41 Christmas Cookies Perfect for Holiday Parties and Cookie Swaps

Nothing kicks off the holiday spirit quite like sorting through 41 different Christmas cookies for your next event. Friends and coworkers love seeing what shows up at swaps or dessert tables. Baking up a batch can help set the mood before guests even arrive. Even a regular weeknight feels special when there’s a plate of cookies around.

Close-up of several stacks of thumbprint cookies filled with red jam, with one cookie in the foreground showing a bite taken out. — Thumb Print Cookie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies

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.

Warm baking spices fill the air with this Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies recipe, making kitchens feel instantly festive. People gather just to guess which flavors pop out first. I bake gingerbread when the season calls for cozy treats. Bites stay soft and cheerful, perfect for decorating or dunking in cocoa.
Get the Recipe: Soft Spiced Gingerbread 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.

Bright swirls capture attention as soon as this Swirled Marshmallow Cookies plate hits the buffet. Comments about their playful look seem to follow every tray. I enjoy making marshmallow cookies because each batch stays soft for days. Their colors always fit in with cheerful holiday spreads.
Get the Recipe: Swirled Marshmallow Cookies

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie

Chewy oatmeal and gooey chips make this Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie stand out on a holiday tray. Friends talk about how the texture brings back winter memories. I turn to these cookies when cozy comfort is the mood. With a batch ready, there is always something sweet to share by the fire.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie

Adorable Snowman Cookies

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

Little faces and scarves make this Adorable Snowman Cookies recipe a hit at any holiday party. The fun shapes never fail to spark conversations and a little laughter. I reach for these cookies during cookie swaps for extra cuteness. Every plate helps bring out smiles from kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Snowman Cookies

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.

Cool mint and smooth chocolate give this Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies batch a fresh twist on classic winter desserts. Guests love that each bite balances richness with just enough chill. I serve these cookies as a break from spiced flavors. The cool finish makes them a star among Christmas treats.
Get the Recipe: Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies

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.

Sweet jam and creamy nut butter meet inside this Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie, taking cookie lovers by surprise. Plates usually empty way before the end of the night. I bake these cookies for moments that need childhood nostalgia. Every crumb brings you back to simpler times and warm kitchens.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

Soft Lemon Cookies

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

Tart, bright flavor makes this Soft Lemon Cookies recipe fun for cookie swaps and winter brunches alike. The sunshine color brings a little lift to any cold afternoon. I whip up lemon cookies for holiday trays needing variety. Each bite wakes up the taste with a burst of citrus.
Get the Recipe: Soft Lemon 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.

Fudgy and packed with chips, these Rich Double Chocolate Chip Cookies quickly become the main event on any dessert table. Kids and adults search for seconds as soon as the tray is passed. I bake double chocolate cookies for serious chocolate cravings. Even a small batch fills the kitchen with a deep, cozy aroma.
Get the Recipe: Rich Double 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.

Bright red layers and creamy filling give this Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies dessert a whimsical holiday spirit. People gather fast when Santa faces make their debut. I like serving whoopie pies at parties because the individual size makes sharing simple. Each bite mixes fun shapes with classic cake flavor.
Get the Recipe: Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies

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.

Soft bars with gooey centers turn this Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars recipe into a holiday must-have. Guests come back for seconds without even thinking. I make cookie bars when time is short but dessert must stand out. They cut easily for swapping and stacking on plates.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies

Striking color and creamy chips help Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies catch eyes at any swap. Questions fly as soon as the first cookie disappears. I love sharing red velvet cookies because everyone wonders how they get so soft. The dramatic contrast makes your holiday spread shine.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip 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.

Powdered sugar cracks reveal rich chocolate in this Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies favorite. Each batch looks like winter snow dusted every treat. I rely on chocolate crinkle cookies to add a nostalgic feel to the dessert table. Soft middles keep people talking about this classic long after the party ends.
Get the Recipe: Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Cowboy Cookies

Two chocolate chip cookies with nuts stacked on top of each other in close-up view. — Cowboy Cookies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Crisp edges and hearty chunks ensure this Cowboy Cookies recipe fills up festive plates and hungry hands. The mix of flavors gets everyone reaching for another. I bake cowboy cookies for big cookie exchanges where variety matters most. Each bite includes a little bit of everything in just the right way.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy 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.

Melt-in-your-mouth comfort sits at the center of this Soft Peanut Butter Cookies tray. The rich aroma invites snackers to circle the table. I like making these cookies for swaps because peanut butter never goes out of style. Everyone ends up asking for just one more and maybe the recipe, too.
Get the Recipe: Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

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

Bright green frosting and playful shapes turn this Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies batch into a gentle holiday surprise. Children and grown-ups love decorating them together. I find these sugar cookies perfect for group activities. A sprinkle of colorful decorations adds to the fun at every celebration.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Tree Sugar 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.

Warm spices and sweet caramel draw people in to this Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies dessert. Everyone loves the hint of pumpkin peeking through each bite. I serve these cookies for groups that want something a little different. They stay soft for days and work well as an afternoon treat or swap center.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies

Butter Pecan Cookies

Close-up of several pecan cookies on a white surface, with pecan halves on top and crumbs scattered around. — Butter Pecan Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crisp edges and buttery layers make this Butter Pecan Cookies recipe a classic for festive gatherings. The nutty aroma stands out as soon as they hit the dessert table. I serve pecan cookies when I want to bring comfort with a little crunch. Every cookie snaps easily, perfect for swapping or holiday gifts.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cookies

Easy Whoopie Pie

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

Fluffy cakes with a creamy filling help this Easy Whoopie Pie stand out at cookie parties and winter swaps. Friends ask about the recipe after tasting the softness. I bake whoopie pies for events needing grab-and-go sweets. Sharing is simple, and the flavors work as a break from spiced or nut-filled cookies.
Get the Recipe: Easy Whoopie Pie

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.

Sweet carrots and spiced cake flavors meet creamy topping in this Soft Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe. Cookie trays look brighter with these orange-tinted treats. I make carrot cake cookies for holiday events where guests love classic cakes but want cookies. Soft, tangy frosting finishes every bite.
Get the Recipe: Soft Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

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.

Dark cocoa and sweet cherry bits create a winter twist on this Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies dessert. Guests notice the deep color even before tasting. I bake these cookies for gift bags and party trays. Each piece feels like a surprise among more traditional holiday cookies.
Get the Recipe: Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies

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.

Light texture and subtle crunch help these Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans disappear fast from party tables. Comments come in about the pumpkin’s cozy flavor and nutty finish. I whip up pumpkin cookies for the weeks leading up to Christmas. Every handful brings a little warmth to wintry celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans

No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies

Sweet syrup and a chewy bite keep this No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies recipe in rotation during busy holidays. Friends are impressed these cookies never see the oven. I like no-bake cookies as an answer to last-minute dessert swaps. A hit of maple makes each piece feel extra special and seasonal.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies

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.

Warm, melty chips and a gentle center give this Soft Marry Me Cookies treat a legendary spot at the dessert exchange. People talk about what makes these cookies so memorable. I hand out marry me cookies to spread a little holiday cheer. Friends have yet to leave a single one behind on the platter.
Get the Recipe: Soft Marry Me 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 and chocolate shells make these Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies the talk of any holiday party. Smiles break out at the first bite. I enjoy bringing ornament cookies to cookie swaps where presentation matters just as much as taste. Every batch helps dress up the dessert table for guests of all ages.
Get the Recipe: Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies

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.

Big, soft centers and classic chip flavor keep this Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe high on everyone’s dessert wish list. The crowd pleaser never lasts long on a cookie plate. I always bake a double batch to make sure no one misses out. Peeking under the lid, you’ll never find one left uneaten.
Get the Recipe: Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops

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

Red noses and cheerful antlers top this Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops dessert, catching the eyes of every party guest. Kids and adults both reach for these easy-to-hold treats. I put cookie pops on trays to make dessert fun and easy. Their playful look draws attention away from even the fanciest cakes or pies.
Get the Recipe: Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops

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.

Pretty pink color and gentle flavor make these Soft Strawberry Cookies brighten up any winter cookie exchange. Conversation grows each time someone lifts a cookie from the platter. I love sharing strawberry cookies to offer a sweet break from chocolate. Even those who rarely try fruity desserts return for more.
Get the Recipe: Soft Strawberry Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies

Red and white twists shape this Candy Cane Cookies recipe, which instantly makes any cookie platter stand out. Friends and guests love the peppermint flavor. I bake candy cane cookies for swaps and holiday gifts. They look fancy, but every batch is surprisingly easy for new bakers.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane 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.

Simple ingredients help this Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter recipe shine in an inclusive dessert spread. The soft texture makes every bite extra cozy. I bake sugar cookies like these for winter swaps where everyone needs a bite. Their subtle flavor pairs well with coffee and hot chocolate.
Get the Recipe: Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter

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 flavor and soft texture combine for a sweet finish in this Chewy Vegan Amaretti Cookies recipe. People new to vegan baking are always surprised by the chewy bite. I enjoy making amaretti cookies for friends with special diets. Even cookie skeptics find themselves asking for the recipe after trying one.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Vegan Amaretti Cookies

Cannoli Cookies

A plate of cookies topped with chopped pistachios, drizzled with chocolate, and dusted with powdered sugar. — Cannoli Cookies. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Crispy edges and creamy notes mean this Cannoli Cookies dessert brings Italian bakery vibes to any holiday celebration. Guests comment on the fun twist. I serve cannoli cookies to freshen up the winter cookie plate. The flavor offers something new for those tired of the usual swaps.
Get the Recipe: Cannoli 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.

Swirling layers and spicy aroma fill the kitchen with this Spiced Pumpkin Roll Cookies recipe, making it a cookie tray favorite. Friends reach for one to indulge that classic fall flavor. I bake pumpkin roll cookies to carry autumn through the holidays. The gentle spice fits nicely next to chocolate and nut cookies.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pumpkin Roll Cookies

Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies

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

Bright icing and unique designs mark this Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies batch as a must at parties and swaps. People gather to admire the artistry as much as the sweetness. I love making sugar cookies since decorating turns into a fun event. The variety ensures everyone finds a design or flavor they love.
Get the Recipe: Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

Cinnamon and creamy drizzle combine in this Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies treat, catching attention fast. Cookie lovers talk about the swirl before the first bite. I use cinnamon swirl cookies for festive trays that need a standout. The warm spice matches perfectly with cold winter nights and mugs of cocoa.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

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.

Brown sugar and crisp bites define this Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies favorite on cookie swap tables. The fun flavor adds an extra reason for people to reach for more. I make Biscoff sandwich cookies to wow friends with something new. The crunch makes the perfect contrast to all the other buttery treats around.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich 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.

Pillowy texture and chocolate pockets make this Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe a go-to all season. Friends enjoy the mild spice and gooey chips together. I bake pumpkin chocolate chip cookies to offer something with a little twist. Each tray vanishes surprisingly fast at swaps and classroom parties.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ginger Bread House

Candy roofs and cookie walls create laughter and fun with this Ginger Bread House recipe. The activity brings holiday spirit alive for both kids and grown-ups. I put gingerbread houses on dessert tables for extra drama. It always leaves everyone talking, long after the last gumdrop is tasted.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Bread House

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.

Golden, crisp layers create an instant classic with this Buttery Shortbread Cookies recipe. Plates empty quickly as the soft, buttery notes win people over. I enjoy making shortbread to go with hot tea or coffee. Its simplicity fits into any holiday swap or dessert tray with ease.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Shortbread 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.

Bright blue frosting and candy eyes turn this Fun Cookie Monster Cookies treat into the star of any swap. Laughter starts before anyone even takes a bite. I use Cookie Monster cookies to lighten up dessert tables at classroom parties. Kids forget about the rest once they spot these cheerful faces.
Get the Recipe: Fun Cookie Monster 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.

Green crinkles and a dusting of sugar make this Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies batch unforgettable on a swap table. The look sparks friendly competition over the best-decorated treat. I bake Grinch cookies to bring some humor to cookie plates. With every batch, people end up swapping decorating ideas for next year.
Get the Recipe: Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Thumb Print Cookie

Small wells of jam brighten this Thumb Print Cookie without stealing the spotlight from other shapes and colors. Trays fill up with the simple design, but go empty just as fast. I turn to thumbprints for cozy swap gatherings. The sweet center adds fun to every bite, making it a traditional favorite at Christmastime.
Get the Recipe: Thumb Print Cookie