51 Christmas Cookie Ideas That Turn Simple Dough Into Festive Moments

Holiday get-togethers usually mean cookies, and 51 Christmas cookie ideas take the guesswork out of finding something to bake. New recipes add variety for seasoned bakers and first-timers alike. Squeezing baking into a packed schedule gets easier when you’ve got plenty of simple dough options lined up.

Candy Cane Cookies

Bright red stripes swirling alongside crisp white dough look like pure holiday cheer. Passing around this Candy Cane Cookies creation gets everyone chatting about the fun shape and colors. People love how they double as edible decorations. One bite brings out classic flavors that signal Christmas has arrived.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Cookies

Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies

Cooling mint mixed with rich chocolate creates a winter treat that stands out on a dessert platter. I’ve found this Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies disappears as fast as it’s served. The soft, chewy texture makes them extra appealing during December. Each bite feels like a holiday tradition, even if it’s your first time.
Get the Recipe: Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies

S’mores Stuffed Cookies

Marshmallow and chocolate surprises tucked inside cookies instantly spark conversation at any party. With this S’mores Stuffed Cookies, each bite offers a new layer to discover. The unexpected gooey middle takes everyone back to cozy nights around a fire. Your dessert table will get lots of attention with these on display.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Stuffed Cookies

Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Autumn flavors stay welcome even deep into December, especially when paired with chocolate. I always notice this Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies is among the first to vanish at parties. The blend of pumpkin and chocolate brings together holiday warmth with a fun twist. Friends always ask for the recipe by the end.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Swirled Marshmallow Cookies

Whimsical swirls of marshmallow running through soft cookies instantly brighten a treat tray. The playful design in this Swirled Marshmallow Cookies makes each one totally unique. Kids especially enjoy picking their favorite patterns. Offering these up guarantees smiles and a little friendly competition for the prettiest swirl.
Get the Recipe: Swirled Marshmallow Cookies

Cannoli Cookies

Taking inspiration from a bakery classic, these cookies promise a taste of something different. Friends reach for this Cannoli Cookies because of its blend of creamy, crunchy, and just-sweet-enough layers. Decadent without being heavy, they add an unexpected highlight to holiday celebrations. There is always a buzz after the first bite.
Get the Recipe: Cannoli Cookies

Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies

Scents of ginger and cinnamon floating from the kitchen signal the holidays are here. Offering this Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies makes the whole house feel cozier. The gentle texture means every bite melts away easily. Paired with a warm drink, these cookies become the star of any holiday afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies

Sweet Salted Honey Cookies

A touch of honey paired with a whisper of salt turns a simple cookie into something unforgettable. I find this Sweet Salted Honey Cookies has guests searching for the secret ingredient. The sweet-salty hit makes a plate hard to share, yet impossible to skip. Light, subtle flavors keep them in high demand through December.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Salted Honey Cookies

Adorable Snowman Cookies

Friendly snowmen made of buttery cookies charm kids and adults alike. Decorating this Adorable Snowman Cookies with fun faces brings out the artist in everyone. Bringing them to a gathering always results in happy banter and a rush to claim favorite designs. A plate of these guarantees instant holiday magic at dessert.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Snowman Cookies

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie

Hearty oats and chocolate chips blend together for a recipe that feels both nostalgic and festive. Whenever I serve this Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, familiar smiles pop up around the table. The chewy texture pairs beautifully with a glass of milk or cocoa. These cookies are a reliable favorite for every holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie

Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies

Spiced sandwich cookies deliver crunch and a gentle spice that fits right in with winter snacking. Offering this Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies feels like sharing a new classic. The creamy middle and crisp outside win over even the pickiest guest. There are never leftovers, no matter how busy the dessert table gets.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

Combining two childhood favorites into one dessert brings a spark of surprise to the holiday spread. I’ve watched this Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie start conversations and finish with empty platters. The soft, nutty bite and touch of sweetness keep everyone coming back. You’ll want to bake extra for a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies

Heart cookies may not be only for February when they’re decorated with colorful winter sprinkles. This Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies shines at Christmas gatherings for the extra love baked right in. People enjoy customizing each piece with different toppings. Baking these together instantly brings the holidays closer.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies

Buttery Shortbread Cookies

Few treats rival simple, buttery shortbread for crowd-pleasing power at winter celebrations. The melt-in-your-mouth experience with this Buttery Shortbread Cookies recipe reminds everyone of classic holiday traditions. They make an excellent base for decorations, too. Friends remember their soft crunch long after the last bite.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Shortbread Cookies

Cowboy Cookies

Loaded with surprises inside every bite, these cookies make a hearty addition to any dessert tray. Guests are drawn to this Cowboy Cookies for their satisfying chew and abundance of flavors. Each one promises something different, making them the wild card of the group. Potlucks and parties finish faster with these around.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Cookies

Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans

Subtle spice and extra crunch create a cookie that speaks to festive coziness. Reaching for this Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans feels just right as the weather turns chilly. The pecans add a comforting touch to each soft bite. Sharing these at gatherings will spark plenty of compliments and requests for more.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans

Thumb Print Cookie

A splash of colorful jam nestled in a soft cookie creates the perfect treat for both eyes and palate. This Thumb Print Cookie always leads to curiosity about which jam flavors were chosen. Each bite gives a little burst of fruity surprise. Setting them out for dessert feels like sharing a piece of cheerful art.
Get the Recipe: Thumb Print Cookie

Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Shaped like little evergreens and decked in sprinkles, these cookies light up holiday dessert trays. I have fun giving this Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies to friends because each one is decorated differently. Kids and adults love eating these bright treats. They bring a sense of celebration to any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Bringing together chocolate and cherry feels like unwrapping a hidden present at dessert time. I always notice this Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies gets plenty of questions from curious guests. Sweetness blends with a fruity kick for a unique twist on winter baking. Plates come back empty every single time.
Get the Recipe: Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Soft Vegan Sugar Cookies

Plant-based desserts don’t have to be boring, especially when the texture is soft and inviting. Presenting this Soft Vegan Sugar Cookies makes everyone feel included at holiday events. The gentle vanilla flavor pairs with any decoration you’d like. Dietary needs are met without missing a hint of festive fun.
Get the Recipe: Soft Vegan Sugar Cookies

Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies

Cozy feelings spark as soon as the smell of hot cocoa wafts from a batch of cookies. The deep chocolate flavor in this Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies always gets warm reviews from guests. Bringing them out invites friends to stay and chat for another bite. Each cookie pairs perfectly with blankets and twinkling lights.
Get the Recipe: Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies

Soft Strawberry Cookies

Pink-hued cookies offer a bright surprise amid lots of traditional holiday treats. I love making this Soft Strawberry Cookies for that pop of color and gentle flavor. Fresh, fruity notes make a lovely change from all the spicy bakes. Setting them out guarantees smiles and a little extra December cheer.
Get the Recipe: Soft Strawberry Cookies

Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops

Treats on sticks tend to disappear quickest, especially when decorated with red noses and cheerful antlers. Passing around this Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops is a surefire way to light up young faces. Each pop is bite-sized, fun, and easy to share. No dessert table feels complete without a few whimsical reindeer included.
Get the Recipe: Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops

Adorable Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos

Not all winter desserts feature snowmen or Santa, and sometimes a pop of red and black is just what you need. I find this Adorable Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos sparks giggles wherever they go. The chocolate shell hides the favorite cookie inside, delighting everyone. Surprises like these help keep the season playful.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos

Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Nostalgic, comforting flavors still have a place on winter dessert tables. Baking this Soft Peanut Butter Cookies fills the house with an aroma that draws everyone closer. Each bite is chewy and rich, perfect for dunking in a mug of milk by the fire. Friends always wonder if you made enough for them to take home, too.
Get the Recipe: Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Butter Pecan Cookies

Golden, nutty cookies often remind people of old-fashioned celebrations. Sharing this Butter Pecan Cookies brings back memories of winter parties gone by. The gentle crunch and buttery bite make these a go-to for cozy gatherings. Every batch seems to vanish quickly no matter how many you bake.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cookies

Soft Lemon Cookies

Lemon’s brightness cuts through rich December flavors, making it a welcome twist on the cookie plate. Once I started sharing this Soft Lemon Cookies, friends began looking forward to the batch all season long. Their soft crumb and gentle tang draw rave reviews from even the most traditional guests. Sometimes the simplest ideas shine brightest.
Get the Recipe: Soft Lemon Cookies

Fragrant Earl Grey Lemon Cookies

Tea and cookies come together in a refined yet easy-to-love combination with this Fragrant Earl Grey Lemon Cookies. The subtle hint of citrus and tea pairs beautifully for the holidays. Serving these at a gathering gets people guessing the “secret” flavor. Their aroma always makes people lean in for a second helping.
Get the Recipe: Fragrant Earl Grey Lemon Cookies

Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies

Bringing classic whoopie pies into the holidays, these cheerful treats wear Santa’s look with pride. Passing around this Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies is guaranteed to bring grins from all ages. Fluffy filling and soft cake make each bite irresistible. Setting them out doubles as both snack and decoration at your Christmas party.
Get the Recipe: Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies

Fun Cookie Monster Cookies

Bright blue, googly-eyed cookies spark laughter the second they hit the table. I have fun making this Fun Cookie Monster Cookies for dessert swaps and bake sales. Kids and adults fight for their favorite one first, making dessert a highlight of the gathering. These cookies definitely keep things playful and memorable.
Get the Recipe: Fun Cookie Monster Cookies

Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies

Turning sandwich cookies into sparkling ornaments brings new life to a classic. Guests grab this Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies right away thanks to their bright colors and shiny finish. They look picture-perfect hanging on dessert platters. After one bite, people sadly realize the decorations never last very long.
Get the Recipe: Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies

Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Bar desserts make serving simple and sharing easier, which is perfect during crowded holidays. I’ve noticed this Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars stay soft and chewy even after hours on the dessert table. The rich chocolate chip flavor shines in every square. These bars become crowd-pleasers with little effort at all.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Soft Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Subtle spice and a creamy topping turn these cookies into soft, cake-like dreams. This Soft Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting brings out cozy feelings in even the coldest winter weather. The hint of frosting adds a sense of celebration. Dessert can steal the spotlight with just one tray of these cookies.
Get the Recipe: Soft Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies

Vivid red color and creamy white chips make this cookie a feast for the eyes and the palate. Offering this Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies immediately adds drama to a holiday snack table. The chewy texture is packed with flavor most people expect in a bakery. There’s never a crumb left in the box by night’s end.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies

Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies

No eggs needed to make delicious holiday treats that please everyone. The reaction to this Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies always includes surprise at how soft they are. These cookies are perfect for guests with dietary needs. Everyone feels welcome when classics can be enjoyed by all in the room.
Get the Recipe: Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies

Soft Marry Me Cookies

A cookie with a mysterious name gets everyone curious about what makes it special. Trying this Soft Marry Me Cookies leads to lots of smiles as the soft, sweet bite wins people over. The ultra-tender crumb gives a bakery feel at home. Sharing them brings a sense of warmth to every holiday event.
Get the Recipe: Soft Marry Me Cookies

Rich Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Double the chocolate means double the fun at Christmastime. Setting out this Rich Double Chocolate Chip Cookies instantly attracts chocolate lovers from across the room. Each bite is dense, rich, and full of gooey chocolate chips. These cookies are a reliable conversation starter at any December gathering.
Get the Recipe: Rich Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Tangy Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies

Blueberries paired with a pop of citrus bring color and brightness to festive tables. I have learned this Tangy Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies is just as loved for breakfast as for dessert. The soft, cake-like texture pleases guests of all ages. Little bursts of berry mixed with lemon keep each bite memorable.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies

Easy Whoopie Pie

Sometimes classic cookies with creamy centers are the first to disappear after dinner. No one hesitates to grab this Easy Whoopie Pie for its comforting taste and nostalgic charm. Soft cake layers and fluffy filling win over new and old fans alike. The ease of serving them makes any party feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Easy Whoopie Pie

Ginger Bread House

Edible houses become the star of the dessert display as soon as they are finished. Sharing this Ginger Bread House is less about eating and more about building memories with friends. I notice everyone wants a turn adding their own touch. By the end of the evening, no crumb is left behind on the board.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Bread House

Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Green, crinkly cookies offer a fun nod to everyone’s favorite holiday story. People get a kick out of this Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies with its playful look and powdered finish. Bringing these to gatherings sparks curiosity from kids and grownups. Each bite is as cheerful as it looks on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies

Oversized and super chocolatey, these cookies hold their own next to any bakery favorite. Sharing this Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies always brings a chorus of “Did you really make these yourself?” reactions. The soft centers and rich flavor make for a memorable dessert. Plates come back empty every time.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies

Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging

Cookie ornaments turn snack time into a decorating event with built-in fun. Passing around this Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging turns any get-together more festive. Guests love picking one to eat and one to take home. The cheerful shapes liven up your holiday decor and your dessert tray at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging

Spiced Pumpkin Roll Cookies

Warm autumn spices paired with a festive swirl make for an irresistible seasonal cookie. Rolling up this Spiced Pumpkin Roll Cookies creates a treat as nice to look at as it is to eat. They stand out on a crowded dessert table with their playful appearance. Winter gatherings feel cozier once these are in the mix.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pumpkin Roll Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

A ribbon of cinnamon running through a soft cookie turns a classic into something extraordinary. Friends go wild for this Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies whenever you share them. The sweet, warming scent fills your home with holiday spirit. These bring big bakery flavor but are simple to whip up for a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

Festive Candy Cane Oreos

Peppermint treats just feel right at Christmas, especially when dipped and prettied up. Sharing this Festive Candy Cane Oreos earns lots of compliments for both looks and flavor. The crunch and peppermint pair perfectly with winter events. These treats are a favorite among both mint fans and cookie lovers.
Get the Recipe: Festive Candy Cane Oreos

Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chewy centers and gooey chocolate define this crowd-pleaser during every holiday season. Every time I serve this Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies, people say it reminds them of cozy moments by the tree. No matter the crowd, everyone wants the recipe. Classic favorites like these are truly irresistible in December.
Get the Recipe: Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Spiced Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

Plant-based gingerbread cookies pack just as much holiday excitement as any traditional recipe. This Spiced Vegan Gingerbread Cookies fills the kitchen with cheerful aromas and good memories. Even skeptical guests return for seconds. Traditions feel more inclusive when everyone can enjoy a festive cookie.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies

Decadent bakery-inspired treats get a seasonal twist perfect for the holidays. The combination in this Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies brings together the comfort of pumpkin with a sweet caramel finish. Each cookie feels special, as if picked from a gourmet shop. They usually inspire a flurry of requests for more.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies

Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies

Some cookies look almost too pretty to eat, thanks to bright icing and festive shapes. I always have fun with this Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies because every batch brings new decorating ideas. The inviting colors and crisp edges make dessert tables shine at parties. Guests grab one on sight and ask for seconds quickly.
Get the Recipe: Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies

Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Deep cracks covered in powdered sugar give these cookies a magical touch, almost like winter snow. Setting out this Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies makes dessert trays look extra special. Each bite is soft, rich, and memorable. If you want a treat that feels both traditional and new, this recipe is for you.
Get the Recipe: Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies