14 Must-Bake Christmas Cookies for the Holiday Season

Holiday cookie baking is all about cozy vibes, sweet traditions, and sharing something homemade with the people you love. This festive collection brings together classic favorites and fun new twists that are perfect for Christmas baking. Whether you are planning a cookie swap, filling holiday treat boxes, or baking with family, these cookie recipes are easy to follow and full of seasonal flavor. From soft and chewy to crisp and crunchy, there is something here to make every holiday baking day feel extra special.

Castagnelle (Italian Crunchy Almond Cookies)

A plate of chocolate cookies dusted with powdered sugar sits on a table next to a cup of coffee and holiday decorations. — Castagnelle (Italian Crunchy Almond Cookies). Photo credit: Blend With Spices.

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These Italian cookies bake into firm, crunchy bites. Almond flavor comes through clearly in each cookie. The exterior browns evenly during baking. They store well for several days.
Get the Recipe: Castagnelle (Italian Crunchy Almond Cookies)

Air Fryer Gingersnap Cookies – Air Fryer Christmas Cookies

A batch of round cookies, some dipped in white chocolate and decorated with snowflake shapes and small green and red sprinkles, arranged in an air fryer basket. — Air Fryer Gingersnap Cookies – Air Fryer Christmas Cookies. Photo credit: Recipes From A Pantry.

These cookies cook quickly in the air fryer. The outside becomes crisp while the center stays chewy. Ginger and spice flavors remain bold. Batches are easy to make in small amounts.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Gingersnap Cookies – Air Fryer Christmas Cookies

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies

Pumpkin cookies with brown icing are cooling on a wire rack next to a whole pumpkin and a striped kitchen towel on a wooden surface. — Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies. Photo credit: Right At Home.

Pumpkin adds moisture to the dough. The cookies bake soft and thick. Spices blend evenly throughout. They hold their shape once cooled.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies

Christmas Tree Linzer Cookies – Christmas Cookies

Christmas tree-shaped cookies with red jam centers are arranged on a black board, surrounded by pinecones, ornaments, and a jar of jam with a spoon. — Christmas Tree Linzer Cookies – Christmas Cookies. Photo credit: Recipes From A Pantry.

These sandwich cookies feature cut out tree shapes. Filling shows through the top layer neatly. The cookies stay tender with a slight crisp edge. They look polished on a cookie tray.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Linzer Cookies – Christmas Cookies

Gluten Free Dairy Free Chai Cookies

Six cookies with white icing are arranged on parchment paper, surrounded by star anise and a dusting of powdered sugar. — Gluten Free Dairy Free Chai Cookies. Photo credit: Entirely Emmy.

Chai spices bring warmth and depth to the dough. The cookies bake evenly without spreading too much. Texture stays soft with lightly crisp edges. Flavors develop more after cooling.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Dairy Free Chai Cookies

Soft, Chewy Molasses Cookies with Crisp Edges – On Moxie and Motherhood

Close-up of round, cracked ginger cookies cooling on a black wire rack. — Soft, Chewy Molasses Cookies with Crisp Edges – On Moxie and Motherhood. Photo credit: On Moxie And Motherhood.

Molasses gives these cookies a deep color and flavor. Centers remain soft after baking. The edges set with a slight crunch. Each cookie cracks gently on top.
Get the Recipe: Soft, Chewy Molasses Cookies with Crisp Edges – On Moxie and Motherhood

HOMEMADE SPECULAAS COOKIES

A close-up of spiced cookies on a wooden surface, including a gingerbread cookie and a rectangular cookie broken in half. — HOMEMADE SPECULAAS COOKIES. Photo credit: My Chef’s Apron.

These cookies highlight bold spice blends. The dough rolls thin and bakes crisp. Decorative molds or cutters work well. The finished cookies hold sharp details.
Get the Recipe: HOMEMADE SPECULAAS COOKIES

Peppermint Kiss Sugar Cookies

A white plate with sugar cookies topped with red and white striped peppermint candies, next to a glass of milk and a colorful towel. — Peppermint Kiss Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: The Cookin Chicks.

Soft sugar cookies cradle a peppermint candy center. The dough spreads just enough to support the candy. Peppermint flavor stands out clearly. They cool into sturdy, festive cookies.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Kiss Sugar Cookies

Peanut Butter Blossoms

A white plate with eight peanut butter blossom cookies topped with chocolate kisses, surrounded by extra chocolate pieces, a glass of milk, and a holiday-themed napkin. — Peanut Butter Blossoms. Photo credit: The Cookin Chicks.

These cookies bake with a soft peanut butter base. A chocolate candy is pressed into the center after baking. The cookie stays tender underneath. Each one keeps its shape well.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Blossoms

Potato Chip Cookies

A plate lined with parchment paper holds several powdered sugar cookies, with pinecones, ornaments, and blurred festive lights in the background. — Potato Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Blend With Spices.

Crushed chips add crunch and saltiness to the dough. The cookies bake golden and chewy. Sweet and salty flavors balance evenly. Texture varies in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Potato Chip Cookies

Dipped Chocolate Chip Pizzelle Recipe

A stack of round cookies partially dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with chopped nuts, displayed on a red and white striped surface. — Dipped Chocolate Chip Pizzelle Recipe. Photo credit: The Crafty Blog Stalker.

Thin pizzelle cook crisp and light. Chocolate dipping adds richness to one end. The contrast between crisp cookie and smooth chocolate works well. They store best in airtight containers.
Get the Recipe: Dipped Chocolate Chip Pizzelle Recipe

M&M Cookie Recipe

A stack of cookies with colorful candies on a white plate, next to a glass of milk, eggs, and a red festive cloth on a wooden table. — M&M Cookie Recipe. Photo credit: Saving Dollars And Sense.

These cookies bake thick and soft. Candy pieces add color and crunch. Chocolate melts slightly into the dough. They are easy to portion evenly.
Get the Recipe: M&M Cookie Recipe

Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies – Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

Cookies topped with potato chips, pretzels, red and green chocolate candies, sprinkles, and white chocolate chips, arranged on parchment paper. — Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies – Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies. Photo credit: Budget Delicious.

These cookies mix several add ins into one dough. Each cookie has varied texture and flavor. The dough bakes evenly despite the mix ins. They cool into hearty cookies.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies – Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

Peppermint Cookies

Peppermint flavor runs through the dough. The cookies bake with soft centers. Crushed peppermint or chips add texture. They hold their shape after cooling.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Cookies