier to make then you’d think. Roll out each layer with a rolling pin, then tightly roll both layers together, jelly-roll style, to create the classic look.
10/40
Snowy Mountain Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
I was so excited to bake these with my mom after coming home from studying abroad in Germany. They remind me of the Swabian Alps I could see from my room there. Be careful not to overheat the white chocolate; it’ll lose that attractive shine. —Stephanie Bouley, North Smithfield, Rhode Island
Presenting a surprising new addition to your Christmas dessert platter: snowy mountain cookies. They’re ready in half an hour and make a whopping seven dozen cookies.
11/40
Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
I had been searching for a dessert to make for my brother's girlfriend (who is gluten intolerant), and I came across a naturally gluten-free dessert—a flourless peanut butter cookie. After tweaking the recipe a bit and adding Nutella and a sprinkling of sea salt, I finally found the perfect cookie for her. —Dana Hinck, Pensacola, Florida
The secret ingredient to these naturally gluten-free sweets is Nutella, a delicious chocolate-hazelnut spread. A sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top makes them extra fancy.
12/40
Mom’s Buttermilk Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
I treasure my mother’s recipe for these comforting cookie pillows. The tender treats are topped with thick frosting and a sprinkling of chopped walnuts. —Jane Darling, Simi Valley, California
If you don’t have buttermilk, here’s a quick substitute: Add one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice per one cup of milk. Stir and let it stand for five minutes before using it in the recipe.
13/40
Chocolate Mint Creams
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe came from a family friend and is always high on everyone's list. I make at least six batches for Noel nibbling and give some away as gifts. —Beverly Fehner, Gladstone, Missouri
If you’re looking for cookies that are just as good for gifting as they are for nibbling, these minty treats fit the bill. You can whip up six dozen cookies in just about half an hour.
14/40
Triple Nut Snowballs
From the Recipe Creator:
This super crunchy, not-too-sweet cookie is a fun update on the classic snowball. I used cashews, macadamia nuts and pecans, but you can mix and match other nuts to your liking. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
The trio of nuts (if you’re wondering) consists of cashews, macadamia nuts and pecans. Use the best almond extract, so the flavor doesn’t overshadow the nuts.
15/40
Christmas Cutout Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Rich and buttery Christmas cutout cookies like these never last long at a party. They're one of my favorite homemade Christmas cookies. I use seasonal cutters to celebrate the holidays tastefully. —Lynn Burgess, Rolla, Missouri
Don’t skip the important step of chilling the dough—it helps the butter solidify, which will make the cookies keep their shape. It’s one of our favorite sugar cookie tips!
16/40
Holiday Meringue Miniatures
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids love these light melt-in-your-mouth cookies, and we have fun making them. These were always on our Christmas cookie plate when I was a kid, and now the tradition continues. —Susan Marshall, Colorado Springs, Colorado
These swirly, melt-in-your-mouth confections look like the work of a candy store, but they’re actually simple to whip up at home. The secret: Paint five stripes of food coloring inside the length of a pastry bag before filling it with meringue and piping out small dollops.
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Nuts-About-You Cookie Sticks
From the Recipe Creator:
These cookies make a fancy meal finale that couldn’t be quicker to whip up. Start with purchased Pirouette cookies, dip in a rich creamy chocolate and peanut-butter coating, and dust with nuts or sprinkles. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Give store-bought Pirouette cookies a holiday makeover with peanut butter, nuts and chocolate chips. If you don’t want to tell anyone at the potluck it’s a semi-homemade recipe, your secret is safe with us.
18/40
Cream Cheese Cookie Cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Need a quick dessert? Try these yummy cookie bites. For a pretty look, use an icing bag to pipe the filling into the cups, then top each with mini M&M's. —Rachel Blackston, Mauk, Georgia
With five ingredients and only 25 minutes of prep and cooking time, these cream cheese cuties are about to become our signature Christmas cookie. Keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve them.
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Slice & Bake Coconut Shortbread Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Light and buttery, these delicate shortbread cookies are melt-in-your-mouth good. The coconut flavor makes them extra special. —Roberta Otto, Duluth, Minnesota
Try this seriously impressive hosting move: Store the five-ingredient dough in the freezer, then slice and bake when your guests are ready for warm, crunchy cookies.
20/40
Coconut Cranberry Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
When my husband came home from the grocery store with six bags of fresh cranberries, I launched a full-scale effort to creatively use them all. Bursting with tart and sweet flavors, these cranberry coconut cookies are my favorite result from that experiment. —Amy Alberts, Appleton, Wisconsin
Raisins are so last Christmas. This year, combine a cup of fresh or frozen cranberries with condensed milk, shredded coconut, white baking chips, ground almonds and almond extract for sweet and tangy macaroons (not to be confused with the more complicated macarons).
21/40
Gingersnap Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
A classic New England cookie, gingersnaps are now universal. My grandma kept two cookie jars in her pantry. One always had these crisp and chewy gingersnaps in it. They’re still my favorite cookie. My daughter, Becky, won a blue ribbon for this recipe at a 4-H fair. —Deb Handy, Pomona, Kansas
22/40
Scottish Shortbread
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother, who is of Scottish heritage, passed this shortbread recipe, along with other favorite recipes, on to me. When I entered this treat at our local fair, it won a red ribbon. —Rose Mabee, Selkirk, Manitoba
Use a fork or toothpick to poke holes in the shortbread before baking. As it bakes, the butter in the dough melts, releasing steam. The holes prevent the shortbread from puffing up, which creates its dense texture.
23/40
Joe Froggers
From the Recipe Creator:
Large, soft and chewy, these cookies are made to be munched. The classic recipe has a warm blend of spices that seems stronger the second day. Your family will definitely ask you to make them again! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The chewy molasses cookie was named after Joseph Brown, a tavern owner from Marblehead, Massachusetts. Because they stay soft for days, they were popular with fishermen and sailors. We bet they’ll be popular with your holiday guests too.
24/40
Holiday Cornflake Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
I can't seem to make enough of these cornflake wreaths around the holidays. The cookies firm up quickly, so you'll need to place the Red Hots right away. —Kathleen Hedger, Fairview Heights, Illinois
These sweet and spicy little Christmas wreaths couldn’t be easier to whip up. Just melt the butter and marshmallows, add cornflakes, form them into little wreath shapes with help from a cupcake tin, then sprinkle with candy.
25/40
Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's proof that peanut butter and chocolate just belong together. These peanut butter blossom cookies are an easy family favorite and never fails to make my children smile. —Tammie Merrill, Wake Forest, North Carolina
You can use light or dark brown sugar to make these cookies, depending on your preference. If you love the flavor of molasses, try dark brown sugar, then use any extra to create one of these heirloom brown sugar desserts.
26/40
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
When I baked these moist, fudgy cookies for the first time, my three preschool children went wild over them! But I like them because they're lower in fat and easy to mix and bake. —Maria Groff, Ephrata, Pennsylvania
There’s a bit of a learning curve to crinkle cookies. Make sure you’re using new baking powder for maximum lift. If they’re still falling flat, check out these tips to prevent spreading.
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Poppy Seed Thumbprints
From the Recipe Creator:
My oldest son is a huge fan of these thumbprints, so I make sure they're on my baking list every Christmas. Lemon zest and poppy seeds help give this crisp cookie fantastic flavor. —Kelly Pember, Wheeler, Wisconsin
There’s no better treat to make for a holiday cookie exchange. Best of all, you can freeze the whole batch in freezer containers, layered between waxed paper. Just thaw them back up to room temperature when you’re ready to serve them.
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Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These peppermint hot chocolate cookies are a variation of the cookies my mother made when I was growing up. Now my 13-year-old daughter and I bake them together. They’re always a huge hit! The taste is like rich hot chocolate baked into a scrumptious cookie. —Larry Piklor, Johnsburg, Illinois
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Lemon Pudding Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These lemon slice cookies are a refreshing variation of my grandmother's sugar cookies. Lemon pudding mix and icing add a subtle tartness that tingles your taste buds. —Melissa Turkington, Camano Island, Washington
This winning lemon cookie recipe yields two dozen cookies, with just 15 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to bake. You can even make the dough in advance, then store it for up to two days in the refrigerator until you’re ready for cookies.
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Cherry Blossom Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Topped with a chocolate kiss, these cherry-flavored cookies look super cute on a dessert tray. Share them with family and friends. —Joy Yurk, Grafton, Wisconsin
Store-bought chocolate kisses, maraschino cherries and a bit of cherry juice are the star ingredients in this festive treat that will stand out on any holiday cookie plate. Line the baking sheets with parchment paper for a quick and easy cleanup.
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Butterscotch Toffee Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
With its big butterscotch and chocolate flavor, my cookie stands out. I like to enjoy it with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. It’s my fallback recipe when I’m short on time and need something delicious fast. —Allie Blinder, Norcross, Georgia
A holiday favorite among our readers, this recipe uses only five ingredients, thanks to a package of butter pecan cake mix. Pair them with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa on a blustery night.
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Gluten-Free Snowballs
From the Recipe Creator:
I took a classic holiday cookie and made it gluten-free. It’s now my husband’s favorite Christmas cookie. They’re so buttery, nutty and sweet—and everyone loves how they crumble in your mouth. —Joan Sarge, Asheville, North Carolina
Often, hosting holiday guests means catering to dietary restrictions, so it’s handy to have a few gluten-free dessert recipes in your back pocket. These cute little guys are a safe bet for everyone.
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Spiced Toffee Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
I bake these cookies for family gatherings because my crowd likes cookies thin and chewy with a crispy exterior. The toffee bits make a happy surprise.—Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
Here’s a time-management win: Make the dough a few days (or even a few weeks) in advance, then freeze the shaped balls on a baking sheet until they’re firm. Transfer the dough balls into freezer bags and keep them frozen until you’re ready to bake them.
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Sugar Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
This sugar cookie dates back to a Swedish woman born in 1877! Her daughter, Esther Davis, shared the recipe with me and she came up with all the exact measurements, since the original cookies were mixed by feel and taste. These are my favorite cookies and I hope they'll become yours as well. —Helen Wallis, Vancouver, Washington
35/40
Popcorn Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
It's so much fun to surprise people with the crushed popcorn in these yummy cookies. They're definitely a distinctive cookie on the holiday tray. —Leigh Anne Preston, Palmyra, Indiana
Our two favorite snacks, together at last. Cookies laced with crushed popcorn and chocolate chips are both sweet and salty, satisfying every craving. They’ll be the talk of the dessert table.
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Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
A hint of orange and cinnamon highlights these Christmastime classics. I like to add colorful sprinkles before baking them. The recipe is from a booklet that came with a cookie press in the 1950s...and I still have the press! —Sarah Bedia, Lake Jackson, Texas
So vintage! Spritz cookies are a Christmas classic, and the dusting of red-and-green colored sugar will bring back instant nostalgia.
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3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
It is amazing how much flavor is in these simple 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies without brown sugar. I make them very often because I always have the ingredients on hand. —Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
If you have an egg, a cup of sugar and a cup of peanut butter in your pantry, you can whip up these ridiculously easy peanut butter cookies. Even better, you’ll be eating them in just about half an hour.
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Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Dotted with cranberries, orange zest and vanilla chips, these cookies are so colorful and fun to eat. They look lovely on a dessert tray and would be a great addition to your Christmas cookie lineup. —Pat Habiger, Spearville, Kansas
During the holidays, it’s likely that you already have half a bag of leftover cranberries hanging out in your fridge. Put it to good use and make foolproof cranberry oatmeal cookies.
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Shortbread Cookie
From the Recipe Creator:
With only a few ingredients, these butter shortbread cookies are so simple to prepare. —Pattie Prescott, Manchester, New Hampshire
To make shortbread cookies really shine, use high-quality ingredients, like European-style butter. Soften the butter at room temperature for best results.
40/40
Butterscotch Gingerbread Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Every time I make these wonderful cookies, the spicy aroma takes me back to my childhood. I helped Mom make them and delivered them to neighbors. —Kara Cook, Elk Ridge, Utah
You’ll be the guest of honor when you arrive at a holiday party with these delicate gingerbread treats in tow. While they look and taste like they were made by a professional baker, they’re easy to make at home in about 25 minutes.
Easy Christmas Cookies FAQ
What are the easiest Christmas cookies to make?
The easiest Christmas cookies need just a few ingredients, like chewy peanut butter and shortbread cookies, or use a store-bought ingredient, like puff pastry, to cut prep time. Cookies that can be rolled into balls or scooped skip the extra step of cutting out shapes. If you love cutout cookies, bake them ahead of time and freeze them. Then, you can just defrost and decorate them at Christmas.
What are the most popular Christmas cookies?
It’s hard to nail down the most popular Christmas cookies because everyone has their favorite, must-haves, but gingerbread men (and women), sugar cookies and sugar-coated crinkles scream holly jolly. Snowballs (some people call them meltaways), packed with ground nuts, are also very common and can be made in many different shapes and flavors. Anything with traditional flavors like peppermint, ginger, caramel and cranberry will surely be a hit among your friends and family.
What are some easy Christmas cookies kids can help make?
Kids can help make or decorate all kinds of easy Christmas cookies, from cutouts to thumbprints. For consistent baking, let the adults roll the cookie dough to an even thickness before the kids choose their favorite cookie cutters for the shapes. For thumbprints, give them small spoons to drop bits of jam into the centers or let them press a piece of chocolate into the dough. Once cookies have cooled, set out sprinkles, icing and small candies for the final festive touch.
