17 Classic and Creative Christmas Cookie Ideas
The holidays bring all kinds of reasons to bake, and this list offers cookie ideas that are colorful, creative, and easy to share. From quick no-bake options to classic favorites, each one brings something unique to the table. There are cookies for decorating, cookies to fill tins, and some that come together fast with no chilling needed. These treats are just right for parties, gifting, or snacking by the tree.
Hot Chocolate Cookies
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These cocoa-rich cookies bake up soft and often include marshmallows on top or tucked inside. The flavor is deep and chocolaty with a gooey center when slightly underbaked. They go well with a warm drink. A cozy choice for cold days.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Cookies
Peppermint Cookies
Soft-baked cookies with crushed peppermint mixed into the dough or sprinkled on top. The mint adds a cool contrast to the sweet base. A drizzle of white chocolate takes them up a notch. Great for cookie trays or gifting.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Cookies
Linzer cookies
These sandwich cookies are filled with jam and framed by buttery shortbread. Cutouts in the top layer show the filling. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a wintry finish. They’re elegant and traditional.
Get the Recipe: Linzer cookies
Reindeer Linzer Cookies
This version of linzer cookies is shaped or decorated to resemble reindeer. Jam shows through playful cutouts. The soft cookie layers have just the right amount of spice. Great for dessert tables or gifting.
Get the Recipe: Reindeer Linzer Cookies
Melted Snowman Cookie Bark
White chocolate is spread thin and topped with candy to create melting snowmen. No oven needed. Once set, it’s broken into pieces. This one’s a fun activity for kids.
Get the Recipe: Melted Snowman Cookie Bark
Air Fryer Gingersnap Cookies
These bake fast in the air fryer, with a crisp edge and chewy center. Bold ginger and spice make them flavorful and warm. Roll in sugar before baking for sparkle. A good option for small batches.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Gingersnap Cookies
No Chill Sugar Cookies
This dough rolls and cuts out immediately, saving time. The cookies keep their shape and bake evenly. They’re easy to decorate once cooled. Ideal when you need a quick batch.
Get the Recipe: No Chill Sugar Cookies
feastive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Red and white dough is rolled into a swirl, then sliced into rounds. These cookies are crisp, colorful, and eye-catching. Chill the dough well for clean edges. Add sanding sugar before baking if you want extra shine.
Get the Recipe: feastive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
M&M Holiday Cookie Bars Recipe
These chewy bars are packed with M&Ms and baked in a single pan. Once cooled, slice into squares and serve. Add sprinkles or a drizzle of icing if you like. Easy for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: M&M Holiday Cookie Bars Recipe
Christmas Blossom Cookies
Sugar or chocolate dough is rolled into balls, baked, and topped with a seasonal chocolate kiss. Roll in colored sugar for a sparkling finish. A simple, festive cookie for any tray. Kids love helping with these.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Blossom Cookies
Christmas Oreos
Classic sandwich cookies are dipped in chocolate and covered in sprinkles. There’s no baking involved. Use red or green filling for a holiday look. A quick project for decorating with kids.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Oreos
Ginger Molasses Cookies
Soft and chewy, these cookies are full of molasses and spice. Crackled tops form as they bake. Rolling in sugar adds sparkle and texture. They’re great with a cup of coffee or tea.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Molasses Cookies
Snowflake Cookies
These cutout cookies are shaped like snowflakes and decorated with icing. Use royal icing for sharp, clean lines. They hold detail well and look great on display. A favorite for decorating days.
Get the Recipe: Snowflake Cookies
Reindeer Sugar Cookies
Decorated to look like reindeer faces, these cookies are festive and fun. Pretzels work well for antlers. Use candy eyes and a red M&M nose for the full look. Great for parties with kids.
Get the Recipe: Reindeer Sugar Cookies
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Classic peanut butter dough is rolled, baked, and topped with a chocolate kiss. Roll in sugar for a sparkly crust. Bake just until set to keep the centers soft. These are always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Blossoms
Church Window Cookies
These no-bake cookies combine chocolate and colorful marshmallows, then get rolled in coconut. Once chilled, they’re sliced to reveal a stained-glass effect. Sweet, chewy, and bright on any tray. A nostalgic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Church Window Cookies
Peppermint Kiss Sugar Cookies
Soft sugar cookies are topped with peppermint-striped kisses after baking. The combination of sweet and minty is just right. Let them cool before moving to keep the chocolate in place. Great for holiday swaps.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Kiss Sugar Cookies
