19 Classic and Creative Christmas Cookie Ideas
The holiday season is the perfect excuse to bake up a variety of cookies that bring color, fun, and comfort to every bite. This list features everything from classic sugar cookies and gingerbread to creative options like melted snowman bark and peppermint brownie cookies. Some are great for decorating, others are ready in a flash with no chill time required. Whether you’re prepping for a cookie exchange, filling tins, or just making a batch to enjoy with cocoa, these cookies make it easy to share something sweet.
Linzer cookies
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Filled with jam and sandwiched between delicate shortbread layers, these cookies are both pretty and flavorful. Cutouts reveal the filling. Dust with powdered sugar to finish. A timeless holiday option.
Get the Recipe: Linzer cookies
Whipped Shortbread Cookies
Whipped Shortbread Cookies are light and fluffy and melt in your mouth. They are easy to make and require only four basic ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Shortbread Cookies
Reindeer Linzer Cookies
A twist on traditional linzers, these are shaped or decorated to resemble reindeer. Jam peeks through the cutouts. Festive and flavorful. Great for cookie boxes or dessert tables.
Get the Recipe: Reindeer Linzer Cookies
Peppermint Cookies
These cookies are soft with crushed peppermint mixed in or sprinkled on top. The mint flavor is refreshing and sweet. Great with a cup of tea or cocoa. Drizzle with white chocolate if desired.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Cookies
Air Fryer Gingersnap Cookies
These cookies bake quickly in the air fryer with a crisp edge and chewy center. The ginger flavor is bold and warming. Great for small batches. Roll in sugar before baking.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Gingersnap Cookies
No Chill Sugar Cookies
Skip the wait—this dough rolls out immediately and bakes into perfect cutouts. Still holds shape and bakes evenly. Ideal for fast decorating. Keep an eye on bake time for soft centers.
Get the Recipe: No Chill Sugar Cookies
M&M Holiday Cookie Bars Recipe
Soft, chewy bars loaded with M&Ms and baked in one pan. Perfect for cutting into squares and serving a crowd. Add sprinkles or a drizzle of icing. A great party dessert.
Get the Recipe: M&M Holiday Cookie Bars Recipe
Hot Chocolate Cookies
These cookies have a cocoa base and are often filled or topped with marshmallows. The flavor is rich and cozy. Great for pairing with actual hot chocolate. Bake until just set for a gooey center.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Cookies
Christmas Blossom Cookies
Like peanut butter blossoms, but made with sugar or chocolate cookie dough and topped with a holiday-themed kiss. Easy and festive. Roll in colored sugar for extra sparkle. A good cookie swap pick.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Blossom Cookies
Christmas Oreos
These decorated sandwich cookies are dipped in white or milk chocolate and topped with festive sprinkles. No baking required. A fast and fun option for decorating with kids. Use red or green filling if available.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Oreos
feastive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
These bright swirled cookies look like candy canes and bake up crisp and colorful. Great for making ahead and slicing as needed. Add sanding sugar for shine. Chill thoroughly before slicing.
Get the Recipe: feastive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Snowflake Cookies
Cut into delicate shapes and decorated with icing, these cookies are a beautiful addition to any tray. Use royal icing for clean lines and details. They hold their shape well. A favorite for decorators.
Get the Recipe: Snowflake Cookies
Melted Snowman Cookie Bark
White chocolate is melted and spread on a sheet, then decorated with candies to look like melting snowmen. No baking involved. Break into pieces once set. A fun and creative treat.
Get the Recipe: Melted Snowman Cookie Bark
Reindeer Sugar Cookies
Shaped or decorated to look like reindeer faces, these cookies are fun and festive. Pretzels often stand in for antlers. Great for kids’ parties or baking with little helpers. Use candy eyes and red M&Ms for the nose.
Get the Recipe: Reindeer Sugar Cookies
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Soft peanut butter cookies with a chocolate kiss pressed into the center. A holiday classic with the perfect sweet-salty balance. Roll the dough in sugar for sparkle. Bake just until set for a soft texture.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Blossoms
Ginger Molasses Cookies
These chewy cookies are packed with spice and rich molasses flavor. The edges crack slightly while the centers stay soft. Roll in sugar before baking. Great for those who love warm, bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Molasses Cookies
Church Window Cookies
Melted chocolate and colorful marshmallows are rolled in coconut and sliced into “stained glass” cookies. No baking required. They’re sweet, chewy, and eye-catching. Chill before slicing for clean edges.
Get the Recipe: Church Window Cookies
Peppermint Kiss Sugar Cookies
These soft cookies are topped with striped peppermint kisses right after baking. The flavor is minty, sweet, and festive. Let them cool before moving so the kiss stays intact. A cookie swap favorite.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Kiss Sugar Cookies
Christmas Cookies with MMs
These soft cookies are filled with red and green M&Ms for a festive look. The candies add color and crunch. Great for lunch boxes or cookie trays. Use mini M&Ms for more in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Cookies with MMs
