49 Christmas Cookie Recipes Sweet Enough for Santa’s Visit

Holiday parties feel extra magical with 49 Christmas cookies in the lineup for Santa’s visit. This collection brings smiles through classics and new surprises that pop up throughout the season. I find that any of these cookies make gatherings sweeter, spark small traditions, and keep everyone reaching for one more whenever they’re served.

Sweet Salted Honey Cookies

Balancing honey sweetness with salt creates complexity the simple ingredient list doesn’t suggest. Sweet Salted Honey Cookies develop crispy edges while staying chewy in the center, hitting that texture everyone wants. I make these when I need something different from the usual holiday lineup.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Salted Honey Cookies

Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies

Warm spices fill your kitchen with smells that define December better than any candle. Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies stay tender instead of snapping, creating texture some people prefer for eating rather than building. I decorate these simply because they’re meant for enjoying, not just displaying.
Get the Recipe: Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies

Peppermint flavor shows up in cookies that look as festive as they taste. Candy Cane Cookies incorporate crushed candy into dough that stays soft while delivering cool mint. Red and white swirls make these perfect for exchanges where appearance matters alongside flavor.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Cookies

Adorable Snowman Cookies

Three stacked circles become little snowmen after decorating with frosting accessories. Adorable Snowman Cookies let you practice piping without pressure since wobbly scarves add character. Kids love personalizing each snowman with different expressions that make every cookie unique.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Snowman Cookies

Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Fall spices bridge into winter holiday baking through cookies that feel festive without screaming Christmas. Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies stay pillowy soft while delivering warmth from cinnamon alongside melty chocolate. I keep these around throughout December for early-month gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Swirled Marshmallow Cookies

Toasted marshmallow gets incorporated into dough that captures s’mores flavor minus the campfire. Swirled Marshmallow Cookies marbleize melted marshmallow through batter, creating patterns that make each one look different. Marshmallow caramelizes slightly during baking, adding depth beyond just sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Swirled Marshmallow Cookies

Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies

Girl Scout cookie flavor appears in homemade versions you can bake whenever cravings hit. Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies combine mint and chocolate in cookies that stay tender instead of crisp. I make these year-round but especially love them during December when mint feels seasonally appropriate.
Get the Recipe: Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies

Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging

Cookies double as ornaments when you plan ahead with holes for ribbon. Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging get cut into tree shapes, baked with holes at the top, then decorated before threading with ribbon. They stay fresh hanging there about a week before someone inevitably sneaks one.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie

Adding oats creates heartier cookies that feel almost acceptable for breakfast alongside coffee. Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie balances chocolate sweetness with wholesome oats in a way that makes them less guilt-inducing than pure chocolate versions. I bake these when I want something substantial that still tastes like dessert.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie

Fragrant Earl Grey Lemon Cookies

Tea flavor infuses into cookies that taste sophisticated enough for adult gatherings. Fragrant Earl Grey Lemon Cookies blend bergamot notes with citrus brightness, creating something lighter than most holiday treats. I serve these at afternoon teas when heavier desserts feel too much before dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fragrant Earl Grey Lemon Cookies

Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Bright green color makes these impossible to miss on any cookie platter. Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies crack open while baking, revealing white powdered sugar against green dough. Adding red candy hearts on top completes the theme with a pop of contrasting color.
Get the Recipe: Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies

Everything you want from a mug of hot chocolate appears in cookie form. Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies include mini marshmallows baked right into the dough, creating pockets of melted sweetness throughout. I roll the edges in cocoa powder before baking to intensify that hot chocolate flavor.
Get the Recipe: Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies

Recreating bakery favorites at home saves money while delivering that same thick, soft texture. Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies get topped with caramel drizzle over pumpkin spice base. People ask where I bought these, which proves the homemade version holds up against the original.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies

Adorable Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos

Store-bought cookies transform into decorated treats with minimal effort required. Adorable Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos dipped in chocolate and decorated with candy spots become something kids go crazy for. I let children help with these because imperfect decorating somehow makes them cuter.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos

Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies

Graduated star shapes stack into three-dimensional trees that stand upright on platters. Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies use different sized cutters for each layer, assembled with frosting acting as glue. These take more time but create centerpieces that make dessert tables memorable.
Get the Recipe: Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies

Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Starting with boxed mix produces bars that taste homemade without measuring multiple ingredients. Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars press into pans instead of dropping individually, saving time while still delivering cookie flavor. I make these when I need lots of cookies fast.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies

Sandwich cookies get decorated to look like ornaments using colored chocolate. Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies start with store-bought bases that you transform into something seemingly homemade. Kids can help with these, making them perfect for family baking sessions without kitchen disasters.
Get the Recipe: Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies

Ginger Bread House

Building these from scratch becomes a December tradition some families take seriously. Ginger Bread House construction requires patience as royal icing holds walls together while decorating happens. I’ve found that making dough ahead and assembling over multiple days works better than marathon sessions.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Bread House

Tangy Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies

Breakfast flavors appear in cookies that work just as well with afternoon coffee. Tangy Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies combine citrus brightness with berry bursts in every bite. I serve these at morning gatherings when heavier desserts feel too much before noon.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies

Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes

Transforming plain cupcakes into reindeer faces requires just candy but creates something kids love. Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes use pretzels for antlers, candy eyes, and red M&Ms for noses. I let kids help decorate these because wonky antlers somehow make them even more charming.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes

Rich Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate lovers refuse to settle for single-chocolate anything during holidays. Rich Double Chocolate Chip Cookies pack cocoa powder into dough before adding chips, creating intensity that satisfies serious cravings. These disappear faster than any other cookie on my platters.
Get the Recipe: Rich Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies

Classic cutout cookies become canvases for royal icing artwork in festive shapes. Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies hold their shape perfectly while baking, creating clean edges for decorating. I set out bowls of icing and sprinkles, letting everyone create their own designs.
Get the Recipe: Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies

Dessert feels like it came straight from the bakery with Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies. Guests recognize the familiar style, which draws everyone to the tray. A soft crumb and bold flavor make this recipe popular with chocolate fans.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies

Festive Candy Cane Oreos

Store-bought cookies get transformed into something seemingly homemade with minimal effort. Festive Candy Cane Oreos dipped in white chocolate and rolled in crushed peppermint become treats that rival anything made from scratch. I prepare these when I need impressive gifts without hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Festive Candy Cane Oreos

Buttery Shortbread Cookies

Simple ingredients create cookies that rely on technique rather than fancy additions. Buttery Shortbread Cookies melt on your tongue while delivering pure butter flavor nothing else can replicate. I cut these into festive shapes and leave them plain because their simplicity stands out.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Shortbread Cookies

Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Dried cherries scattered through chocolate dough create pockets of tart sweetness against cocoa. Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies taste sophisticated enough for adult gatherings while still appealing to kids. The combination feels holiday-appropriate without requiring red and green food coloring.
Get the Recipe: Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter

Skipping butter creates cookies that taste surprisingly good while accommodating dietary restrictions. Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter stay tender using oil instead, proving that omitting ingredients doesn’t automatically ruin texture. These work for potlucks where you never know everyone’s dietary needs.
Get the Recipe: Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter

Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops

Turning cookies into pops makes them instantly more fun for kids to eat. Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops get decorated with candy eyes, pretzel antlers, and red noses. I stick these in foam blocks so they stand upright on dessert tables like little edible decorations.
Get the Recipe: Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops

Easy Whoopie Pie

Two soft cookies sandwich creamy filling in treats that satisfy cake cravings in handheld form. Easy Whoopie Pie stays moist for days after making, maintaining that just-baked quality even as leftovers sit covered. I make these when I want something different from standard cookies.
Get the Recipe: Easy Whoopie Pie

Soft Marry Me Cookies

One bite supposedly inspires marriage proposals, according to everyone who’s made these. Soft Marry Me Cookies stay tender for days, maintaining that melt-in-your-mouth quality. I package these in tins for neighbors and watch how quickly recipe requests start rolling in.
Get the Recipe: Soft Marry Me Cookies

No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies

Skipping the oven produces cookies that come together in minutes on busy baking days. No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies set up at room temperature, creating chewy texture without any actual baking. I make these when my oven’s already full with other holiday treats.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies

Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nailing that texture everyone wants from homemade cookies requires the right balance. Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies stay tender in the center while developing slightly crisp edges. I bake these when I need reliable results that please every single person.
Get the Recipe: Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies

Two soft cookies sandwich filling in treats decorated to look like Santa faces. Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies use white frosting for beards, red icing for hats, and candy for eyes. Kids love helping with these because decorating wonky Santas makes them more charming.
Get the Recipe: Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies

Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans

Fall flavor persists into December through cookies that bridge seasonal transitions. Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans add nutty crunch to spiced dough, creating texture contrast in every bite. I frost these with cream cheese icing when I want something that feels more special.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans

Fun Cookie Monster Cookies

Bright blue color and googly candy eyes make these instant kid favorites. Fun Cookie Monster Cookies combine oats, chocolate chips, and M&Ms in cookies that taste better than their silly appearance suggests. I bake these for children’s parties where fun matters more than elegance.
Get the Recipe: Fun Cookie Monster Cookies

Thumb Print Cookie

Pressing thumbs into dough creates wells for jam that adds fruity brightness to buttery cookies. Thumb Print Cookie works with any jam flavor you prefer, letting you customize based on what’s in your pantry. I use different jams across one batch to create variety.
Get the Recipe: Thumb Print Cookie

Spiced Pumpkin Roll Cookies

Cake roll flavor appears in cookie form that’s easier to serve at parties. Spiced Pumpkin Roll Cookies layer cream cheese filling between soft pumpkin cookies, creating handheld versions of that classic dessert. I make these when I want that flavor without the stress of rolling cake.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pumpkin Roll Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies

Recreating bakery thickness at home gives you those giant cookies without paying premium prices. Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies stay incredibly soft while delivering that signature red velvet flavor. People always assume I bought these from the actual bakery.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies

Soft Lemon Cookies

Citrus brightness cuts through all the chocolate and spice dominating most holiday platters. Soft Lemon Cookies deliver tangy flavor that wakes up your palate between bites of richer treats. I glaze these simply because the lemon flavor shines better without heavy frosting.
Get the Recipe: Soft Lemon Cookies

Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Tree-shaped cutouts get decorated with green icing and candy ornaments that make each one unique. Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies hold their shape perfectly during baking, creating clean edges for decorating. I set out sprinkles and let everyone create their own designs.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Soft Strawberry Cookies

Fresh berry flavor appears throughout these instead of just sitting on top as afterthought. Soft Strawberry Cookies incorporate real fruit into batter, creating pockets of brightness in every bite. They taste lighter than traditional cookies while still delivering that tender texture everyone wants.
Get the Recipe: Soft Strawberry Cookies

Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Rolling chocolate dough in powdered sugar creates cookies that crack open beautifully while baking. Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies develop distinctive white cracks against dark chocolate, making them instantly recognizable. The contrast looks so striking people assume these took way more effort.
Get the Recipe: Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Classic fork marks pressed into dough create cookies that taste like childhood in edible form. Soft Peanut Butter Cookies stay tender while delivering that nutty flavor nothing else can match. I keep these simple because the peanut butter flavor needs no help from additions.
Get the Recipe: Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies

Cutting cookies into hearts makes them work for multiple holidays beyond just Christmas. Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies get decorated with pink and red icing that transitions them from December into February. I bake these when I want cookies that feel festive without being too specifically themed.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies

Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies

Cookie butter flavor appears in homemade versions of those famous airplane treats. Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies sandwich spiced filling between crisp cookies that snap when you bite them. I make these for cookie butter lovers who finally get their fix in homemade form.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies

Chewy Vegan Amaretti Cookies

Almond flavor dominates in cookies that happen to be vegan without tasting like diet food. Chewy Vegan Amaretti Cookies develop crispy exteriors over chewy centers, hitting that texture contrast Italian cookies do so well. I serve these at gatherings where dietary restrictions matter.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Vegan Amaretti Cookies

Soft Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Cake flavor appears in cookie format that’s easier to serve at parties than slicing actual cake. Soft Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting incorporate all those warm spices into tender cookies. I frost these generously because that cream cheese topping makes the whole cookie.
Get the Recipe: Soft Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies

Accommodating dietary restrictions shouldn’t mean settling for inferior cookies. Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies stay just as tender as traditional versions while being safe for people avoiding eggs. These work for potlucks where you never know everyone’s dietary needs ahead of time.
Get the Recipe: Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies

S’mores Stuffed Cookies

Campfire flavor appears in cookies you can bake indoors all winter long. S’mores Stuffed Cookies hide marshmallow centers inside chocolate dough, creating gooey surprises when you bite through. I bake these for people who love s’mores but hate going outside in December.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Stuffed Cookies