45 Christmas Cookie Recipe Ideas That Bring a Warm, Cheerful Note to the Season

Holiday plans can come together smoothly when you’ve got 45 Christmas cookie recipe ideas ready to go. Having options makes it easier to handle last-minute dessert needs or casual gatherings. Even if things get busy, homemade cookies keep spirits up and kitchens cozy. Simple baking can turn a regular winter night into something more cheerful.

Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies

Holiday cheer grows with every batch of this Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies recipe. The gentle spice floats through the kitchen, creating the coziest kind of welcome for guests and family. I’ve seen cookie tins go from full to empty in minutes whenever I serve these. Memories seem to linger even longer than the warming aroma.
Get the Recipe: Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies

Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies

Winter nights feel instantly better once a plate of these Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies lands on the table. Deep cocoa flavors and a soft texture make each bite perfect for dunking or sharing by the fire. I love the way chocolatey crumbs bring smiles to every gathering. Hot drinks and cookies like these just belong together in December.
Get the Recipe: Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies

Swirled Marshmallow Cookies

Bright, swirling patterns set this Swirled Marshmallow Cookies recipe apart from all the rest during the holidays. Guests love breaking one in half just to see the color inside. I enjoy watching the excitement when people find fluffy marshmallow surprises. These cookies always disappear quickly from any December cookie plate.
Get the Recipe: Swirled Marshmallow Cookies

Cannoli Cookies

Sweetness with a holiday twist shines in this Cannoli Cookies recipe, where a classic dessert gets cookie-sized fun. Each bite brings a little taste of tradition, while a creamy finish leaves people talking. I’ve seen even hesitant snackers go back for extras. Sharing these treats brings happy laughter to any December gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cannoli Cookies

Adorable Snowman Cookies

Big grins are guaranteed when this Adorable Snowman Cookies tray appears, with tiny hats and friendly faces peeking up from the plate. Kids scramble to choose their favorite while adults can’t help but reach for one too. I make these every year just for the smiles they bring. Cookie decorating days feel even merrier with snowmen involved.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Snowman Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies

Chocolate cake fans find their new favorite in this Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies recipe. Every bite packs in fudgy flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. I usually set out two trays, expecting them to vanish fast. Moments like these remind me why baking for the holidays never gets old.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies

Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies

Chilled winter air matches the cool mint in this Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies treat, balancing deep cocoa with a refreshing twist. Friends gather closer, waiting for their share of the peppermint aroma. I always tuck a few aside for myself before the plate is cleared. The bright pairing of mint and chocolate turns into a holiday must-have.
Get the Recipe: Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies

Rich Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Snowy evenings call for rich bites, and this Rich Double Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe delivers a cozy double dose every time. Layers of dark and light chocolate grab the attention of die-hard dessert fans. I like baking extra so they last all through movie night. Together, cookies and wintry evenings blend into happy December memories.
Get the Recipe: Rich Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

S’mores Stuffed Cookies

A holiday cookie plate surprises everyone when this S’mores Stuffed Cookies batch appears. Friends dig in, hoping for that gooey center found at the heart of each bite. I hear excitement bounce around the room at every first taste. Campfire dreams return, but this time, without any of the December cold.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Stuffed Cookies

Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops

Lively shapes and playful decorations bring this Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops recipe to life on the dessert table. These treats never last long since their cute antlers and red noses make them impossible to resist. I see people laugh as they choose a cookie pop for their plate. Each bite brings holiday fun straight to your hand.
Get the Recipe: Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops

Spiced Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

Warm holiday spices meet a soft vegan twist in this Spiced Vegan Gingerbread Cookies recipe, perfect for every winter celebration. This welcoming option often becomes a surprise hit among all the sweets. I’ve found guests of all ages circle back for seconds, even if they normally skip vegan bakes. Baking a batch always feels festive and bright.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies

Red hats and rosy cheeks turn this Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies dessert into a centerpiece everyone wants to try. Stacked cakes with creamy filling make the holidays taste even sweeter. I reach for these whenever laughter and stories start flowing. Sharing cute desserts builds cheerful energy that lasts all evening.
Get the Recipe: Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies

Soft Strawberry Cookies

A burst of berry flavor freshens up December platters with this Soft Strawberry Cookies recipe. Pink colors and pillowy middles get attention in a season full of chocolate and spice. I like sneaking a few aside for morning coffee, knowing how well they pair. These cookies add a playful, fruity side to any winter baking day.
Get the Recipe: Soft Strawberry Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies

Holiday trays brighten up with deep colors from this Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies recipe. White chocolate chips melt into red velvet for a cheerful combination. While serving these, I spot people asking for seconds before dessert is halfway through. Each bite captures a little bit of seasonal joy.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies

Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nothing says winter comfort like biting into this Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies classic. Melty centers and golden edges win over even the pickiest snackers. I notice trays clearing out no matter how many I bake. Cookie crumbs and happy chatter linger around the kitchen until the last one disappears.
Get the Recipe: Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies

Treat tables become extra special with this Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies recipe taking center stage. Bright icing and sprinkles inspire adults and kids to snag their favorite design. I love how quickly these fun “ornaments” grab everyone’s attention. December baking feels a little more magical with them.
Get the Recipe: Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

Childhood flavors grow up for the holidays with this Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie. Layers of nutty and sweet bring back pure snacktime memories. Trays empty faster than expected once people take a bite. I smile every time I see old and young alike enjoying them side by side.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

Soft Marry Me Cookies

Ringing in romance during the holidays, this Soft Marry Me Cookies recipe delights those who want a cookie worthy of a special moment. Gentle sweetness pairs with a cloudlike crumb. I often find someone quietly asking for the recipe after dessert winds down. These cookies create heartwarming stories in every batch.
Get the Recipe: Soft Marry Me Cookies

Cowboy Cookies

Excitement always buzzes around dessert stations with this Cowboy Cookies recipe in the lineup. Loaded with chewy bites, they mix up all sorts of wintry cravings into something unique. After just one, I spot people “just sampling” a few more while chatting. Plates never stay full for long with these hearty treats around.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Cookies

Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Quick and cheerful, this Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars recipe offers a shortcut to December sweetness. Rich, cake-like slices pile up high and vanish in the blink of an eye. Whenever unexpected guests come by, I reach for this no-fail favorite. Sharing still-warm pieces right out of the pan makes the season sweeter.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Soft Vegan Sugar Cookies

Frosted and fluffy, this Soft Vegan Sugar Cookies treat brings inclusive sweetness to any winter tray. These cookies always look great, decorated with holiday colors and shapes. I notice everyone, vegan or not, going back for just one more. Joy feels easy to share when you know nobody has to skip dessert.
Get the Recipe: Soft Vegan Sugar Cookies

Festive Candy Cane Oreos

Icy red swirls and chocolate crunch make this Festive Candy Cane Oreos recipe a peppermint-packed treat for winter fun. Plates show off their colors even before a single bite disappears. I love the way these cookies get compliments for both looks and taste. Sharing these creates an instant burst of December excitement.
Get the Recipe: Festive Candy Cane Oreos

Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Deep, chocolatey aroma drifts from the kitchen as this Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies batch cools off. The snow-dusted look makes these a must for every holiday platter. I find it impossible to stop at one since the crunchy outside hides a tender middle. Rich flavor and winter charm come together in each bite.
Get the Recipe: Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging

Whole rooms light up as this Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging batch is strung up or served on festive trays. Kids and adults both reach for the prettiest shapes to taste or decorate. I enjoy baking double so we have plenty for eating and hanging. Cookies become decorations and snacks all at once.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging

Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter

Gentle and sweet, this Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter recipe wins over those hunting for egg- or dairy-free options. Tender bites make them easy to decorate or stack into little December towers. I see plates empty quickly, proof that flavor never needs fancy ingredients. Baking a batch always feels like a holiday victory.
Get the Recipe: Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter

Fragrant Earl Grey Lemon Cookies

Lively citrus and a whisper of tea set this Fragrant Earl Grey Lemon Cookies recipe apart from more traditional bakes. Cold days grow brighter with each delicate, floral bite. I love sharing these with friends searching for something unexpected. Warm drinks and these cookies pair up to chase away the winter blues.
Get the Recipe: Fragrant Earl Grey Lemon Cookies

Soft Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Warm spice and soft cake blend perfectly in these Soft Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting dessert. A creamy top makes each cookie stand out on the holiday dessert table. I’ve watched guests sneak seconds as they enjoy both the cookie and the frosting. Special bakes like this turn cold days into something sweeter.
Get the Recipe: Soft Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie

Chewy texture and chocolate bits team up in this Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe, making snack time feel wholesome and fun. Friends choose these for a bit more heartiness, especially on chilly afternoons. I enjoy munching on a few with a mug of something warm. Cookie jars never stay full once these show up for winter.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie

Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Holiday movie nights get a whimsical upgrade with this Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies recipe sprinkled across the snack table. Bright green centers and powdered sugar stripes add a playful pop. I notice kids giggling over which cookie is their favorite shade. Bringing out these cookies turns every bite into a bit of December glee.
Get the Recipe: Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies

All eyes land on the bright shapes in this Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies batch, where every design tells a new winter story. Frosting, colors, and sprinkles bring personalities to life. I love watching people trade and compare designs before eating their favorites. Seasonal spirit glows from each pretty cookie.
Get the Recipe: Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies

Adorable Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos

Cookie plates shine a little brighter after adding this Adorable Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos recipe. Red and black designs catch attention at first sight, then add crunch to every dessert spread. I enjoy making them just for the fun reactions they inspire. Christmas gatherings gain a little extra color with these on the table.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos

Ginger Bread House

There is magic in building a Ginger Bread House, decorating sweet walls and snowy rooftops with candies and icing. It becomes both centerpiece and sweet treat, filling the room with laughter and creativity. I always cherish the little moments that happen while making one. Christmas gets a boost in wonder every time we bake and build.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Bread House

Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies

Little tokens of affection appear in this Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies recipe, the perfect way to show love through baking. Decorated hearts make holiday snack plates extra welcoming. I hand these out to friends as edible holiday cards. Warm treats like this help everyone feel closer on frosty December days.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies

Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Holiday dessert tables shine with the addition of this Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies batch, where fruit and cocoa blend beautifully. Each cookie offers something unexpected, mixing chocolate depth with bright cherry bites. I make these when a gathering calls for something a bit more special. Smiles follow wherever they are served.
Get the Recipe: Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Sweet Salted Honey Cookies

Sweet and salty flavors play together in this Sweet Salted Honey Cookies recipe, topping off winter dessert tables with something unique. Light crunch and golden color make them stand out among the chocolate and spice classics. I appreciate the balance with every bite. Friends always ask what makes them so tempting.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Salted Honey Cookies

Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies

Snappy and aromatic, this Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies recipe wins applause from those who want something a little different in December. Creamy centers find the perfect match in their crisp cookies halves. I look forward to pairing these with coffee on cold afternoons. Novelty turns into comfort with every batch.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies

Easy Whoopie Pie

Speed meets fun in this Easy Whoopie Pie recipe, perfect for last-minute parties or after-school treats. Soft cakes sandwich creamy filling for classic dessert joy. I keep this recipe close when schedules are busy but the craving for holiday sweetness strikes. Faster to make means more time for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Easy Whoopie Pie

Butter Pecan Cookies

Holiday traditions taste just right in this Butter Pecan Cookies recipe, rich with toasty notes and buttery crumb. Each cookie is a little bite of comfort during winter gatherings. I bake double because the plates never last long at parties. Aromas from these cookies turn any house into the coziest Christmas corner.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cookies

No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies

Whenever the oven is full, this No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies recipe saves the day with sticky sweet comfort and hearty crunch. Busy December days benefit from an easy snack option. I like piling these up on a cookie platter for last-minute guests. No fuss, all flavor—plus, they please both nut and maple lovers.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies

Fun Cookie Monster Cookies

Childhood delight returns as bright blue Fun Cookie Monster Cookies peer up from the dessert tray. Giant eyes and goofy expressions invite everyone to join in the fun. I make these just to spark extra giggles and stories at every gathering. Cookie decorating traditions feel even better when filled with laughter.
Get the Recipe: Fun Cookie Monster Cookies

Buttery Shortbread Cookies

Classic comfort wins every time with a batch of these Buttery Shortbread Cookies for December. Friable and soft, each bite crumbles gently between your fingers. I smile whenever these cookies disappear so quickly from plates. Warm memories come alive through the simplest ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Shortbread Cookies

Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cookie plates with this Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies option are friendly for everyone at the holidays. Rich chocolate flavor and a chewy bite make these a universal favorite year after year. I notice folks hesitate, then reach for one “just to try”—then reach for a second. Baking inclusively brings everyone together.
Get the Recipe: Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies

Spirals of red and white twist together in this Candy Cane Cookies recipe, making dessert platters merry and bright. The playful shape and lightly sweet flavor win compliments before anyone even takes a bite. I always bake extra so everyone can have their own. Getting in the holiday spirit never tasted so cheerful.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Cookies

Soft Lemon Cookies

One bite of tart sunshine sneaks into December thanks to this Soft Lemon Cookies recipe, bringing something bright to winter spreads. Gentle flavor and pale yellow color look beautiful alongside rich chocolate bakes. I reach for these any time baking needs a lift. They keep dessert time feeling light all season long.
Get the Recipe: Soft Lemon Cookies

Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies

Colors and creativity climb to new heights with this Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies treat, ideal for Christmas centerpiece displays. Excited children claim the tallest or shiniest tree right away. I join in the fun, building extra for both eating and admiring. Decorating holiday cookies together makes spirits bright in every way.
Get the Recipe: Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies