41 Christmas Cookie Recipes Bringing Holiday Spirit in Every Bite

Whisking up all the warmth Christmas brings, these 41 cookie recipes add a bit of holiday magic whenever I decide to bake one. I look forward to mixing familiar favorites with new ideas, knowing each batch creates its own memories. Frosted, spiced, or filled with surprises, every option brings something special to the season. They always make gatherings sweeter in their own way.

Several gingerbread cookies shaped like people, decorated with white icing and small colorful candies, are perfectly arranged on a piece of parchment paper. — Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Candy Cane Cookies

Twisted shapes turn Candy Cane Cookies into instant favorites for both adults and kids. I stack them in display jars, and their cheerful stripes always start conversations. Biting into one means tasting the holidays; the peppermint scent fills the air and suddenly everything feels more festive around the house.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Cookies

Adorable Snowman Cookies

Christmas cookies with cherries and icing on a baking sheet. — Adorable Snowman Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Smiling faces bring out laughter when Adorable Snowman Cookies line up on the dessert tray. Decorating them feels as fun as eating them, and I notice guests enjoying every bite followed by a quick snap for social media. They always add the right playful spirit to the celebration.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Snowman Cookies

Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

A close-up of several chocolate chip cookies on parchment paper, with one cookie broken in half to show the chocolate chips inside. — Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Fall flavors roll right into winter celebrations thanks to Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. Their pillowy texture and chocolate morsels make them hard to resist at any party. I bake a few extra for the morning after Christmas; people ask if I’ll share the recipe before leaving.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Swirled Marshmallow Cookies

Close-up of a marshmallow swirl cookie with a bite taken out, revealing its gooey interior and white filling. Other cookies are partially visible in the background. — Swirled Marshmallow Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Billows of marshmallow cream swirl through Swirled Marshmallow Cookies, giving each piece a unique pattern. I find that kids gravitate toward these for their sweetness and airy feel, but adults come back for seconds once they realize how fluffy they taste. Cookie plates always look instantly brighter.
Get the Recipe: Swirled Marshmallow Cookies

Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes

Rudolph cupcakes featuring swirled frosting, candy eyes, a red candy nose, and pretzel antlers mimic the playful charm of a reindeer. — Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Red noses and chocolate antlers make Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes stand out at every holiday event. Setting them on the table sparks stories about favorite Christmas traditions. I see smiles when guests choose their favorite face; these cupcakes always feel like a celebration before the first bite.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes

Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies

Close-up of Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies with green frosting and chocolate drizzle on top. — Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Mint meets chocolate in Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies, which bring a cool twist to holiday spreads. The rich aroma sets the tone for winter snacking. Whenever I mention these cookies to friends, they recall childhood moments; one taste, and it feels like Christmas instantly.
Get the Recipe: Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies

Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies

A close-up of Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies, elegantly coated in white chocolate and adorned with colorful candy lights, red sprinkles, and chocolate pieces on top. — Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bright colors cover Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies, turning familiar flavors into holiday showpieces. I arrange them on edible garlands for dessert tables, and someone always asks how to make them look so festive. Their nostalgic taste pulls people back for just one more cookie.
Get the Recipe: Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies

Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Green cookies topped with powdered sugar and red, green, and white candy shapes resembling trees and candy canes. — Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Vivid green dough creates Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies that everyone recognizes right away. I watch children point, laugh, and ask for these every Christmas. The crackled top and soft center make them a favorite, reminding me why fun colors matter as much as flavors during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Enjoy our chocolate cherry cookies, each topped with a swirl of rich chocolate frosting and a vibrant red cherry. — Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Deep red morsels stud Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies, adding fruity brightness to decadent chocolate. Friends often rave about the eye-catching appearance before the first bite. These cookies always make December tables feel more special thanks to their bold colors and rich textures.
Get the Recipe: Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Tangy Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies

Close up image of lemon blueberry muffin cookies on a wooden board. — Tangy Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bright citrus notes balance sweetness in Tangy Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies, refreshing holiday dessert trays. Guests seem pleasantly surprised at how these stand out from richer treats. I bake them throughout winter, not just at Christmas, since the light texture and fruit flavor appeal all season long.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies

Ginger Bread House

Baking Ginger Bread House designs means bringing creativity to your holiday. I invite guests to help decorate with icing and candy, then marvel at the final structure before snacking on the pieces. The spicy aroma and hands-on fun set the tone for togetherness during the coldest days.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Bread House

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie

Comfort never goes out of fashion with Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie varieties placed on holiday tables. Their chewy bite and classic flavor make them reliable favorites every season. Sharing them feels like passing down tradition, and I notice people always pocket a few for later.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie

Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans

Close-up of freshly baked cookies with nuts on top, arranged closely together. — Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Orange hues and crunchy bites greet anyone who tries Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans at a winter party. The extra texture brings a smile, while pumpkin flavor warms up frosty evenings. These cookies become holiday conversation starters, with guests coming back for another each time I refill the plate.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans

Buttery Shortbread Cookies

Close-up view of a pile of Shortbread Cookies with visible small holes on the surface. — Buttery Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Crumbly and tender, Buttery Shortbread Cookies deliver simple pleasure in every piece. Pale golden rounds offer comfort on busy baking days. I set out extra for dipping in warm drinks as friends gather for snowy afternoons and board games. They’re my go-to when simplicity is what the season calls for.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Shortbread Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

Swirls of cinnamon add a visual and aromatic punch to Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies. I notice guests drawn to the bakery-style appearance, often returning to comment on the nostalgic flavors. These cookies give the comfort of home baking with a little extra flair.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Close-up of three stacked blondies with chocolate chips, resembling cake mix chocolate chip cookie bars, one of which has a bite taken out of it. — Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Large crowds line up for Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars that slice clean for serving. Bar style means less fuss on busy holiday schedules. I notice kids reach for these first since each piece is loaded with chips. Cookies in bar form always draw compliments for their soft, chewy feel.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

Close-up of spiral cookies with red jam filling on parchment paper, reminiscent of Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies, one partially eaten and surrounded by crumbs. — Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

PB&J nostalgia returns in Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie, bringing playful flavor to holiday tables. Surprises happen with every bite as guests realize this classic has a new spin. Sharing these cookies sparks lots of talk about favorite childhood snacks over mugs of cocoa.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

Soft Marry Me Cookies

A stack of four chocolate chip cookies, with the top cookie partly broken, next to a metal container and a ceramic bowl on a light surface. — Soft Marry Me Cookies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

People ask for the story behind Soft Marry Me Cookies before tasting what makes them special. These cookies stand out because every bite feels pillowy and decadent. Placing them on dessert trays always sparks curiosity about their name, then smiles once people experience the flavor.
Get the Recipe: Soft Marry Me Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies

Close-up of a frosted cookie with a bite taken out, sprinkled with cinnamon, on a parchment surface. — Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bakery-style layers meet spiced autumn sweetness in Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies. The chewy texture sticks in people’s memory, leading to recipe requests months after the holidays. I find these cookies bridge the gap between fall and winter; the flavors work for every holiday party.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies

Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies

Heart-shaped cookies partially dipped in red icing, decorated with pink, white, and silver sprinkles, including stars and hearts, scattered on a white surface. — Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Holiday love takes shape with Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies, brightening up cookie boxes and dessert displays. Decorating them feels festive, letting everyone join the fun. I hand these out as edible gifts since their classic look and gentle flavor work for any winter celebration.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies

Soft Strawberry Cookies

Stacks of strawberry cookies, one with a bite taken out, are arranged next to a glass of milk and whole strawberries. — Soft Strawberry Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Pink crinkle tops make Soft Strawberry Cookies look fit for brighter days even as snow falls outside. The aroma hints at berries and sweetness, refreshing traditional Christmas trays. People tend to choose these for a lighter option, excited to bite into something unexpected during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Soft Strawberry Cookies

Thumb Print Cookie

Linzer-inspired circles filled with color bring Thumb Print Cookie favorites to new heights. Watching guests pick out their favorite jam centers adds joy to dessert time. I serve these cookies for their nostalgic appearance; they look festive at every party and taste even better.
Get the Recipe: Thumb Print Cookie

Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

A hand holding a chocolate chip cookie on a cooling rack. — Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Always in demand, Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies deliver classic comfort when guests arrive after long winter drives. Guests seem driven by memories to grab one, then ask for another before even leaving. No holiday cookie box ever feels finished until these take their place.
Get the Recipe: Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies

Three Santa Claus whoopie pies on a baking sheet. — Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Festive shapes meet creamy centers in Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies. The whimsical decorations turn snack time into celebration each December. I make extra for gifting since people mention these pies weeks after seeing them; good stories start with fun desserts like these.
Get the Recipe: Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies

Soft Lemon Cookies

A stack of lemon cookies on a cooling rack. — Soft Lemon Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Light and refreshing, Soft Lemon Cookies help balance heavier holiday treats. Friends often mention enjoying the brightness these cookies offer. Their sunny flavor and delicate crumb return every year to my kitchen, making them a seasonal staple nobody tires of during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Soft Lemon Cookies

Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

A close-up image shows a stack of four chocolate crinkle cookies covered in powdered sugar, revealing their cracked texture. — Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

White powdered cracks on velvet brown make Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies a visual standout. I watch how quickly these get passed around between sips of cocoa. The rich chocolate flavor paired with a tender bite reminds everyone why cookies look and taste festive at Christmas.
Get the Recipe: Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter

Three sugar cookies stacked on top of each other. — Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Shortbread-like texture sets Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter apart, letting you enjoy a melt-in-your-mouth feeling without extra richness. People delight in decorating these cookies with icing and sprinkles, ensuring cookie trays offer both flavor and hands-on fun every year.
Get the Recipe: Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter

Easy Whoopie Pie

Chocolate whoopie pies with cream and powdered sugar. — Easy Whoopie Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Soft rounds sandwich creamy filling in Easy Whoopie Pie, and guests always ask how something so nostalgic can taste so light. Sharing these pies feels joyful as laughter and stories bubble up around the dessert table. They always work for events from gift swaps to big family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Easy Whoopie Pie

No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies

Quick treats like No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies save time while still wowing crowds. Maple aroma fills the room as platters get passed around, making these cookies the right answer for last-minute holiday parties. Guests always try to sneak one more before heading out.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies

Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Christmas tree shaped cookies on a baking sheet. — Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Colorful sprinkles and iconic shapes turn Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies into an art project for everyone. Placing them at the center of the table sparks smiles and holiday stories. The gentle sweetness and fun design bring a playful touch to all seasonal dessert spreads.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops

Reindeer cookie pops in a cup. — Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Lollipop sticks bring fun to Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops, and I watch kids’s eyes light up while picking their favorite face. These treats double as party favors, fitting right into stockings or take-home bags. People always ask if there are extras to take home.
Get the Recipe: Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops

Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies

A group of cookies decorated with icing and snowflakes. — Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Hand-piped edges and bright details level up Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies; I see guests admiring them before trying a bite. These cookies always get enjoyed slowly, giving everyone time to appreciate the designs and flavors. Decorating them with friends feels as rewarding as sharing the finished batch.
Get the Recipe: Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies

Rich Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

A stack of chocolate cookies with a bottle of milk in the background on a white surface. — Rich Double Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Deep chocolate taste defines Rich Double Chocolate Chip Cookies, making them favorites among dessert lovers. I watch how quickly they go, greeted by excited comments. Their bold flavor ensures cookie boxes satisfy every chocolate craving at winter parties; no second guesses about their popularity.
Get the Recipe: Rich Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chewy Vegan Amaretti Cookies

A white cup of coffee on a saucer sits next to several powdered sugar cookies on a pink cloth, with one cookie partially eaten. — Chewy Vegan Amaretti Cookies. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Almond aroma fills the kitchen as Chewy Vegan Amaretti Cookies come out warm. Friends looking for dairy-free choices appreciate these, insisting they taste just as festive. I include them in tins for gifting and often find holiday boxes empty before Christmas arrives.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Vegan Amaretti Cookies

Fun Cookie Monster Cookies

Close-up of a stack of vibrant blue Cookie Monster cookies with Oreo centers and chocolate chips. The cookies are cracked open, revealing the Oreo cookies inside. — Fun Cookie Monster Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Blue frosting, googly eyes, and oversized cookies bring out childlike joy for everyone in Fun Cookie Monster Cookies. Placing these at the dessert table makes people smile and reach for their phones. Kids talk about these cookies long after the party is over.
Get the Recipe: Fun Cookie Monster Cookies

Spiced Pumpkin Roll Cookies

Close-up of a stack of swirled cookies with a light and dark pattern, showcasing a golden brown color. — Spiced Pumpkin Roll Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Pumpkin rolls transform into festive bites with Spiced Pumpkin Roll Cookies, bringing season-spanning flavor to winter trays. I hear people ask for these to take home, remembering the familiar spice. Their soft texture fits perfectly beside classic sugar cookies on every plate.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pumpkin Roll Cookies

Soft Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

A stack of Carrot Cake Ice Cream Cookies on a piece of paper. — Soft Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Cream cheese tops create a plush finish for Soft Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, highlighting winter spice. People enjoy these cookies, saying they remind them of traditional cake but with the ease of hand-held treats. Dessert buffets always feel more complete with them.
Get the Recipe: Soft Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies

Three peanut butter sandwich cookies are stacked, with the top cookie showing a large bite taken out. Crumbs and cookie pieces are scattered on a parchment-lined surface. — Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cookie butter fans rejoice when Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies appear, filled and stacked for easy sharing. The snappy bite and sweet filling work for winter afternoons and midnight snacks alike. These cookies get requested often, earning their spot in my go-to list for December.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies

Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Close-up of a classic peanut butter cookie with the iconic crisscross pattern on top, nestled among a delightful batch of similar peanut butter cookies. — Soft Peanut Butter Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fork-marked shapes on Soft Peanut Butter Cookies signal a classic people never outgrow. The mild flavor fits between bold holiday snacks, making it popular with all ages. I find the cookies vanish quickly from trays, especially paired with cold milk after caroling.
Get the Recipe: Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies

Deep red color and creamy white chips give Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies striking contrast. I always hear compliments about how beautiful and flavorful these look and taste—people ask for the recipe before leaving any holiday party where I serve them.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies

Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies

Familiar seasonal aroma wafts through the air when making Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies for Christmas. The soft texture and bold spice combine for memorable bites. Decorating these cookies with friends is as much a holiday tradition as sharing them; I always make extra so the festivities last longer.
Get the Recipe: Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies