49 Christmas Cookie Recipe Ideas For Sweets That Feel Warm and Comforting
Christmas and cookies just go together, especially when you want to bring a little warmth to the table. Here you’ll find 49 cookie ideas with comforting flavors for any winter gathering or festive celebration. Whether it’s sharing with friends or taking some to neighbors, the right cookie always feels generous. It’s those small, sweet touches that make the holidays bright.

Candy Cane Cookies

A tray filled with this Candy Cane Cookies always steals the show at any holiday get-together. Spirals of red and white make everyone smile before they’ve even tasted one. These cookies break easily for sharing between both kids and grown-ups. I love seeing plates go empty before the night ends.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Cookies
Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies

Warm spice drifts through the kitchen as these Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies cool on the rack. Baked shapes hold their charm, waiting to be decorated with colorful icing by whoever stops by. I find friends leaning toward these for both their look and comfort. Each bite feels gentle and familiar, perfect for chilly evenings.
Get the Recipe: Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies
Cannoli Cookies

Lively chatter often starts the moment this Cannoli Cookies dish appears at a cookie swap. Delicate shells and creamy centers offer a twist on old favorites, inviting compliments from every corner. I like placing them among platefuls of classics for a playful change. Few treats disappear as fast or grab as much attention.
Get the Recipe: Cannoli Cookies
Adorable Snowman Cookies

Playful shapes make these Adorable Snowman Cookies the highlight of the dessert table. Bright colors and cheery faces spark giggles while little hands reach for a piece. Decorating these cookies becomes its own party activity during the busy season. I notice folks saving one to show off before taking a bite.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Snowman Cookies
Sweet Salted Honey Cookies

Melt-in-your-mouth comfort takes center stage with this Sweet Salted Honey Cookies batch. Guests gather near the kitchen, led by a scent that feels inviting even before the cookies cool. One bite brings both sweetness and balance, making the cookies too tempting to pass by. Plates empty faster than you’d guess at any winter gathering.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Salted Honey Cookies
Swirled Marshmallow Cookies

Every swirl tells its own story when this Swirled Marshmallow Cookies tray is set out for dessert. Glossy and puffy, these cookies look as fun as they taste. I turn to this recipe when kids and adults both want something whimsical on their plate. An extra batch is always a safe bet.
Get the Recipe: Swirled Marshmallow Cookies
S’mores Stuffed Cookies

Nostalgic campfire dreams come to life with this S’mores Stuffed Cookies treat. Gooey centers bring excitement with each bite, while outer edges stay crisp and golden. People always wonder how all the parts fit together so neatly. I like seeing eyes widen as these disappear at cookie exchanges.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Stuffed Cookies
Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies

Minty aroma floats through the house once this Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies tray cools. Shiny glaze and melting centers win over both holiday visitors and chocolate lovers. I find these never last through the night when served with cozy drinks. Their cool touch makes them special among winter sweets.
Get the Recipe: Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies
Buttery Shortbread Cookies

Holiday classics have great company in this Buttery Shortbread Cookies plate. Each perfect square crumbles gently between your fingers and brings a little cheer to every bite. I rely on these cookies when the mood calls for something simple but timeless. Warm drinks and laughter always pair well with a fresh batch.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Shortbread Cookies
Festive Candy Cane Oreos

Bright stripes and crunchy centers make these Festive Candy Cane Oreos a must for cookie swaps. Party guests are drawn to the eye-catching color and fun design. I notice trays emptying fast as everyone sneaks an extra cookie for later. Both kids and adults enjoy the playful twist on a store favorite.
Get the Recipe: Festive Candy Cane Oreos
Thumb Print Cookie

Colorful jam centers in this Thumb Print Cookie line up neatly on every plate. Folks gather around, trying to guess each flavor before diving in for a taste. I use this recipe when the goal is to load up a dessert platter with different choices. These cookies make people slow down and pick their favorite.
Get the Recipe: Thumb Print Cookie
Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies

Sparkling colors shine across these Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies at any party table. Cookie lovers spot them first, their shimmery shell promising something good inside. I have fun making these in batches for last-minute guests. The cheerful look fits right into any December cookie collection.
Get the Recipe: Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies
Butter Pecan Cookies

Rich, toasty notes stand out every time with this Butter Pecan Cookies recipe. Each bite brings crunch and warmth, perfect for sharing around the fireplace. Guests reach for seconds faster than expected, turning the cookie plate into the night’s main attraction. I add these to every spread for old-fashioned comfort.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cookies
Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes

Sweet faces and playful antlers make these Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes impossible to turn down. Kids and grown-ups love to point out the cute decorations, asking how long you spent making them. I always see big smiles as cupcakes vanish by the handful. Bringing these out instantly lifts the spirit of any winter party.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie

Hearty texture and classic sweetness fill each bite of this Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie. Chewy middles and hints of chocolate comfort anyone escaping the cold. I’ve found that they balance out richer desserts at cookie swaps. A simple tray of these always gets plenty of praise.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie
Soft Marry Me Cookies

Romance sneaks into dessert with this Soft Marry Me Cookies recipe. Tender, luxurious crumbs create a cookie that guests rave about all night. Passing by the plate becomes hard once word gets around. I bake extra since second helpings are basically a sure thing.
Get the Recipe: Soft Marry Me Cookies
Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Quick cookie bars from this Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars pan make busy holidays a bit calmer. Big squares share well with guests looking for more than just tiny bites. I always cut enough for generous serving sizes at parties. Minimal effort earns big reactions from everyone around the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Colorful icing and loving details make these Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies favorites across any age group. Visitors look forward to spotting their favorite shapes and colors before picking a treat. Decorating a tray becomes a cheerful part of the tradition. I love watching plates come back empty.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Deep color and sweet cherry notes make this Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies batch extra tempting. Their luxurious taste feels right at home on any Christmas cookie platter. I use this recipe when I want something just a little fancier. Guests are quick to comment on the pairing of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Chewy Vegan Amaretti Cookies

Light sweetness and a soft middle give these Chewy Vegan Amaretti Cookies broad appeal. Friends with special diets never feel left out thanks to their gentle crunch. I reach for this recipe when I want the dessert table to welcome everyone. Each cookie keeps its texture, even after a long night of snacking.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Vegan Amaretti Cookies
Soft Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Cakes meet cookies in this Soft Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting treat. Thick swirls of frosting add celebration to every single batch. I like stacking these high on serving trays where people can’t miss them. Sweetness and spice capture the coziness of winter desserts.
Get the Recipe: Soft Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies

Stacking up these Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies creates a centerpiece for any dessert table. Colorful layers and playful shapes turn the ordinary into something new. I’m always surprised how quickly the “trees” topple as guests grab their favorites first. These cookies are as fun to arrange as they are to eat.
Get the Recipe: Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies
Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies

Fudge lovers line up once this Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies tray appears. Extra rich centers bring bakery-style comfort right to your home kitchen. I pick this recipe for parties where chocolate always wins. Cookies this big rarely last past the first round of snacks.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies
Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies

Icy blue, red, and green shine across these Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies, making each batch a tiny canvas. Artistic bursts of color turn cookies into showpieces each time. I like using this recipe for pick-your-own decorating fun at group parties. Every cookie is a little surprise, just right for holiday trays.
Get the Recipe: Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies
Fragrant Earl Grey Lemon Cookies

Light citrus and tea notes float from this Fragrant Earl Grey Lemon Cookies batch. Guests do a double take before tasting the mild but distinct flavor. These cookies feel elegant and easygoing at the same time. I find they blend beautifully into both tea times and dessert parties.
Get the Recipe: Fragrant Earl Grey Lemon Cookies
Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies

Allergy-friendly snacking gets easier with this Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies plate. Crunchy edges and soft centers place these right alongside classic favorites. Sharing these always brings relief to guests searching for a safe choice. I keep them ready for events with lots of dietary needs.
Get the Recipe: Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies
Easy Whoopie Pie

Playful sandwich style steals the spotlight in this Easy Whoopie Pie recipe. Fluffy cookies and creamy centers make for bites that suit both kids and adults. I love handing these out at cookie walks since they always vanish. Smiles spread as soon as the first batch lands on the buffet table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Whoopie Pie
Tangy Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies

Zingy and bright, this Tangy Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies batch shakes up the usual cookie routine. Colorful bites bring freshness to winter evenings. I share these whenever the dessert tray needs something lively. Guests always ask where the recipe came from.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies
Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies

Cups of cocoa pair up perfectly with this Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies recipe. Gooey centers and a dusting of sweet bring warmth to every table. Children and adults both grab more than one, eager for another chocolatey bite. These cookies make cold nights a little friendlier.
Get the Recipe: Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies
Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter

Light and soft on the plate, this Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter recipe keeps things simple yet fun. Batches stay fresh for a long time, pleasing both the baker and the snackers. I use this when plans change fast but cookies are still a must. Crowd-pleasing results come through every round.
Get the Recipe: Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter
Adorable Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos

Eye-catching details transform these Adorable Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos into tiny showstoppers. Cheerful faces and chocolate shells win instant praise from both kids and grown-ups. I like rolling these out at big, busy gatherings for smiles all around. Everyone wants to grab a few for their plate.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos
Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Wild green stripes make these Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies a holiday crowd-pleaser. Cookie plates go fast as everyone reaches for this playful nod to a classic tale. I always make extra since these cookies light up every room. Children especially love trading stories over each batch.
Get the Recipe: Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies
Cowboy Cookies

Crunchy oats and bursts of chocolate bring this Cowboy Cookies recipe close to home. Larger pieces mean big snacks, just right for those in need of something hearty. I favor these whenever more filling treats are needed on long party nights. The blend of textures stands out against other sweets.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Cookies
Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Powdery tops and deep chocolate center make these Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies extra photogenic. Friends comment on the perfect “crackle” as soon as they spot them. These cookies hold a spot at every swap I host, spreading cocoa comfort in every bite. The plate always looks festive with their snow-like dusting.
Get the Recipe: Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

Childhood memories sneak back for anyone picking up this Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie. Sweet filling and soft, thick cookies bring homemade nostalgia to the holiday spread. I like surprising guests with a dessert no one expects. They come back for seconds every time.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie
Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cookie plates would feel empty without this Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies pile. Warm and gooey centers trigger crowd-pleasing sighs each time they show up. I find these always go missing first from mixed trays. Classic never fails at any holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ginger Bread House

Holiday traditions come alive with this Ginger Bread House centerpiece. Children and adults gather round, eager to snap off a wall after snapping a few photos. Decorating and sharing this edible house never gets old year after year. Laughter pairs well with every sweet, spiced corner.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Bread House
Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies

Spiced cookies in this Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies recipe stand tall on every dessert tray. Sandwiched layers invite compliments before the first bite is even taken. I always bring these for friends wanting a cookie with a little more crunch. They pair beautifully with warm drinks.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies
Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies

Tokens of love fill the room when this Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies plate is passed around. Pretty edges and a gentle snap make them welcoming at parties or after a big meal. I find these cookies spark stories and laughter with every batch. Festive shapes turn cookies into keepsakes.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies
Soft Strawberry Cookies

Hints of pink stand out with this Soft Strawberry Cookies plate, offering a break from heavier, spicy treats. Soft centers make for easy sharing between adults and kids. These cookies land on snack tables as something unique but still familiar. I notice they go quickly once word spreads.
Get the Recipe: Soft Strawberry Cookies
Spiced Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

Loads of warmth come through with this Spiced Vegan Gingerbread Cookies batch. Snappy edges and a gentle aroma offer all the seasonal comfort without any worry for allergies. Friends are always happy to see these next to more traditional cookies. One tray empties out quickly at every get-together.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies

Dessert comes together fast with this No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies treat. Rich nuttiness stands out, making these a grab-and-go favorite for all ages. I lean on these for moments when oven space is short but everyone wants something sweet. Each bite brings a little warmth to December nights.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies
Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

Swirls of spiced sweetness catch the eye on this Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies plate. Gooey centers and crisp edges put them in league with bakery favorites. I pass these around when classic cinnamon rolls feel too big. Every cookie leaves a memory behind.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies
Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies

Cheerful red hats and fluffy filling bring these Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies to life. Tiny faces get noticed in every photo before they’re eaten. I jump at the chance to add more fun to the cookie table with these. Kids and grown-ups both want an extra bite.
Get the Recipe: Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies
Fun Cookie Monster Cookies

Bright blue colors make these Fun Cookie Monster Cookies jump out on any holiday dessert table. Silly googly eyes make everyone chuckle before biting in. I love making these for big crowds in need of extra cheer. Cookies rarely last long enough for a second round.
Get the Recipe: Fun Cookie Monster Cookies
Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Fork marks and gentle crumbles identify this Soft Peanut Butter Cookies classic. Yummy aroma draws guests to the kitchen long before trays are filled. I bake these for gatherings big and small since the cookies always please. Generous size makes sharing easy, too.
Get the Recipe: Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops

Cookie pops become a centerpiece once this Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops plate lands at the party. Edible antlers and red noses start friendly debates over who gets “the best one.” Children love taking these treats around the room to show off. I watch guests trade cookies before finally settling down to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops
Soft Lemon Cookies

Refreshment arrives in cookie form with this Soft Lemon Cookies batch. Light yellow color suggests something new amidst the richer treats. I often add these to the dessert table to wake up everyone’s palate. Bites melt away with a gentle hint of citrus.
Get the Recipe: Soft Lemon Cookies
Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging

Decorating the house gets sweeter with this Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging creation. Ribbons show off cookies on windows or branches, bringing smiles from everyone who visits. The cookies themselves hold up well for both eating and admiring. I like spreading the fun by letting guests take one home as a memory.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging
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.
