13 Best Holiday Cookies You’ll Absolutely Love This Season

I still remember the first time I tried one of my favorite holiday cookie recipes. It was a snowy December afternoon and the kids wanted to help, so we made a mess with flour everywhere. Some cookies came out too crisp while others were too soft, yet when we decorated them with frosting and sprinkles, no one cared about the imperfections. I realized then that holiday cookies are about memories, laughter, and love—not perfect shapes.

When I serve holiday cookie recipes, I like pairing them with other festive treats that make the dessert table sparkle, such as fudge or brownies, truffles, peppermint bark, hot cocoa, or even slices of fruitcake. Sometimes, I add a mug of warm milk or spiced tea on the side so every combination makes the holiday cookies even more magical and turns an ordinary moment into something truly sweet.

13. Classic Gingerbread Cookies

These classic gingerbread cookies are a must-try for the holiday season because they bring warmth and joy. They are easy to make with family and friends, making them perfect for decorating and sharing as gifts. They are truly one of the best holiday cookies you can enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa or tea.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • ⅓ cup molasses
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla, and mix well.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until a dough forms.
  5. Roll the dough and cut into shapes, then place them on a baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges are firm.
  7. Let cool and decorate if desired.

12. Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

These peppermint chocolate chip cookies are chewy, chocolatey, and have a festive peppermint flavor. They are one of the best holiday cookies you can bake quickly for parties, bringing a fresh twist to classic chocolate chip cookies. They are loved by kids and adults alike and are perfect for holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • ½ cup crushed peppermint candies

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
  3. Beat butter and sugars until creamy, then add eggs and vanilla.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients.
  5. Stir in chocolate chips and peppermint candies.
  6. Scoop onto a baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 10–12 minutes and let cool.

11. Snickerdoodle Cookies

Snickerdoodle cookies are soft and full of cinnamon-sugar flavor. They are simple to make and perfect for sharing. They remain one of the best holiday cookies because they offer a nostalgic flavor that everyone enjoys with milk or hot drinks, making holiday baking easy and fun.

Ingredients

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp cream of tartar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 tbsp sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon (for coating)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Combine flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs and vanilla.
  4. Mix in dry ingredients until dough forms.
  5. Roll dough into balls and coat in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  6. Place on a baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 8–10 minutes and cool.

10. Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies are soft and buttery, making them perfect for cutting into festive shapes. They are among the best holiday cookies because they are easy to decorate with icing and sprinkles. They bring holiday cheer to cookie platters and gift boxes and are loved by all ages.

Ingredients

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp almond extract

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Combine flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
  3. Beat butter and sugar until creamy, then add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
  4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
  5. Roll the dough and cut into shapes.
  6. Place on a baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 8–10 minutes and decorate.

9. Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread cookies are buttery and tender, designed to melt in your mouth. They are one of the best holiday cookies because they are easy to make and pair perfectly with tea or coffee. They are ideal for gift-giving as they stay fresh for days and can be decorated with chocolate or nuts.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Beat butter and sugar until smooth, then add vanilla.
  3. Mix in flour and salt.
  4. Form the dough into a log or press into a pan.
  5. Cut into shapes or squares.
  6. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
  7. Cool and serve.

8. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Chocolate crinkle cookies are soft, fudgy, and beautifully coated in powdered sugar. They look festive and are easy to make, featuring a rich chocolate flavor that everyone loves. They are perfect for cookie swaps or parties and bring pure joy to holiday baking.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup powdered sugar (for coating)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Beat sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
  5. Chill the dough for 2 hours.
  6. Roll into balls and coat in powdered sugar.
  7. Bake for 10–12 minutes and cool.

7. Linzer Cookies

Linzer cookies are delicate and buttery, filled with sweet raspberry jam. They look elegant and festive, and they are fun to make with specialized cookie cutters. These cookies bring color and flavor to your holiday cookie platter and are best enjoyed with tea or coffee.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup raspberry jam
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix flours, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Beat butter, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Combine dry and wet ingredients to form a dough.
  5. Roll dough and cut shapes with small cutouts.
  6. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are golden.
  7. Let cool, spread jam on the bottom cookie, sandwich with the top, and dust with powdered sugar.

6. Peanut Butter Blossoms

Peanut Butter Blossoms are soft and chewy, topped with a classic chocolate kiss. They are a holiday staple because they combine peanut butter and chocolate in one perfect bite. Quick to make and loved by all ages, they are a festive addition to any cookie exchange.

Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup peanut butter
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Chocolate kisses

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Beat butter, peanut butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla until creamy.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients.
  5. Roll dough into balls, place on a baking sheet, and bake for 8–10 minutes.
  6. Press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie while they are still warm.
  7. Cool and serve.

5. Snowball Cookies

Snowball cookies are buttery, nutty, and heavily coated in powdered sugar. They look like little snowballs, making them perfect for holiday trays and gifting. They melt in your mouth, and everyone enjoys their soft texture and sweet, simple flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Additional powdered sugar for coating

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Beat butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  3. Mix in flour and nuts to form a dough.
  4. Roll into balls and place on a baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
  6. Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar.
  7. Let cool and coat again before serving.

4. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal raisin cookies are soft, chewy, and full of warm spices. They are a hearty and comforting choice for the holidays and are easy to bake in large batches. Combining oats, cinnamon, and raisins for a classic taste, they are perfect for snacking with coffee or milk.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup raisins

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Beat butter and sugars until creamy, then add eggs and vanilla.
  3. Mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  4. Combine dry and wet ingredients, then stir in oats and raisins.
  5. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool and serve.

3. Almond Joy Cookies

Inspired by the favorite candy bar, Almond Joy cookies are rich, chocolatey, and filled with coconut and almonds. They are easy to make in batches and look festive on cookie trays. Chewy and nutty, they are an absolute must for chocolate lovers.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • ½ cup chopped almonds
  • ½ cup chocolate chips

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Beat butter and sugar until creamy, then add the egg and vanilla.
  3. Mix flour, baking soda, and salt, then combine with the wet ingredients.
  4. Stir in coconut, almonds, and chocolate chips.
  5. Drop spoonfuls on a baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
  7. Cool before serving.

2. White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

These cookies are soft, fruity, and sweet. They combine tart cranberries with creamy white chocolate for a perfectly festive flavor profile. Visually beautiful and easy to make, they are a colorful addition that everyone will love on your holiday cookie tray.

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Beat butter and sugar until creamy, then add eggs and vanilla.
  3. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt, then mix with the wet ingredients.
  4. Stir in cranberries and white chocolate chips.
  5. Drop spoonfuls on a baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are firm.
  7. Cool and serve.

1. Triple Chocolate Fudge Cookies

Triple chocolate fudge cookies are rich, soft, and decadently chocolaty. They are perfect for chocolate lovers and easy to bake in large batches. Combining dark, milk, and white chocolate for maximum flavor, they are an irresistible choice for holiday celebrations and cookie exchanges.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips
  • ½ cup milk chocolate chips
  • ½ cup white chocolate chips

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Beat butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla until creamy.
  3. Mix flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
  5. Fold in all the chocolate chips.
  6. Drop spoonfuls on a baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, cool, and enjoy.

CONCLUSION

Holiday cookie recipes are more than just treats—they’re little bundles of joy, nostalgia, and festive cheer. From classic gingerbread and peppermint chocolate chip to decadent triple chocolate fudge and delicate Linzer cookies, each recipe brings warmth, sweetness, and a sense of celebration to any gathering. Pairing them with hot cocoa, tea, or other festive treats enhances their flavor and makes the holiday experience even more memorable. Whether soft, chewy, buttery, or chocolatey, these cookies turn ordinary moments into magical memories for family and friends.

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