The Best Christmas Cookie Recipes: Sugar Cookies, Peppermint Swirl Cookies and More (2024)

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It's the time of year to spread some Christmas cheer with cookies that are fit for all your holiday gatherings. And let's be honest, the house always smells better when there are cookies baking in the oven. Whether you prefer simple sugar cookie recipes, gingerbread men or peppermint truffles, we have the whole list of what to bake this holiday season.

Courtesy of Pillsbury

Not that eating cookies for breakfast is everyone's preference, but if you usually eat cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning, these easy Nutella cookie roll-ups aren't a big leap.

For the Easy Nutella Cookie Roll-Ups recipe, click here.

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The holiday season can be busy, busy, busy. If you're saving time by opting for simple weeknight dinners, then these spritz cookies will be a perfect and quick sweet treat.

For the Spritz Cookies recipe, click here.

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When you don't want to show up empty-handed to a holiday party, and you don't know what to bring, these easy anise cookies only have a nine-minute bake time and require just two ingredients.

For the Easy Anise Cookies recipe, click here.

Courtesy of Mccormick

If you haven't heard of pfeffernüsse cookies, then it's time to try this recipe. Not only are they one of the most iconic desserts in the U.S., but they also happen to be perfect for the holidays.

For the Pfeffernüsse German Cookies recipe, click here.

Courtesy of Mccormick

During the holidays, eating out can get to be overwhelming. Try making dinner at home feel like a restaurant and make these decadent chocolate raspberry cookie truffles as your dessert.

For the Easy Chocolate Raspberry Cookie Truffles recipe, click here.

Courtesy of Mccormick

There are so many vintage recipes that need to make a comeback, and these molasses spice cookies should be high on the list. They require simple, staple ingredients and can be baked in minutes.

For the Molasses Spice Cookies recipe, click here.

Courtesy of Pillsbury

If you stock up on groceries that have long shelf lives, then these double-delight peanut butter cookies will be great for a quick sweet treat. The best part is that half of this recipe calls for pre-made dough you can get at the grocery store.

For the Double-Delight Peanut Butter Cookies recipe, click here.

Courtesy ofKrusteaz

If you want to bake with the kids but you don't want to get invested in the whole mess of decorating cookies, these chocolate marble cookies are perfect. These cookies look fun, but there won't be seven shades of icing all over your kitchen table, floor and chairs.

For the Chocolate Marble Cookies recipe, click here.

Courtesy ofKrusteaz

Snickerdoodles are a popular dessert for kids, but that doesn't mean people of all ages can't enjoy them. Add a twist to the classic holiday recipe with this chocolate variation.

For the Chocolate Snickerdoodles recipe, click here.

Courtesy ofKrusteaz

Cinnamon rolls dripping with icing are a staple American breakfast on Christmas. For dessert that tastes just as good as breakfast, try these cinnamon roll cookies.

For the Cinnamon Roll Cookies recipe, click here.

Courtesy ofKrusteaz

How many times do we joke that if the cookies are small enough, you can have more to make up for the tiny serving size? These almond cookie cups are tiny, adorable and will definitely have you reaching back to the dessert tray for more.

For the Easy Almond Cookie Cups recipe, click here.

Courtesy ofKrusteaz

Pumpkin spice everything might be all the rage in the fall, but when it comes to wintertime, chai is a flavor that will warm you up from the inside — especially if you enjoy the cookies when they're right out of the oven.

For the White Chocolate Chai Snickerdoodle Cookies recipe, click here.

Courtesy ofDomino Sugar

Dessert shops across the U.S. fill their shelves with seasonal favorites like cranberry and nut candies and cookies. If you'd rather make your own dessert worthy of being in a confectionary, try these cranberry nut cookies.

For the 1001 Cranberry Nut Cookies recipe, click here.

Courtesy ofDomino Sugar

Getting the perfect pinwheel might make it seem like this dessert is difficult to make, but in reality, it's easier than ever. Hint: all you do is put one sheet of dough on top of the other and roll it up like a sleeping bag.

For the Pinwheel Cookies recipe, click here.

Courtesy ofDomino Sugar

During the cold months of winter, sometimes it's best to curl up with a warm cup of coffee and some simple shortbread cookies.

For the Shortbread Cookies recipe, click here.

Courtesy ofDomino Sugar

If you're into sewing as a crafty hobby, then chances are you have a thimble lying around. Use it to make the impression where the jelly filling will go in these thimble cookies. If you don't have a thimble, your thumb will work just fine.

For the Thimble Cookies recipe, click here.

Courtesy ofDomino Sugar

Oatmeal cookies are classic year-round, but they work perfectly as holiday cookies too. If you prefer to dress up your oatmeal cookies, consider adding some of these unexpected ingredients to put in your cookies.

For the Oatmeal Cookies recipe, click here.

Courtesy of West of the Loop

Cardamom is a common spice to add to authentic Indian dinner recipes, but it also pairs well with the sweetness of sugar cookies.

For the Cardamom Sugar Cookies With Royal Icing recipe, click here.

Courtesy of West of the Loop

There are clever ways to turn boxed cake mix into creative desserts. There are fun ways to turn pie recipes into tiny tarts. And then there are delightful ways to turn your average cookie into a three-part cookie cake that will melt in your mouth.

For the Halfway Cookies recipe, click here.

Courtesy of West of the Loop

When you're enjoying your favorite coffee on Christmas morning, maybe pairing it with a maple-glazed breakfast cookie will make it even more enjoyable.

For the Maple-Glazed Breakfast Cookies With Dried Cranberries and Pepitas recipe, click here.

Courtesy of McCormick

If classic chocolate chip cookies are your favorite treat, try enhancing them with a little holiday flair, courtesy of cinnamon.

For the Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe, click here.

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Cranberry recipes for fall and winter are always a solid choice. For a hint of tart berry and white chocolate sweetness, try these macadamia and cranberry white chocolate chunk cookies.

For the Macadamia and Cranberry White Chocolate Chunk Cookies recipe, click here.

Courtesy of McCormick

Working from home during the holidays might be a bit chaotic, and thus call for sweet treats. Reward your hard work with these decadent salted caramel-filled cookies.

For the Salted Caramel Filled Cookies recipe, click here.

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Many baking ingredients have long shelf lives, and the things that go into these simple vanilla sugar cookies are no exception. Make them especially festive by using holiday cookie cutters.

For the Vanilla Sugar Cookies recipe, click here.

Courtesy of Imperial Sugar

Boxed brownies are one thing, brownies made from scratch and topped with a layer of chocolate chip cookie dough are another altogether.

For the Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies recipe, click here.

Courtesy of Domino Sugar

There are some incredible apple pies in the U.S., but if you have a taste for apple pie and cookies, bake this apple cinnamon cookie pie from scratch and slice it into serving sizes for a fun holiday dessert.

For the Apple Cinnamon Cookie Pie recipe, click here.

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There are so many apple recipes to try in the fall and winter months, but these apple crisp oatmeal cookies are an especially yummy way to add seasonal sweetness to your holiday baking.

For the Apple Crisp Oatmeal Cookies recipe, click here.

Courtesy of Ben & Jerry's

Would it be a holiday cookie roundup if we didn't add cookie dough to the list? This is suitable for anyone who prefers eating the cookies before they even go into the oven.

Courtesy of Pillsbury

Vanilla ice cream is one of the most popular ice cream flavors in the U.S., and it just so happens that it pairs perfectly with these mini ice cream cookie cups.

For the Mini Ice Cream Cookie Cups recipe, click here.

Courtesy of Pillsbury

Every state has its own holiday candy preference, but candy bar cookies might just be one of those treats that everyone can agree to like. The caramel, pecan and chocolate topping make these an ideal addition to the Christmas cookie platter.

For the Candy Bar Cookies recipe, click here.

Courtesy of Pillsbury

These adorable turtle cookies won the Pillsbury Bake-Off contest, so they're sure to be a win at your holiday parties. You can make them Christmas turtles by topping them with red and green sprinkles.

For the Snappy Turtle Cookies recipe, click here.

Courtesy of McCormick

If your holiday dinner ends up turning into a game night, then what's better than checkerboard-themed cookies?

For the Checkerboard Cookies recipe, click here.

Courtesy of In The Raw® brand

This recipe uses a lot of ingredients, so if you start baking the triple chocolate peppermint molten cookies and realize you're missing an ingredient, refer to our baking swaps and substitutions list.

For the Triple Chocolate Peppermint Molten Cookies recipe, click here.

Courtesy of In The Raw® brand

There are some things that only Midwesterners eat on Christmas, but gingerbread is not subject to territorial boundaries. No matter which corner of the U.S. you're from, these gingerbread cookies with cream cheese frosting will put you in the holiday spirit.

For the Gingerbread Cookies With Cream Cheese Frosting recipe, click here.

Courtesy of In The Raw® brand

Christmas is the perfect excuse to eat cookies for breakfast. If you're into sweet breakfast cereals or sugary doughnuts, it's time to start your day with these spiced chocolate waffle cookies.

For the Spiced Chocolate Waffle Cookies recipe, click here.

Courtesy of In The Raw® brand

Whether you prefer a French press, a caramel latte or a coffee milkshake, all coffee and espresso lovers have to add these banoffee breakfast cookies to their morning meal lineup.

For the Banoffee Breakfast Cookies with Espresso Drizzle recipe, click here.

Courtesy of In The Raw® brand

Frozen fruit recipes are popular during the summer months, but winter is all about peppermint. Get a sweet mix of brownie, cookie and candy cane with these festive cookies.

For the Peppermint Brownie Cookies recipe, click here.

Courtesy of In The Raw® brand

Before you start baking these chocolate-espresso pizzelles, know that you'll need a pizzelle maker to form the floral design and get the crisp waffle texture just right.

For the Chocolate-Espresso Pizzelles recipe, click here.

Courtesy of USDairy.com

There are a lot of old Christmas traditions, but one that never gets old is sharing seasonal cookies with those you love. Bake these cornmeal raspberry linzer cookies for friends, family and Santa to nibble on when they come to town.

For the Cornmeal Raspberry Linzer Cookies recipe, click here.

Courtesy of Seasonal Cravings

If you're hosting, an easy party hack to follow is to have goodies available for all your guest's dietary needs. These almond butter chocolate chip cookies are dairy- and gluten-free.

For the Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe, click here.

Courtesy of Seasonal Cravings

Thumbprint cookies are so easy to make, and you can get really creative with how you fill them. For this gluten-free chocolate thumbprint cookie, top the buttercream filling with Christmas sprinkles or crushed candy cane.

For the Gluten Free Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies recipe, click here.

Courtesy of Seasonal Cravings

There are quite a few crinkle cookies on this list, and that's for good reason. While there might be plenty of annoying things people say around the holidays, they probably won't be bashing these cookies any time soon.

For the Gluten-Free Chocolate Crinkle Cookies recipe, click here.

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Get your rolling pin and non-stick sheet pans ready, this kifli recipe turns out some pretty melt-in-your-mouth walnut-stuffed cookies.

For the Mom's Kifli recipe, click here.

Courtesy of McCormick

When the pumpkin co*cktails have left the menu and eggnog libations make their seasonal debut, it's time for desserts that will pair with the creamy white drink. These eggnog thumbprint cookies have a nutty base with an eggnog cream filling.

For the Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies recipe, click here.

Courtesy of McCormick

There is plenty of gift-giving etiquette to follow, but using gingerbread cookies as gift tags probably isn't breaking any rules.

For the Gingerbread Cookie Gift Tags recipe, click here.

Courtesy of McCormick

Before you start baking, make sure you have peppermint extract and red food coloring. You'll need both ingredients to make the red twist in these peppermint swirl cookies.

For the Peppermint Swirl Cookies recipe, click here.

Courtesy of McCormick

There are many cooking tips and tricks your grandma knew, and she could also probably tell you about the time when oranges were a common Christmas present in stockings. These orange holiday sugar cookies pay homage to the once-rare citrus treat.

For the Orange Holiday Sugar Cookies recipe, click here.

Courtesy of McCormick

These red velvet crinkle cookies are just what Kris Kringle might want on his plate of cookies. They're soft and velvety, just like his bright red suit.

For the Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies recipe, click here.

Courtesy of McCormick

There are so many iconic desserts to try, and sugar cookies are definitely among them. Want to add a bit of holiday flair? Add cinnamon and nutmeg and then top your cookies with some jolly holiday designs.

For the Spiced Holiday Sugar Cookies recipe, click here.

Courtesy of McCormick

Peppermint and chocolate might just be a match made in heaven, and these peppermint truffle cookies will not disappoint. Want to round out your Christmas dessert table? Try our best holiday pie recipes.

For the Peppermint Truffle Cookies recipe, click here.

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