15 Christmas Cookie Ideas People Start Baking the Moment December Hits

Holiday excitement ramps up quickly, thanks to 15 Christmas cookie ideas people dig into as soon as December arrives. Cookie baking sets the tone for easy get-togethers and cozy afternoons inside. Every batch is a chance to share simple treats and gather everyone together.

Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Snowy powdered sugar tops and a fudgy center make these holiday cookies almost too pretty to pass up. The moment you bite into these Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, you notice a rich, chocolatey surprise beneath a crackled shell. Friends often grab extras for late-night snacking. Each cookie brings wintry magic to the dessert tray.
Get the Recipe: Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Rich Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Dense chocolate flavors fill each bite, turning even the simplest gathering into a celebration. Compliments fly around after trays of these Rich Double Chocolate Chip Cookies hit the table. Soft texture mixed with chocolate chunks makes every piece special. More than one person tries to snag the last cookie before they vanish.
Get the Recipe: Rich Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut butter fans know all about the joy of a cookie that stays soft even after cooling. Every time I bake these Soft Peanut Butter Cookies, the batch seems to disappear faster than anything else. Each one breaks apart with gentle pressure. Guests comment on how these classics bring back the best holiday memories.
Get the Recipe: Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Cookie Dough Cookie

Bakery-style cookies filled with edible dough are a holiday treat that’s hard to keep on the plate. Offering this Copycat Crumbl Cookie Dough Cookie at a party draws a crowd of curious dessert lovers. Creamy centers invite plenty of second helpings. Most people are eager to find out how the real thing gets so soft and thick.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Cookie Dough Cookie

Candy Cane Cookies

Colorful spirals and crisp edges make this treat an instant favorite for December snacking. These Candy Cane Cookies on your holiday table sparks conversations about festive childhood traditions. Bright peppermint flavors hint at winter wonder. Plates look empty before the party even hits its stride.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Cookies

Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pumpkin paired with chocolate makes a cozy dessert that’s just right for December baking. My tray of these Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies always stands out for its cake-like texture and gentle spices. Warm flavors help create a mood that feels both new and nostalgic. Seconds come naturally as people circle back for more.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Buttery Shortbread Cookies

Simple, crumbly cookies with a golden edge can turn any snack moment into something special. I’ve seen these Buttery Shortbread Cookies get eaten by the handful whenever there’s a holiday spread. Each bite combines soft crunch with a hint of sweetness. It’s hard to tell who enjoys them more, kids or grown-ups.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Shortbread Cookies

S’mores Stuffed Cookies

Melty fillings tucked into cookies offer a campfire twist just when you need winter comfort. These S’mores Stuffed Cookies brightens up the holiday cookie tray. Gooey centers get people talking after just one taste. No one minds sticky fingers when each bite promises memories of fireside fun.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Stuffed Cookies

Creamy Banana Pudding Cookies

Banana flavor finds a new home in a dessert that feels both fresh and familiar. The first time I tried this Creamy Banana Pudding Cookies, the soft center reminded me of favorite Southern treats. Creamy accents make these cookies stand out. Guests often leave asking for the secret behind the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Banana Pudding Cookies

Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies

Hot chocolate lovers will instantly recognize the aroma coming from these warm, chewy cookies. These Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies bring a bit of childhood comfort into every bite during cookie swaps. Pockets of chocolate and a hint of sweetness spark happy chatter. Everyone wonders how you packed so much warmth into one cookie.
Get the Recipe: Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies

Soft Lemon Cookies

Bright citrus wakes up the dessert table on chilly December nights. I serve these Soft Lemon Cookies whenever the crowd craves something different from traditional winter flavors. The pleasant tang sets these cookies apart from the usual suspects. More people want the recipe than I ever expect.
Get the Recipe: Soft Lemon Cookies

Sweet Salted Honey Cookies

Sweet and salty treats give people a reason to reach for one more dessert. These sweet Salted Honey Cookies encourages everyone to compare notes on what makes each bite so appealing. The gentle crunch keeps things interesting. Guests often wonder how a simple cookie can seem so memorable.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Salted Honey Cookies

Warm Spiced Apple Cookies

Apples and cozy spices make cold winter nights a little brighter for everyone gathered in the kitchen. These Warm Spiced Apple Cookies always fills the house with a fragrance you won’t soon forget. Each bite tastes like a tiny holiday pie. Flavor compliments keep pouring in until the last crumb is gone.
Get the Recipe: Warm Spiced Apple Cookies

Thumb Print Cookie

Little wells of jam or filling add both color and fun to dessert platters this time of year. Helping yourself to this Thumb Print Cookie means trying something new with every bite. The playful shape always gets attention from guests. Someone usually asks if there’s a story behind why they look so unique.
Get the Recipe: Thumb Print Cookie

Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gooey centers and crisp edges turn America’s favorite cookie into a December must-have. My batches of these Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies barely have time to cool before they vanish. Chocolate pockets in every bite encourage eating just one more. Classic comfort brings folks back every holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies