Delicious Cookie Recipes Christmas: 5 Must-Try Classics

If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen on a snowy December afternoon, smelling cinnamon and butter waft through the air while soft Christmas music plays in the background, you know what we mean. Cookies aren’t just treats they’re tiny time machines. One bite can take you back to Grandma’s kitchen, your childhood holidays, or that year everything felt just right.

This season, we’re going back to the basics the classics. Not because they’re old, but because they’ve stood the test of time for a reason. They’re reliable, delicious, and filled with the kind of warmth that only a homemade cookie can offer.

In this post, we’re sharing five must-try Cookie Recipes Christmas bakers everywhere are loving in 2025. These aren’t just any cookies they’re the ones you’ll want to bake every year, give as gifts, and serve with your favorite holiday cocoa. Best of all? They’re easy to make, require simple ingredients, and come together faster than you might think.

So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and let’s make some magic!

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Why These Cookie Recipes Christmas Are Perfect for 2025

These Cookie Recipes Christmas selections are more than just pretty cookies they’re time-tested favorites that balance flavor, texture, and ease. Whether you’re baking for a party, wrapping up gifts, or just treating your family, these five classics deliver:

• Total time per recipe: 30–60 minutes (including baking!)
• Difficulty level: Beginner-friendly (even kids can help!)
• Why they stand out: They use pantry staples, offer room for creativity, and taste like holiday joy in every bite.

Plus, all five recipes are versatile you can make them gluten-free, dairy-free, or add festive sprinkles depending on your mood or dietary needs.

The 5 Must-Try Cookie Recipes Christmas Classics

We’ve carefully chosen these five based on taste, nostalgia, and how well they travel or store. Here they are:

1. Classic Sugar Cookies – Soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating
2. Gingerbread Cookies – Spiced, crisp, and full of holiday spirit
3. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies – Fudgy centers with a snowy powdered sugar coat
4. Peanut Butter Blossoms – Peanut butter cookies with a chocolate kiss on top
5. Shortbread Cookies – Rich, melt-in-your-mouth simplicity at its best

Now, let’s dive into what makes each one special and how to make them like a pro!

Essential Ingredients for Your Cookie Recipes Christmas

Before we get into each recipe, let’s talk about the key ingredients that make holiday cookies shine. Most of these are probably already in your kitchen!

Core Pantry Staples:

• Unsalted butter – Gives richness and helps cookies spread just right.
  Substitute: Vegan butter or coconut oil (for dairy-free).
• Granulated sugar & brown sugar – Sugar adds sweetness; brown sugar adds moisture and chew.
  Tip: Use light brown sugar unless a recipe says otherwise.
• All-purpose flour – The base for most cookies.
  Substitute: 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (like King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill).
• Eggs – Bind ingredients and add structure.
  Substitute: Flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg).
• Baking soda & baking powder – Help cookies rise and spread. Don’t swap them they do different jobs!
• Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth. Use pure vanilla, not imitation, if possible.
• Spices – Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves bring holiday cheer (especially in gingerbread!).
• Chocolate chips or Hershey’s Kisses – Essential for Peanut Butter Blossoms and crinkles.

Optional (But Fun!) Add-Ins:

• Holiday sprinkles
• Crushed peppermint
• Orange zest (great in sugar cookies!)
• Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Pro Tip: Always use room-temperature butter and eggs unless a recipe says “cold.” It helps everything mix evenly!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Each Cookie Recipes Christmas

Let’s walk through each of the five Cookie Recipes Christmas favorites. We’ll keep steps clear and easy even if you’ve never baked before!

1. Classic Sugar Cookie Recipes Christmas

Why you’ll love it: Roll, cut, and decorate them with kids! They hold their shape and taste buttery-sweet.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

Steps:

1. In a big bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
2. Mix in egg and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add dry mix to wet mix. Stir until a soft dough forms.
5. Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill at least 1 hour (this is key for clean cuts!).
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface.
7. Cut with cookie cutters. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
8. Bake 8–10 minutes until edges are just starting to turn golden.
9. Cool completely before decorating with icing or sprinkles.

Baking Tip: Don’t overbake! Sugar cookies taste best when soft in the center.

2. Gingerbread Cookie Recipes Christmas

Why you’ll love it: Spiced, crisp, and perfect for building gingerbread houses or eating as-is!

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup molasses (use unsulfured for best flavor)
• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp cloves
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt

Steps:

1. Beat butter and brown sugar until light.
2. Add egg and molasses; mix well.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, spices, baking soda, and salt.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet mix. Stir until a stiff dough forms.
5. Divide into 2 discs, wrap, and chill at least 3 hours (or overnight this helps them hold shape!).
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into shapes (trees, stars, gingerbread people!).
8. Bake 10–12 minutes until firm to the touch.
9. Cool on the pan 2 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

Baking Tip: If dough cracks while rolling, let it sit at room temp for 5–10 minutes to soften slightly.

3. Chocolate Crinkle Cookie Recipes Christmas

Why you’ll love it: Fudgy inside, crackly outside like a brownie in cookie form!

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Steps:

1. In a bowl, whisk sugar and oil until smooth.
2. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, mix flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet mix until combined.
5. Cover bowl and chill dough at least 2 hours (it’s very sticky!).
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Scoop 1-inch balls of dough. Roll in powdered sugar until fully coated.
8. Place 2 inches apart on parchment-lined sheets.
9. Bake 10–12 minutes they’ll look underdone but will set as they cool.
10. Cool completely on the pan.

Baking Tip: For extra crackles, roll in powdered sugar twice once before chilling (not required but fun!).

4. Peanut Butter Blossoms

Why you’ll love it: Sweet, salty, and nostalgic plus, that chocolate kiss melts just right!

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 48 Hershey’s Kisses (or dairy-free chocolate kisses)

Steps:

1. Beat peanut butter, butter, and both sugars until fluffy.
2. Mix in egg.
3. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add dry mix to wet mix. Stir until dough forms.
5. Chill dough 30 minutes (optional but helps with scooping).
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each in granulated sugar.
8. Place on parchment-lined sheets, 2 inches apart.
9. Bake 9–11 minutes until puffed and just starting to brown.
10. Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each hot cookie.
11. Let cool on the pan they’ll crack beautifully around the chocolate.

Baking Tip: Use fresh Hershey’s Kisses they melt better when pressed into warm cookies.

5. Shortbread Cookie Recipes Christmas

Why you’ll love it: Only 3 main ingredients! Rich, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Steps:

1. Beat butter and sugar until smooth and creamy (no need to be fluffy!).
2. Mix in vanilla (if using).
3. Add flour and salt. Stir until a crumbly dough forms it will come together as you press it.
4. Press dough into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch pan or roll into a log, slice, or press into molds.
5. If baking in a pan: score into squares before baking.
6. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) lower temp prevents browning too fast.
7. Bake 20–25 minutes until edges are just golden.
8. Cool completely before cutting (if using a pan).

Baking Tip: Don’t overmix! Overworking shortbread makes it tough.

Assembly & Presentation Tips Cookie Recipes Christmas

Now that your cookies are baked, let’s make them look as good as they taste!

• Sugar Cookies: Pipe royal icing or simple glaze. Add sprinkles while wet. Stack in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for gifts.
• Gingerbread: Use white icing to draw faces, buttons, or snowflakes. Display on a platter with cranberries and rosemary.
• Crinkle Cookies: Dust with extra powdered sugar before serving. Serve in a rustic bowl or tiered stand.
• Peanut Butter Blossoms: Arrange in a circular pattern on a red or green plate classic Christmas colors!
• Shortbread: Drizzle with melted chocolate or dip half in white chocolate. Package in tins with parchment between layers.

Gift Idea: Mix 2–3 types in a holiday tin with a handwritten note. Everyone loves homemade gifts!

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips : Cookie Recipes Christmas

Good news: these Cookie Recipes Christmas treats keep beautifully!

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freezer (Baked): Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp no reheating needed!
• Freezer (Dough): Most doughs freeze well for 2–3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
• Make-Ahead: Gingerbread and sugar cookie dough can be chilled up to 3 days before baking. Shortbread dough freezes great, too!

Pro Tip: Freeze unbaked crinkle cookie dough balls. Bake straight from frozen just add 1–2 extra minutes!

Creative Recipe Variations : Cookie Recipes Christmas

Want to shake things up? Try these fun twists:

• Sugar Cookies: Add 1 tsp lemon or orange zest for a citrusy pop.
• Gingerbread: Mix in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for gingerbread-chocolate hybrids.
• Crinkle Cookies: Use mint extract + green food coloring for “peppermint crinkles.”
• Peanut Butter Blossoms: Swap peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter (nut-free!).
• Shortbread: Press a raspberry jam thumbprint into the center before baking.

Gluten-Free? All recipes work with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend just add ½ tsp xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it.

Vegan? Use flax eggs, vegan butter, and dairy-free chocolate. Many brands now offer vegan Hershey’s-style kisses!

FAQs: Cookie Recipes Christmas

Conclusion: Cookie Recipes Christmas

These Cookie Recipes Christmas classics aren’t just about flour and sugar they’re about connection. They’re the reason your neighbor smiles when you drop off a tin. They’re what your kids remember years from now.

So this holiday season, don’t stress about perfection. Burnt edges? Frost them over. Lopsided gingerbread people? They’ve got character! What matters is that you made them with your hands, your heart, and maybe a little flour on your nose.

Go ahead bake one (or all five!) of these timeless treats. Share them. Laugh over them. And most of all, enjoy them.

Because in the end, the best Cookie Recipes Christmas are the ones filled with love.