47 Christmas Cookie Recipes That Smell Like Holidays Done Right
Holiday baking becomes more enjoyable with 47 Christmas cookie recipes offering plenty of choices. I reach for certain cookies when I want something fun and others when I want something quick. This collection makes it easy to bring small moments of holiday cheer into your routine.

Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies

Few things bring back holiday memories like the aroma of these Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies fresh out of the oven. Their warm spices and soft texture feel like a cozy hug on a winter day. They’re perfect for decorating, gifting, or just enjoying with a hot drink. Make these to fill your home with festive cheer.
Get the Recipe: Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies
Candy Cane Cookies

Add a swirl of holiday magic with Candy Cane Cookies. Their playful colors and peppermint twist make them irresistible on a Christmas cookie platter. Everyone will be smiling before they even take a bite. These cookies are a fun way to capture the joy of the season in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Cookies
Swirled Marshmallow Cookies

Bring a little whimsy to your holiday baking with these Swirled Marshmallow Cookies. Soft and sweet, each one looks like a tiny piece of art you’ll be tempted to admire before eating. They’re light, luscious, and sure to leave everyone reaching for seconds. Ideal for spreading holiday joy.
Get the Recipe: Swirled Marshmallow Cookies
S’mores Stuffed Cookies

Add a campfire-inspired twist to your holiday baking line-up with this recipe for S’mores Stuffed Cookies. The gooey marshmallow center will surprise and delight with every bite. These cookies combine nostalgic flavors in a truly festive way. They’re perfect for cozy winter evenings with family.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Stuffed Cookies
Adorable Snowman Cookies

Brighten up your dessert table with some cheerful Adorable Snowman Cookies. Their playful designs make them almost too cute to eat, almost. These cookies are always a hit at holiday gatherings, especially with kids. They’re equal parts delicious treat and festive decoration.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Snowman Cookies
Sweet Salted Honey Cookies

For something unexpected yet completely delicious, try these Sweet Salted Honey Cookies this holiday season. The combination of sweet honey and a touch of salt creates magic in every bite. They’re subtle yet unforgettable additions to your cookie collection. A sophisticated choice for any winter soirée.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Salted Honey Cookies
Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies

These Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies are only here to prove one thing: mint and chocolate belong on your holiday baking list. The deep chocolate flavor, paired perfectly with a hint of mint, gives these cookies serious crowd-pleasing power. They’ll disappear faster than any other dessert on the table.
Get the Recipe: Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies
Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Sneak a little fun into your holiday baking with Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies. Their vibrant green color and powdered sugar coating make them a standout favorite. These cookies add a playful pop of color to your cookie tray, while their soft texture keeps everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies
Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Why stop at pie when you can have Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies on your holiday dessert table? These cookies steal the spotlight with their seasonal flavor and pillowy softness. Pumpkin and chocolate chips make an irresistible match. Perfect for autumn-winter gatherings or gifting to fellow cookie lovers.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Festive Candy Cane Oreos

If you love Oreos, you won’t want to miss these Festive Candy Cane Oreos. The mix of chocolate and peppermint creates a flavor explosion that feels perfectly Christmassy. They’re great for adding a little holiday flair to classic cookie trays. These will fly off the tray faster than you can say “Merry Christmas!”
Get the Recipe: Festive Candy Cane Oreos
Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies

No holiday baking list is complete without Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies. Perfect for customizing with your favorite holiday shapes and icing designs, these cookies double as delicious treats and fun family activities. Not only are they festive, but they turn out so pretty you’ll hesitate to eat them.
Get the Recipe: Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies
Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

When time is short, make baking easier with these Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. They’re packed with chewy goodness and come together quickly, thanks to a simple shortcut. Perfect for last-minute gatherings, they’re proof you don’t need hours of prep to make a treat everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies

These Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies are a true work of art that only look complicated to make. Featuring bright decorations, they’re as fun to create as they are to eat. Use these to dress up your holiday dessert table for an extra festive touch. Expect them to wow both kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies
Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

A timeless classic, Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies are an easy crowd-pleaser during the holidays. The gooey chocolate pairs perfectly with a cold glass of milk or festive hot cocoa. They’re simple, comforting, and always the first to disappear from the dessert spread. Bake extra, you’ll want more later.
Get the Recipe: Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Tangy Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies

Add a twist of bright, fruity flavor to your holiday baking with these Tangy Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies. Lighter than most, they’re a refreshing option among rich holiday desserts. These cookies bring a little sunshine to even the coldest winter days. It’s a recipe you’ll reach for whenever you want something unique.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies
Easy Whoopie Pie

These Easy Whoopie Pies are the kind of treat that feels timeless yet perfect for any holiday party. Their soft texture paired with creamy filling makes every bite enjoyable. I love how they’re easy to bake but always seem to impress your guests. Serve them up and watch as they disappear faster than you can stack the tray.
Get the Recipe: Easy Whoopie Pie
Ginger Bread House

Building this Ginger Bread House isn’t just about the cookies, it’s about creating sweet, holiday memories. There’s something magical about decorating these little edible walls with colorful candies. The warm aroma that drifts through your kitchen is just as comforting as seeing the finished masterpiece. Whether shared or displayed, it’s a holiday tradition.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Bread House
Spiced Pumpkin Roll Cookies

Cozy up to the perfect holiday spice in these Spiced Pumpkin Roll Cookies. They bring together warm seasonal flavors with a texture that melts in your mouth. These cookies feel like the holidays wrapped in a little bundle of joy. Set them out and enjoy the compliments, they’ll be gone before the coffee is poured.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pumpkin Roll Cookies
Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging

The charm of these Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging is hard to beat. Adorned and baked to perfection, these cookies aren’t just for eating, they’re perfect ornaments too. Kids especially love helping with this project, making it ideal for family bonding. Hang them, share them, or nibble them, these cookies are pure holiday fun.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie

These Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies strike the perfect balance between comforting oatmeal and indulgent chocolate chips. I’ve found they’re soft enough to please little ones and hearty enough to satisfy adults with big holiday appetites. Bake a batch for your cookie jar, you might need a second round because they go fast.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie
Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Every bite of these Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies feels like a celebration. Their vibrant colors and buttery texture make them a staple for holiday spreads. Whether you bake them for guests or gift them to friends, I’ve found they always bring a smile. Add frosting or sprinkles to take your creativity to the next level.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
Buttery Shortbread Cookies

With their melt-in-your-mouth texture, Buttery Shortbread Cookies are the easiest way to upgrade your holiday dessert table. Pair them with a warm drink for the ultimate cozy experience. People tend to come back for seconds, and thirds. They’re a classic winter offering that makes any gathering feel instantly festive.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Shortbread Cookies
Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops

Whimsical and fun, these Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops are bound to steal the show at your next holiday gathering. The playful design is a surefire hit with kids and adults alike. Display them in a jar for a festive centerpiece, and you’ll see cheeks light up when people grab one to enjoy. Holiday cheer wrapped in sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops
Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies

These Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies deliver all the flavor of your favorite bakery, right in your own kitchen. Sweet caramel meets fall’s favorite pumpkin twist, creating a cookie that’s unforgettable. The first batch will disappear faster than expected, don’t be surprised if you find yourself whipping up another.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies
Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies

Decked out like Santa himself, these Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies bring instant joy to your dessert table. Light and fluffy, with a festive twist everyone will enjoy, they’re ideal for spreading holiday cheer. I make these every December, and they never fail to win compliments from kids and adults alike. Who doesn’t love a sweet Santa treat?
Get the Recipe: Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies
Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies

These Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies are as much a centerpiece as they are a dessert. Build your cookies layer by layer for a tree effect that’s both delicious and eye-catching. Since each piece can easily be enjoyed individually, they’re perfect for sharing. Their beauty and taste make them a holiday must-have.
Get the Recipe: Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies
Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies

Sweet meets crunch in these Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies that pair caramelized flavor with luscious filling. They feel like a little indulgence after dinner or with coffee on a chilly December day. I serve these to guests and often hear them ask for the recipe, it’s the kind of cookie you won’t want to keep a secret.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies
Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies are a lifesaver when you’re baking for guests with dietary restrictions. The familiar chocolate chip satisfaction comes through loud and clear without missing a beat. Bake a batch, and you’ll see, no one notices what’s missing, they just keep reaching for another. Treat everyone, allergy-friendly or not.
Get the Recipe: Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies
Soft Marry Me Cookies

Warm, pillowy, and downright irresistible, these Soft Marry Me Cookies will have everyone asking for more. Their texture is just perfect for the season, complementing everything from hot cocoa to wassail. I set these out every holiday and love seeing them become the first to disappear from the cookie tray. You’ll definitely want extras.
Get the Recipe: Soft Marry Me Cookies
Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies

The rich, decadent flavor of Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies combines deep chocolate and fruity pops of cherry in every bite. They’re tailor-made for holiday romance and snowy nights by the fire. Whether you’re hosting or gifting these, expect rave reviews and plenty of smiles. You might just create a new holiday tradition with these beauties.
Get the Recipe: Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans

The warmth in these Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans feels just like a cozy holiday hug. These cookies have a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that draws everyone back for more. They’re perfect for sharing or savoring at home with a hot drink. I promise, they’ll vanish before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans
Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies

There’s something irresistible about this Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies recipe. With its rich red color and sweet white chips, it’s like Christmas wrapped in dessert form. Guests always rave when these show up on the table. Bring them to holiday parties to seriously impress.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies
Thumb Print Cookie

If you love a cookie as beautiful as it is tasty, this Thumb Print Cookie recipe will deliver. The jewel-like center makes them stand out at any cookie swap. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat, and customizable for your favorite fillings. Trust me, you’ll look like a pro baker with these.
Get the Recipe: Thumb Print Cookie
Fragrant Earl Grey Lemon Cookies

There’s no better way to upgrade your holiday treats than with these Fragrant Earl Grey Lemon Cookies. The subtle tea and bright citrus flavors feel sophisticated yet comforting. A batch of these will have your kitchen smelling amazing. They’re perfect for a quiet Christmas morning or gifting to friends.
Get the Recipe: Fragrant Earl Grey Lemon Cookies
Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies

Rich chocolate flavor balanced with a velvety texture makes this Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies recipe unforgettable. Imagine serving these decadent cookies with a big glass of milk in front of a crackling fire. Everyone you serve them to will wonder how you made them so incredible.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies
Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies

Few desserts draw attention quite like these Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies. Their adorable design makes them perfect for holiday gift boxes or cookie exchanges. Decorating them adds a fun touch to your celebrations. They’re a sweet and festive treat that spreads joy just as much as flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies
Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

Make your holidays even more magical with this Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies recipe. The cozy cinnamon flavor feels like Christmas in every bite. Pair them with a warm drink for the ultimate cold-weather treat. They’re a crowd-pleaser from brunch to dessert.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies
Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Few things are as universally loved as a buttery Soft Peanut Butter Cookies recipe. They’re soft, rich, and exactly what peanut butter lovers beg for during the holidays. These cookies are easy to bake and even easier to share, so make extra, they disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

Nostalgia hits hard with this Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie recipe. The perfect blend of sweetness and peanut butter richness feels just right for both kids and grown-ups. Bake a batch for family gatherings, and watch how they make everyone’s holiday sweeter and happier.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie
Soft Lemon Cookies

Brighten up your holiday dessert table with this Soft Lemon Cookies recipe. The refreshing citrus notes balance perfectly with their plush, soft texture. Lemon lovers will keep coming back for more. These cookies make a great addition to your festive cookie platters, adding a zing of cheerful flavor.
Get the Recipe: Soft Lemon Cookies
Chewy Vegan Amaretti Cookies

For an elegant holiday option, try these Chewy Vegan Amaretti Cookies with their bold almond flavor and signature chew. They add a sophisticated touch to any cookie tray while being completely plant-based. Perfect for serving to friends or family during festive gatherings. Everyone will be reaching for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Vegan Amaretti Cookies
Soft Strawberry Cookies

Nothing welcomes the holidays quite like fresh-baked cookies that fill your kitchen with warmth. This Soft Strawberry Cookies recipe brings a delicate sweetness with a fruity twist. Your guests won’t stop reaching for these cheerful treats at gatherings. Perfect for when you’re craving something light yet festive.
Get the Recipe: Soft Strawberry Cookies
No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies

When the oven’s occupied with holiday roasts, this No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies recipe steps up. It’s quick, easy, and delivers rich flavors cozy enough for the season. The sweet touch of maple paired with crunchy pecans feels like winter indulgence. Make these once, and they’ll become a seasonal favorite.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies
Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter

Sometimes, simpler is better, and this Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter recipe proves it. Perfectly soft and sweet, these cookies are ideal for decorating or enjoying as-is. You won’t believe how fluffy these turn out without the butter – they’re everything holiday baking should be.
Get the Recipe: Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter
Fun Cookie Monster Cookies

Bring some extra joy to your dessert tray with this Fun Cookie Monster Cookies recipe. Bright colors and whimsical vibes make these cookies a conversation starter. Kids and adults alike can’t resist their playful charm. Whether serving at a party or packing into tins, holiday fun is guaranteed.
Get the Recipe: Fun Cookie Monster Cookies
Soft Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Holiday baking takes a cozy turn in the form of Soft Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. Warm spices and sweet carrots meet tangy frosting for a combination that feels like a winter hug. Perfect for adding just the right amount of comfort and charm to festive dessert trays.
Get the Recipe: Soft Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Adorable Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos

Add a playful touch to your holiday tray with this Adorable Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos recipe. These sweet treats look as fun as they taste and are so simple to prepare. The chocolate coating adds a satisfying indulgence, making them a crowd-pleaser at any celebration.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos
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.
