14 Fun Christmas Cookies Perfect for Cookie Swaps and Parties -

Nothing says Christmas to me quite like baking cookies. I always set aside a day in December for a big cookie bake, and it’s usually a little messy but so much fun. The kitchen smells amazing, there are sprinkles everywhere, and I usually end up sneaking way too much dough. Whether I’m getting ready for a cookie swap, hosting a party, or just hanging out with my kids, baking cookies is one of my favorite holiday traditions.

What I really love is how many different kinds of Christmas cookies there are. Some are super simple and quick to make, while others let you get a little creative with decorating. They’re the perfect mix of festive and delicious, and they always make people smile. Plus, they look so pretty packaged up for little homemade gifts or piled high on a party tray.

In this list of 14 fun Christmas cookies, you’ll find a mix of playful and classic recipes. Some are the kind that remind me of my childhood, and others are just plain cute and fun to make with kids. No matter which ones you try, you’ll end up with a cookie plate that feels special and full of holiday cheer. I’m so excited to share them with you!

Table of Contents

1. Grinch Oreos

Grinch Oreos are one of my favorite holiday treats because they’re just so simple and fun to make. With a bag of Oreos, some green candy melts, and cute little heart sprinkles, you can whip up a cookie that looks straight out of Whoville. They’re always a hit at parties, especially with kids, and they make the cutest addition to a Christmas cookie tray. I love how quickly they come together, and they never fail to bring a smile to anyone who sees them.

GET THE RECIPE

2. Oreo Christmas Ornaments

Oreo Christmas Ornaments are such a fun and festive treat to make during the holidays. I love how simple they are, yet they look so creative on a cookie platter. All you need are Oreos, some almond bark, a few mini Reese’s cups, and sprinkles to turn plain cookies into little edible ornaments. They’re the kind of treat that always gets compliments, and kids especially love helping decorate them. Plus, they make the perfect sweet for parties, cookie swaps, or even as a cute homemade gift.

GET THE RECIPE

3. Penguin Oreos

Penguin Oreos are one of the cutest Christmas cookies I’ve ever made, and they always get so many smiles. I love how easy they are to put together, yet they look like little works of art with their bellies, beaks, and earmuff details. Kids go crazy for them, and honestly, adults do too because who can resist an Oreo dressed up as a penguin? They’re perfect for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or just a fun weekend baking project when you want something festive and playful.

GET THE RECIPE

4. Polar Bear Oreos

Polar Bear Oreos are such a fun winter treat, and I love how adorable they turn out with just a few simple decorations. Dipping Oreos in white candy melts and adding little ears, eyes, and a nose makes them look like the sweetest polar bears, and they always stand out on a holiday cookie tray. They’re the kind of treat that’s easy enough for kids to help with, but still impressive enough to share at parties or give as gifts. Every time I make them, they bring a little extra cozy winter magic to the season.

GET THE RECIPE

5. Reindeer Oreo Balls

Reindeer Oreo Balls are one of my favorite Christmas treats because they’re just as fun to make as they are to eat. I love how the simple combo of Oreos and cream cheese turns into the richest little truffles, and once you add the pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and red M&M noses, they look absolutely adorable. They’re always a huge hit at holiday parties and cookie swaps, and they make the cutest addition to a Christmas dessert table. Every time I bring them out, they disappear faster than any other treat.

GET THE RECIPE

6. Reindeer Oreos

Reindeer Oreos are such a cute and festive treat to make for Christmas, and I love how easy they are to put together. Dipping Oreos in chocolate and decorating them with candy eyes, a red M&M nose, and pretzel antlers instantly transforms them into the sweetest little reindeer. They always make people smile, and kids especially get a kick out of them. I think they’re perfect for holiday parties, cookie trays, or even leaving out for Santa on Christmas Eve.

GET THE RECIPE

7. Snowman Oreos

Snowman Oreos are one of the most cheerful cookies I like to make during the holidays, and they always bring instant joy to a cookie tray. With a coat of white candy melts, a little candy nose, and colorful earmuffs, they turn into the cutest edible snowmen. I love that they’re simple enough for kids to help decorate, but they still look impressive when you’re serving them at a party or packing them up as gifts. Every time I make them, they remind me of building snowmen outside, only this time you get to eat them afterward.

GET THE RECIPE

8. Reindeer Nutter Butters

Reindeer Nutter Butters are such a fun holiday cookie, and I love how quickly they come together. With just a few ingredients, you can turn a simple peanut butter cookie into the cutest little reindeer complete with pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and a bright red nose. They always get a lot of smiles and are perfect for cookie trays, holiday parties, or even packaging up as sweet homemade gifts. I think they’re one of those treats that both kids and adults can’t resist.

GET THE RECIPE

9. Christmas Tree Oreos

Christmas Tree Oreos are one of the easiest festive treats I love to make, and they always turn out so cute. Dipping Oreos in white candy melts and then piping on a green zigzag to look like a tree makes them look extra special without much effort at all. I like adding a little star on top and colorful sprinkles to finish them off, and they instantly brighten up a cookie tray. They’re fun to make with kids, but they’re also pretty enough to serve at a holiday party or give as a sweet homemade gift.

Servings: 12

Ingredients:

12 Oreo cookies
1 cup green candy melts
1/2 cup white candy melts
12 Star sprinkles
1 tsp nonpareils sprinkles

Instructions:

Melt the white candy melts according to the package directions until smooth, then melt the green candy melts in a separate bowl.
Dip the bottom half of each Oreo into the melted white candy, tapping gently on the edge of the bowl to remove excess, and place on a baking sheet or plate.
Transfer the melted green candy into a piping bag and drizzle over the top of each Oreo in a zigzag pattern to resemble a Christmas tree.
While the green candy is still wet, add a star sprinkle to the top of each tree and decorate with nonpareils sprinkles.
Let the cookies set completely, or place them in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to speed up the process, then carefully remove and serve.

10. Cake Batter Christmas Cookies

Cake Batter Christmas Cookies are one of my favorite festive bakes because they’re so colorful and fun. I love how the cake mix makes them extra soft and chewy, and the sprinkles give them that perfect holiday pop. Adding frosting on top takes them to a whole new level, and they look so pretty on a Christmas cookie tray. These cookies always remind me of birthday cake with a Christmas twist, and they’re guaranteed to make any holiday gathering feel a little more special.

GET THE RECIPE

11. M&M Christmas Cookies

M&M Christmas Cookies are a classic holiday favorite in my house, and I love how cheerful they look with all the red and green candies mixed in. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with chocolatey goodness, which makes them the kind of cookie nobody can resist. I usually make a big batch because they disappear fast at parties and cookie swaps, and they’re perfect for leaving out with a glass of milk for Santa. These cookies are simple, festive, and always a hit.

Servings: 24-36 cookies

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups M&M’s
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Gently fold in the Christmas M&M’s and semi-sweet chocolate chips, if using.
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and enjoy!

12. Nutella Christmas Ritz Cookies

Nutella Christmas Ritz Cookies are one of those treats I can’t stop making during the holidays because they’re so easy and so delicious. I love the mix of salty crackers with creamy Nutella and sweet white chocolate, and the sprinkles make them look extra festive. They’re always a big hit at parties, and they’re perfect for gifting since they look fancy without taking much effort at all. Every time I make them, people are surprised by how good that sweet and salty combo tastes.

GET THE RECIPE

13. Grinch Biscoff Cookies

Grinch Biscoff Cookies are one of my favorite festive treats because they’re so simple but always make people smile. I love how the green chocolate coating with the little red heart captures the Grinch theme perfectly, and pairing it with a Biscoff cookie adds the most delicious spiced flavor. These cookies are great for holiday parties or cookie trays, and they’re the kind of treat that looks adorable without taking much time at all. Every time I make them, they disappear quickly and get lots of compliments.

Servings: 8 cookies

Ingredients:

10 oz Ghirardelli’s white chocolate melting wafers
7 drops bright green food gel
8 candy heart sprinkles
1/4 teaspoon coconut oil

Instructions:

Melt the white chocolate wafers in the microwave on defrost mode, following the directions on the package. For the brand I use, I heat for 2 minutes on defrost, stir, then heat for another 1 ½ minutes. Stir again, and if needed, heat for 1 more minute until smooth.
Stir in the coconut oil and a few drops of green food gel to help keep the chocolate from seizing.
Dip each Biscoff cookie into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s fully coated, then place it on parchment paper.
While the chocolate is still soft, press a candy heart onto each cookie.

14. S’mores Ritz Cookies

S’mores Ritz Cookies are such a fun holiday treat, and I love how they combine that classic campfire flavor with a festive twist. The salty Ritz crackers pair perfectly with the gooey marshmallow crème, crushed graham crackers, and rich milk chocolate, making every bite taste like a little s’mores sandwich. They’re so easy to put together but look extra special on a Christmas cookie tray, and I always get asked for the recipe when I bring them to parties. These cookies are the perfect mix of nostalgic and festive.

GET THE RECIPE

I hope this roundup gave you some fun ideas for your holiday baking. Cookie swaps, parties, or just a night at home with the kids are all better with a plate of festive cookies, and these recipes are sure to bring lots of smiles. I know I’ll be making a few of them more than once this season, and I bet you will too.