The holiday season is the perfect time to bring out your apron and indulge in some festive baking! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who likes to keep things simple, quick and easy Christmas cookie recipes are a must-have for spreading joy and filling your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked treats. In this post, we’ll explore 15 delicious cookie recipes that are not only time-friendly but also guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Let’s dive in!
1. Classic Sugar Cookies
Nothing says Christmas like beautifully decorated sugar cookies! These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect for cutting into festive shapes like stars, trees, and snowflakes.
How to Make:
- Combine butter, sugar, and vanilla for the base.
- Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to create festive shapes.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Once cooled, decorate with royal icing and festive sprinkles.
Pro Tip: Use gel food coloring for vibrant icing designs without thinning the mixture.
2. No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
When you’re short on time but still want something indulgent, no-bake cookies are the way to go!
How to Make:
- Melt butter, sugar, and cocoa powder in a saucepan.
- Stir in peanut butter, vanilla, and quick oats until combined.
- Scoop the mixture onto parchment paper and let it set in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Pro Tip: Sprinkle crushed peppermint or sea salt on top for a festive twist.
3. Gingerbread Men
Gingerbread cookies are a Christmas classic that’s as fun to make as they are to eat.
How to Make:
- Mix molasses, brown sugar, and ginger spice with flour and butter.
- Roll out the dough and cut into gingerbread men shapes.
- Bake for 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Decorate with colorful icing and tiny candy buttons.
Pro Tip: Use cinnamon sticks as props to create “walking gingerbread men” for a fun presentation.
4. Ingredient Shortbread Cookies
These crumbly, buttery cookies are incredibly easy to whip up with just five ingredients.
How to Make:
- Combine butter, sugar, flour, vanilla, and a pinch of salt to form a dough.
- Roll into a log, slice into rounds, and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 10-12 minutes.
- For added festivity, dip the edges in melted chocolate and sprinkle crushed pistachios or holiday sprinkles.
Pro Tip: Store the dough in the freezer and bake fresh batches whenever you need them.
5. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
With their fudgy centers and powdered sugar coating, these cookies look like tiny snow-covered mountains.
How to Make:
- Whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, eggs, and oil.
- Chill the dough for at least an hour.
- Roll into balls, coat in powdered sugar, and bake for 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Pro Tip: Add a dash of espresso powder to the dough for a richer chocolate flavor.
6. Thumbprint Cookies with Jam
These festive cookies are as delightful to eat as they are beautiful to look at.
How to Make:
- Prepare a simple shortbread dough.
- Roll into balls, press a thumb into the center of each, and fill with your favorite jam (raspberry and apricot are classic choices).
- Bake for 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Pro Tip: Dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
7. Snickerdoodles
With their signature cinnamon-sugar coating, snickerdoodles are a timeless Christmas favorite.
How to Make:
- Mix butter, sugar, eggs, and a pinch of cream of tartar.
- Roll the dough into balls, coat with cinnamon-sugar, and bake for 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
Pro Tip: Add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra festive flavor profile.
8. Peppermint Bark Cookies
Combine the best of cookies and candy with these delightful peppermint bark-inspired treats.
How to Make:
- Prepare a basic sugar cookie base.
- Once baked, coat the top with melted white chocolate and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
Pro Tip: Use a piping bag to drizzle dark chocolate over the top for a sophisticated finish.
9. Festive Biscotti
Perfect for pairing with a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa, biscotti are a versatile and festive holiday treat.
How to Make:
- Combine flour, sugar, eggs, and your choice of festive add-ins like dried cranberries, pistachios, or orange zest.
- Form the dough into logs and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
- Slice into thick pieces and bake again for 10 minutes until crispy.
Pro Tip: Dip one end of the biscotti in melted chocolate and sprinkle with holiday-themed sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
10. Almond Snowball Cookies
These bite-sized cookies are buttery, nutty, and coated in powdered sugar for a snowy look.
How to Make:
- Mix butter, powdered sugar, almond extract, and finely chopped almonds with flour.
- Roll into small balls and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 15 minutes.
- Once cooled, roll in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Pro Tip: Add a dash of cinnamon to the powdered sugar for a subtle holiday spice flavor.
11. Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Macaroons
For those who love the chewy texture of coconut, these macaroons are a must-try holiday treat.
How to Make:
- Combine shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract.
- Scoop into small mounds and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden.
- Once cooled, dip the bottoms in melted dark chocolate.
Pro Tip: Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to the chocolate for a gourmet twist.
12. Ginger Snap Cookies
These spiced cookies are a holiday classic with their crunchy texture and warm ginger flavor.
How to Make:
- Mix molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg with flour and butter to form the dough.
- Roll the dough into small balls, coat in sugar, and bake for 8-10 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
Pro Tip: Serve with a cup of spiced cider or mulled wine for the ultimate holiday pairing.
13. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Add a pop of color to your cookie tray with these festive red velvet crinkle cookies.
How to Make:
- Prepare a simple red velvet cake mix with butter and eggs.
- Chill the dough, roll into balls, and coat in powdered sugar before baking.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
Pro Tip: Top each cookie with a white chocolate drizzle for an extra indulgent touch.
14. Holiday Sprinkle Cookies
Bring a cheerful vibe to your holiday table with these colorful sprinkle-covered cookies.
How to Make:
- Mix butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract with flour to form a soft dough.
- Roll the dough into small balls and coat in holiday-themed sprinkles.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.
Pro Tip: Use a mix of red, green, and gold sprinkles to match the festive theme.
15. Peanut Butter Blossoms
A classic for a reason, peanut butter blossoms are as delicious as they are easy to make.
How to Make:
- Combine peanut butter, sugar, eggs, and flour to create the dough.
- Roll into balls, coat with sugar, and bake for 8 minutes.
- Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie after baking.
Pro Tip: Use flavored chocolate kisses (like peppermint or caramel) to add a unique twist to this beloved recipe.
Wrap-Up
These 15 quick and easy Christmas cookie recipes are perfect for spreading holiday cheer in 2024. Whether you’re looking for something classic like sugar cookies or a modern twist like peppermint bark cookies, there’s a recipe here for everyone.
Baking cookies during the holidays isn’t just about the treats—it’s about the joy of creating something special for your loved ones. So, grab your favorite recipe, turn on some festive music, and let the holiday baking begin!
What’s your go-to Christmas cookie recipe? Share your favorites in the comments below!