30 Irresistible Christmas Cookie Recipes for Your Holiday Baking

As the holiday season approaches, my kitchen transforms into a cozy hub of activity, filled with the delicious smells of baking and the laughter of my kids. There’s something truly magical about making Christmas cookies together – it’s a tradition that brings us closer and fills our home with warmth and joy. Not to mention the cookies taste absolutely incredible! I absolutely love everything about this time of year but the foods we create together and enjoy at Christmas are definitely up there with my favorite parts of the festive season.

In this post, I’m excited to share 30 of our favorite Christmas cookie recipes that are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these recipes will help you create sweet moments this holiday season. You can cook these with the kids and give them out as gifts for loved one – or you can simply bake a batch to enjoy with a hot drink in front of the fire.

Make sure you also take a look at my Winter Cookie recipes and my Christmas Dessert Recipes for even more baking ideas.

30 Christmas Cookie Recipes

1. Gingerbread Cookies

These classic gingerbread cookies are perfect for decorating and sharing during the holiday season. Their warm spices and sweet aroma create a festive atmosphere. Gingerbread is a must at Christmas – it will leave your home smelling amazing as well as tasting absolutely delicious.

Servings: About 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup molasses
• Royal icing (for decorating)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
2. In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add egg and molasses, mixing until combined.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Divide the dough into two, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough on a floured surface and cut into desired shapes.
6. Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool before decorating with royal icing.

2. Peppermint Bark Cookies

These cookies combine the rich flavors of chocolate with the festive crunch of peppermint, making them a holiday favorite. You can use whatever peppermint candies you have to hand – I’ve used crushed candy canes as that’s what we had at the time.

Servings: About 30 cookies

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
4. Stir in chocolate chips and crushed peppermint.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
6. Allow to cool before enjoying!

3. Snowball Cookies

These delightful, buttery cookies are rolled in powdered sugar to resemble snowballs, making them a charming addition to any holiday cookie platter. These taste incredible and look great in a transparent gift bag tied with a festive ribbon.

Servings: About 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
• 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 bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla.
3. Gradually add flour and nuts, mixing until combined.
4. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool for a few minutes.
6. Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar and let cool completely before serving.

4. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

These vibrant red velvet cookies with a soft, chewy texture are a festive twist on the classic crinkle cookie, perfect for holiday gatherings. I love the rich red color of these – it’s perfect for the Christmas season.

Servings: About 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• Powdered sugar for rolling

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and food coloring.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
5. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes. Roll into balls and then coat in powdered sugar.
6. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool before serving.

5. Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

These classic sugar cookies are soft and buttery, perfect for decorating with colorful royal icing for a festive touch. You can get the kids to decorate these however they like. You can get all kinds of different shapes of cookie cutters too so they can pretty much make whatever they like!

Servings: About 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• Royal icing (for decorating)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and extracts.
4. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until combined.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface and cut into shapes. Place on baking sheets.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Cool before decorating with royal icing.

6. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These rich chocolate cookies have a fudgy center and are rolled in powdered sugar, giving them a delightful crinkly appearance. These taste incredible!

Servings: About 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar for rolling

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and vegetable oil until well combined.
2. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until smooth.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
4. Chill the dough for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Roll the chilled dough into balls, then roll in powdered sugar.
7. Place on baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes. Let cool before serving.

7. Pecan Sandies

These buttery, crumbly cookies packed with toasted pecans are a classic holiday treat, perfect for snacking or gifting. I love anything made with nuts and pecans are particularly popular in our house at this time of year.

Servings: About 30 cookies

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla.
3. Gradually add flour, salt, and pecans, mixing until just combined.
4. Roll the dough into balls and place them on the baking sheets.
5. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool before serving.

8. Eggnog Cookies

These soft, spiced cookies capture the flavors of classic eggnog, making them a perfect festive treat for the holiday season.

Servings: About 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup eggnog

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.
3. In another bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and eggnog.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Let cool before serving.

9. Almond Joy Cookies

Inspired by the popular candy bar, these cookies are loaded with chocolate, coconut, and almonds for a deliciously indulgent treat.

Servings: About 24 cookies

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
4. Stir in coconut, chocolate chips, and almonds until evenly distributed.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Cool before serving.

10. Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies

These chewy oatmeal cookies are studded with tart cranberries and a hint of orange zest, making them a refreshing addition to your holiday cookie spread. These actually work really well as a breakfast biscuit – they’re perfect for grabbing when you’re on the run and the oats keep you fuller for longer.

Servings: About 30 cookies

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
4. Stir in oats, cranberries, and orange zest until well combined.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Let cool before enjoying.

11. Honey Walnut Cookies

These soft, chewy cookies are infused with honey and packed with crunchy walnuts, making them a sweet treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. Honey and walnuts in one cookie – what’ not to love?!

Servings: About 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and honey until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
4. Stir in walnuts until evenly distributed.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool before serving.

12. Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Cookies

These buttery shortbread cookies are simple yet elegant, and a dip in rich chocolate makes them a festive addition to your cookie platter. Of course, if you don’t like chocolate (who doesn’t?) – you could just enjoy these as shortbread cookies and skip dipping them in melted chocolate.

Servings: About 20 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into desired shapes.
4. Place cookies on baking sheets and bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
5. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler. Dip half of each cookie in chocolate and place on parchment to set.

13. Nutella Stuffed Cookies

These indulgent cookies are filled with creamy Nutella, creating a gooey center that will delight any chocolate lover during the holidays. These taste incredible dipped in a mug of hot cocoa.

Servings: About 24 cookies

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
4. Scoop out a tablespoon of dough, flatten it, and place a teaspoon of Nutella in the center. Fold the dough over to seal.
5. Place on baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool before serving.

14. Matcha Green Tea Cookies

These unique cookies have a lovely green hue and a subtle earthy flavor from matcha, making them a beautiful and tasty addition to your holiday spread. These would actually make a great gift for fans of the Grinch!

Servings: About 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons matcha green tea powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
4. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Let cool before serving.

15. S’mores Cookies

These cookies combine the classic flavors of s’mores—chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows – into a deliciously chewy treat. We love gooey cookies in our house and I have to say that these taste absolutely amazing!

Servings: About 24 cookies

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
4. Stir in marshmallows, chocolate chips, and crushed graham crackers until combined.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool before serving.

16. Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies

These delightful thumbprint cookies are filled with sweet raspberry jam and topped with a sprinkle of almond, offering a perfect balance of flavors. This recipe used to be one of my Grandma’s favorites and I always think of her when we bake these.

Servings: About 24 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 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 cup raspberry jam
• Sliced almonds for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until combined.
4. Roll the dough into balls and place on the baking sheets. Make an indentation in the center of each ball with your thumb.
5. Fill each indentation with raspberry jam and top with sliced almonds.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool before serving.

17. Coconut Macaroons

These chewy coconut macaroons are sweet and satisfying, featuring a golden exterior and a soft, moist interior. Perfect for coconut lovers! This is a really traditional recipe but you can’t go wrong with coconut macaroons.

Servings: About 20 cookies

Ingredients:

• 4 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for dipping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract.
3. In another bowl, beat egg whites and salt until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the coconut mixture.
4. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool completely.
6. If desired, melt chocolate chips and dip the bottoms of the macaroons in chocolate. Allow to set.

18. Spiced Chai Cookies

These cookies are infused with the warm spices of chai tea, creating a comforting and aromatic treat perfect for the holiday season.

Servings: About 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon chai spice blend (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and chai spice blend. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
4. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool before serving.

19. Lemon Sugar Cookies

These bright and zesty lemon sugar cookies are soft and chewy with a refreshing citrus flavor, making them a lovely holiday treat.

Servings: About 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
4. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool before dusting with powdered sugar.

20. Caramel Stuffed Cookies

These indulgent cookies are filled with gooey caramel, offering a delightful surprise in every bite. Just look at that caramel oozing out of the center!

Servings: About 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 24 caramel candies

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
4. Scoop out a tablespoon of dough, flatten it, and place a caramel candy in the center. Fold the dough over to seal.
5. Place on baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool before serving.

21. Butterscotch Pecan Cookies

These chewy cookies are packed with rich butterscotch chips and crunchy pecans, making them a delightful treat that’s perfect for the holidays. These taste and smell incredible! They don’t last long when we make them.

Servings: About 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butterscotch chips
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
4. Stir in butterscotch chips and pecans until evenly distributed.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool before serving.

22. Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

These rich chocolate cookies are infused with peppermint flavor and topped with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes, making them a festive favorite.

Servings: About 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extract.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
4. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes while still warm. Allow to cool before serving.

23. Pistachio Cookies

These unique cookies feature the delightful flavor of pistachios, creating a chewy texture that’s perfect for the holidays.

Servings: About 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shelled and chopped pistachios
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
4. Stir in chopped pistachios until evenly distributed.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool and dust with powdered sugar if desired.

24. Orange Cranberry Cookies

These bright and zesty cookies combine the flavors of orange and tart cranberries, making them a refreshing treat for the holiday season.

Servings: About 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dried cranberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, vanilla, and orange zest.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
4. Stir in dried cranberries until evenly distributed.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool before serving.

25. Maple Pecan Cookies

These soft cookies are infused with maple syrup and loaded with crunchy pecans, offering a delightful taste of fall during the holiday season.

Servings: About 24 cookies

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and maple syrup until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
4. Stir in chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool before serving.

26. Toffee Crunch Cookies

These delightful cookies are loaded with bits of toffee and chocolate, creating a sweet and crunchy treat that’s perfect for the holiday season.

Servings: About 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup toffee bits
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
4. Stir in toffee bits and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool before serving.

27. Chai-Spiced Snickerdoodles

A twist on the classic snickerdoodle, these cookies are infused with chai spices for a warm and aromatic flavor, perfect for cozy holiday gatherings.

Servings: About 24 cookies

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and spices. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
4. Roll dough into balls and roll in granulated sugar before placing on the baking sheets.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool before serving.

28. Cinnamon Roll Cookies

These cookies capture the essence of cinnamon rolls in a delightful, bite-sized treat that’s perfect for sharing during the holidays.

Servings: About 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
4. Roll out the dough into a rectangle and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll up tightly and slice into rounds.
5. Place on baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool before serving.

29. Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies

These rich and nutty cookies feature the delicious combination of chocolate and hazelnuts, making them a decadent treat for the holidays.

Servings: About 24 cookies

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
4. Stir in chopped hazelnuts and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool before serving.

30. Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

These light and refreshing cookies are infused with lemon zest and poppy seeds, offering a delightful citrus flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season.

Servings: About 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
4. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool before serving.

I really don’t think I could pick a favorite out of these 30 Christmas cookie recipes – they all taste and smell incredible and I love baking them with the kids. I hope you enjoy trying them out with your family too!