Cookie season is in full swing, and we can't wait to get baking! Fill your treat trays with these traditional Christmas cookies, from spiced gingerbread to melt-in-your-mouth spritzes.
1/41
Gingerbread Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Our two boys linger around the kitchen when these homemade gingerbread cookies are baking. I make this gingerbread cookie recipe throughout the year using a variety of cookie cutters. —Christy Thelan, Kellogg, Iowa
Gingerbread cookies are the most traditional Christmas cookies. Cut the gingerbread dough into all the fun Christmas shapes: snowflakes, candy canes, trees and the iconic gingerbread man. Then, center the frosting process around a Christmas-cookie-decorating party. It’s so fun to see what everyone creates!
2/41
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
Scottish shortbreads are anything but boring. Their soft, tender, ultra-buttery bite reminds us that sometimes the best things in life are simple. However, you can dress up these cookies for Christmas by adding dried currants, cranberries, or candied citrus peels or ginger to the dough, then half-dipping them in white chocolate and decorating with sprinkles.
3/41
Santa Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
I have used this recipe for almost 40 years and love it because it's a little different than most. My mom always made Santa cookies, and we'd put them into little clear bags tied with ribbon to hang on the tree. —Ann Bush, Colorado City, Colorado
While these Santa cookies look intricate, they’re actually so easy to make. The “hardest” part is buying the piping tips (avid bakers, you already have them). Otherwise, it all comes down to decorating the cookies in the right order, which we go over in the recipe.
4/41
Linzer Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
This specialty cookie takes a little extra effort, but the results are sweet! They really help make the holidays feel special. —Jane Pearcy, Verona, Wisconsin
My dad makes Linzer cookies every Christmas. He likes to switch up the flavor of the dough and/or the jam filling, but one aspect always stays the same every year: They turn out beautifully no matter their flavor. Take a picture of them with your Christmas tree in the background; it makes for a really festive photo.
5/41
Rosette Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These traditional deep-fried favorites are crisp and delicious with a delicate, lacy look. Dipping the edges into icing helps define the beautiful pattern. —Iola Egle, Bella Vista, Arkansas
This Scandinavian dessert is closer to a fritter than a cookie, and is all the more flavorful for it! Rosette cookies are just as fun to make as they are to eat. Make your batter, dip in your rosette iron, then submerge it in the hot oil. After frying, you’ll dip the cookies once more—this time in icing!
6/41
Pizzelle Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These lovely golden brown anise pizzelle cookies have a crisp texture and delicate anise flavor. I create them using a pizzelle iron. —Barbara Colucci, Rockledge, Florida
Yes, pizzelle irons are a one-trick pony, but knowing there will be a pile of pizzelles waiting for you at the end of the year makes storing this piece of equipment totally worth it. This is the perfect pizzelle cookie recipe, using two types of anise flavorings for that unmistakable licorice flavor.
7/41
Grinch Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Baking cookies around the holidays is a big deal in our house. Some are a must every year, and we also come up with new recipes. This one is simple and delicious. —Angela Lemoine, Howell, New Jersey
This is a really fun recipe to make with the kids, especially right before or after watching the movie! Green food coloring hues the buttery cookies into the iconic Grinch green. Then, heart-shaped gumdrops (or any heart-shaped candy) are pressed in right after the cookies are baked.
8/41
Snickerdoodles
From the Recipe Creator:
The history of these whimsically named treats has been widely disputed, but their popularity is undeniable. Help yourself to one of our soft cinnamon-sugared cookies and see for yourself. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
There’s something about snickerdoodle’s tangy, sugary, cinnamon flavor that just feels so Christmasy. Just promise you won’t commit the biggest snickerdoodle crime: omitting the cream of tartar. It’s the essential ingredient that gives this cookie its flavor and chewy-on-the-inside texture.
9/41
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
Similar to gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies are an essential decorated cookie come Christmastime. Press snowflakes, trees, candy canes and other cookie cutters into the thick dough, bake, then decorate to your heart’s desire. They’re a little more palatable for kids than gingerbread cookies.
10/41
No-Bake Cookie Butter Blossoms
From the Recipe Creator:
Chewy and sweet, these easy treats mix Rice Krispies, cookie spread and chocolate kisses in an unforgettable spin on an old favorite. —Jessie Sarrazin, Livingston, Montana
No oven? No problem! There are still a ton of no-bake Christmas cookies to make. This recipe turns the iconic peanut butter blossom cookies into no-bake cookies thanks to a crispy cereal and cookie butter base.
11/41
Vanilla-Butter Sugar Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These butter sugar cookies are one of my favorite cookies to bake for Christmas. The dough recipe is versatile, so you can use it for other holidays too. Children like to help with the cookie decorating. —Cynthia Ettel, Glencoe, Minnesota
I love how dainty and delicate these vanilla-butter sugar cookies look and taste. Their design is actually so simple but looks especially sophisticated with the clean lines and small pops of sprinkles.
12/41
Pfeffernuesse Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
A German holiday tradition, these fragrant pfeffernuesse cookies pack a warm rush of spices in every bite. Also called peppernuts, they go wonderfully with coffee or tea. —Joanne Nelson, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Pfeffernuesse cookies are a traditional German Christmas cookie. They have a myriad of warming spices, including cinnamon, black pepper, nutmeg, ginger, cloves and cardamom, while light molasses imparts that last bit of warm headiness.
13/41
Christmas Wreath Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Cornflakes take the place of rice cereal in these sweet, no-bake Christmas wreath cookies. Dressed up with green food coloring and red candies, they’re a pretty addition to cookie platters and dessert buffets. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
How cute are these? They’re basically Rice Krispies treats using cornflakes, dyed green and shaped into wreaths with mini red M&M’s to make the holly. The best part? There’s no need to turn on the oven!
14/41
Italian Sprinkle Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Of all the Italian cookie recipes I make, this is my favorite. These sprinkle cookies take some time but, believe me, they are well worth it! My husband and I used to operate an Italian American restaurant, and this recipe goes back generations. —Gloria Cracchiolo, Newburgh, New York
While these cookies are often served at weddings, they make a great cookie for a Christmas cookie exchange too! Replace the rainbow sprinkles with festive red, green and white ones. Bonus: Thanks to shortening and confectioners’ sugar, these cookies are closer to the texture of cake.
15/41
Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti
From the Recipe Creator:
This tasty biscotti is studded with dried cranberries and crunchy pistachios. It's delicious with tea or coffee. —Diane Gruber, Sioux City, Iowa
Cranberry and pistachio have to be my favorite winter flavor combo. Of course, they’re naturally Christmas-colored, but pistachios’ rich, nutty flavor pairs beautifully with dried cranberries’ tart, sweet taste. With these ingredients, our biscotti make an excellent morning cookie dipped into a cup of coffee.
16/41
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
My group of friends had a weekly "movie night" during winters on Martha's Vineyard, and we'd take turns making a chocolate treat to share. These terrific chocolate thumbprint cookies were an instant success. Once they debuted, I had to make them many more times. —Laura Bryant German, W. Warren, Massachusetts
Meet peanut butter blossom’s sophisticated cousin: the chocolate thumbprint. Every chocolate cookie is coated in walnuts and baked. The center is filled with yummy frosting, and a chocolate kiss is placed on top. This one’s for chocolate lovers!
17/41
Molasses Crinkle Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
You can treat yourself to one or two of my crackle cookies without guilt. Most molasses cookies are loaded with butter and have way too much sugar, but not mine. You would never know these are so low in fat. —Jean L. Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin
Where most Christmas cookies are loaded with sugar, frosting, peppermint and butter, these molasses crinkle cookies offer respite. Their namesake ingredient creates a tender, chewy texture with a ginger, burnt caramel and toffee flavor.
18/41
Sparkly Meringue Snowmen
From the Recipe Creator:
For my son’s first Christmas home from Iraq, I wanted everything to feel magical. He loves meringue cookies, so I made a big batch of minty snowmen and snowflakes. —Patricia Lindsay, Independence, Kansas
These naturally gluten-free cookies are so darling, not to mention light, crisp and really easy to decorate. My only word of caution when working with meringue is to make sure all your tools are completely clean and dry. Even a speck of food, oil or any other debris will inhibit the egg whites from fluffing up.
19/41
Gingerbread Blossoms
From the Recipe Creator:
Whether you call them kisses or hugs, these cookies show nothing but love when served warm from the oven. They're typically made with a peanut butter dough, but the ginger and spices in these thumbprints are a fun Christmastime spin on an all-time favorite. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
These cookies are like the iconic peanut butter blossoms but with a holiday twist. Instead of a peanut butter base, a warmly spiced molasses dough makes the gingerbread cookie base.
20/41
Peppermint Schnapps Hot Cocoa Snowflakes
From the Recipe Creator:
Mint and chocolate are perfect partners in these cutout cookies! —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
These boozy cookies are for adults only. Since the peppermint schnapps is in the frosting, not the dough, the alcohol doesn’t cook out. Paired with the “hot chocolate” cookie base (enhanced with a little espresso powder to make the chocolate sing), it’s like eating your favorite holiday nightcap.
21/41
Russian Tea Cakes
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to present my favorite holiday cookies in a special way. For this fresh-baked Russian tea cakes recipe, I pile the treats on pretty plates that I buy throughout the year, then wrap them with colored cellophane to give friends. —Valerie Hudson, Mason City, Iowa
You’ll be hard-pressed not to find a confectioner’s sugar-covered cookie on a Christmas cookie tray. Russian tea cakes are one of the most popular variations. With a very soft shortbread base and nuts for crunch, the cookie is delicious and the outside is decorated like a winter snowball.
22/41
Italian Rainbow Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
My family has made these classic Italian cookies for generations, and this homemade version is so much better than any average bakery's. They remain a much-anticipated treat during the holidays. —Cindy Casazza, Hopewell, New Jersey
It seems as if any time I mention these cookies around someone, I’m always met with, “Those are my favorite cookies!” It’s funny, though, I don’t know many people who make them. I’m convinced that it’s because they look intimidating and time-consuming. While they’re certainly a bit more effort than a batch of chocolate chip cookies, they take only around 45 minutes to make, start to finish.
23/41
Peanut Butter Christmas Mice
From the Recipe Creator:
With their black licorice tails, candy noses and peanut ears, these chewy "mice" were always a hit at classroom parties. My children are in their teens now, but they still ask me to make these cookies for the holidays. —Nancy Rowse, Bella Vista, Arkansas
If there were ever a time to bring a mouse into the house, it would be with this recipe (cookie-shaped mice, not the real ones). Mice are very thematic for Christmas, being mentioned in the iconic poem A Visit from St. Nicholas (also called ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas) and portrayed in The Nutcracker by the Mouse King.
24/41
Hot Chocolate Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Using hot cocoa mix and marshmallow bits in the cookie dough really makes these hot chocolate cookies taste like the cozy drink. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
I love that these aren’t just chocolate cookies with marshmallows inside. No, real instant hot chocolate mix is stirred in, emitting that unmistakable, nostalgic flavor we all grew up sipping after a day in the snow. We added a few extra marshmallow bits and chocolate chips for good measure.
25/41
Mincemeat Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Shh! Don't reveal the secret ingredient in this tender, chewy, old-time cookie until after your family takes a taste. This recipe will win over even those who think they don't like mincemeat. —Lucie Fitzgerald, Spring Hill, Florida
Our mincemeat cookies turn the classic pie filling into a batch of Christmas cookies, packing all the rich, spicy flavors into a buttery, tender treat. If you’d rather stick with the British classic, though, our mini mince pies are truly traditional.
26/41
Swedish Spritz
From the Recipe Creator:
A touch of almond extract gives these spritz wonderful flavor. For Christmas, you could tint half the dough with red food coloring and the other half with green. —Irmgard Sinn, Sherwood Park, Alberta
This list of traditional Christmas cookies would be truly incomplete without mentioning spritz cookies. Break out that spritz cookie press, whip up this ultra-buttery dough, and enlist the help of tiny hands to form the cookie shapes and to decorate after baking.
27/41
Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Santa is sure to stop by your house if you leave these minty triple-chocolate peppermint cookies waiting for him. They're quick and easy for the whole family to make together. —Teresa Ralston, New Albany, Ohio
These peppermint cookies contain three types of chocolate: baking cocoa, semisweet chocolate chips and bittersweet chocolate chips. There are four if you count the white chocolate chips in the peppermint cream cheese frosting!
28/41
Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These crisp, buttery thumbprints have a hint of almond and a touch of sweetness from the raspberry jam and the light drizzle of almond glaze. —Lana White, Roy, Washington
This is my absolute favorite Christmas cookie. Why? They’re perfectly balanced. The rich, buttery cookie is complemented by the tart, bright raspberry jam, and the glaze adds just enough sugar to sweeten without overdoing it.
29/41
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
These soft, chewy, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are for all soft cookie lovers. Even the smooth-as-silk peppermint frosting complements the cookies, but the crushed peppermint saves them from being too simple-textured.
30/41
Fig Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Family and friends know I have a fondness for Christmas cookies. Each year after Thanksgiving, they begin asking when the cookies will be ready! —Linda Kappelt, Linesville, Pennsylvania
Forgo the figgy pudding for these much more delicious fig cookies. They’re like the famous Fig Newton bars but so much more interesting thanks to all sorts of Christmas ingredients like orange zest, cinnamon, dried cranberries, dates and raisins. The lemon glaze just makes them!
31/41
Eggnog Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Eggnog stars in both the cookie and frosting in this new-found recipe, imparting a subtle holiday flavor. —Amanda Taylor, Glen Ewen, Saskatchewan
Is there an ingredient more Christmasy than eggnog? It’s in the dough and the frosting, imparting its rich, custardy flavor all throughout. Make sure you buy the best eggnog for this one. Or, reserve some of the homemade eggnog!
32/41
Dipped Gingersnaps
From the Recipe Creator:
I get tremendous satisfaction making and gifting time-tested Yuletide treats like these dipped gingersnaps. Dipping them in white chocolate makes the much-loved cookies even more special. —Laura Kimball, West Jordan, Utah
There’s no chance Santa will leave even a crumb behind if you set out these gingersnap cookies for him. Cinnamon and ginger create a heady spice mixture, and the white chocolate glaze’s sweetness softens the cookies slightly.
33/41
Reindeer Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Gather 'round the tree on Christmas Eve and feast on these adorable reindeer cookies. If you listen closely, you might hear reindeer hooves on the roof! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
How genius are these reindeer cookies? All you have to do is dip Nutter Butters in chocolate and decorate them a bit further with pretzels, M&M’s and a little icing. Fans of How the Grinch Stole Christmas will love our Max Nutter Butters!
34/41
Whipped Shortbread Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These whipped shortbread cookies melt in your mouth. Mostly I make them for the holidays, but I'll also prepare them year-round for wedding showers and afternoon teas. —Jane Ficiur, Bow Island, Alberta
Crispy cookie fans, look away! Our whipped shortbread cookies are so soft that they melt in your mouth. A few Christmas-colored nonpareils add just a small amount of texture. This is one of our most popular cookie recipes!
35/41
Italian Spumoni Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These festive cookies look and taste as if they're made from scratch, but refrigerated cookie dough makes them a cinch to create. We'll never tell your secret! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Ice cream fans need no introduction to this spumoni-inspired cookie. All three components are made with store-bought sugar cookie dough, then flavored individually with maraschino cherries, pistachios, chocolate and hazelnut liquor.
36/41
Ricotta Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
A single batch of these ricotta cheese cookies is never enough. I usually make one to give away and two more to keep at home. The ricotta cheese makes the morsels extra-moist. —Doris Marshall, Strasburg, Pennsylvania
Ricotta cheese in cookie dough is a genius idea. All that tanginess makes these cookies bright and tender, while the extra moisture makes them incredibly soft. Decorate with frosting and holiday sprinkles. They may just become someone’s new favorite Christmas cookie.
37/41
Candy Cane Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These cookies were a holiday tradition in my family since I was a young child. Now my own family requests them before any others at Christmas. —Pat Schmeling, Germantown, Wisconsin
Shaping these whimsical candy canes is a really fun project for the kids. The treats are vanilla-flavored, but crushed peppermints add a festive touch.
38/41
Fruitcake Christmas Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
As holiday gifts, these rich fruit-and-nut-filled cookies are pretty and practical. These are great make-ahead Christmas cookies—the taste actually gets better over time! —Julia Funkhouser, Carson, Iowa
While not everyone is a fan of fruitcake, these cookies are different. Their cookie texture already makes them much more palatable than the dense bread we picture. Also, you can easily remove any of the inclusions as desired.
39/41
Mexican Wedding Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
As part of a Mexican tradition, I tucked these sugar-dusted Mexican wedding cookies into small gift boxes for the guests at my sister's wedding. Most folks said the cookies never made it home! We bake them around the holidays too. —Sarita Johnston, San Antonio, Texas
Mexican wedding cookies are a Christmas cookie tray staple! They’re a little crumblier than shortbread and generously studded with pecans and coated in confectioners’ sugar. Who couldn’t love that?
40/41
Iced Oatmeal Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Cinnamon and nutmeg bring a cozy flavor to these classic oatmeal cookies. After baking, each cookie’s top gets dunked into a decadent vanilla glaze for sweetness in every bite. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
These iced oatmeal cookies contain all the flavors we love from Christmas cookies—brown sugar, molasses and cinnamon. The crisp edges, soft centers and chewy oats make each bite texturally complex. And the icing is the best finishing touch to an already perfect cookie.
41/41
Pinwheels and Checkerboards
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom used to make these cookies every Christmas, and I still love them. They are so colorful ... and you can get two kinds of cookies from one dough! They're perfect for including in gift boxes. —Jill Heatwole, Pittsville, Maryland
I love the fun design of these cookies. They add such a festive look to a Christmas cookie tray or a box of exchanged Christmas cookies (everyone will certainly remember who made them too!). If two recipes are too much for you, feel free to make just the checkerboard cookies or pinwheel cookies.
Traditional Christmas Cookies FAQ
What are the most popular traditional Christmas cookies?
The most popular traditional Christmas cookies are gingerbread men, sugar cookies, spritz cookies, linzer cookies, thumbprints, snickerdoodles, Russian tea cakes and Mexican wedding cookies. However, it’s all about your most popular holiday cookie traditions. Your Christmas cookie platter might look different from the next family’s.
What cookies are left out for Santa?
Santa loves all cookies! Whether you want to leave him classic chocolate chip cookies or something more Christmasy like gingerbread men or peanut butter blossoms, he’ll enjoy them all. Even if there’s no time to bake, Santa will appreciate anything store-bought. Don’t forget to leave out a glass of milk to help him wash it all down. I try to leave carrots on the plate, too, so he can give them to his hard-working reindeer.
What classic Christmas cookie recipes are best to take to a cookie exchange?
The best classic Christmas cookie recipes to take to a cookie exchange are the ones you’ve made time and time again and know come out amazing. You’re passing on a recommendation with your name on it, so I highly recommend picking a good recipe! Need some help? Scroll through the list of our best-rated cookie recipes of all time.
