47 Christmas Cookie Inspirations For When You Want Something Simple but Seasonal
Cold-weather weekends often call for small, easy projects in the kitchen. For anyone wanting simple options, these 47 Christmas cookie inspirations offer ideas that fit everything from last-minute plans to planned-ahead gatherings. A few recipes lean nostalgic, while others keep things more modern. Pick what fits the moment and keep the season manageable.

Adorable Snowman Cookies

Nothing says festive fun like this Adorable Snowman Cookies recipe. These cheerful cookies bring a lighthearted touch to your holiday baking. Soft and sweet, they’re a simple way to brighten any dessert table. Guests of all ages will enjoy their cute, whimsical design and delicious flavor.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Snowman Cookies
Cannoli Cookies

When you need an elegant yet easy holiday cookie, this Cannoli Cookies recipe fits perfectly. Each bite brings that familiar richness you love in cannoli, but with much less fuss. These cookies add a touch of sophistication to any dessert spread. They’re sure to be remembered by friends and family.
Get the Recipe: Cannoli Cookies
Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies

If you love chocolate and mint, this Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies recipe will be your new favorite twist on a classic flavor duo. They’re soft, rich, and refreshing all at once. These are a must-try for holiday munching. Serve them, and don’t be surprised if they vanish quickly.
Get the Recipe: Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies
Candy Cane Cookies

Adding this Candy Cane Cookies recipe to your holiday baking is a great way to embrace tradition. Their red and white design makes them pop on any cookie platter. Sweet and crisp, they bring a nostalgic charm to the season. They’re ideal for sharing or enjoying with a warm drink by the fire.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Cookies
Swirled Marshmallow Cookies

Bringing this Swirled Marshmallow Cookies recipe to your holiday spread adds something soft, fun, and eye-catching. Their pastel swirls make them irresistible on any festive cookie plate. Airy and sweet, they’re a great complement to a cup of cocoa. These cookies are simple yet unique.
Get the Recipe: Swirled Marshmallow Cookies
Sweet Salted Honey Cookies

For those who crave balance, this Sweet Salted Honey Cookies recipe brings the perfect mix of sweet and savory. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies deliver full-on dessert vibes without being overly rich. They’re a unique treat for the season. Guests won’t forget these any time soon.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Salted Honey Cookies
Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies

Baking this Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies recipe brings out the warm, cozy feeling of the holidays. Unlike their crisp counterparts, these have a soft and tender bite that everyone loves. They’re perfect for decorating with icing or enjoying as is. These cookies capture the joy of holiday traditions.
Get the Recipe: Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies
Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies

Turn store-bought cookies into something magical with this Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies recipe. These playful treats are as enjoyable to make as they are to eat. Their festive decorations will bring a burst of holiday cheer to your dessert table. You can’t go wrong bringing these to a party.
Get the Recipe: Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies
Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

This Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe perfects the combination of fall and winter flavors. Moist and full of chocolatey goodness, they’ll warm your soul. These cookies are great for curling up with on a cold day. Your guests won’t be able to resist their pumpkin-spiced charm.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Fragrant Earl Grey Lemon Cookies

For a refined yet simple option, this Fragrant Earl Grey Lemon Cookies recipe delivers subtle flavors. The tangy lemon pairs beautifully with the floral notes of tea. These cookies are an elegant addition to your dessert spread. They’re perfect for those who enjoy a softer, more delicate flavor.
Get the Recipe: Fragrant Earl Grey Lemon Cookies
Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Holiday fun comes to life with this Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies recipe. Shaped and decorated like little trees, they add instant magic to your dessert table. Whether you keep them simple or go all out with decorations, they’re always a favorite. Kids and adults alike won’t be able to resist them.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
S’mores Stuffed Cookies

Turn your favorite summer treat into a holiday-ready dessert with this S’mores Stuffed Cookies recipe. Gooey marshmallow and chocolate hide in the center of every bite, creating a cozy surprise. These cookies are perfect for gatherings or a quiet night in. They’ll remind everyone of simpler joys.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Stuffed Cookies
Spiced Pumpkin Roll Cookies

Capture the essence of the holiday season with this Spiced Pumpkin Roll Cookies recipe. Full of seasonal spices and sweet warmth, they’re like tiny bites of seasonal joy. They’re perfect for highlighting the flavors of colder months. Place these on your cookie platter for a guaranteed festive favorite.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pumpkin Roll Cookies
Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging

Transform your tree into an edible masterpiece with this Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging recipe. These fun-to-make treats double as holiday decor and dessert. Their festive designs will brighten any room while satisfying your sweet tooth. Hang them or eat them, they’re more fun than ornaments!
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging
Soft Lemon Cookies

Brighten up your holiday table with this Soft Lemon Cookies recipe. The gentle citrus flavor is perfect for anyone who loves a refreshing touch. They’re tender enough to melt in your mouth and pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. Simple to make, these cookies might just become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Soft Lemon Cookies
Buttery Shortbread Cookies

There’s something so comforting about this Buttery Shortbread Cookies recipe. Each bite delivers a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist. Perfect for gifting or snacking, they hold their shape beautifully. Serve them alongside seasonal drinks to create a cozy Christmas moment everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Shortbread Cookies
Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Add some contrast to your cookie tray with this Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies recipe. The sugary crust creates a picture-perfect look that feels festive and fun. Rich, fudgy chocolate at the center will have everyone reaching for seconds. You’ll love how elegant yet easy these cookies are to bake.
Get the Recipe: Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Festive Candy Cane Oreos

Twist up tradition with this Festive Candy Cane Oreos recipe. Between the chocolate base and refreshing peppermint notes, they’re a crowd pleaser. Perfect for cookie swaps or holiday parties, these Oreos bring classic flavors with a seasonal flair. They’re as fun to make as they are to share.
Get the Recipe: Festive Candy Cane Oreos
Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

For peanut butter fans, this Soft Peanut Butter Cookies recipe is a holiday must-try. The soft texture makes them feel extra indulgent without being overly rich. Perfect with a tall glass of milk or packed for Christmas lunches, they’re sure to please every guest. These cookies bring simple flavors to the festive table.
Get the Recipe: Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies

Treat yourself to holiday luxury with this Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies recipe. Pumpkin brings cozy vibes while the caramel adds sweetness that feels extra special. Great for impressing guests or enjoying solo, these cookies match elegant holiday spreads. They’re simple to bake but leave a lasting impression.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies
Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies

Make it a creative holiday with this Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies recipe. Perfect for baking and icing with loved ones, they’re as fun to dress up as they are to eat. Crisp edges and soft centers make them ideal for any occasion. Whether wrapped as gifts or served at parties, every bite will feel festive and bright.
Get the Recipe: Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies
Adorable Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos

Add a whimsical touch to Christmas with this Adorable Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos recipe. Bold, playful designs make them irresistible, especially to kids. Between the rich chocolate and fun presentation, they’re perfect for creating smiles. Bring these cookies to family gatherings, they’ll add an extra dose of cheer.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos
Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies

Share some love this Christmas with this Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies recipe. Their charming shape and delicate flavor are sure to bring smiles. These are perfect for creating special moments, whether at home or as thoughtful gifts. Bake them with care, and they’ll add a little romance to your holiday celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies
Tangy Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies

Bring fresh flavors to the holidays with this Tangy Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies recipe. These cookies combine the sweetness of berries with a tangy lemon twist. Their soft, muffin-like texture makes them stand out from traditional treats. A perfect addition to breakfast or dessert spreads this festive season.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies
Soft Strawberry Cookies

Brighten your plate with this Soft Strawberry Cookies recipe. They’re perfect for anyone craving something sweet and fruity during the holidays. With an easy-to-love softness, they make a playful addition to cookie trays. Pair them with a warm drink to enjoy cozy moments that feel full of cheer.
Get the Recipe: Soft Strawberry Cookies
Ginger Bread House

Make a holiday tradition special with this Ginger Bread House recipe. It’s more than just a dessert, building and decorating it creates unforgettable memories. The warm spices fill the air with Christmas cheer while the designs feel totally unique. Bring some creativity to the table with this festive centerpiece.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Bread House
Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies

Add some crunch to your holiday spread with this Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies recipe. These cookies combine sweet spiced flavors and creamy filling for a taste that’s hard to forget. Beautifully layered, they’re perfect for gifting or serving at gatherings. A simple dessert with a festive flair everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies
Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies

Wow your guests with this Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies recipe. Each layer combines to create an impressive treat that’s almost too pretty to eat. Perfect for adding extra charm to dessert tables, they bring a bit of magic to every celebration. These cookies are all about fun, creativity, and holiday spirit.
Get the Recipe: Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies
Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nothing beats this Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe when you’re craving a simple, seasonal treat. The texture balances softness and gentle chewiness in every bite. You’ll love how these bring cozy warmth to any winter gathering. Serve them up, and someone’s sure to sneak back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cowboy Cookies

Making a hearty twist on the classic recipe, these Cowboy Cookies feel perfect for the season with their rustic look. Great for sharing with neighbors or keeping on hand for holiday movie nights. They’re packed with comforting flavors that everyone will appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Cookies
Butter Pecan Cookies

If you’re looking for indulgence in the form of simplicity, this Butter Pecan Cookies recipe delivers. They offer a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a nutty, holiday-inspired twist. These cookies bring a touch of Southern comfort to any dessert spread. Great alongside a cup of cocoa or coffee on chilly nights.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cookies
Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Needing something quick but still delicious? This Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars recipe is ideal for busy days. They’re simple to make yet taste homemade. Perfect for when you need a sweet treat during the holiday hustle and bustle.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

Bringing bakery-style perfection home is easy with this Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies recipe. The warm cinnamon flavor makes them feel like a cozy holiday indulgence. Keep them handy for a sweet midday pick-me-up or a dessert tray centerpiece. Four holiday cookie lovers, these are a swipe-right choice.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies
Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops

Turning simple ingredients into whimsical treats, this Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops recipe is perfect for the holidays. Fun for kids and adults alike, they add cheer to all your celebrations. Perfect for gifting or parties, these cookies are as entertaining to make as they are to eat.
Get the Recipe: Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops
Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies

For anyone needing a fuss-free sweet, this Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe hits the spot. Just as rich and satisfying as its egg-filled counterpart, making it a holiday dessert everyone can enjoy. Great for unexpected visitors or special dietary needs, these cookies are a friendly crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies
Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies

Turning a classic comfort dessert into a festive treat, this Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies recipe sparks joy at every bite. Ideal for bringing a little magic to your holiday spread, they’re perfect for gifting or adding extra cheer to any winter gathering.
Get the Recipe: Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies
Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans

Welcoming hearty treats into the season, this Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans recipe is a standout choice. Each warm, soft bite packed with cozy flavors and a hint of texture from the pecans. Perfect with a warm drink for quiet evenings or casual family get-togethers. These feel like fall’s rightful farewell.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans
Fun Cookie Monster Cookies

Adding a playful twist to your holiday cookie lineup, this Fun Cookie Monster Cookies recipe is sure to delight kids and spark smiles at gatherings. Fun to eat as they are to display, they’re a fantastic option for mixing a dash of whimsy with your seasonal baking.
Get the Recipe: Fun Cookie Monster Cookies
Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

Reminiscent of childhood nostalgia, this Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie recipe feels like a delicious holiday treat. The combination of flavors creates a comforting, unforgettable experience. Perfect conversation starters for sharing sweet memories at any seasonal event. Enjoy every indulgent, festive bite.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie
Easy Whoopie Pie

Looking for a dessert that’s charming to look at and eat? This Easy Whoopie Pie recipe does the trick. The soft cookies and generous filling are a match-made for the holidays. Simple yet make such a thoughtful, homemade impression. Great for potlucks or leaving out as part of your dessert spread.
Get the Recipe: Easy Whoopie Pie
Soft Marry Me Cookies

Creating the kind of dessert that makes people come back for more, this Soft Marry Me Cookies recipe is perfect. The soft, tender texture feels like a holiday hug in cookie form. Pair them with a cup of coffee or bring them to a winter celebration. They’re easy to make, but they’ll feel extra special with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Soft Marry Me Cookies
Chewy Vegan Amaretti Cookies

Looking for a warm and nutty holiday treat? This Chewy Vegan Amaretti Cookies recipe brings just the right balance of crunchy edges and soft centers. Perfect for casual gatherings or quiet evenings at home, these cookies feel like a little hug with every bite. Pair them with your favorite tea or coffee for extra comfort.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Vegan Amaretti Cookies
Thumb Print Cookie

Holiday baking doesn’t get any more timeless than this Thumb Print Cookie recipe. With a buttery base and fruity filling, these cookies bring a cozy, homemade touch to your dessert table. They’re easy to make and always a hit at parties or as gifts. Everyone will love reaching for these on your cookie tray.
Get the Recipe: Thumb Print Cookie
Soft Vegan Sugar Cookies

It’s tough to find a cookie softer than this Soft Vegan Sugar Cookies recipe. Topped with colorful sprinkles or a festive glaze, they bring the perfect amount of sweetness to the season. Ideal for decorating parties or just stocking your treat jar. These are cookies everyone loves to reach for first.
Get the Recipe: Soft Vegan Sugar Cookies
No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies

When the oven is full but you still need a holiday treat, this No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies recipe has you covered. The comforting notes of maple and crunch of pecans make them unforgettable. Easy and quick to prepare, they’re a lifesaver during busy holiday moments. A simple win for those who love seasonal flavors.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies
Soft Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Warm spices and a hint of sweetness make this Soft Carrot Cake Cookies recipe a perfect choice for the holiday season. Topped with rich cream cheese frosting, these cookies are as festive as they are delicious. Each bite captures the flavor of a classic carrot cake in a smaller, snackable form. They never disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Soft Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Whether you’re watching holiday movies or planning a whimsical dessert spread, this Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies recipe adds the fun. Their vibrant green color and crinkly finish make them as charming as they are delicious. They’re sure to be a memorable conversation starter at your seasonal gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies
About the Author

Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
