christmas desserts

17+ Christmas Cookies To Make Your Holiday Baking Extra Special

Millie Pham

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Christmas cookies make the holidays feel warm and happy. Baking them fills the house with sweet smells and brings everyone together.

These recipes are easy to make, taste great, and are fun to share. From soft gingerbread to cranberry and peppermint treats, each one feels like Christmas.

Here are some simple and cozy Christmas cookies to bake and enjoy this year.

1. Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

These cookies are soft, sweet, and full of buttery flavor. They have a light sugar coating and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them hard to resist. They look simple but taste like pure comfort. Perfect for cookie trays or gifts.
Get the recipe here

2. Christmas Magic Cookie Bars

Christmas Magic Cookie Bars

These bars have layers of chocolate, coconut, and nuts baked over a sweet crust. They’re chewy and rich, with a mix of textures in every bite. It’s a classic treat that always disappears fast at holiday parties. Great for making ahead and sharing.
Check out the recipe

3. Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

These cookies are buttery and soft with a cool peppermint flavor. They really do melt in your mouth with each bite. The light glaze on top adds just enough sweetness and shine. Great for a simple and pretty holiday treat.
See the recipe here

4. Oatmeal Cranberry Pecan Cookies

Oatmeal Cranberry Pecan Cookies

These cookies are chewy with oats, dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans. Each bite has a mix of sweet and nutty flavors that feel warm and cozy. They bake up golden and smell amazing from the oven. Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
Find the recipe here

5. Cranberry White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Cranberry White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

These cookies have soft oats, creamy white chocolate, and tart cranberries. The mix of sweet and tangy flavors makes them stand out on any cookie tray. They’re easy to bake and stay chewy for days. A great pick for holiday cookie swaps.
Get the recipe here

6. Cranberry Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

Cranberry Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

These sandwich cookies are buttery and crisp with a smooth cranberry filling. They look fancy but are simple to make at home. The sweet filling pairs perfectly with the rich shortbread layers. A pretty and tasty treat for any dessert table.
Check out the recipe

7. Classic Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Classic Eggnog Sugar Cookies

These sugar cookies are soft with a light eggnog flavor that tastes like the holidays. The sweet glaze adds a touch of creamy spice and shine. They hold their shape well and make a perfect base for festive decorations. A must for any Christmas cookie plate.
See the recipe here

8. Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies

Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies

These cookies combine the soft texture of snickerdoodles with a creamy eggnog filling. They’re sweet, spiced, and full of holiday flavor. The thumbprint center makes them fun to eat and pretty to serve. Ideal for cookie exchanges or cozy nights in.
Find the recipe here

9. Cherry Oatmeal Cookie Bars

cooled cherry oatmeal cookie bars being sliced into 12 neat squares in a parchment-lined baking dish, cherry pieces and oats visible

These cookie bars have a chewy oatmeal base and sweet cherry filling. They’re easy to slice and share, making them great for parties. The bright fruit flavor stands out among richer treats. Soft, hearty, and full of homemade charm.
Get the recipe here

10. Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Chocolate Espresso Thumbprint Cookies

These cookies have a deep chocolate flavor with a soft center that holds creamy filling. The thumbprint shape makes them look elegant and festive. They’re rich but not too sweet, perfect for chocolate lovers. A simple way to add variety to your cookie mix.
Check out the recipe

11. Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies

Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies

These Italian cookies are soft, light, and coated with a sweet glaze. They have a gentle anise or vanilla flavor that feels classic and comforting. Sprinkles on top give them color and cheer. A timeless cookie that fits every holiday celebration.
See the recipe here

12. Soft Gingerbread Cookies

Soft Gingerbread Cookies

These gingerbread cookies are chewy and full of warm spices like cinnamon and ginger. They stay soft for days and smell wonderful while baking. The rich flavor makes them perfect with a bit of frosting or on their own. A cozy classic for December baking.
Find the recipe here

13. Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

These cookies are loaded with chocolate chips, pretzels, candies, and more. They’re sweet, salty, and packed with texture. Every batch turns out a little different, which makes them fun to bake. Perfect for using up leftover mix-ins before the holidays.
Get the recipe here

14. Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

These cookies are soft inside with a crackly sugar coating on the outside. They have a deep gingerbread flavor that tastes like Christmas. Each one bakes up round and puffy with a pretty crinkled look. They’re simple but full of charm and spice.
Check out the recipe

15. Hot Chocolate Cookies

Hot Chocolate Cookies

These cookies taste like a cup of hot cocoa in cookie form. They’re soft, chocolatey, and often topped with bits of marshmallow or chocolate chips. Perfect for enjoying warm from the oven with a glass of milk. A cozy favorite for winter nights.
See the recipe here

16. Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies

These cookies mix creamy cheesecake filling with spiced gingerbread dough. They’re soft, flavorful, and just the right balance of sweet and tangy. The filling adds a surprise bite that feels special. Great for dessert platters or gifting.
Find the recipe here

17. Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

These gingerbread men are soft, chewy, and full of warm spice. They hold their shape well for decorating and stay fresh for days. Kids and adults both love their cozy flavor. A must-have cookie for any Christmas baking tradition.
Get the recipe here

Final Thoughts

Christmas cookies make the season feel warm and full of life. Each recipe brings its own mix of sweetness, spice, and comfort. Whether you’re baking with family or gifting to friends, these cookies are sure to spread cheer. A plate of homemade cookies always feels like the heart of the holidays.

Hi there! I'm Millie Pham, a devoted brewer and tea lover at heart. As the founder of Bean Leaf Cup, my mission is to share my tea and coffee expertise with you all. I firmly believe that creating a fantastic cup of tea or coffee should be easy for everyone. No matter if you're already a coffee or tea expert or just beginning your journey, I'm here to help you navigate the world of brewing. Welcome aboard!