There’s something nice about the aroma of Christmas cookies baking in the oven. That warm, spiced fragrance that fills your home and instantly transforms it into a cozy holiday haven? Pure bliss! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who usually sticks to store-bought treats, I’m here to tell you that making incredible Christmas cookies from scratch is totally doable – and so much more rewarding than you might think.

This year, let’s fill your cookie tins with homemade goodness that’ll have everyone asking for your secret recipes. From classic sugar cookies perfect for decorating with the kids to sophisticated spiced delights that’ll impress your most discerning guests, I’ve gathered 30 of the most delicious, foolproof Christmas cookie recipes that anyone can master.

Key Takeaways

• Simple ingredients, stunning results – Most of these recipes use pantry staples you likely already have
• Make-ahead friendly – Many doughs can be prepared weeks in advance and frozen
• Perfect for gifting – These cookies travel well and make thoughtful homemade presents
• Customizable flavors – Easy substitutions and variations to suit every taste preference
• Beginner-friendly techniques – Clear instructions that guarantee success every time

1.Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies

Why You’ll Love These

• Perfect canvas for creativity – ideal for decorating with royal icing or simple sprinkles
• Buttery, tender texture that melts in your mouth
• Holds shape beautifully during baking, so your cut-out designs stay crisp
• Kid-friendly recipe that’s perfect for family baking sessions

Ingredient Highlights & Notes

These sugar cookies get their incredible flavor from real vanilla extract and a touch of almond extract – don’t skip the almond, it adds that bakery-quality depth! The key to tender cookies is not overworking the dough once you add the flour.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (sift for extra tenderness)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (European-style butter makes them extra rich)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (secret ingredient for bakery flavor)

Equipment & Tools

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Large mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters
• Parchment-lined baking sheets
• Wire cooling racks

Instructions

• Prep your workspace – Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Mix dry ingredients – In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
• Cream butter and sugar – In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. You’ll hear the mixer’s tone change when it’s ready!
• Add wet ingredients – Beat in egg, vanilla, and almond extract until well combined.
• Incorporate flour mixture – Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix – stop as soon as you don’t see flour streaks.
• Chill the dough – Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This prevents spreading during baking.
• Roll and cut – On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with your favorite holiday shapes.
• Bake to perfection – Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes until edges are just set but centers still look soft.
• Cool completely – Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

For gluten-free cookies: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend – King Arthur works beautifully.

Flavor variations: Try lemon zest for citrus cookies, or add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for warmth.

Troubleshooting: If dough is too sticky to roll, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry and cracking, add milk 1 teaspoon at a time.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect with hot cocoa, coffee, or a glass of cold milk. Arrange decorated cookies on a festive platter for your holiday table, or package them in clear bags tied with ribbon for gifting.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Room temperature: Store in airtight container for up to 1 week
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies up to 3 months
Make-ahead: Cookie dough can be wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months – just thaw overnight before rolling

2. Chewy Gingerbread Cookies

Why You’ll Love These

• Perfectly spiced with warm ginger, cinnamon, and cloves
• Chewy texture that’s more interesting than crispy versions
• Deep molasses flavor that screams Christmas in every bite
• Great for gingerbread houses – they’re sturdy but not hard

Ingredient Highlights & Notes

The secret to exceptional gingerbread cookies is using fresh spices and not skimping on the molasses. I prefer unsulfured molasses for the cleanest flavor, and freshly ground spices make a noticeable difference.

Ingredients:

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger (use fresh if possible)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup molasses (unsulfured preferred)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

• Combine dry ingredients – Whisk flour, all spices, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
• Cream butter and sugar – Beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
• Add molasses mixture – Beat in molasses, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
• Form the dough – Gradually mix in flour mixture until just combined. Dough will be soft.
• Chill thoroughly – Wrap dough and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.
• Roll and cut – Roll on floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into shapes.
• Bake at 350°F – 8-10 minutes for chewy cookies. Don’t overbake!

3.Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Why You’ll Love These

• Rich chocolate base with bursts of cool peppermint
• Fudgy texture that chocolate lovers crave
• Festive red and white crushed candy cane topping
• Sophisticated flavor perfect for adult holiday parties

Ingredient Highlights & Notes

Use high-quality cocoa powder for the deepest chocolate flavor – Dutch-processed works wonderfully here. Crush your own candy canes for the freshest peppermint punch.

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (for topping)

Instructions

• Prepare for baking – Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets.
• Mix dry ingredients – Whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
• Cream butter and sugars – Beat until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
• Add eggs and extracts – Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla and peppermint.
• Combine wet and dry – Gradually add flour mixture, then fold in chocolate chips.
• Shape and top – Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto sheets. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
• Bake perfectly – 10-12 minutes until edges are set. Centers should still look slightly underbaked.

4. Snickerdoodles with Cinnamon Sugar

Why You’ll Love These

• Soft, pillowy texture with slightly crispy edges
• Warm cinnamon-sugar coating that’s pure comfort
• Simple ingredients you probably have right now
• Nostalgic flavor that brings back childhood memories

Ingredient Highlights & Notes

The secret to perfect snickerdoodles is cream of tartar – it gives them their characteristic tangy flavor and tender crumb. Don’t substitute it with anything else!

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar (essential for authentic flavor)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For rolling:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

• Mix dry ingredients – Combine flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
• Cream butter and sugar – Beat until fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add eggs and vanilla – Beat until well combined.
• Form dough – Gradually add flour mixture until just combined.
• Prepare cinnamon sugar – Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
• Shape and roll – Form dough into 1.5-inch balls, roll in cinnamon sugar.
• Bake at 375°F – 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers still look soft.

5. Thumbprint Cookies with Jam

Why You’ll Love These

• Buttery shortbread base that melts in your mouth
• Jewel-toned jam centers that look stunning on cookie platters
• Endless flavor combinations with different jam varieties
• Elegant appearance that’s surprisingly easy to achieve

Ingredient Highlights & Notes

Choose high-quality jams for the best flavor and appearance. Seedless varieties work best, and slightly warming the jam makes it easier to fill the thumbprints neatly.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/3 cup assorted jams (raspberry, apricot, strawberry)

Instructions

• Combine dry ingredients – Whisk flour and salt together.
• Cream butter and sugar – Beat butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add extracts – Mix in vanilla and almond extracts.
• Form dough – Gradually add flour mixture until just combined.
• Shape cookies – Roll dough into 1-inch balls, place on lined baking sheets.
• Create thumbprints – Press thumb gently into center of each ball, creating a well.
• Fill with jam – Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon jam into each indentation.
• Bake at 350°F – 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

6. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Why You’ll Love These

• Dramatic appearance with dark chocolate and snowy powdered sugar
• Fudgy centers with slightly crispy edges
• Show-stopping presentation that looks bakery-professional
• Intense chocolate flavor that satisfies serious cravings

Ingredient Highlights & Notes

The key to perfect crinkles is chilling the dough thoroughly and rolling generously in powdered sugar. The contrast between the dark dough and white sugar creates those beautiful “crinkles.”

Ingredients:

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

Instructions

• Mix wet ingredients – Whisk cocoa, granulated sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
• Add dry ingredients – Combine flour, baking powder, and salt, then mix into wet ingredients.
• Chill dough – Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Prepare for baking – Preheat oven to 350°F. Place powdered sugar in a bowl.
• Shape and coat – Roll chilled dough into 1-inch balls, then roll generously in powdered sugar.
• Bake – Place on lined baking sheets and bake 10-12 minutes until crinkled and set.

7. Shortbread Cookies

Why You’ll Love These

• Simple elegance with just three main ingredients
• Rich, buttery flavor that’s absolutely irresistible
• Crisp, tender texture that pairs perfectly with tea or coffee
• Versatile base for adding flavors like lemon zest or vanilla

Ingredient Highlights & Notes

The quality of butter makes all the difference in shortbread. Use the best European-style butter you can find, and make sure it’s properly softened but not melted.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (high-quality European style)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but recommended)

Instructions

• Cream butter and sugar – Beat until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
• Add vanilla – Mix in vanilla if using.
• Incorporate flour – Gradually add flour and salt, mixing just until combined.
• Shape dough – Press into 8-inch round pan or roll and cut into shapes.
• Score if needed – If making round shortbread, score into wedges before baking.
• Bake at 325°F – 20-25 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
• Cool completely – Let cool in pan before removing or cutting.

8. Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies

Why You’ll Love These

• Chewy oat texture with bursts of tart cranberries
• Healthier option with whole grains and dried fruit
• Beautiful color contrast from red cranberries
• Perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors

Ingredient Highlights & Notes

Use old-fashioned oats rather than quick oats for better texture. If your cranberries seem too dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup dried cranberries (or mixed dried fruit)

Instructions

• Combine dry ingredients – Whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
• Cream butter and sugars – Beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
• Add eggs and vanilla – Beat until well combined.
• Mix in dry ingredients – Gradually add flour mixture.
• Fold in oats and cranberries – Stir until evenly distributed.
• Drop and bake – Drop rounded tablespoons onto lined sheets. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

9. Peanut Butter Blossoms

Why You’ll Love These

• Classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate
• Soft, chewy texture with a perfect chocolate crown
• Nostalgic appeal that brings back childhood memories
• Easy technique that looks impressive but is simple to master

Ingredient Highlights & Notes

Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture, and press the chocolate kisses in while cookies are still warm so they adhere properly without melting completely.

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Additional granulated sugar for rolling
• 36 chocolate kisses, unwrapped

Instructions

• Mix dry ingredients – Combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Cream butter, peanut butter, and sugars – Beat until fluffy.
• Add egg and vanilla – Beat until smooth.
• Form dough – Gradually add flour mixture.
• Shape and roll – Form into 1-inch balls, roll in granulated sugar.
• Bake – Place on lined sheets, bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.
• Add kisses – Immediately press chocolate kiss into center of each warm cookie.

10. Linzer Cookies

Why You’ll Love These

• Sophisticated sandwich cookie with jam peeking through cutout centers
• Nutty almond flavor that’s elegantly European
• Beautiful presentation perfect for gift-giving
• Make-ahead friendly – actually taste better after a day

Ingredient Highlights & Notes

Almond flour adds incredible flavor and tender texture. If you can’t find it, pulse whole almonds in a food processor until finely ground (but not to butter stage).

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup almond flour (or finely ground almonds)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 cup raspberry jam (or your favorite flavor)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

• Combine flours and salt – Whisk together and set aside.
• Cream butter and sugar – Beat until light and fluffy.
• Add egg and extracts – Mix until well combined.
• Form dough – Gradually add flour mixture. Divide dough in half, wrap, and chill 2 hours.
• Roll and cut – Roll each half to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut with round cutters. Cut small centers from half the cookies.
• Bake – Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
• Assemble – Spread jam on solid cookies, dust cutout cookies with powdered sugar, then sandwich together.

11. Mexican Wedding Cookies (Polvorones)

Why You’ll Love These

• Melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s incredibly tender
• Delicate nutty flavor from toasted pecans
• Snowy powdered sugar coating that’s festive and beautiful
• Gluten-free option easily achieved with almond flour

Ingredient Highlights & Notes

Toasting the pecans first intensifies their flavor dramatically. Let them cool completely before grinding, or they’ll turn into pecan butter in your food processor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pecans, toasted and finely ground
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

• Toast and grind pecans – Toast pecans in 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes. Cool completely, then grind finely.
• Mix dry ingredients – Combine ground pecans, flour, and salt.
• Cream butter and sugar – Beat butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until fluffy.
• Add vanilla – Mix in vanilla extract.
• Form dough – Gradually add pecan-flour mixture.
• Shape cookies – Form into 1-inch balls or crescents.
• Bake – Bake at 325°F for 18-20 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden.
• Roll in sugar – While still warm, roll in powdered sugar. Cool, then roll again.

12. Candy Cane Cookies

Why You’ll Love These

• Festive striped appearance that screams Christmas
• Peppermint flavor that’s refreshing and seasonal
• Fun to make with kids who love shaping the canes
• Beautiful on cookie platters with their distinctive red and white swirls

Ingredient Highlights & Notes

Divide the dough evenly for consistent stripes, and work quickly when shaping as the dough can become sticky if it gets too warm.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions

• Mix dry ingredients – Combine flour and salt.
• Cream butter and sugar – Beat until light and fluffy.
• Add egg and extracts – Mix until smooth.
• Form dough – Gradually add flour mixture.
• Divide and color – Split dough in half. Add red coloring to one half.
• Shape canes – Roll small portions of each color into ropes, twist together, then shape into candy canes.
• Bake – Place on lined sheets, bake at 375°F for 9-12 minutes until set.

13. Jam-Filled Rugelach

Why You’ll Love These

• Flaky, tender pastry with cream cheese richness
• Sweet jam filling with optional nuts and cinnamon
• Elegant crescent shape that looks professionally made
• Make-ahead friendly – dough can be prepared days in advance

Ingredient Highlights & Notes

The cream cheese in the dough creates an incredibly tender, almost pastry-like texture. Keep ingredients cold for the flakiest results.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 8 oz cream cheese, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For filling:

• 1/2 cup apricot or raspberry jam
• 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

• Make dough – Pulse flour and salt in food processor. Add cold butter and cream cheese, pulse until mixture forms a dough.
• Chill – Divide into 4 portions, wrap each in plastic, and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
• Prepare filling – Mix jam, nuts, sugar, and cinnamon.
• Roll and fill – Roll each portion into a circle, spread with filling, cut into wedges.
• Shape – Roll each wedge from wide end to point, forming crescents.
• Bake – Place on lined sheets, bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden.

14. Coconut Macaroons

Why You’ll Love These

• Naturally gluten-free with incredible coconut flavor
• Chewy texture with golden, slightly crispy edges
• Simple ingredients that come together quickly
• Optional chocolate drizzle for extra indulgence

Ingredient Highlights & Notes

Use sweetened shredded coconut for the best texture and flavor. If you only have unsweetened, add an extra 1/4 cup sugar to the recipe.

Ingredients:

• 5 1/3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 4 large egg whites
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or omit for gluten-free)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 oz dark chocolate, melted (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions

• Combine ingredients – Mix coconut, egg whites, sugar, flour, salt, and vanilla until well combined.
• Let mixture rest – Allow to sit 15 minutes for coconut to absorb moisture.
• Shape macaroons – Use cookie scoop or hands to form into mounds on lined baking sheets.
• Bake – Bake at 325°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
• Cool and drizzle – Cool completely, then drizzle with melted chocolate if desired.

15. Molasses Cookies

Why You’ll Love These

• Deep, complex flavor from molasses and warm spices
• Soft, chewy texture that stays fresh for days
• Aromatic spice blend that fills your kitchen with holiday scents
• Old-fashioned charm that never goes out of style

Ingredient Highlights & Notes

Use unsulfured molasses for the cleanest flavor, and don’t overbake – these cookies continue cooking on the hot pan after removal from the oven.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions

• Mix dry ingredients – Whisk flour, spices, baking soda, and salt.
• Cream butter and brown sugar – Beat until fluffy.
• Add molasses, egg, and vanilla – Beat until smooth.
• Combine wet and dry – Gradually add flour mixture.
• Chill dough – Refrigerate 1 hour for easier handling.
• Shape and roll – Form into balls, roll in granulated sugar.
• Bake – Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until edges are set but centers still look soft.

16. Almond Crescents

Why You’ll Love These

• Delicate almond flavor that’s sophisticated and nutty
• Tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture similar to shortbread
• Elegant crescent shape perfect for special occasions
• Powdered sugar coating that adds sweetness and beauty

Ingredient Highlights & Notes

Almond extract is essential here – don’t substitute with vanilla. The dough should be soft but not sticky; add flour gradually if needed.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup finely ground almonds
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

• Combine dry ingredients – Mix flour, ground almonds, and salt.
• Cream butter and sugar – Beat until light and fluffy.
• Add extracts – Mix in almond and vanilla extracts.
• Form dough – Gradually add flour mixture.
• Shape crescents – Roll small portions into logs, then curve into crescent shapes.
• Bake – Bake at 325°F for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden.
• Dust with sugar – While still warm, dust generously with powdered sugar.

17. Chocolate Chip Cookies (Christmas Version)

Why You’ll Love These

• Classic comfort with festive red and green chocolate chips
• Perfect chewy texture with slightly crispy edges
• Holiday colors that make them special for the season
• Crowd-pleasing flavor that appeals to all ages

Ingredient Highlights & Notes

Use a mix of regular chocolate chips and holiday-colored ones for the most festive appearance. Slightly underbaking keeps them perfectly chewy.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup red and green chocolate chips (or M&Ms)

Instructions

• Mix dry ingredients – Combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Cream butter and sugars – Beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
• Add eggs and vanilla – Beat until well combined.
• Combine wet and dry – Gradually add flour mixture.
• Fold in chips – Stir in all chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
• Drop and bake – Drop rounded tablespoons onto lined sheets. Bake at 375°F for 9-11 minutes.
• Cool on pan – Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring.

18. Pecan Sandies

Why You’ll Love These

• Rich pecan flavor with a tender, crumbly texture
• Simple elegance that’s perfect with coffee or tea
• Nutty aroma that’s absolutely irresistible while baking
• Southern charm that brings warmth to any cookie platter

Ingredient Highlights & Notes

Toasting the pecans first intensifies their flavor significantly. Chop them finely but not to powder – you want some texture in every bite.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions

• Toast pecans – Toast in 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until fragrant. Cool and chop finely.
• Mix dry ingredients – Combine flour, chopped pecans, and salt.
• Cream butter and sugar – Beat until light and fluffy.
• Add vanilla – Mix in vanilla extract.
• Form dough – Gradually add flour mixture.
• Shape cookies – Form into small balls or logs, place on lined sheets.
• Bake – Bake at 325°F for 18-20 minutes until lightly golden.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect for so many occasions! Arrange them on festive platters for holiday parties, pack them in decorative tins for gift-giving, or simply enjoy them with your morning coffee. I love setting up a cookie exchange table where guests can sample different varieties and take home their favorites.

Perfect pairings:

• Hot beverages: Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or mulled cider
• Cold drinks: Milk (obviously!), eggnog, or dessert wines
• Ice cream: Vanilla, cinnamon, or peppermint flavors complement most cookies beautifully

Storage, Make-Ahead & Reheating

Room temperature storage: Most cookies stay fresh in airtight containers for 5-7 days. Layer delicate cookies between parchment paper to prevent breaking.

Freezer storage: Nearly all cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Shape dough into balls, freeze on baking sheets, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes.

Make-ahead strategies:

• Prep dry ingredients up to 1 week ahead and store in labeled containers
• Mix cookie dough 2-3 days ahead and refrigerate (flavors actually improve!)
• Freeze baked cookies up to 3 months in airtight containers

Refreshing day-old cookies: Place a slice of bread in the container overnight to restore moisture, or warm briefly in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes.

Nutrition & Dietary Notes

While Christmas cookies are definitely treats to enjoy in moderation, you can make some healthier swaps:

Reducing sugar: Cut sugar by up to 1/4 in most recipes without major texture changes
Adding fiber: Substitute up to 1/2 cup flour with whole wheat pastry flour
Healthier fats: Use coconut oil or avocado oil in place of some butter
Protein boost: Add 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed or chia seeds to any recipe

Dietary accommodations:

• Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free flour blends
• Dairy-free: Substitute plant-based butter and milk alternatives
• Egg-free: Use commercial egg replacers or flax eggs
• Refined sugar-free: Try coconut sugar, maple syrup, or date paste

Conclusion

There you have it – 30 absolutely delicious Christmas cookie recipes that’ll transform your kitchen into a holiday wonderland! From classic sugar cookies perfect for decorating with little ones to sophisticated treats that’ll wow your dinner party guests, this collection has something for every skill level and taste preference.

What I love most about homemade Christmas cookies is how they bring people together. There’s something magical about the process – measuring ingredients, mixing dough, and filling your home with those incredible aromas that instantly say “Christmas is here!” Whether you’re continuing family traditions or starting new ones, these recipes will help you create sweet memories that last far beyond the holiday season.

Your next steps:

• Choose 3-4 recipes that sound most appealing to start your baking adventure
• Make a shopping list and stock up on quality ingredients like real vanilla extract and good butter
• Plan your baking schedule – spread it out over several days to avoid overwhelm
• Prepare storage containers and gift packaging for sharing your delicious creations
• Invite family or friends to join you – cookie baking is always more fun with company!

Remember, baking should be joyful, not stressful. Don’t worry if your first batch isn’t perfect – even “imperfect” homemade cookies taste infinitely better than store-bought ones. The love and care you put into making them is what truly makes them special.

Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies and the warmth of sharing them with people you love!