The holiday season is here, and with it comes the magic of baking. The kitchen starts to fill with the sweet smells of butter, sugar, and spices. And, for me, nothing says Christmas quite like the moment I pull a tray of freshly baked cookies from the oven. The soft, warm aroma of sugar cookies, the rich scent of chocolate, and the familiar whiff of cinnamon all mingle together in the air—it’s like a big holiday hug.
I don’t know about you, but for me, baking Christmas cookies isn’t just about the treats. It’s about creating memories with my family. The kids gather around, eagerly waiting to help roll the dough, decorate the cookies, or sneak a bite when I’m not looking (as if I don’t see those little hands reaching for the cooling rack!). And, of course, there’s the excitement of sharing them—whether it’s at a festive party, packed up for neighbors, or simply enjoyed at home while watching Christmas movies.
But, let’s be real—no one wants to spend all day in the kitchen. We all have enough on our plates during the holidays, right? That’s why I’ve put together this list of 10 easy Christmas cookies that are guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s faces without taking up your entire day. From the classic sugar cookies we all know and love, to a few fun twists on holiday favorites, these cookies are quick to make, delicious, and perfect for any Christmas celebration.
So grab your apron, preheat the oven, and let’s bake some memories!
1. Classic Sugar Cookies: A Timeless Favorite
Sugar cookies are hands down one of the most iconic Christmas cookies. These simple, buttery cookies are the perfect canvas for decorating with all sorts of holiday fun—sprinkles, frosting, or just a dusting of sugar. I love making these with my kids because they have a blast cutting out different shapes, from candy canes to stars and Christmas trees.
But here’s a little secret: You don’t need to stress about perfection. Just roll the dough, cut out some shapes, and bake them. If you’re feeling extra festive, you can go wild with the decorations, but honestly, they’re just as amazing with a little sprinkle of sugar on top. The best part? They’re super easy and fun to make.
Pro Tip: Chill the dough for a bit before rolling it out. It makes it easier to work with, and the cookies hold their shape better while baking.
2. Peanut Butter Blossoms: A Sweet and Salty Combo
If you love peanut butter and chocolate, then peanut butter blossoms are about to become your new favorite Christmas cookie. These little beauties are made with soft peanut butter cookie dough and topped with a chocolate kiss that melts right into the dough. The combination of salty and sweet is pure magic.
Peanut butter blossoms have always been a hit in my house. The best part is that they’re so simple to make, but they look like you’ve put in a ton of effort. I always make a double batch because they never last long—one minute they’re on the cookie tray, and the next, they’re all gone.
Pro Tip: Don’t wait too long to add the chocolate kisses. If you let the cookies cool too much before adding them, the kisses won’t melt into that gooey spot on top. Put them on right after baking, and they’ll melt perfectly!
3. Snickerdoodles: Cinnamon-Sugar Bliss
Snickerdoodles are one of those cookies that never go out of style. With their soft, chewy texture and warm cinnamon-sugar coating, they’re like a hug in cookie form. If you’ve never made snickerdoodles before, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up—just roll the dough into balls, coat them in cinnamon-sugar, and bake. Simple, right?
I like to make these every year because they remind me of cozy holiday afternoons, with a mug of hot cocoa in hand and Christmas music playing in the background. The best part? They’re perfect for packing into holiday tins and giving as gifts.
Pro Tip: For an extra pop of cinnamon flavor, use freshly ground cinnamon. It makes a world of difference!
4. Chocolate Chip Cookies: Always a Winner
I know, I know—chocolate chip cookies aren’t exactly exclusive to Christmas, but hear me out. They’re a classic for a reason! The combination of melty chocolate chips and soft, chewy dough is a crowd-pleaser, no matter the season. And let’s be honest, you can never have too many chocolate chip cookies, especially around the holidays.
To make them extra festive, I like to throw in some red and green M&Ms or mini chocolate chips to give them a pop of color. It’s a quick way to take a classic cookie and make it holiday-ready. Plus, if you’re like me, you’ll find that chocolate chip cookies disappear faster than you can bake them.
Pro Tip: If you want your cookies to be extra chewy, slightly underbake them. They’ll firm up as they cool but stay soft in the middle.
5. Thumbprint Cookies: A Jammy Delight
Thumbprint cookies are one of my favorites because they’re just so cute and delicious! The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth base pairs perfectly with a dollop of jam in the center. Raspberry, strawberry, or even apricot jam works great, but you can get creative with different flavors. I personally love using raspberry jam because it adds just the right amount of tartness.
Making thumbprint cookies is fun because it’s all about pressing your thumb into the dough to create the perfect spot for the jam. My kids love helping me with this part, and it’s always a great way to get them involved in the kitchen.
Pro Tip: Don’t overfill the thumbprint! You want just enough jam to fill the center without it spilling over the edges while baking.
6. Gingerbread Cookies: A Festive Favorite
Gingerbread cookies are a holiday staple. The warm spices of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves fill the air with that classic Christmas scent, and the crisp, slightly chewy texture makes them absolutely irresistible. Plus, you can get as creative as you want with the shapes and decorations. I love making gingerbread men and women, and decorating them with icing and sprinkles is always a fun activity.
If you’re making these with kids, it’s a great way to keep them entertained while also creating something delicious. These cookies are perfect for gifting too, especially when packaged in little treat bags.
Pro Tip: For the perfect gingerbread cookie, don’t roll the dough too thin—about ¼ inch thick is perfect. This ensures they stay sturdy for decorating.
7. Cranberry Orange Cookies: A Festive Twist
Cranberry and orange are one of those flavor combinations that scream Christmas. The tartness of the cranberries and the citrusy zing of the orange zest make these cookies light, bright, and totally festive. They’re a little different from your usual holiday cookies, which makes them a fun addition to your cookie spread.
Plus, they’re so easy to make! Just mix the ingredients, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, and bake. They’re soft, chewy, and have just the right amount of sweetness. They’re also perfect for gifting because the colors are so vibrant and cheerful.
Pro Tip: Make sure to use fresh orange zest for the best flavor. It really makes a difference!
8. Pecan Snowballs: A Nutty Treat
Pecan snowballs, also known as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies, are a buttery, nutty treat that’s dusted with powdered sugar to give them that snowy, festive look. These cookies melt in your mouth, and the combination of crunchy pecans and soft dough makes them absolutely addicting.
I make these every year, and they’re always the first to go. They’re also great for packing into holiday gift boxes or tins, as they hold up well and look beautiful. They’re simple to make—just mix the ingredients, roll the dough into balls, bake, and dust with powdered sugar.
Pro Tip: Let the cookies cool for a minute or two before dusting them with powdered sugar, so the sugar sticks without melting.
9. White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies: A Holiday Favorite
White chocolate and cranberry—what a combination! These cookies are sweet, tart, and just the right amount of festive. The chewy white chocolate chips and tangy dried cranberries make these cookies stand out, and they’re perfect for a holiday party or as a gift for loved ones.
Plus, they’re so easy to make. The dough comes together quickly, and you only need a few ingredients to make them. These are great for when you want a cookie that feels a little fancier but doesn’t require a lot of time or effort.
Pro Tip: If you want to give these cookies a little extra flair, sprinkle a little sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-and-salty twist.
10. M&M Cookies: Bright and Colorful
These M&M cookies are the definition of fun. They’re bright, colorful, and super simple to make. I love making them around Christmas because you can use red and green M&Ms to match the holiday season. They’re chewy, sweet, and totally irresistible.
Kids will love these too, and they’re a great way to get them involved in the kitchen. The best part? You can swap out the M&Ms for other festive candies like chocolate-covered pretzels or holiday-themed sprinkles for extra fun!
Pro Tip: Press a few extra M&Ms on top of the cookies right after baking for a more festive, polished look.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—10 easy Christmas cookies that are perfect for spreading holiday cheer. Whether you’re baking them for a Christmas party, packing them up for gifts, or just enjoying them with your family, these cookies will make your holiday season a little sweeter. Happy baking, and I hope your home smells as amazing as these cookies taste!
