30 Cozy Winter Cookie Recipes to Enjoy This Season

You can’t beat the taste of homemade cookies baking in the oven. It’s one of my absolute favorite smells. As the weather gets colder, it’s so nice to spend some time at home in the kitchen cooking up some tasty treats. There are so many delicious, seasonal ingredients to choose over the festive season – think gingerbread, hot cocoa and Eggnog just to name a few. It’s hard to pick out a favorite but I’ve put together 30 of my top winter cookie recipes for you to try out at home.

Many of these recipes are great to make with the kids. You could even make some to leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve.

Why I Think You’ll Love These Winter Cookie Recipes

• Warm and Comforting Flavors: Each recipe features ingredients that evoke the cozy essence of winter, from cinnamon and nutmeg to rich chocolate and peppermint.
• Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make wonderful homemade gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.
• Variety for Every Palate: With 30 different recipes, you’ll find something for everyone, whether they prefer classic favorites or unique twists.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Many of these recipes are simple enough to make with children – I love letting the kids help out in the kitchen!
• Ideal for Gatherings: Impress your guests at winter parties and holiday gatherings with an array of delicious homemade cookies.
• Easy to Follow: Each recipe includes clear, step-by-step instructions, making baking a breeze even for beginners.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Many of these cookies can be made ahead of time and stored, allowing you to enjoy stress-free holiday preparations.
• Seasonal Ingredients: Featuring winter staples like cranberries, ginger, and molasses, these cookies celebrate the best flavors of the season.
• Festive and Decorative: These cookies are not only tasty but also visually appealing, perfect for adding a festive touch to your holiday table.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s nothing like the aroma of freshly baked cookies to make your home feel warm and inviting during the cold winter months.

If you love sweet treats – make sure you also take a look at my Christmas Cookie recipes and Christmas Fudge recipes.

30 Delicious Winter Cookie Recipes

1. Gingerbread Cookies

There’s something about gingerbread that immediately conjures up visions of Christmas for me. I absolutely love the smell of gingerbread baking in the oven and it tastes amazing too.

Gingerbread cookies are a classic winter treat, known for their warm spices and festive shapes. These are perfect for decorating with icing and candies – a great one to make with the children.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup molasses
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
2. In another bowl, beat the butter and molasses until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix well.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
4. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Decorate with icing and candies as desired.

2. Snowball Cookies

Snowball cookies, also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, are buttery, nutty, and coated in powdered sugar, resembling little snowballs. These look amazing and would be a great idea as part of a festive buffet when you’ve got the family around.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chopped nuts.
4. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly browned.
6. Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Once completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again.

3. Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These chocolate crinkle cookies have a festive twist with the addition of peppermint. They are rich, fudgy, and perfect for the holiday season. I think these are a great option if you want to make some cookies as little gifts over Christmas.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar and vegetable oil until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the peppermint extract.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat.
7. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the tops are crinkled. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Linzer Cookies

Linzer cookies are a beautiful and delicious holiday treat. These sandwich cookies are made with almond flour and filled with raspberry jam, then dusted with powdered sugar for a snowy finish.

You can choose to use any flavor of jam for these but raspberry is a winner in our house. They remind us of Jammy Dodgers!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup raspberry jam
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
4. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
6. Cut out cookies with a cookie cutter, and cut out a smaller shape in the center of half of the cookies.
7. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
8. Let the cookies cool completely. Spread raspberry jam on the whole cookies and top with the cut-out cookies. Dust with powdered sugar.

5. Eggnog Snickerdoodles

Eggnog snickerdoodles are a festive twist on the classic snickerdoodle cookie. With a hint of nutmeg and a coating of cinnamon-sugar, these cookies capture the essence of winter.

Eggnog is traditionally a Christmas tipple so these are fab for cooking up over the festive season!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup eggnog
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for rolling)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and eggnog.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
7. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Hot Cocoa Cookies

Hot cocoa cookies are a cozy winter treat, combining the flavors of hot chocolate and marshmallows in a soft, chewy cookie. Perfect for enjoying with a warm mug of cocoa.

My children love having these with a mug of hot chocolate topped with mini marshmallows – it’s such a cosy snack to have and makes a great supper snack on Christmas Eve.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows.
5. Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Cranberry orange shortbread cookies are a delicious combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange in a buttery shortbread cookie. Perfect for holiday gatherings and gifting.

You really can’t beat the flavors of orange and cranberry at this time of year.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, beat the butter, sugar, and orange zest until light and fluffy.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chopped cranberries.
4. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Macaroons

Chocolate-dipped coconut macaroons are chewy, sweet, and perfect for coconut lovers. The chocolate dip adds a touch of decadence, making them a special winter treat.

If you’re a fan of coconut and chocolate then these are an absolute winner. Again, these make a great gift at Christmas time – ideal if you’re trying to cut back on spending but still want to give gifts.

Ingredients:

• 4 large egg whites
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 5 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg whites, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until combined.
3. Stir in the shredded coconut until fully coated.
4. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let cool completely on the baking sheet.
6. Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
7. Dip the bottoms of the cooled macaroons into the melted chocolate and place them back on the parchment paper to set.
8. Allow the chocolate to harden before serving.

9. Chai-Spiced Cookies

Chai-spiced cookies are infused with the warm, aromatic spices found in chai tea. These cookies are perfect for cozy winter afternoons with a cup of tea. My husband loves dunking these into his cuppa.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix well.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Maple Pecan Cookies

Maple pecan cookies are soft, buttery, and full of rich maple flavor. The addition of toasted pecans adds a delightful crunch, making these cookies a winter favorite.

I absolutely love pecans and maple syrup so this one is absolutely delicious in my opinion!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, maple syrup, and vanilla extract, and mix well.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the toasted pecans.
5. Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

11. Almond Crescent Cookies

Almond crescent cookies are delicate, buttery, and nutty. Shaped like crescents and dusted with powdered sugar, they are a classic holiday treat.

These look really nice when plated up and handed around so would make a great biscuit to offer around alongside a hot drink when you’ve got friends over.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely ground almonds
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
3. Gradually add the flour and ground almonds, mixing until just combined.
4. Take small portions of dough and shape them into crescents.
5. Place the crescents on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

12. Spiced Molasses Cookies

Spiced molasses cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with warm spices. The deep flavor of molasses makes these cookies a comforting winter treat. The smells of ginger, cinnamon and cloves are incredible when these are baking in the oven.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• Extra granulated sugar for rolling

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and molasses, and mix well.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in granulated sugar.
6. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

13. Almond Biscotti

Almond biscotti are crispy, twice-baked cookies that are perfect for dipping into a hot cup of coffee or tea. These Italian cookies are flavored with almonds and a hint of vanilla. My Grandma used to always have almond biscuits in the cupboard and these always remind me of spending time with her when I was younger.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix well.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chopped almonds.
5. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Place the logs on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the logs are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
7. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C).
8. Using a serrated knife, cut the logs into 1/2-inch thick slices. Place the slices cut-side down on the baking sheet.
9. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the biscotti are crisp and golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.

14. Lemon Snowball Cookies

Lemon snowball cookies are light, buttery, and have a refreshing lemon flavor. Coated in powdered sugar, they look like little snowballs, making them perfect for the winter season. I love the look of snowball cookies – they are just perfect for the Winter season.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup finely chopped nuts (optional)
• Additional powdered sugar for rolling

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chopped nuts, if using.
4. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly browned. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Roll the cooled cookies in powdered sugar.

15. Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies

Chocolate peppermint bark cookies combine the rich flavor of chocolate with the refreshing taste of peppermint. These cookies are topped with crushed candy canes for a festive touch. You can crush your candy canes nice and small if you like, or leave some bigger pieces on top to be picked off and enjoyed alongside the cookies.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix well.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
5. Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. While the cookies are still warm, sprinkle the tops with crushed candy canes.

16. Orange Cardamom Cookies

Orange cardamom cookies are fragrant and flavorful, combining the bright taste of orange with the warm, spicy notes of cardamom. These cookies are perfect for winter celebrations. Bake these in the oven when you’re expecting guests and your home will smell amazing when they arrive!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract, and mix well.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cardamom, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

17. Pistachio Cranberry Cookies

Pistachio cranberry cookies are a delicious combination of sweet and tart flavors with a crunchy texture. The red and green colors make them especially festive for the holidays. Put some into a clear gift bag and tie with red ribbon for a great gift idea.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix well.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chopped pistachios and dried cranberries.
5. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

18. Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

Chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies are rich and nutty, with a dollop of chocolate hazelnut spread in the center. These cookies are a decadent treat for any winter occasion.

I like to add a sprinkling of chopped nuts onto the top of the chocolate spread but you don’t need to if you haven’t got any handy.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup finely chopped hazelnuts
• 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (such as Nutella)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix well.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in the chopped hazelnuts.
6. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Make an indentation in the center of each ball with your thumb.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Fill each indentation with a small dollop of chocolate hazelnut spread.

19. Maple Walnut Cookies

Maple walnut cookies are a delicious blend of rich maple syrup and crunchy walnuts. These cookies are perfect for enjoying with a hot drink on a chilly winter day. There’s something incredibly wholesome about cookies made with nuts – I absolutely love the taste and crunch of these.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix well.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chopped walnuts.
5. Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

20. White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

White chocolate cranberry cookies are a festive and tasty treat. The combination of sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries makes these cookies a holiday favorite. If you aren’t a fan of white chocolate, you could switch out the white chocolate chips for milk or dark chocolate chips instead.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup dried cranberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix well.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
5. Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

21. Spiced Pumpkin Cookies

Spiced pumpkin cookies are soft, moist, and full of warm spices. These cookies are perfect for the winter season and can be enjoyed with a glass of milk or a cup of tea.

Make sure you take a look at my other pumpkin puree recipes too.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix well.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

22. Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Cinnamon roll cookies are a fun twist on the classic cinnamon roll. These cookies are rolled with a cinnamon-sugar filling and drizzled with a sweet glaze, making them a delightful winter treat. These smell absolutely incredible and taste even better!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for filling)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, beat the butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix well.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Divide the dough in half and roll each half into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
5. In a small bowl, mix the 1/4 cup granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough rectangles.
6. Roll up each rectangle tightly into a log, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Slice the dough logs into 1/4-inch thick slices and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to make the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies.

23. Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies

Cherry almond shortbread cookies are buttery and crumbly with the delightful flavors of cherry and almond. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges. Or, you could just cook up a batch to enjoy with a cup of tea!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter, sugar, and almond extract until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chopped dried cherries.
4. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

24. Chocolate Espresso Snowcaps

Chocolate espresso snowcaps are rich, fudgy cookies with a hint of espresso. Rolled in powdered sugar before baking, they develop a beautiful crackled appearance, resembling snowcaps. I love these coated with powdered sugar with a hot cup of coffee.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and instant espresso powder.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat.
7. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the tops are crackled. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

25. Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies

Cranberry orange oatmeal cookies are chewy and flavorful, combining the tartness of cranberries with the bright zest of orange. These cookies are perfect for the winter season.

If you enjoy oatmeal then make sure you take a look at my crockpot oatmeal recipes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup dried cranberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the oats and dried cranberries.
5. Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

26. Hazelnut Shortbread Cookies

Hazelnut shortbread cookies are rich, buttery, and nutty. These cookies are perfect for enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee during the winter months.

My kids absolutely love shortbread so we make these quite often. You can switch out the hazelnuts for whatever nuts you have in the cupboard.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup finely chopped hazelnuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chopped hazelnuts.
4. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

27. Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies

Peppermint pinwheel cookies are festive and fun, with a swirl of red and white dough flavored with peppermint. These cookies are perfect for holiday parties and gift-giving.

These look (and taste) amazing and are great to serve up when you’ve got people over.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Red food coloring

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix well.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Divide the dough in half. Add the peppermint extract and red food coloring to one half, mixing until evenly colored.
5. Roll out each half of the dough between sheets of parchment paper into rectangles about 1/4-inch thick.
6. Place the red dough on top of the white dough and gently press together. Roll up tightly into a log, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Slice the dough log into 1/4-inch thick slices and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

28. Almond Joy Cookies

Almond Joy cookies are inspired by the classic candy bar, combining chocolate, coconut, and almonds in a delicious cookie. These cookies are a decadent winter treat.

I love almonds, chocolate AND coconut so this is one of my top winter cookie recipes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped almonds

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix well.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the shredded coconut, chocolate chips, and chopped almonds.
5. Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

29. Brown Butter Pecan Cookies

Brown butter pecan cookies are rich and nutty, with the deep, caramelized flavor of browned butter. These cookies are perfect for enjoying during the winter months with a mug of hot chocolate in front of the fire.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, beat the browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix well.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the toasted pecans.
5. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

30. Spiced Apple Cookies

Spiced apple cookies are soft and chewy, with the comforting flavors of apple and warm spices. These cookies are perfect for a cozy winter afternoon – they leave the house smelling amazing!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 1/2 cups finely chopped apples (peeled and cored)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix well.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chopped apples.
5. Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

I really can’t pick my personal favorite out of these recipes – I absolutely love them all. Each one tastes amazing and leaves the kitchen smelling amazing too! Let me know what you think.