Every December, I love the idea of slowing down a little and making time for the small things that make Christmas feel special. You can put on your favorite Christmas playlist, make yourself a cup of hot chocolate, and spend an afternoon filling the kitchen with the smell of cinnamon, vanilla, and freshly baked cookies. Honestly, these are the little things that make the holiday season feel so special.

I also love the idea of setting aside a weekend just for Christmas baking. You can make a few cookies to enjoy at home, prepare a pretty box for friends and family, or try a new recipe you’ve been saving on Pinterest.

And you don’t have to be an expert baker to make something delicious! Some cookies need only a few simple ingredients, while others are perfect when you feel like spending a little extra time decorating.

From classic gingerbread men and buttery vanilla crescents to chocolatey treats and adorable Christmas tree cookies, here are 24 Christmas cookie recipes to add to your holiday baking list.

Basically, choose the cookies that sound the most delicious to you, put on some Christmas music, and make an afternoon of it. You don’t need to bake all 23 varieties at once to enjoy a little Christmas magic in your kitchen!

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christmas cookies recipes to try asap

1. Cinnamon Star Cookies (Zimtsterne)

If you want to try a traditional German Christmas cookie, cinnamon stars are a lovely place to start. They’re made with ground almonds, cinnamon, and a sweet white icing that gives them a pretty, snowy appearance.

I love how festive these cookies look without needing lots of colorful decorations. You can arrange them on a white plate, serve them with coffee, or place a few in a little gift box tied with ribbon.

They’re also a nice way to bring a little European Christmas tradition into your baking this year.

Go to the recipe

2. Gingerbread Man Cookies

Christmas baking wouldn’t feel quite complete without gingerbread men! These little cookies have that familiar combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves that makes the kitchen smell amazing while they’re baking.

The best part is decorating them. You can use white icing to add tiny smiles, buttons, scarves, and bows, or make every gingerbread person look a little different.

If you’re baking with children, let everyone decorate their own cookies. And if you’re baking alone, you can still have fun making a whole gingerbread family!

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3. Vanilla Crescent Cookies (Vanillekipferl)

If you prefer delicate, buttery cookies over heavily decorated ones, add vanilla crescents to your list.

These traditional cookies are shaped like little crescents and usually made with ground nuts. Once baked, they’re coated in vanilla sugar or powdered sugar, giving them a soft, snowy finish.

They’re especially lovely with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate on a chilly afternoon.

You can also make them ahead of time and keep them in an airtight container, which is helpful when you want to prepare several Christmas treats without doing everything at once.

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4. Christmas Sugar Cookies

Christmas sugar cookies are perfect when you want to get creative with your baking.

Start with a simple buttery dough, roll it out, and use cookie cutters to make Christmas trees, stars, snowflakes, bells, and candy canes. Once the cookies have cooled, you can decorate them with royal icing, colored sugar, or festive sprinkles.

I would keep some cookies simple with white icing and decorate the others in red, green, and gold. That way, you get a pretty variety without making every cookie a complicated project.

These are also great for cookie exchanges because everyone can choose their favorite shape and decoration.

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5. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

For all the chocolate lovers, chocolate crinkle cookies are a must-try during the holidays.

They have a rich chocolate flavor, a soft, brownie-like center, and a coating of powdered sugar that cracks as the cookies bake. The result looks a little like a snowy winter landscape!

What I love about these cookies is that they look impressive without requiring any fancy decorating. Just arrange them on a plate and serve them with coffee, milk, or your favorite winter drink.

If you want a mix of classic and chocolatey treats on your Christmas cookie platter, these are an easy addition.

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6. Raspberry Linzer Cookies

If you’re planning a Christmas cookie box and want something that looks a little more elegant, try raspberry Linzer cookies.

They’re made with delicate, often almond-based dough and sandwiched together with raspberry jam. A little cutout in the top cookie lets the red filling peek through, while a dusting of powdered sugar finishes everything beautifully.

You can use star, heart, or flower-shaped cutouts depending on the look you prefer.

I also love the idea of pairing these with plain shortbread or vanilla crescents. The different shapes and colors make the whole cookie box look thoughtful and festive without needing complicated packaging.

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7. Peppermint Chocolate Cookies

Chocolate and peppermint are such a classic Christmas combination, so why not bring them together in a cookie?

Start with chocolate cookie dough and add a little peppermint extract for a refreshing flavor. Once the cookies are baked, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top or drizzle them with melted white chocolate.

The red-and-white peppermint pieces look especially pretty against the dark chocolate.

These cookies are a fun choice when you want something a little different from traditional sugar cookies. They’re also perfect for anyone who loves peppermint hot chocolate during the winter months.

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8. Italian Pizzelle Cookies

If you enjoy discovering Christmas treats from different countries, Italian pizzelle cookies are worth adding to your baking list.

These thin, crisp cookies are made using a special patterned iron, which gives them delicate designs that look almost like lace or snowflakes. Depending on the recipe, they can have vanilla, anise, or lemon flavoring.

They’re especially lovely when served with espresso or cappuccino after a holiday meal.

You can keep them simple or dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy finish. Their delicate appearance makes them a nice addition to a Christmas dessert table, especially when you already have several rich chocolate cookies.

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9. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Want to add a little color to your Christmas cookie platter? Red velvet crinkle cookies are a lovely option.

They have a bright red center, a soft texture, and a coating of powdered sugar that creates a beautiful contrast. The flavor is mildly chocolatey, making them a nice alternative to traditional chocolate crinkles.

I would arrange them next to white chocolate cookies or classic shortbread for a pretty red-and-white Christmas theme.

They’re also a great choice for cookie exchanges when you want to bring something that stands out without spending hours decorating.

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10. Christmas Spritz Cookies

Spritz cookies are small, buttery treats that are traditionally shaped using a cookie press.

You can make them into little Christmas trees, wreaths, flowers, and other festive designs. Add a few sprinkles or a tiny piece of candied cherry if you want to give them a little extra color.

Their small size makes them perfect for a cookie platter with several different varieties. You can try one of each without committing to a huge cookie!

If you enjoy traditional Christmas baking, spritz cookies are a lovely recipe to keep in your collection.

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11. White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

If you love cookies that are both sweet and a little fruity, try white chocolate cranberry cookies.

The white chocolate creates creamy, sweet pockets throughout the dough, while dried cranberries add a slightly tart flavor. They also bring little red accents that make the cookies look naturally festive.

I would press a few extra cranberries and white chocolate chunks into the tops before baking. It’s a simple trick that makes homemade cookies look extra pretty.

These are especially good if you prefer soft, chewy cookies rather than crisp ones.

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12. Italian Amaretti Cookies

Amaretti cookies are another lovely option if you want to bring a little Italian inspiration to your Christmas baking.

They’re typically made with almonds or almond flour, sugar, and egg whites. Depending on the recipe, they can be crisp on the outside and chewy in the middle, with a delicate almond flavor.

You can dust them with powdered sugar for a snowy finish or leave them plain for a more traditional look.

I also love the idea of serving them with espresso after Christmas dinner. Sometimes, a small plate of homemade cookies and a good cup of coffee is all you need for a cozy holiday moment.

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13. Christmas Snowball Cookies

Snowball cookies look like tiny balls of snow, making them perfect for a winter-themed cookie platter.

They’re usually made with butter, flour, and finely chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts. Once baked, they’re coated in powdered sugar, giving them their signature snowy appearance.

The best part is that they don’t need elaborate decorations or special cookie cutters. You simply shape the dough into small balls and let the powdered sugar do the work.

Arrange them in a little bowl, add them to a Christmas cookie box, or wrap a few in a clear bag with ribbon for a homemade gift.

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14. Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Cookies

Sometimes, the simplest cookies are the ones you reach for first. Chocolate-dipped shortbread is a perfect example.

Traditional shortbread uses just a few basic ingredients, usually butter, sugar, and flour. The result is a delicate, buttery cookie that pairs beautifully with dark or white chocolate.

Once the cookies have cooled, dip one end into melted chocolate. Before it sets, you can add chopped pistachios, crushed peppermint, or festive sprinkles.

I would make a batch of these when I want something that looks elegant but doesn’t require lots of decorating. They also pair beautifully with coffee or tea.

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15. Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies

Raspberry thumbprint cookies are little buttery cookies with a small indentation filled with raspberry jam.

The filling adds a sweet-tart flavor and a pretty pop of red, so you don’t need much extra decoration to make them feel festive.

You can use raspberry jam for a classic version, or try strawberry jam and apricot preserves if you want to experiment with different flavors.

I love the idea of arranging these next to vanilla crescents and chocolate-dipped shortbread. The mix of buttery, fruity, and chocolatey flavors makes a cookie platter feel much more interesting.

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16. Christmas Tree Cookies

If decorating cookies is your favorite part of holiday baking, Christmas tree cookies are a fun little project.

Use sugar cookie dough or gingerbread dough, cut out tree shapes, and let the cookies cool completely before decorating them. Green icing, colorful sprinkles, and tiny candy ornaments turn each cookie into its own miniature Christmas tree.

You can add a little star at the top or keep the designs simple with just a few dots of icing.

These cookies are also lovely for homemade gifts. Place them in a festive box and arrange them carefully so the decorations stay intact.

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17. Soft Ginger Molasses Cookies

Soft ginger molasses cookies are perfect when you want something warm, spiced, and wonderfully chewy.

Molasses gives them a deep, slightly caramel-like flavor, while ginger, cinnamon, and cloves create that cozy aroma we often associate with Christmas baking.

Before baking, roll the dough balls in granulated sugar for a lightly sparkling finish.

I would serve these slightly warm with a cup of tea or hot chocolate on a cold afternoon. They’re the kind of cookies that make you want to slow down, get comfortable, and enjoy a quiet winter evening.

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18. Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

If you prefer crunchy cookies that you can dip into your coffee, cranberry pistachio biscotti are worth trying.

Biscotti are traditional Italian cookies that are baked twice to create their characteristic crisp texture. For a festive version, add dried cranberries and chopped pistachios to the dough.

The red and green colors look naturally Christmassy, so there’s no need for icing or elaborate decorations.

These are especially nice alongside espresso, cappuccino, or hot chocolate. They’re also a good option if you want to prepare a few different cookies in advance and add some variety to your holiday dessert table.

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19. Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Peanut butter blossom cookies combine soft peanut butter cookies with a chocolate candy pressed into the center.

The dough balls are usually rolled in sugar before baking, creating a slightly crisp outside and a tender middle. Once the cookies come out of the oven, press the chocolate candy into the center while they’re still warm.

That’s all you need for a cookie that looks cute and tastes delicious!

These are a nostalgic favorite for many families and work wonderfully for Christmas cookie exchanges. Just remember to label them clearly if you’re sharing them, since peanuts are a common allergen.

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20. Coconut Macaroons

Coconut macaroons are sweet, chewy cookies made with shredded coconut and a few simple ingredients.

They have golden edges, soft centers, and plenty of coconut flavor. If you want to make them feel a little more special for Christmas, dip the bottoms in melted dark chocolate or drizzle white chocolate over the tops.

You can also add a little almond extract if you enjoy that flavor combination.

I like the idea of including these when baking for a group because they offer something different from the usual buttery or chocolate cookies. Plus, they don’t need complicated shaping or decorating.

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21. Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

For a rich, chocolatey treat, try chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies.

The cocoa-flavored dough creates a soft cookie base, while a creamy chocolate-hazelnut filling adds sweetness and a smooth texture. Finish them with chopped hazelnuts or a little drizzle of melted chocolate.

These cookies look especially pretty when arranged in neat rows on a serving plate.

They’re also a lovely choice for homemade Christmas gifts. If you’re putting together a cookie box, pair them with lighter varieties such as snowball cookies or vanilla crescents to create a nice balance.

Go to the recipe

22. Italian Ricotta Cookies

Italian ricotta cookies are soft, tender, and almost cake-like in texture.

Ricotta cheese helps keep them moist, while a simple vanilla or lemon glaze adds a sweet finishing touch. A few colorful sprinkles make them feel ready for Christmas.

Unlike crisp shortbread or biscotti, these cookies have a delicate softness that makes them a little different from the other treats on this list.

If you enjoy exploring traditional Italian baking, these are a lovely recipe to try. Serve them with coffee after a holiday meal or add them to a dessert platter alongside your favorite festive cookies.

Go to the recipe

23. Christmas Cookie Bars

If you love homemade cookies but don’t want to shape and decorate dozens of individual treats, Christmas cookie bars are a great option.

Prepare your favorite chocolate chip cookie dough, fold in red and green candy-coated chocolates, and press the mixture into a baking pan. Bake until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set, then allow everything to cool before cutting it into squares.

That’s it! You get a whole batch of festive treats without having to roll out dough or use cookie cutters.

These bars are especially useful for holiday parties, potlucks, and busy December weekends. You can bake them in one pan, cut them into portions, and bring them along to share.

Go to the recipe

Tips for Making Christmas Cookies Ahead of Time

December can get busy quickly. Between decorating, shopping, wrapping gifts, and making plans with family and friends, it’s easy to leave your Christmas baking until the last minute.

I recommend making a small baking plan before the month gets too busy. You don’t have to schedule every cookie in advance, but choosing a few recipes and preparing some dough ahead of time can make everything feel much easier.

Here are five simple tips to help you get organized.

1. Choose cookies with different textures.

Mix crisp cookies such as biscotti and shortbread with soft ginger cookies and chewy chocolate crinkles. This gives your cookie platter more variety, and everyone can find something they love.

2. Prepare cookie dough in advance.

Depending on the recipe, some cookie doughs can be refrigerated or frozen until you’re ready to bake. Check the individual recipe instructions so you know how to store and prepare each dough properly.

3. Store different cookies separately.

Keep crisp and soft cookies in separate airtight containers. This helps prevent moisture from changing their texture and stops different flavors from mixing together.

4. Wait until cookies have cooled before decorating.

If you’re using icing or melted chocolate, let the cookies cool completely first. Otherwise, your decorations may melt or slide off, and you’ll have to spend extra time fixing them.

5. Make a little extra for gifting.

If you’re already baking, why not prepare a few extra cookies for friends, neighbors, colleagues, or family? Choose sturdy varieties, arrange them in a festive box, and add a handwritten holiday note.

Remember to label cookies that contain common allergens and follow the storage instructions for each recipe.

How to Create a Beautiful Christmas Cookie Box

One of my favorite things about Christmas baking is how pretty homemade cookies look when you arrange them all together. Even simple cookies can feel special when they’re placed in a little box with thoughtful packaging.

And you don’t need professional decorating skills or expensive supplies to create one!

Start by choosing four or five different cookies with contrasting colors and shapes. For example, you could combine powdered sugar snowballs, red velvet crinkles, gingerbread men, raspberry Linzer cookies, and chocolate-dipped shortbread.

Then, arrange them in a box using small paper liners or food-safe dividers to keep the varieties separate. You can finish with festive tissue paper around the outside, a ribbon, and a small handwritten tag.

If you prefer a more natural look, kraft paper boxes and simple twine work beautifully, too.

Basically, choose a few cookies you love, arrange them in a way that feels pretty to you, and add a small personal touch. These cookie boxes make lovely gifts for holiday gatherings, or you can keep one at home to share with your family over the Christmas season.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, one of my favorite things about Christmas is all the little moments that make December feel so cozy. I love the idea of spending a lazy afternoon decorating gingerbread men, baking chocolate crinkle cookies to enjoy with a cup of hot chocolate, or putting together a cute little cookie box for someone special.

It’s not just about making delicious cookies, but about slowing down, having fun in the kitchen, and creating those sweet little holiday memories that make this time of year feel extra special.

I also love the idea of trying one or two new recipes every Christmas instead of making the same treats every year. You might discover a new favorite, or find a recipe that becomes part of your family’s holiday traditions.

And remember, you don’t have to bake all 23 cookies on this list! Choose a few that sound good to you, put on your favorite Christmas playlist, and enjoy a little time in the kitchen.

Basically, make Christmas baking fit into your holiday season in a way that feels fun rather than stressful. Whether you bake three varieties or fill your kitchen with trays of cookies, it’s those small, happy moments that make the season feel special.

Which Christmas cookie would you try first? Let me know in the comments, and save this post on Pinterest so you can come back to these Christmas cookie ideas when you’re ready to start baking.

Happy Christmas baking!